Praiseforthereigningqueenofromance

DIANAPALMER

“ThepopularPalmerhaspennedanotherwinningnovel,aperfectblendofromanceandsuspense.”

—BooklistonLawman

“Nobodydoesitbetter.”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorLindaHoward

“Palmerknowshowtomakesparksfly…heartwarming.”

—PublishersWeeklyonRenegade

“Palmer ’stalentforcharacterdevelopmentandabilitytofuseheartwarmingromancewithnail-biting
suspenseshinesinOutsider.”

—Booklist

“DianaPalmerisamesmerizingstorytellerwhocapturestheessenceofwhataromanceshouldbe.”

—AffairedeCoeur

“Sensualandsuspenseful….”

—BooklistonLawless

“NobodytopsDianaPalmerwhenitcomestodeliveringpure,undilutedromance.Iloveherstories.”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorJayneAnnKrentz

“Thedialogueischarming,thecharacterslikeableandthesexsizzling.”

—PublishersWeeklyonOnceinParis

“Thisstoryisathrillaminute—oneofPalmer ’sbest.”

—RendezvousonLordoftheDesert

DIANAPALMER

Nora

AlsobyDianaPalmer

Fearless

BigSkyWinter

ManoftheHour

Long,TallTexanLegacy

Trilby

Lawman

Lacy

HeartofWinter

Outsider

NightFever

BeforeSunrise

Lawless

DiamondSpur

Renegade

Desperado

TheTexasRanger

LordoftheDesert

TheCowboyandtheLady

MostWanted

FitforaKing

PaperRose

RageofPassion

OnceinParis

AftertheMusic

RoomfulofRoses

ChampagneGirl

PassionFlower

DiamondGirl

FriendsandLovers

Cattleman’sChoice

LadyLove

TheRawhideMan

CominginFebruary2009

HerKindofHero

FeaturingtwoclassicnovelsbybestsellingauthorDianaPalmerContents

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen

ChapterNineteen

ChapterTwenty

ChapterOne

HernamewasEleanorMarlowe,butmostpeoplecalledherNora.Thenicknamewas
straightforward,withoutartifice.SowasNoraherself,mostofthetime.BornintotheVictorianera,
shewasraisedinRichmond,Virginia,inamannerbefittingaladyofquality.Butshehada
surprisinglyadventurousstreakforsoconventionalayoungwoman.Noratendedtobeimpulsiveand
sometimesreckless.Herquicksilvernaturehadbeenaconstantconcerntoherparentsinthepast.

Asayounggirl,shesurviveddunkingswhilesailingonyachts,andabrokenarminafallfromatree
whilebird-watchingnearthefamily’ssummerhomeinLynchburg,Virginia.Inprivateschoolshe
achievedhighhonors,andlatersheattendedoneofthebestfinishingschools.Bythetimeshereached
hertwenties,Norahadsettledabit,andwithherfamily’sgreatwealthbehindher,shebecamea
socialiteofnote.ShehadtraveledupanddowntheeasternseacoastandintheCaribbeanaswellas
Europe.Shewasculturedandwell-manneredandveryknowledgeableaboutothercountries.Buther
lingeringinfatuationwithadventuredealtheradevastatingblowinAfrica.

ShehadbeenonsafariinKenya,travelingwiththreeofhermalecousinsandtheirwives,andan
overbearingsuitorwhohadinvitedhimselfalong.TheirhuntingpartyalsoincludedTheodore
Roosevelt,whowasnowrunningforvicepresidentunderPresidentWilliamMcKinley,whowas
seekingasecondterm.

Roosevelthadgonehuntingwithhercousinsandtheothermen,whileNorahadstayedwithher
femalecousinsinanelegantmansion.Shewasthrilledwhenshewasallowedtojointhehuntingparty
foranovernightstaywhenthemenwerecampedbyanearbyriver.

HerparticularlypersistentLouisianasuitor,EdwardSummervillebyname,wasirritatedbyNora’s
continuedaloofness.Shehadareputationofbeingcool,whilehewasknownasaladies’

man.Herindifferenceseemedtoenragehim,andheredoubledhiseffortstocaptivateher.Whenhe
failed,hemadehimselffrighteninglyoffensivewhentheywereleftbrieflyaloneonthebankofthe
river.Hisunwantedcaresseshadmadeherpanic.Inherstruggletoescapehim,Nora’sblousehad
torn,alongwiththenetveilthathadprotectedherdelicateskinfromthebitesofswarming
mosquitoesalongtheriver.Whileshewasstrugglingtocoverherexposedflesh,shewasrepeatedly
bitten.OneofherindignantcousinsknockedSummervilledownandthrewhimoutofcamp.But
beforeheleft,SummervilleaccusedNoraofleadinghimon,andsworevengeance.Shehadn’tled
himon,andeveryoneincampknewit,buthispridewascrushedandhewantedtohurther.However,
Summerville’sirewastheleastofherworriesafterward.

Norahadknownaboutthedangerousfeversthatcouldcomefrommosquitobites,butwhenthree
weekspassedandshewasstillhealthy,shehadrelaxed.Itwasn’tuntilshewashomeagain,almosta
monthaftershewasbitten,andinthethroesofadesperatelyhighfever,thatthefamilyphysician
diagnosedmalariaandprescribedquininecrystallinepowdertocombatit.

Thequinineupsetherstomachatfirst,andshewastoldthatitwouldonlyprotectherfrominfection
whileshewasactuallytakingit.Therewasnocureforhermalarialcondition,aprognosisthatmade
hersickatheartandfuriouslyangryatSummervilleforputtingheratrisk.

HerfamilydoctorinVirginiahadn’ttoldheruntilshewasthroughthefirstparoxysmsoftheattack,
andontheroadtorecovery,thathethoughtitpossiblethatshemightyetcontractthefatal
“blackwaterfever.”And,aswell,hesaid,theparoxysmalfeverwouldsurelyrecurunpredictablyover
aperiodofyears,perhapsforaslongasshelived.

Nora’svaguedreamsofahomeandfamilydied.Shehadneverfoundmenveryattractivephysically,
butshehadwantedchildren.Nowthatseemedimpossible.Howcouldsheraiseachildwhenshewas
subjecttoarecurringfeverthatmightonedayprovefatal?

Herdreamsofadventurediedaswell.ShehadwantedtogodowntheAmazonRiverinSouth
America,andtoseethepyramidsinEgypt.Butfacedwithrecurrencesandtheterriblefever,shewas
afraidtotaketherisk.Asmuchasshecravedtravelandadventure,shevaluedherhealthmore.Soshe
ledaremarkablyplacidlifeforthenextyearandcontentedherselfwithrecallingherAfrican
adventureforherfriends,whowereimpressedbyhercourageanddaring.Inevitablyherexploits
wereexaggeratedandshebecameknownasanadventuress.Attimessheenjoyedthereputationit
gaveherfordaring,evenifitwasn’tquiteaccurate.

Shewaslaudedasaprimeexampleofthemodernwoman.Shewasaskedtospeakatwomen’s
suffrageralliesandafternooncharityteas.Sherestedonherlaurels.

NowshewasbeinginvitedoutWest,toafabledlandshe’dreadaboutandalwaysdreamedofseeing,
aregionthatwasaspotentiallywildasAfrica.Herfeverhadnotrecurredforseveralmonths.Surely
therewouldbenorisksoutWest,andhopefullyshewouldremainhealthyforthedurationofher
visit.ShecouldseesomethingoftheWildWest,andperhapstherewouldbeanopportunitytoshoota
buffaloormeetadesperadoorarealIndian.

ShestoodwithbrimmingexcitementatthelacecurtainsofthefamilyparlorinVirginia,lookingout
attheprettylate-summerlandscapewhileshefingeredtheletterfromherauntHelenwithdelight.
TherewerefourTremaynesofEastTexas:heruncleChester,herauntHelen,andhercousins,Colter
andMelissa.ColterwasonanexpeditiontotheNorthPole.Melissawasdesperatelylonelysinceher
bestfriendhadmarriedandmovedaway.AuntHelenwantedNoratocomeandspendafewweekson
theranchinEastTexasandhelpcheerMellyalittle.

NorahadoncetakenthetraintoCaliforniaandhadseentheruggedcountrybetweentheAtlanticand
Pacificthroughthewindow.ShehadreadaboutranchesandTexans.Theybothsoundedromantic.
DashingcowboysfightingIndiansandoneanother,rescuingwomenandchildren,andmakingall
sortsofheroicsacrificesparadedthroughhermindassherecalledtheoldBeadledimenovelsthat
she’dbeenreadingoflate.Shewouldmeetarealcowboyifshewenttovisitherkinfolksonthe
ranch.Anditwouldbeanadventure,evenifitdidn’tinvolvelionsandhunters.Itwouldbeagreat
adventureandshewouldhaveasecondchancetotesthercourage,toprovetoherselfthatshewasn’t
crippledbytheAfricanfeverthathadkeptherconfinedsolong.

“Whathaveyoudecided,dear?”CynthiaMarloweaskedherdaughterasshescannedthelatestissue
ofCollier ’smagazine.

Noraturned,thesoftmaterialofherlacybluedressswirlinggracefullyaroundhertrimankles.

Shetouchedthefashionablebigtullebowatherthroatwithfingersthatalmostshookwithexcitement.
“AuntHelenisverypersuasive,”shesaid.“Yes,Ishouldliketogo!Ilookforwardtoseeingthe
majesticknightsoftherangethatmynovelsdescribe.”

Cynthiawasamused.Shehadn’tseenNorasoenthusiasticaboutanythingsinceherdisastroustripto
Africa.Herdaughter ’schestnut-brownhairinitseleganthighcoiffurecaughtthelightfromthe
windowandtookonthesheenofcopper.Cynthia’shairhadbeenthatcolorwhenshewasyounger,
beforeitwentsilver.ButNoraalsohadthedeepblueeyesoftheMarlowes,andthehighcheekbones
ofaFrenchancestor.Shewastallerthanhermother,butnotunusuallytall.

Shehadeleganceandgraceandmanners,andagiftforconversation.Cynthiawasdeeplyproudof
her.

Norawaspeculiarlycoolwithmen,especiallyafterthefrightSummervillehadgivenherandthe
dreadfulillnessthathadplaguedher.Shewouldreallyhavethrivedontheadventurouslife,Cynthia
thoughtsadly,buttheAfricanfeverhadclippedherwings.Now,attwenty-four,shehadsettleddown
tospinsterhoodwithresignation.

“Amongotherthings,thisvisitwouldatleastgiveyourespitefromyourfather ’sattemptstobring
sociallyacceptableyoungmenhomeforyou,”Cynthiamurmured,thinkingoutloud.Herhusband
had,infact,madehimselfpainfullyobviousoflate,andhetendedtobeoverbearingandalittle
insensitive.

Noralaughed,withoutrealhumor.Amaninherlifewastheverylastcomplicationsheneeded.

“Indeeditwould.IshallhaveAngelinapackforme.”

“AndIshallhavemysocialsecretarymakethenecessaryreservationsatthetrainstation,”

Cynthiaagreed.“I’msurethatyouwillfindthetripenlightening.”

“Ofthat,”herdaughterrepliedwithsparklinghumor,“Ihavenodoubt.IthasbeenalongtimesinceI
traveledsofaralone.”HerfacewenttautwiththememoryofAfrica.“Butafterall,Texasisnot
Africa.”

Cynthiastoodup.“Mydear,itisunlikelythatthefeverwillrecursooften.Ithasbeenseveralmonths
sinceyourlastbout.Trynottoworry.RememberthatChesterandHelenarefamily,won’tyou?
They’lltakecareofyou.”

Norasmiled.“Ofcoursetheywill.Itwillbeadelightfuladventure.”

NORAWASTOREMEMBERthosewordswhenshestoodonthedeserteddepotplatformatTyler
Junction,Texas,waitingtobemetbyherauntanduncle.Thetrainridehadbeencomfortableenough,
butitwaslongandshewasverytired.Sotired,infact,thatherenthusiasmhaddimmed,justalittle.
Andshehadtoadmitthatthisdustyrailroadterminaldidnotliveuptoherexpectations.Therewere
nogloriouslyattiredIndians,nomaskeddesperadoes,noprancingstallionswithgallantandcolorful
cowboysridingthem.Infact,itlookedlikeasmalleasterntown.Shebecameawareofmild

disappointmentandviciousheatastheTexassunbeatdownonherprettyhat.

Shelookedaroundagainforherrelatives.Thetrainhadbeenlate,soperhapstheyhadgonetoget
somethingtoeatordrinkattherestaurantshecouldseeinthedistance.Sheglancedaroundherather
elegantleathercasesandtrunk,wonderinghowshewasgoingtogetthemouttotheranchifnoone
cameforher.LatesummerwasgoingtobeevenmoreuncomfortableinsoutheasternTexasthanin
Virginia,shedecided.Shewasdressedinoneofherstylishtravelingsuits.Thegarbthathadfeltso
comfortablewhensheleftVirginiawassuffocatinghernow.

AuntHelenhadwrittenheraboutthisplace.TylerJunctionwassmallandrural,asoutheasternTexas
townnottoofarfromBeaumont.Heremostofthelocalgossipwaspassedaroundatthepostoffice
andthedrugstoresodafountain,althoughthedailyBeaumontJournalgaveallthenationalnewsas
wellassocialnotesandlocal-intereststories.ThereweretwoofHenryFord’slittleblack
automobilesonthedustystreets,drivenbyfounding-familymembers,andtherestofsocietymadedo
withbuggiesandsurreysandbuckboardsandhorses.Thatranchingwasstillanimportantlocal
occupationwasnotdifficulttosee.InthedistanceNora’seyesspottedseveralmenwearingbootsand
jeansandthosewide-brimmedStetsonhats.Buttheyweren’tyoung,dashingmen.Mostofthem,in
fact,seemedstoopedandbentandold.

UncleChesterhadtoldheroncewhenheandHelenvisitedthefamilyhomeinVirginiathatmostof
theranchesinTexasthesedayswereownedbycorporations,heldbybigbusinesses.

EvenChester ’sranchwasownedbyabigWestTexasconglomerate,andhewaspaidasalaryfor
managingit.TheolddaysofranchingempirebuilderslikeRichardKing,whohadfoundedthe
famousKingRanchinsoutheastTexas,andtheequallyfamousranchinggiantBrantCulhaneoutin
WestTexas,weregoneforever.

Thesedaysthemoneywasinoilandsteel.RockefellerandCarnegiehadcontrolofthoseindustries,
justasJ.P.MorganandCorneliusVanderbiltcontrolledthenation’srailroads,andHenryFordthe
newtransportationrage,theautomobile.Itwasaneraofempirebuilders,butindustrialones,not
agriculturalones.Thedayofthecattlemanandthecowboywasalmostatanend.AuntHelenhad
writtenthatahandfulofprospectorsweredrillingforoiloveratBeaumont,becausesomegeologist
hadsaidafewyearsagothatthelandaroundtheGulfwasprobablysittingonaveritablelakeofoil.
Shefoundthethoughtamusing.Asifanyoneweregoingtofindgreatpatchesofoilinthislushgreen
land!

Assheconsideredthat,Noraabsentlywatchedastriking,tallmaninchapsandbootsandadark
Stetsonwalkthroughthedustystreettowardthestation.Now,therewasarealcowboy!Herheart
quickenedassheimaginedwhatsortofdashingmanhewas.Whatashametoseemenlikethatgothe
wayoftheIndian,driventoextinctionattheendofarailroadtrack!Whowouldrescuewidowsand
orphansandfightofftheredman?

Shewassoengrossedinromanticizingtherapidlyapproachingmyththatittookaminutetorealize
thatthecowboywasheadingstraighttowardher.Herbrowsliftedexcitedlyunderthepertveilofher
Parishat,andherheartpounded.

Itoccurredtoherquitesuddenlythatthemanshe’dbeenromanticizingaboutwasactuallylittlemore
thanapaidservant.Acowboydid,afterall,tendcattle.Andshesuddenlydiscoveredthatlookingata
romanticallypicturesqueandimmaculatecowboyinthepagesofabookwasagoodbitdifferent
fromcomingface-to-facewiththerealarticle.

Thecowboy,sodignifiedandattractiveacrossthewidthofthestreet,wasadefiniteshockwhenhe
gotcloser.Thismanlookedunshaven,evendirty.Sherestrainedafastidiousshudderashereyesfell
tothebloodstainsonthewornleatherchapsthatflaredoutfromhislonglegsashewalked.Spurs
jingledmusicallywitheachstephetook.Hisbootswerecurledatthetoesandtheywereliberally
cakedwithasubstancethatwasemphaticallyandexplicitlynotmud.Ifthismantriedtosaveawidow
ororphanfromanupwinddirection,bothwouldprobablyrunfromhim!

Hisblue-checkedWesternshirtwaswetwithsweatandplasteredtohiminawaythatwasalmost
indecent,disclosingbroadmusclesandthickblackhairfromtheareaofhiscollarbonedown.She
clenchedherpursetightlyinbothhandstomaintainhercomposure.Howodd,thatshecouldfeela
skirlofphysicalattractiontoamanso…uncivilizedandinneedofcleaning.

Why,lyesoapwouldhardlybeadequateforsuchajob,shethoughtwickedly.Hewouldhavetobe
boiledinbleachfordays….

Hegloweredatherquicklyconcealedsmile.Hishairwasjet-black,straightanddampabovealean
facewithalayerofdustandstreaksofsweatcarvedinitsausterelines.Hiseyeswerenarrowand
deep-setunderajuttingbrow,hiddenintheshadeofhiswide-brimmedhat.Hehadthick,dark
eyebrowsandastraightnose.Hehadhighcheekbones.Hismouthwaswideandchiseled,andhischin
hadajutthatimmediatelysetheronherguard.

“MissMarlowe?”heaskedinadeepTexasdrawlandwithoutthepretenseofreturningheramused
smile.

Shelookedaroundatthedesertedplatformwithalongsigh.“Indeed,sir,ifIamnotshe,thenwemust
bothprepareforasurprise.”

Hestoodstaringatherasifhecouldn’tquitegethermeasure.Shedecidedtohelphim.“Itisvery
warm,”sheadded.“Ishouldliketogoouttotheranchassoonaspossible.Iamnotaccustomedto
heatand…ahem…odors,”sheaddedwithaninvoluntarytwitchofhernostrils.

Helookedasifhemightbursttryingnottoreply,buthedidn’tsayaword.Hislooksummedherup
asaneasternwomanwithmoremoneythanwasgoodforherandalackofsensitivity.Hewas
amazedthathefeltinsulted.

Buthemerelyinclinedhishead,glancingaroundatherstacksofluggage.“Areyoumovingin?”

hedrawled.

Hereyeswidened.“Thesearethebarenecessities,”shedefended.“Imusthavemyownthings,”

sheadded,beingunaccustomedtosuchquestioningbyservants.

Hesighedloudly.“It’sagoodthingIbroughtthebuckboard.WiththesuppliesI’vealreadybought,
thiswillsurerunoverthesides.”

Sheturnedherpurseoverinherslenderhandsandsmotheredasmile.“Ifitdoes,youcouldrun
alongsidewiththeoverflowonyourhead.BearersdothatinAfricaonsafari,”shesaidpleasantly.“I
knowbecauseImyselfhavedoneit.”

“You’verunalongsideawagonwithbaggageonyourhead?”heaskedoutrageously.

“Why…ofcoursenot!”shemuttered.“Ihavebeenonsafari!ThatwaswhatIsaid!”

Hepursedhislipsandstuckhishandsonhishipstostaredownatherruffledexpression.“Onsafari?
Afragilelittletenderfootlikeyou,inariglikethat?”Heeyedherimmaculatetailoredsuitandvelvet
hatwithamusement.“NowI’veheardeverything.”Hewalkedbackthewayhe’dcome,toabuckboard
hitchedtoafine-lookinghorseacrossthewayfromthedepot.

Shestaredafterhimwithconflictingemotions.Noneofthemenshe’dknownhadeverbeenanything
lessthanpoliteandprotective.Thismanwasunflappable,andhedidn’tchoosehiswordstopanderto
herfemininity.Shewastornbetweenrespectandrock-slingingfury.Hehadafineconceitforsucha
filthyman.

Hehadn’tremovedhishatoreventippeditinagestureofrespect.Norawasaccustomedtomenwho
didboth,andkissedherhandingreetingintheEuropeanfashion.

Shewastoocensorious,shetoldherself.ThiswastheWest,andthepoormanprobablyhadneverhad
theadvantageofbeingtaughtsocialgraces.Shewouldhavetothinkofhimasshedidthenative
bearersshe’dspokenof,kindbutuneducatedfolkwhoselotitwastoservefortheirmeagerfare.She
triedtopicturehiminaloinclothandhadtosmotheranotherlaugh.

Shewaitedpatientlyuntilherbenefactordroveupintheheavilyloadedwagonandtiedthehorse
pullingittoahitchingpostbeforehebegantoloadherbagsinwithlong-sufferingpatience.

Shehesitatedattheside,thinkingwhimsicallythatshemustbegratefulthathedidn’tsuggestthatshe
rideinthebackwithherluggage.Shelookedtohimtohelpheruptothewidedriver ’sseat.It
shouldn’thavesurprisedherthathewasalreadyseated,withthereinsheldimpatientlyinhislean
hands.

“Youwereinahurry,Ibelieve?”heaskedpatiently,andhepushedbackhishatandfixedherwitha
lookfromthemostunsettlingeyesshe’deverseen.Theywereunexpectedlylightinthatdarkface,a
graythatwasalmostsilverincolor.Theywereaspiercingasaknifeblade,andjustasunfathomable.

“HowfortunatethatIhaveathleticabilities,”shesaidwithsmilinghauteurbeforeshesteppeduponto
thehubofthewheelanddaintilyswungherselfintotheseat.Sadly,sheovershottheseatandendedup
inatidyheapacrossthecowboy’schaps.Thesmellwasdizzying,althoughthefeelofhishard,
muscularthighsagainstherbreastsmadeherheartrunwild.

Beforeshehadtimetobeveryshockedbytheintimacyofthecontact,heheftedherupwithsteely

handsandputherfirmlyontheseat.“Noneofthat,now,”hesaidwithasternlook.“Iknowallabout
youwildcitywomen,andIamnotthesortofmantobetoyedwith,I’llhaveyouknow.”

Shewasembarrassedenoughatherclumsiness,withoutbeinglabeledahussy.Shepushedbackher
disheveledhatwithahandthat,appallingly,smelledofthecowboy’sboots.Herhandmusthave
brushedthecuffsofhisjeans.

“Oh,forheaven’ssake!”sheburstout,diggingfuriouslyforahandkerchief,withwhichshetriedto
wipeawaythevilesmell.“Ishallsmelllikeabarn!”

Hegaveheranarrowglareandsnappedthereinstosetthehorseinmotion.Hegrinnedthen,and
accentuatedhisWestTexasdrawlforherbenefit.Hemightaswell,hedecided,livedowntoher
imageofhim.“Whatdoyouexpectofamanwhoworkswithhishandsandhisback?”heaskedher
pleasantly.“It’sthebestkindoflife,Itellyou,livingouthereintheopen.Acowboydoesn’thaveto
bathemorethanonceamonthordressupfancyandpracticeparlormanners.

He’sfreeandindependent,justhimandhishorseunderawideWesternsky;freetocarousewith
loosewomenandgetdrunkeveryweekend!HowIlovethefreelife!”hesaidfervently.

AllNora’sillusionsaboutcowboystookafastturn.Shewasstillscrubbingatherhandwhenthey
wereontheroughroadoutoftown,havingdecidedthatherbeautifulgraykidleatherglovesmight
havetobethrownaway.Thesmellwouldnevercomeout.

Ithadrainedearlierintheweek,andthereweredeeprutsintheroadthatmadetherideontheboard
seatuncomfortable.“Youdon’ttalkmuch,doyou?”heprobed.“Easternwomenaresupposedtobe
realsmart,I’veheard,”headded,doinghisrusticrubeimitationtothehilt.

Nora,oblivious,didn’trealizethatshewasbeingtakenforarideinmorewaysthanone.“IfIwere
intelligent,”shesaidindignantly,glaringathim,“IwouldneverhaveleftVirginia!”Shescrubbed
furiouslyatanotherstain,onthehemofherlongskirt.“Oh,dear,whatwillAuntHelenthink!”

Hegaveheraslow,wickedgrin.“Well,perhapsshe’llthinkthatyouandIhavebeenspooningonthe
wayhome.”

Herexpressioneventhroughtheveilwouldhavesentalessermanoffthewagonandrunning.

“Spooning?Withyou?Sir,Ihadsoonerkissa…a…coalminer!No,Itakethatback,acoalminer
wouldnotsmellsofoul.Ishouldsoonerkissabuzzard!”

Hedashedthereinsgentlyagainstthehorse’sflankwhenitslowedunderashadymesquitetree,and
hechuckled.“Buzzardsareworththeirkeepouthere.Theycleanuptherottingcarcassessothatthe
worldsmellssweetforyoudaintylittlesocialites.”

Thatwasobviouslyabitofsarcasmatherexpense.Sheglaredathim,butitbouncedoff.

“Youareveryforwardforahiredman,”shesaidindignantly.

Hedidn’treply.Shehadanastywayofsoundingtwostepsabovehimsocially,asiftoremindhim
thathewasalowlyservant,shealady.Hecouldhavelaughedoutloudattheironyofit.

Havinggivenuponremovingthefoulstenchfromherhand,shefannedherselfwithacolorful
cardboardfanobtainedfromtheporteronthetrain.ItwasthelastweekinAugustandunbearablyhot.
Itmustbefromthegulfbreezesthatdancedupfromthenearbycoast,shethought,wonderingatthe
smotheringintensityofit.BackEast,onewouldexpectfuriousstormswhenconfrontedwiththissort
ofheat.Justtheyearbefore,therehadbeenahurricaneontheeasterncoast,onethathadtakenthelife
ofacousin.Shehadnightmaresabouthighwaterthatremainedwithherevennow.

Shewasalmostovercomebythesmotheringhumidity.Thecorsetshewaswearingunderherlong
skirtandlong-sleevedjacketwasrobbingherofbreath.

Notthathercompanionlookedmuchcooler,shehadtoadmit.Histhinshirtwassoakedinfront,and
shewassurprisedthathereyesweredrawntothevividlyoutlinedhardmusclesofhisarmsandhis
hair-roughenedchest.Shehadseenmenofotherraceswithoutshirts,butshehadneverseenany
gentlemaninasimilarcondition.Thismanwasnogentleman,though.Itwasincomprehensiblethata
commonlaborershouldstirsensesthatshehadalwayskeptimpervioustoanysortofphysical
attraction.Why,hemadehernervous!Andtheslenderhandsholdingthewoodenhandleoftheneat
fan,withitscolorfulrepresentationoftheLastSupperononesideandanadvertisementforafuneral
homeontheother,wereactuallytrembling.

“YouworkformyuncleChester,doyounot?”sheasked,tryingtomakeconversation.

“Yep.”

Shewaited,buttheonewordwasalltheresponsehegave.

“Whatdoyoudo?”sheadded,thinkingthathemightworkinsomemoreskilledjobthanjust
punchingcattle.

Hisheadturnedslowly.Undertheshadowofthewide-brimmedhat,hissilvereyesglitteredlike
diamonds.“I’macowboy,ofcourse.Iworkcattle.Youmighthavenoticedthatmybootsarefull
of…”Heenunciatedtheslangwordthatdescribedthecakedsubstanceonhisboots.Hesaiditwith
deliberateintent.Toaddinsulttotheword,hegrinned.

Thereplymadeherfacered.Sheshouldhithim,butshewouldn’t.Shewasn’tgoingtodowhathe
obviouslyexpectedhertodoandrageathislackofdecencyanddelicacy.Sheonlygavehimher
mostvacantlookandthenmadeaslightmovementofhershouldersindismissalandturnedher
attentiontothefalllandscapeasifnothinghadbeensaidatall.

HavingtraveledthroughWestTexasonce,evenwithoutstopping,shewasawareofthedifferencesin
climateandvegetationfromonesideofTexastotheother.Therewerenocactianddeserthere.The
treesweremagnoliasanddogwoodsandpines;thegrasswasstillgreendespitethelatenessofthe
year,andhighwherecattlegrazedbehindlongwhitefencesandgray-postedbarbed-wirefences.The
horizonseemedtositrightonthegroundinthedistance,astherewerenohillsormountainsatall.
Thehazeofheatcouldbeseenrisingfromtheponds,ortanks,wherecattledrank.Thereweretwo

riversthatranparalleltotheTremayneranch,heraunthadwritten,whichmightexplainthatlush
landscape.

“Itisverybeautifulhere,”sheremarkedabsently.“Somuchmorebeautifulthantheothersideofthe
state.”

Hegaveherasharpglance.“Youeasterners,”hescoffed.“Youthinkathinghastobegreentobe
pretty.”

“Ofcourseitdoes,”sherepliedsimply,staringathisprofile.“Howcanadesertbepretty?”

Hisheadturnedandhestudiedherwithnarroweyes.“Well,ahothousepetunialikeyoumightfindit
hardgoing,forsure.”

Shegavehimahardstare.“Iamnotahothouseplant.IhavehuntedlionsandtigersinAfrica,”

sheembroideredonherone-daysafari,“and—”

“AndonenightontheTexasdesertwouldbeyourundoing,”heinterruptedpleasantly.“Arattler
wouldcrawlintoyourbedrollwithyou,andthat’sthelastyou’dbeseenuntilwinter.”

Sheshudderedatjustthethoughtofarattlesnake.ShehadreadaboutthevilecreaturesinMr.

Beadle’snovelseries.

Hesawherreaction,althoughshebelatedlytriedtohideit.Hethrewbackhisheadandroared.

“Andyouhuntedlions?”heaskedoutrageously,laughingharder.

Shemadeaharshsoundunderherbreath.“Younasty-smellingbrute!”

“Well,whilewe’reonthesubjectofsmells,”hesaid,leaningtowardhertotakeabreathandthen
makingaterribleface,“yousmelllikesunnedpolecatyourself.”

“OnlybecauseyourefusedtohelpmeintotheseatandIfellonyourfoul-smelling…”Shegestured
helplesslytowardthewideleatherchaps.“Thosethings!”Shepointedatthem,flustered.

Heleanedalittletowardher,hiseyessparklingwithhumor.“Legs,darlin’,”hecontributed.

“They’recalledlegs.”

“Thoseleatherthings!”sheraged.“AndIamnotyourdarling!”sheburstout,herpoisedesertingher
assheflewofftheseat.

Hechuckled.“Oh,youmightwishyouwere,oneday.Ihavesomeadmirablequalities,”headded.

“Letmeoutofthisbuggy!I’llwalk!”sheraged.

Heshookhishead.“Now,now,you’dgetsorefeetandI’dgetfired,andwewouldn’twantthat,now
wouldwe?”

“Yes,wewould!”

Hegrinnedatherredfaceandwide,furiouseyes.Theywerelikeblueflames,andshehadapretty,
softmouth.Hehadtoforcehisattentionbacktotheroad.“Yourunclecouldn’tmanagewithoutme
rightnow.Now,yousiteasy,there,MissMarlowe,andjustletyourbloodcool.I’mafinefellow
onceyougettoknowme.”

“Ihavenointentionofgettingtoknowyou!”

“My,my,youdogetriledeasy,don’tyou?AndhereIthoughtyourichladiesfrombackEastwere
even-tempered.”Heflippedthereins,increasingthehorse’sspeedgently.

“Theoneswhowereprobablyhadn’tmetyouyet!”sheexploded.

Hisheadturned,andsomethingtwinkledinhissilver-grayeyesbeforeheglancedbacktowardthe
roadwithatinysmileonhishardmouth.

Noradidn’tseethatsmile,althoughshehadthefeelingthathewaslaughingatherunderthe
enormouslywidebrimofhishat.He’dknockedherlegsrightoutfromunderher,untilshecouldn’t
evenfindacomeback.Itwasanewexperienceforher,andnotonesheenjoyed.Nomanhadever
madehermadenoughtoyelllikeafishwife.Shewasashamedofheroutburst.Shesettledintoher
seatandignoredhim,pointedly,fortherestofthedrive.

THERANCHHOUSEwaslongandflat,butitwaswhiteassandandhadalong,elegantfrontporch
andawhitepicketfencearoundAuntHelen’sbeautifulmixedflowergardens.AuntHelenwas
standingontheporchwhenthewagonpulledupatthewalkway,lookingsomuchlikehermotherthat
Norafeltimmediatelyhomesick.

“AuntHelen!”sheexclaimed,laughingasshesteppedontothehubofthewagonwheelandstepped
gingerlydownoutofthewagonunassisted,beforethemanbesidehercoulddisplaymoreofhisbad
mannersbyshowingheraunthowheignoredcommoncourtesy.

Sherantotheolderwomanandwashuggedwarmly.“Oh,itisgoodtoseeyouagain!”sheenthused,
herfaceanimatedandlovelyasshepushedbacktheveiltorevealherexquisitecomplexionand
bright,deepblueeyes.

“Mr.Barton,itwouldhavebeencourteoustohavehelpedNorafromthewagon,”AuntHelentoldthe
manwhoboreherluggagetotheporch.

“Yes,ma’am,Imeantto,butshelitoutofitlikeascaldedchicken,”hesaidwithoutrageouscourtesy,
eventippinghishattoHelen,andhesmiledcharminglyashewaitedforhertoopenthefrontdoor
anddirecthimtothebedroomNorawouldoccupy.Beast!Norathought.Thewordwasinhereyesas
hepassedher,andhissilvereyesregistereditandtwinkledwithpurehellishamusement.Shejerked
herheadaroundangrily.

Whenhewasoutofsight,Helengrimaced.“HeisChester ’slivestockforeman,andheisvery
knowledgeableaboutcattleandbusiness.Buthehasaratherunusualsenseofhumor.I’msorryifhe
offendedyou.”

“Whoishe?”Noraaskedreluctantly.

“CallawayBarton,”shereplied.

“Whoarehispeople,Imeant?”Norapersisted.

“Wedon’tknow.Weknowhisname,butweknowverylittleabouthim.Heworksduringtheweek
andvanishesonweekends—thatwasinthecontracthesignedwithChester.Wedon’tpryintopeople’s
livesouthere,”sheaddedgently.“He’srathermysterious,buthe’snotusuallyrudeatall.”

“Hewasn’trude,”Noralied,brushingatthedustonhercheekstocamouflagetheircolor.

Helensmiled.“Youwouldnothavesaidsoevenifhewas.Youhavebreeding,mydear,”shesaid
proudly.“It’sveryevidentthatyoucomefrombluebloods.”

“Sodoyou,”shewasreminded.“YouandMotheraredescendedfromEuropeanroyalty.Wehave
royalcousinsinEngland,oneofwhomIvisittwiceayear.”

“Don’tremindChester.”Helenlaughedconspiratorially.“Hecomesfromalaboringbackground,and
minesometimesembarrasseshim.”

Norahadtobitehertonguetokeepbackabluntcomment.Shecouldn’timaginehidinganypartof
herownlifetoplacateaman’sego.But,then,AuntHelenhadbeenraisedinadifferentera,by
differentrules.Shehadnorighttojudgeorcondemnfromhermodernstatus.

“Shallwehaveteaandsandwiches?”Helenasked.“I’llhaveDebbiebringrefreshmentstotheliving
roomafteryou’vehadafewminutestofreshenup.”Hernosewrinkled.“Imustsay,Nora,thatisa
very…oddscentyou’rewearing.”

Noraflushed.“I…fellagainstMr.Bartongettingintothewagonandbrushedmyhandagainstsome
ofthat…vilematerialonhis…onthoseleatherthingshewaswearing,”shefaltered.

“Hischaps,”shesaid.

“Oh.Yes.Chaps.”

Helenchuckled.“Well,itisunavoidablethatworkingmengetdirty.Itwillwashoff.”

“Idohopeso,”Norasighed.

Thetallcowboycamebackdownthehall,hisburdensunloaded.

Helensmiledathim.“Chesterwantedtoseeyouwhenyougotback,Mr.Barton.HeandRandyare
workingdownbytheoldbarn,tryingtofixthewindmill,”sheadded.

“I’llputupthewagonandjoinhimassoonaspossible.Goodday,ma’am.”Hetippedhishat
courteouslyatHelen.

HenoddedpolitelyatNora,hiseyestwinklingatherexpression,andwalkedontowardthefront
door,hisspursjinglingmusicallywitheverylong,gracefulstep.

Helenwaswatchinghim.“Mostcowboysareclumsyontheground,”sheremarked,“probably
becausetheyspendsomuchtimeonhorseback.ButMr.Bartonisnotclumsy,ishe?”

Norawatched,hopingthathe’dtripoveroneofhisspursandknockhimselfoutonthedoorfacing.
Buthedidn’t.Shereachedupandremovedthehatpinthatsecuredherwidehat.“WhereisMelly?”she
asked.

Helenhesitated.“Intown,visitingagirlfriend.Shewillbebackthisevening.”

Norawasverypuzzledasshechangedhertravelingclothesforasimplelongskirtandwhitemiddy
blouseandrewoundherlongchestnutbraidaroundherhead.Mellywasonlyeighteenandsheadored
heroldercousin.Theyweregoodfriends.Whywasn’tMellyheretomeether?

ShejoinedHelenintheparlor,andwhiletheysippedteaandatehomemadelemoncookies,sheasked
aboutMellyagain.

“ShewentridingwithMegSmiththisafternoon,andIknowshe’llbebacksoon.Imightaswelltell
youthetruth.Shewasinlovewiththemanherbestfriendmarried,andshehasbeeninconsolable.
Shecouldn’tevenrefusetobemaidofhonorattheirwedding.”

“Oh,Iamsosorry!”Noraexclaimed.“HowterribleforMelly!”

“Wepitiedher,butitwasfortunatethatthemandidnotreturnherfeelings.Hehadsomeadmirable
qualities,butheisnotthesortwewanttomarryourdaughter,”AuntHelensaidsadly.

“Besides,Mellyissuretofindsomeonemoreworthytolove.Thereareseveralbachelorswhoattend
serviceswithuseverySunday.Perhapsshemightbeencouragedtojoinasocialgroup.”

“Exactly,”Norasaid.“I’lldomybesttohelpheroverthissadexperience.”

“Iknewyouwould,”camethesatisfiedreply.“It’ssogoodtohaveyouhere!”

Norasmiledaffectionatelyatheraunt.“IamdelightedthatIcame.”

MELLYRETURNEDHOMEbarelyanhourafterNoraarrived,onhorseback,wearingaridingskirt
andastraight-brimmedSpanishhat.ShehaddarkhairlikeNora’s,butherhairdidn’thavethesame
chestnuthighlightsashercousin’s,andhereyeswereasoftbrowninsteadofblue.Herskinwas
tanned,asNora’swasnot,andshewasdelicateandveryslender,likealittledoll.

Lookingather,Noracouldn’timagineamannotwantingherforhiswife.

“I’msohappythatyou’vecome,”Mellysaidaftershe’dgreetedhercousinwithsadwarmth.

“I’vebeenratherdroopy,butyoucanhelpmeliventhingsup.”

Norasmiled.“IhopethatIcan.IthasbeenoverayearsincewevisitedwhenyoucametoVirginia.
Youmusttellmeallthenews.”

Mellygrimaced.“Ofcourse.Butyoumustrealizethatmylifeishardlyasfullandexcitingasyours.I
willhavelittletotell.”

Norathoughtofthetimesshehadspentinbed,shiveringwithfever.Mellydidn’tknow—noneof
themknew—howheradventureinAfricahadended.

“Melly,Idowishthatyouwouldnotmakeussoundsodull,”hermothermurmured.“Wedohave
somesociallifehere!”

“Wehavesquaredancesandhousewarmingsandspellingbees,”cametheshortreply.“Andthe
abominableMr.Langhornandhisson.”

“Whenwehavegatheringswithotherranchersinthecooperative,Mellyhelpsserve,”hermother
remindedNora.“Mr.Langhornisoneofthelocalranchers,andhehasalittleboywhoisworsethan
awildman.Mr.Langhorndoesnotcontrolhim.”

“Mr.Langhornistheonewhoneedscontrolling,”Mellyaddedwithachuckle.

“Thatistrue,”hermotheragreed.“Hehasa…reputation…andheisdivorced,”shewhisperedthe
word,asifitwerenotfittobeheardindecentcompany.

“Surelythatshouldnotcountagainsthim,”Norabegan.

“Nora,ourfamilynameisveryimportanttous,”herauntsaidfirmly.“Iknowthatineasterncities,
andinEurope,awomanisperhapsallowedmorefreedomsthanouthere.Butyoumustremember
thatthisisasmallcommunity,andourgoodnameisourmosttreasuredpossession.Itwouldnotdo
forMellytobeseenkeepingcompanywithadivorcedman.”

“Iseewhatyoumean,”Norasaidgently,wonderingjusthowconfiningthissmallsocietyreallywas.
Comingfromalargeeasterncity,shewashard-pressedtounderstandsmall-townlifeanywhere.

Afterdinnertheysatinablissfulsilence,onesoprofoundandserenethatthegrandfatherclockcould
beheardvividly,tick-tock,tick-tock,tick-tock…

Thescreendoorslammedsuddenlyandheavybootsmadeemphaticnoisesonthebarewoodfloor.

CalBartonstuckhisheadaroundthedoor,hishatheldinonehand.“Excuseme,Mrs.

Tremayne,butChesterwouldlikeawordwithyouontheporch.”

Norawonderedwhyhisspursdidn’tjingleuntilshelookeddown.Ofcourse;hisspurswerecovered
with…that.Sowastherestofhim,Norathought,herexpressionrevealingheropinionofit

eloquentlyasshesatelegantlyonthesofainjustthecorrectposture,lookingsoathomeinthe
opulencethatitputCal’sbackupatonce.

Hesawthedisapproving,superiorlookshegavehim,anditirritatedhimoutofallproportion.

Hedidn’tsmilethistime.Hesimplylookedthroughher,withhauteurthatwouldhavedoneaprince
proud.HenoddedpolitelywhenHelencommentedthatshewouldberightout,andheleftwithout
anotherglanceinNora’sdirection.

Shewasmiffedbyhissuddenaloofness,andspenttherestofthedaywonderingwhytheopinionofa
hiredmanshouldmattertoher.Afterall,shewasaMarlowefromVirginia,andthatunwashedsonof
thegreatWestwasnothingmorethanaglorifiedmalemilkmaid.Thethoughtsentherintogalesof
laughter,althoughcertainlyshecouldn’tsharethejokewithherranchinghosts.

ChapterTwo

Nora’sunclewashomeintimefortheeveningmeal,lookingdustyandtired,butasrobustand
pleasantasever.Hewelcomedherwithhisoldenthusiasm.Later,whiletheysattogetheratthetable,
hepassedalongsomeworryingnewstohisfamily.

“Therewassomegossiptoday,abouttheWestTexascombinenotbeingpleasedwithmyhandlingof
theproperty.AvisitingbusinessmanfromElPasosaidthatheknowstheCulhanesandtheyhavenot
gottentheresultstheyexpectedfromme,”Chestertoldtheothers,grimacingathiswife’sexpression.
“TheymustrememberthatIwouldhavelostthisranchmyselfiftheyhadnotboughtit—”

“Becauseofthelowpricespeoplewerepayingforourbeefandproduce,”hiswifeargued.

“Thereisnotenoughmoneyincirculation,andpeoplearenotbuyingagriculturalproductsin
enoughquantitytoletusmakeaprofit.ThePopulistshavetriedsohardtoeffectchange.Andwe
have,afterall,readthatWilliamJ.BryanhasbeennominatedbythePopuliststorunagainst
McKinley.Heisagoodmanandtireless.Perhapssomechangeswillbemadetobenefitthoseofusin
agriculture.”

“Perhapsso,butthatwillhardlychangeoursituation,mydear,”Chestersaidheavily.

“Chester,theywouldnothaveletyoumanagetheranchforsolonghadtheynothadconfidencein
you.Youarenotresponsibleforlowmarketprices.”

“Itmightnotseemthatwaytoawealthyfamily.”Heglancedathisnieceplacatingly.“Notyours,my
dear.ThefamilyI’mworriedaboutisfromWestTexas,andthefatherandsonsheadthecombine.
TheCulhanesareasecond-generationranchingfamily—oldmoney.IunderstandfromSimmonsthat
theydon’tapproveofthefactthatIhaven’tadoptedanyofthemachineryavailabletohelpplantand
harvestcrops.Iamnot,astheysay,movingquicklyintothetwentiethcentury.”

“Howabsurd,”Norasaid.“Thesenewmachinesmaybemarvelous,ofcourse,buttheyarealsovery
expensive,aren’tthey?Andwithpeopleneedingworksobadly,whyincorporatemachinerytotake
awayjobs?”

“Youmakesense,mydear,butImustdoasIamtold,”hesaidsadly.“Idon’tknowhowtheylearned
somuchaboutthewayIruntheranchwhennorepresentativehasbeenheretoseeme.Icouldlose
myposition,”hesaidstarkly.

“Butwherewouldwegoifyoudid?”hiswifeaskedplaintively.“Thisisourhome.”

“Mother,don’tfret,”Mellysaidgently.“Nothingishappeningrightnow.Don’tborrowtrouble.”

ButHelenlookedworried.SodidChester.Noraputdownhercoffeecupandsmiledatthem.

“Ifworsecomestoworst,IshallaskMotherandFathertohelpout,”shesaid.

Shewasunpreparedforheruncle’sswiftanger.“Thankyou,butIdonotrequirecharityfrommy

wife’srelationsbackEast,”hesaidcurtly.

Nora’seyebrowsrose.“But,UncleChester,Ionlymeantthatmyparentswouldofferassistanceifyou
wishedthemto.”

“Icanprovideformyownfamily,”hesaidtersely.“Iknowthatyoumeanwell,Eleanor,butthisis
myproblem.Ishallhandleit.”

“Ofcourse,”shereplied,takenabackbyhisunexpectedantagonism.

“Noraonlymeanttooffercomfort,”Helenchidedhimgently.

Hecalmedatonce.“Yes,ofcourse,”hesaid,andwithasheepishsmile.“Idobegyourpardon,Nora.
Itisnotahappytimeforme.Ispokeoutoffrustration.Forgiveme.”

“Certainly,Ido.IonlywishthatIcouldhelp,”sherepliedsincerely.

Heshookhishead.“No,Ishallfindawaytoplacatetheowners.Imust.Evenifitmeansseekingnew
methodsofsecuringaprofit,”headdedunderhisbreath.

Noranoticedthenwhatshehadn’tbefore:thelinesofworryinhisbroadface.Hewasn’tbeing
completelytruthfulwithhiswifeanddaughter,shewascertainofit.Howterribleitwouldbeifhe
shouldlosecontroloftheranchhisgrandfatherhadfounded.Itmustbeunpleasantforhimtohavea
combinedictatinghismanagerialdecisionshere;almostasunpleasantasitwouldhavebeenforhim
tolosetheranchtothecombineinthefirstplace.Shemustlearnwhatshecouldandthenseeifthere
wassomewaythatshecouldhelp,sothatheandhisfamilydidnotlosetheirhomeandonlysource
ofincome.

Afterthat,conversationturnedtotheFarmersCongressinColoradoSprings,Colorado,andtothe
BoerWarinSouthAfrica,whereaBoergeneralnamedDeWetwasgrowingmorefamousbytheday
withhiscourageousattacksonthesuperiorforcesoftheBritish.

THENEXTFEWDAYSpassedpeacefully.Themenwereawayfromtheranchmostofthedayand,it
seemed,halfthenight,bringinginthebulls.Withinacoupleofweeks,theywouldbestartingthe
annualfallroundup.Nora’sopinionofthe“knightsoftherange”underwentastartling
transformationasshesawmoreandmoreofthemfromafararoundtheranch.

Foronething,therewereasmanyblackandMexicancowboysastherewerewhiteones.But
whatevertheircolor,theyweremostlydirtyandunkempt,becauseworkingcattlewashardlyadainty
job.Theywerecourteousandverypolitetoher,buttheyseemedtobeshy.Thistraithadfirst
surprisedandthenamusedher.Shewentoutofherwaytoflirtgentlywithashyboyeveryonecalled
Greely,becauseitdelightedhertowatchhimstammerandblush.ThestaleennuiofEuropeanmen
hadmadeheruneasywiththem,butthisyoungmanmadeherfeeloldandvenerable.Shehadno
thoughtofridicule.Itwasthenoveltyofhisreactionthattouchedsomethingvulnerableinher.But
she’dflirtedwithhimonceinfrontofMelly,andMellyhadbeenembarrassed.

“Youshouldn’tdothat,”shetoldNoragentlybutfirmlywhenGreelywentonhisway.“Themen

don’tlikebeingmadefunof,andCalBartonwon’tstandforit.Norwillhehesitatetotellyoutostop
itifheevercatchesyou.”

“ButImeantnoinsult.IsimplyadorethewayhestammerswhenIspeaktohim,”shesaid,smiling.“I
findthisyoungmansorefreshing,youknow.Andbesides,Mr.Bartonhasnoauthoritytotellme
whattodo,evenifhedidcatchme,”Noraremindedher.

Mellysmiledknowingly.“We’llseeaboutthat.HeeventellsDadwhattodo.”

Noratooktheremarkwithagrainofsalt,butshestoppedplayinguptopoorGreelyjustthesame.It
wasunfortunatethatsheshouldmentionhim,andwhyheamusedher,latertoherauntwhenGreely
waswithinearshot.Afterthat,shehadnoopportunitytoseehim.Hisabsencefromhervicinitywas
pointed,andhehadasomber,crushedlookabouthimthatmadeNorafeelguiltyuntilfinallyhe
seemedtodisappearaltogether.

NORAWASINVITEDOUTtowatchthecowboyswork,andsheaccompaniedMellytoasmall
corralnearthehousewhereablackcowboywasbreakinganewhorsetotheremuda,thestringof
horsesusedbythemenduringroundup.Mellyexplainedwhatwouldhappenintheupcoming
roundup,allaboutthelongprocessofcountingandbrandingcattle,andseparatingthecalvesfrom
theirmothers.Nora,whohadknownnothingoftherealityofit,wasappalled.

“Theytakethelittlecalvesfromtheirmothersandburnthebrandsintotheirhide?”sheexclaimed.
“Oh,howhorriblycruel!”

Mellyhesitated,alittleuneasy.“Now,Nora,it’sanoldpractice.Surelyinallyourtravels,youhave
seenpeopleworkontheland?”

Norasettleddeeperintohersidesaddle.Shecouldn’tbringherselftorideastride,asMellydid,
feelingthatitwasunladylike.“Ihaveseenfarming,ofcourse,backEast.”

“It’sdifferentouthere,”Mellycontinued.“Wehavetobehardorwecouldn’tsurvive.Andhere,in
EastTexas,it’sreallyalotbetterlifethanontheGreatPlainsorinthedesertcountryfartherwest.”

Norawatchedthecowboyridethesweating,snortinghorseandwantedtoscreamatthepoor
creature’sstruggles.Tearscametohereyes.

CalBartonhadspottedthetwowomenandcamegallopinguponhisownmounttojointhem.

“Ladies,”hewelcomed.

Nora’swhitefacetolditsownstoryasshestaredathimcoldly.“Ihaveneverseensuchoutrageous
cruelty,”shesaidatonce,dabbingathereyeswithanexpensivelace-edgedsilkhandkerchief.“That
poorbeastisbeingtormentedbythatman.Makehimstop,atonce!”

Cal’seyebrowsshotup.“Ibegyourpardon?”

“Makehimstop,”sherepeated,blindtoMelly’sgestures.“Itisuncivilizedtotreatahorseso!”

“Uncivi…GoodGodAlmighty!”Calburstout.“Howinhelldoyouthinkhorsesgetgentleenoughto
beridden?”

“Notbybeingtortured,certainly—notbackEast!”sheinformedhim.

Hewasgettingheartilysickofhercondescendingattitude.“Wehavetodoitlikethis,”hesaid.

“Itisn’thurtingthehorse.Jackisonlywearinghimdown.Itisn’tcruel.”

Noradabbedatherfacewiththehandkerchief.“Thedustissickening,”shewassaying.“Andtheheat
andthesmell…!”

“Thenwhydon’tyougobacktothenicecoolranchhouseandsipacolddrink?”hesuggestedwith
icycalmness.

“Alaudableidea,”Norasaidfirmly.“Come,Melly.”

MellyexchangedhelplessglanceswithCalandrodeafterhercousin.

Noramutteredallthewayhomeaboutthepoorhorse.Itdidn’thelpthatagangoftiredcowboys
passedthemonthewayback.Onewasmadathissidekickandusingcolorfullanguagetoexpress
himself.Nora’sfacewentscarletatwhatsheoverheard,andshewasalmostshakingwithoutrage
whentheyreachedthebarnatlast.

“Knightsoftherange,indeed!”sheragedonthewaytothefrontdoor,havingleftthehorsesinthe
chargeofayoungstablehand.“Theystinkandcurseandtheyarecruel!Itisnothinglikemystories,
Melly.Itisaterriblecountry!”

“Now,now,giveitachance,”Mellysaidencouragingly.“You’veonlybeenhereashortwhile.

Itgetseasiertounderstand,trulyitdoes.”

“Icannotimaginelivinghere,”Norasaidheavily.“Notinmywildestimaginings.Howdoyoubear
it?”

“Iloveit,”theyoungerwomansaidsimply,andherbrowneyesreflectedherpleasureinit.

“You’velivedsuchadifferentlife,Nora,soshelteredandcushioned.Youdon’tknowwhatitisto
havetoscratchforaliving.”

Nora’sthinshouldersroseandfell.“Ihaveneverhadto.Mylifehasbeenaneasyone,untilthepast
year.ButIknowonething.Icouldneverlivehere.”

“Youdon’twanttogohomealready?”Mellyaskedworriedly.

Norasawherconcernandforcedherselftocalmdown.“No,ofcoursenot.Ishallsimplyhavetostay
awayfromthemen,thatisall.IdomissGreely.He,atleast,wasarefreshingchangefromthose
barbariansoutthere!”

“Greelyhasn’tbeenaroundlately,”Mellyagreed.“Iwonderwhy.”

NEITHERKNEWTHEANSWERtothequestionofGreely’sabsence.Dayspassed,andthecowboys
begantolookalittlelesslikedirtytrampsandalittlemorelikemenasNora’sfirstimpressionbegan
towaverandthenfade.Norabecameabletorecognizefaces,eventhickwithdustanddirt.She
recognizedvoices,aswell,especiallyMr.Barton’s.Itwasdeepandslow,andwhenhewasangry,it
gotdeeperandslower.Shemarveledatthewayheusedinflectiontocontrolhismen,andtheway
theyrespondedtoeventhesoftestwords.Heprojectedauthorityinawaythatmadeherwonderabout
hispast.Perhapshe’dbeeninthemilitary.Hecouldhavebeen,withthatbearing.

HecameridingupthenexttothelastFridayafternoonofAugustwithabunchofdisheveled,hotand
dirtymen.Hedismountedatthefrontstepsandtossedhisreinstothestablehand,sothathishorse
couldbeattendedto.

Nora,whowasontheporch,steppedbackwhenheapproached,becausehewasdirtierthanshe’d
everseenhim,andhehadathreedays’growthofbeard.Shethoughtthatifshemethimontheroad,
she’dexpecthimtohaveapistolineitherhandandamaskoverhisnoseandmouth.

Henoticedherwithdrawalwithcoldfury.Sinceherremarksoutatthecorral,he’dbeenwaitingfor
anopportunitytotellherhowmuchhersuperiorattitudeirritatedhim.Shehadnorighttolookdown
hernoseathardworkingmenbecausetheydidn’tsmelllikerosesorliveuptoherideaofcivilized
behavior.

“Where’sChester?”heaskedcurtly.

“Why,hedrovemyauntandMellyintotowninthebuggy,”shesaid.“IsthereanythingIcando?”

Hepursedhislipsandstudiedthelinesofthesleek,softgraydressthatclungtoherslenderfigure.
“Doyoualwaysdresslikethat?”heaskedwithcoolmockery.“Likeyouweregoingtosomefancy
cityrestaurantinoneofMr.Ford’sfancyautomobiles?”

Shebristled.“Theautomobileismorecivilizedthanahorse,Itellyou,”shesaidhaughtily.“Andwe
haveelectricstreetcarsbackEastaswellasautomobiles.”

“Whatasnobyouare,MissMarlowe,”hesaidpleasantly.Hissmiledidn’treachhiscold,silvereyes.
Notatall.Shefeltchilledbythem.“Onewonderswhyyoucameouthereatallwhenyoufindusand
theworkwedosodistasteful.”

Shewrappedherarmsacrosshersmallbreastsandfeltherselfshiver.Theheatwasuncomfortable.
Shehopedshewasn’thavingachill,becausesheknewwhatitpresaged.No.Shecouldn’thavean
attackhere,shejustcouldn’t!

Withherdignityintact,shesmiledathim.“Why,Icamebecauseofthebooks.”

“Books?”heasked,frowning.

“Yes!I’vereadallaboutcowboys,youknow,”shetoldhimseriously.“Mr.Beadle’sdimenovels

portraythecowboyasaknightoftherange,aheroinchapsandboots,anoblemaninspurs.”

Heshiftedhisstanceandgloweredather.

“Oh,andcowboysarethecourtliestgentlemenintheworld.Thatis,whenthey’renotrobbingbanks
tofeedlittlestarvingchildren,”sheadded,recallingtwoofherfavoritebooks.

Theglowergotworse.

“Buttherewasnothingabouttheodor,”sheaddedwithquiethonesty.“Peoplehardlyexpectaknight
oftherangetosmellbad,orbecakedinbloodandmudand…ahem…othersubstances,”

shepointedout.“Idon’texpectyougetmanysocialinvitations,Mr.Barton.”

Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“Idon’tacceptmany,”hecorrected,hisfaceset.“I’mparticularaboutthe
companyIkeep.”

“Onesupposesthatthereverseisalsotrue,”shereplied,andwrinkledhernose.

Hispaleeyesflashed.“Idon’tlikeyourcondescendingmanner,MissMarlowe,”headdedwith
magnificenthonesty.Hiseyesheldnowarmthwhatsoever.“Andwhilewe’reonthesubject,I
especiallydon’tlikehavingyouflirtwithmymentoembarrassthem.”

Shecolored.“Ididnotmean…”

“Idon’tcarewhatyoumeant,”hesaidlevelly.“Greelyisjustakid,butwhenyoustartedteasinghim,
heworshippedyou.Thenheoverheardyoudiscussinghim,confessingthatyouonlyplayedupto
himtowatchhimstammerandstumbleabout.Hewasshattered.”Helookeddownintoher
embarrassedfacewithcooldisregard.“Nodecentwomandoesthattoaman.Itisbeneathcontempt.”

Shefeltthewordslikeacutonsoftskin.Herchinliftedproudly.“Youareright,”sheconfessed.

Shedidn’taddthatshewassoaccustomedtosophisticatedmenwholikedtoflirtandseeawoman
flusteredthatithadsecretlydelightedhertofindamansovulnerabletoawoman’sattention.Butshe
didn’tsaythat.“Honestly,Ididnotmeantohurthim.”

“Well,youdid,justthesame,”hesaidcurtly.“Hequit.He’sgoneovertoVictoriatogetwork,andhe
won’tbeback.HewasoneofthebestmenIhad.NowIhavetoreplacehim,becauseofyou.”

“Butsurelyhedidnottakeitsotoheart!”sheexclaimed,horrified.

“Outhere,mentakealottoheart,”hesaid.“Keepawayfrommycowboys,MissMarlowe,orI’ll
haveyourunclesendyouhomeonthenexttrain.”

Shegasped.“Youcannotdictatetomyfamily!”

Hemethereyeslevelly,andchillsranthroughherattheintensityandpowerofthelook.“You’dbe
surprisedwhatIcando,”hesaidquietly.“Don’ttemptmetoshowyou.”

“Youareonlyahiredman,afterall!”sheaddedhaughtily.“Littlemorethanaservant!”

Hisexpressionwassuddenlydangerous.Hishandclenchedathisside,andtheglitterinhiseyeshad
thesameeffectonherasarattlesnakecoiling.“Whileyou,madam,areanuttersnob,withgreenbacks
forbloodandparlormannersforaheart.”

Herfacewentrosy.Impulsivelyshereachedouttostrikehim,buthissteelyfingerscaughtherwrist
beforeshegotanywherenearthatstrong,leancheek.Heheldherwithouteffortuntilhefeltthe
musclesrelax.Underhisfingers,hefeltthesuddenincreaseofherpulse.Whenhelookedintoher
eyes,hesawthefaintflickerofawarenessthatshecouldn’thide,andhereyesbetrayedhersurprise
andhelplessattraction.Aslow,cunningsmiletouchedhishardmouth.

Why,shewasvulnerable!Itmadehismindspinwithdarkpossibilities.

Withashortlaughoftriumph,hedrewherhandtohisbroad,dampchestandpresseditintothe
muscle.Hefelthergasp,andknewthatshedidn’tfindhimdistasteful,becausehewaswatchingher
face.

“Doeasternmenstandforbeingslapped?”hedrawled.“You’llfindthatwe’reabitdifferentout
here.”

“Nodoubtamanofyoursortwouldfinditacceptabletostrikemeback,”shesaidwithbravado.

Underherlongskirts,herkneeswereshaking.

Hesearchedherwide,uneasyblueeyeswithquietconfidence.Eithersheknewlessofmenthanhe
knewofwomen,orshewasagoodactress.Chesterhadsaidthatshewassomethingofan
adventuress,aglobe-trottingmodernwoman.Hewonderedjusthowmodernshewas,andhehada
mindtofindoutforhimself.

“Idon’tstrikewomen,”hesaideasily.Hispaleeyesnarrowedandheslowlysteppedincloser.

Hewasn’tblatantorvulgar,butwiththatsimpleactionhemadeherawareofhissizeandstrengthand
ofherownvulnerability.“Ihave…otherwaysofdealingwithhostilityfromafemale.”

Shewasleftinnodoubtastohismeaning,becausehewaslookingathermouthashespoke.

Incredibly,shewentweakalloverandherlipspartedhelplessly.SinceEdwardSummerville’shateful
advances,shehadneverlikedmenclosetoher.Buthertraitorousbodylikedthisone,wantedtoincite
himevencloser,wantedtoknowthetouchofhiswarmstrengthinanembrace.

Becauseherthoughtsshockedher,shejerkedbackagainsthisrestraininghand.“Sir,yousmelllikea
barn!”shestammeredangrily.

Helaughed,becausehesawthroughtheangertothehiddenexcitement.“Why,isn’tthatnatural?A
cowboyspendsagoodportionofhistimewithanimals.Ordidn’tyourdimenovelstellyouso?”

Shestraightenedhercuff,stillfeelinghistouchthere.Shecouldn’tremembereverbeingsoflustered.
“Iamlearningthatmynovelsarenotaltogetheraccurate.”

Hisfirmmouthtuggedupatthecorner.Itpleasedhimthatasaraggedcowboy,hecouldhavesucha
devastatingeffectonanadventuresswhohadbeenonsafariandlivedamodernlife.Noneofthe
womenofhisacquaintancehaddaredtofloutconvention.Hefoundthiswomanexcitingbeyond
measure,andthethoughtofleadingherdownthegardenpathinhisdisguisewasappealing.If
nothingelse,itwouldteachhernottojumptoconclusionsaboutpeople.Takingamanatfacevalue,
judginghimonhisappearancealoneandbyeasternstandardsofconduct,washardlyworthyofsuch
atraveledaristocrat.But,strangely,shelackedthatglossyveneerthathewouldexpectahardened
adventuresstopossess.Now,ashestareddownatherflushedface,hethoughtthatsheseemednot
muchmorethanaflusteredgirl.

“Youareverypretty,”heremarkedgently.Infact,shewas,withthatwealthofchestnuthairandher
fairskinanddeepblueeyes.

Sheclearedherthroat.“Imustgoinside.”

Hesweptoffhishatandheldittohisheart.“Iwillcountthehoursuntilwemeetagain,”hesaidonan
exaggeratedsigh.

Shewasn’tcertainifhewasseriousorteasing.Shemadeafunnysound,likeastifledlaugh,and
movedquicklybackintothehouse.Shefeltasifshemightsuffocate.

Calwatchedhergowithapleasedsmileandspeculationinhissilvereyes.Shewasgoingtomakean
interestingquarry,hethoughtasheputhishatbackonhisheadandslanteditoverhiseyes.Whenhe
gotthroughwithher,shewasgoingtothinktwicebeforeshelookeddownhernoseatamanagain,
regardlessofhowhesmelled.

AFTERTHAT,CALBARTONseemedtobeeverywhereshewent.Hewasblatantlyattentive,andhe
lookedatherwithsuchworshipfuleyesthatMellybegantoteaseherlightlyabouthisdevotion.

Shewasn’tconvincedthathewasn’tplayingsomemonumentaljokeonher.Shedidn’trespondtohis
displaysofinterest,whichmadethemallthemoreobvious.Hemadeapointofspeakingtoherwith
warmaffection,regardlessofwhethershewasaloneorincompanyatthetime.Hewasmakinghis
companyfelt,andthewayhelookedathermadehertoestingle.Shehadneverbeenactivelypursued
byamanwhomshefeltattractedto,andshewasn’tcertainthatshecouldhandlethissituation.She
didn’twanttobecomeattachedtoMr.Barton.Butthemorehepursuedher,inhisgentlemanly,teasing
manner,themoreunsettledshebecame.

SheworriedaboutCalBartonsomuchthatshecouldn’tsleepatnight.Tomakemattersworse,the
cowboyshadcomeinfromtheroundup.Thenoisefromthebunkhousethatnightwasdeafening.She
knewthatalcoholwasn’tallowedunlessthecowboyswentintotown.Buttheywentintotownon
weekends,andwhentheycameback,moreoftenthannot,theywereaudiblyinebriated.Norawas
usedtonoiseinthecity,butitwasdisturbingwhensheheardraisedmalevoicesclosetoheropen
window.Thesesoundedsober,whichwasreassuring,buttheywereloudanyway.

“Iwon’t!”araspymalevoiceasserted.“I’mdamnedifIwill!Heain’tputtin’metodiggingpostholes,
withmyrheumatisminsuchbadshape!I’llquitfirst!”

“Dan,yourrheumatismisawfulconvenient,”cametheamusedreply.“Itonlyhurtswhenyouhaveto
work.BestnotrileBarton.RememberwhathappenedtoCurtis.”

Therewasapause,andNorafeltthenewinformationaboutBartonsinkinginwithdeadlymeaning.

“GuessIdolikeitheresinceBartoncame,”thefirstmansaidonasigh.“Hegotusbetterpayandhe
madethebossreplacethosedamnedworn-outhorses.Hardtoworkcattleonarockinghorse.”

“Sureitis.Andhereplacedthecook,too.Idon’tmindeatinginthebunkhousethesedays.”

“Me,neither.”Therewasachuckle.“Sortofticklesme,aboutCurtis.Therehewas,throwinghis
gunmanreputationaround,intimidatingthenewkids.AndhedrewthatbigpistolonBartonandgot
hisbrainshalfknockedoutwithitforhispains.”

“Barton’snosissywithagun.Iexpecthe’sshotsome.HewasinCubawithTeddyRoosevelt—

oneofthemRoughRiders.”

“Well,thatdon’tmeanheknowsTeddypersonally,”theothermanchuckled.“Comeon.Wegotthings
todobeforewebunkdown.Roundupwillstartmiddleofnextmonth,more’sthepity.Acowboy’s
workisneverdone,isit?”

Murmuringvoicesandjinglingspursdiedawayintothenight.Noracurleddeeperintoherpillow
withasenseofuneasiness.Shewasnotusedtoroughmen,andtheonlygunsshe’dseenusedwerein
pursuitofwildgame.Sheknewaboutwar,thatmenfoughtintheunsettledregionsofthecountryand
sometimeswithguns.ButevenonherprevioustripstoTexas,ithadneveroccurredtoherthatshe
mightmeetmenwhohadkilledothermenoutsideofwar.

ItwaschillingtothinkofMr.Bartonwithasmokingpistolinhishand,andsuddenlysheremembered
onecoldlookfromthosesilvereyesinthatunsmiling,leanface,andrealizedwhataformidable
adversaryhemightbeacrossthebarrelofagun.Buthewasn’tlikethatwithhernow.Hewasgentle,
attentive,andhesmiledatherinawaythatmadeherheartrace.

Shebegantolookforwardtotheirfrequentchancemeetings,becausethatsmilemadeherfeelso
wonderful.Sheturnedoverabruptly,tryingtoforceitfromherthoughts.Whatgooddiditdoto
dreamwhentherewasnohopeforafuture?ShehadnothingtogivetoCalBarton.Butknowingthat
didn’tstopherheartfromracingeverytimeshethoughtabouthim.

ITWASNOWthesecondweekofhervisit,andasshesawmoreoftheenigmaticMr.Barton,she
begantounderstandthegossipshe’doverheardthatnightoutsideherwindow.Watchinghimsendthe
menabouttheirchoreswasaneducation.Heneverraisedhisvoice,evenwhenhewaschallenged.His
voicebecamesofterinanger,infact,andhiseyestookonaglitterlikesharp-edgedsteelinsunlight.
ButwheneverhesawNora,hisfirmmouthtuggedintoasmile,andhelookedoblivioustoeverything
excepther.

“Niceday,MissMarlowe,”hecommentedashepassedheronhiswaytothestable,hisleanfingers
holdingapairofstainedworkgloves.Heglancedatherneatlacylittlegloves.Shewasjustpulling
themoff,becausesheandMellyhadonlyreturnedfromtown.“Howdaintyyouare,”hemused.“And
alwayssofastidious.”Hissilvereyeswandereddownherbodyinthehigh-neckedmiddyblouseand
flaringdarkskirtthatreachedtoherhighbutton-toppedshoes.

Theintensityofhisinterestwasdisturbing.Itmadeherkneesweak.“Youmakemybreathcatch,”he
addedsoftly.

Shewasdrowninginhisdeep,softvoice,intheeyesthatheldherssohungrily.

“Please,sir,thisisnotproper,”shefaltered.

Hemovedcloserstepbystep,awarethattheywereinaverypublicplaceinthemiddleoftheyard.He
stoppedjustinfrontofherandsmiledslowly,slappingtheglovesabsentlyintothepalmofonehand.
“Whatisnotproper?”heaskedgently.“Isamannotallowedtotellawomanhowsweetshelooksin
herlacyfinery?”

Sheswallowed.Shehadtolookupalongwaytoseehisface.Itwashardtorememberthatshewas
supposedtobeasophisticated,traveledintellectualwhenherheartwastryingtocrawlupintoher
throat.

“Yourattentionscouldbe…misconstrued,”shesaid.

Heliftedaneyebrow.“Bysomeoneelse?Orbyyou?”Hereachedoutandtracedaloosestrandofher
hair,makingincrediblesensationsalonghernerves.Hisvoicedroppedinpitch,softened.

“Ifindyoufascinating,MissMarlowe.Anorchidbarelyinbloom.”

Herlipsparted.Noonehadeversaidsuchthingstoherbefore.Shewasenthralledbyhisdeepvoice,
bythelookinhiseyes,hispresence.Theodorsofhorseandleatherandcigarsmokethatclungto
himwerenotevennoticeableinherstateofexcitement.Helplesslyherblueeyeswentfromhisdeep-
seteyestohisstraightnoseandhighcheekbonesanddowntothewide,thinlinesofhisfirmmouth.
Thelowerlipwasalittlethicker,almostsquare,asifithadbeenchiseledoutofstone.Shefelther
pulsequickenasshewonderedshamefullyhowitwouldfeeltokisshim.

Hesawthatspeculativelook,andhesmiled.“Youareveryquiet,MissMarlowe.Haveyouno
scathingcommenttomakeabouttheconditionofmyclothes?”

“What?”Shesounded,looked,dazed,ashereyeswereforcedbackuptohisbythequestion.

Hebenttowardher,sothathiseyesfilledtheworld,sothatunderthewidebrimofhishat,shecould
feelhiswarmbreathrightonherlips.

“Isaid,”hesaidsoftly,“doyounotfindmeoffensiveatsuchcloserange?”

Sheshookherheadinahelplesslittlegesture.Shecouldfeelhisstrength,likearock,infrontofher.

Shewantedtoleanforwardandpressherbreastsintohischest.Shewantedtodraghishardmouth
downoverherlipsandkisshimuntilherkneesgaveway.Other,shocking,imagesflashedthrough
hermind,andshegasped.

Hisleanhandcametohercheekandhisthumbpressedsuddenly,hardoverhermouth,bruisingthe
softtissues.Hisglitteryeyeslookedstraightintohers.“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,”hewhispered
roughly.“ShallIputitintowords,orisitenoughthatIknow?”

Shewastoofargonetoregisterthewordsatall.Histhumbplayedwithhermouthandsheletit,
standinghypnotizedbyhisgaze,hiscloseness.Hepushedherlipsagainstherteethinhisfervor,and
shelookedupintohiseyeswithdesireplaininherown.Foraninstant,timeceasedtoexist….

Sherealizedquitesuddenlywhatwashappeningtoher,anditwasfrightening.Withatinysound,she
jerkedawayfromhimandranintothehousewithoutabackwardglance,herlipsstillstingingfrom
thetenderabrasionofhisthumb.

Shesweptintothehousered-faced,metbyheramusedaunt.

“Mr.Bartonisinpursuitagain,Ipresume?”theolderwomanmurmureddryly.

Nora’seyeswereveryeloquent,evenwithoutherhecticflush.“Heis…disturbing.”

“Heisthesoulofcourtesywithwomen,butneverhaveIseenhimsoattentive,”herauntreplied
softly.“Heisapersonableyoungman,andveryintelligent,especiallyaboutranchmanagement.

Chestercouldnotoperatesolargeapropertywithouthishelp.Hewasverysomberandbusinesslike
before,butIhavetoadmitthathehaschangedsinceyoucame.”Shehesitatedthen,asifitdisturbed
hertohavetospeakwhensheadded,“Ofcourse,thereisnoquestionofhimbecomingaserious
suitor,youunderstand.”

Noradidn’t,atfirst.Shefrowned,slightly.

“Heisafineyoungman,butsofarbeneathyousocially,Nora,”herauntcontinuedgently.“Youmust
notbecomeinvolvedwithamaninsuchalowsocialstation.Yourmotherwouldneverforgivemeif
Ididnotadviseyouthus.ItisamusingthatMr.Bartonfindsyouirresistible,butheisnotsuitablein
anywayasacontenderforyourhand.”

Norawasshocked.Sheshouldhaverealizedhowheraunt,asmuchadescendantofEuropeanroyalty
asherownmother,wouldfeelaboutCalBartonpayinghersomuchattention.Andtheywereright.A
dirtycowboywashardlyamatchforasocialitewithawealthybackground.

“Oh,IhavenointerestinMr.Bartoninthatrespect,”shesaidquickly,laughingtocoverhershock.
“ButIhavenoticedthatthecowboysrespecthim.Mr.Bartonhashadtocalmhismendownevery
night.”

“Theyarehigh-strung,”herauntsaidwithasmile.“Andsurelyyou’vebecomeusedtonoiseinyour
travels.”

“Notreally,”Norarecalledasshestoodbythewindowandgazedoutovertheflathorizon.“Iwas
protectedfromanythingreallyupsetting,evenfromthesmellsandsoundsofcamplife.AndIwas
alwaysamongrelativesofonesortoranother.”

“Relatives?”herauntaskedpointedly.“Andnotsuitors?”

Norasighed,andaslightfrownmarredherlovelyface.“IfearthatIam…unusualinthatrespect.

Idonotencouragetheadvancesofmen,althoughIlikethemverywellasfriends.”

“But,mydear,youarelovely,”shesaid.“Surelyyouwillwanttomarryoneday,andhave
children….”

Nora’sfaceclosedup.Sheturnedjerkily.“MellyandIhaveplannedtopicnicbytherivertomorrow.”
Sheglancedatheraunt.“Ihavea…fearofrivers,butMellysaysthatthisoneisshallowandnotvery
fearful.”

“Andsheisright,”AuntHelensaid,curiousaboutthewordingofNora’sremark.“Itwillbepleasant
foryouboth,andasitisnearthehouse,itisquitesafetogothereunescorted.Theheatanddustare
terriblethistimeofyear,butitiscoolbesidetheriver.Exceptforthemosquitoes,”

sheaddedwithagrimace.

Mosquitoes.Norafeltqueasy.

“There,now,themosquitoesareworstinlateafternoon,”herauntsaidsoothingly.“Donotworry.”

NoraturnedandthensheknewthathermotherhadtoldAuntHeleneverything.Itwasalmostarelief
tohavesomeoneknowthetruth.Shebitherlowerlip.“Itfrightensme.”

Helentouchedhershouldergently.“Youhadabadtimeofit.Butyouwillbefinehere.Dogowith
Mellyandenjoyyourself.Itwillbeallright,mydear,trulyitwill.Why,doctorsareoftenwrong.You
mustalwayskeephope.ItisGodwhodecidesourfate,notthemedicalprofession.

Notalways,atleast.”

“Ishouldhaverememberedthat.Verywell,”shesaidafteraminute,andsmiled.“Isupposethereare
worsethingsthaninsects,”sheaddedsolemnlyasshewalkedoutoftheroom.

ChapterThree

Mellyhadn’tmentionedthatthepicnicwasgoingtoinvolveotherpeople.Itwasachurchpicnic.And
itwasn’tgoingtobeonarivernearthehouse;itwasgoingtobebesideasmallstream.WhenNora
heardthat,sherelaxednoticeably.

AuntHelenlaughedwhenMellyremindedherthatitwasthechurchpicnic.

“Oh,howcouldIhaveforgotten!”HelensaidwitharuefulglanceatNora.“Mymindisnotonthe
present.Idobegyourpardon,Nora,Imisledyou.Iknowthatyoushallenjoythisgathering.

Thereareseveraleligibleandwell-to-doyoungmenamongthecongregation.”

“IncludingMr.Langhorn,”Mellyaddedwithastrangeexpressiononherface.“Heandhisson,
Bruce,willprobablyaccompanyus,sinceitisSaturday,butperhapshewillbeless…antagonistic
thanusual.Andwithluck,Brucewillbehavebetterthanhenormallydoes.”

Norawonderedalotabouthercousin’speculiarwayofreferringtoMr.Langhorn.Shehopedthat
Mellywouldconfideinheroneday.

AfterHelenlefttotalktothecook,thetwowomenwentoutsidetositontheporch.Noratidiedthe
bowunderherjauntysailorcollar.“Willanyofthemenfromtheranchbegoing?”sheasked
hesitantly.

Mellygrinned.“NotMr.Barton,ifthat’swhatyoumeant.HegoestoBeaumontthisafternoon.”

“Oh.Oh,Isee.”Shecoloredalittleandlifteddisappointedeyes.“Doeshehavefamilythere?”

“Nooneknows.Heneverspeaksofthevisitsexceptinadesultoryway.Heisverymysterious,our
Mr.Barton.”

“Yes,soIsee.”

MellynoticedNora’sdistractionandtouchedherarmgently.“Mamaissoold-fashioned.Donotlet
herinterferetoomuch.Mr.Bartonisafineman,Nora.Socialstatusisnoteverything.”

“Alas,Melly,”hercousinsaidheavily,“formeitis.Mymotherisexactlylikeyours.Noneofmy
familywouldcountenanceMr.Bartonasasuitorforme.”Shegnawedherlowerlip.“Oh,whymustI
besoconventional?Ifeellikeasheep,followingtheherd.Butitissohardtobreakawayfromthe
past,tostanduptosocialabsolutes.”

“Ifyoulovesomeone,thatbecomesimperativesometimes,”Mellysaidsadly.

Noralookedather.“Doesit?Icannotimaginealovestrongenoughtosendmeintobattlewithmy
peers.”

Mellydidn’treply.Therewasaveryfarawaylookinhereyes.

NORABROODEDonherpredicamentfortherestoftheday,andfinallydecidedthatshecouldsay
goodbyetoCalifshewantedto.Therewasnothingsounspeakableaboutthat.Shewentlookingfor
himlatethatafternoonwhenitwasnearingsundown.Hewasinthebarnwithhissaddlebagspacked
onhishorse,abigbaygeldingwithaspiritedlook.

“Isthatyourhorse?”Noraaskedfromthedoorofthebarn,whichwasdesertedmomentarilyexcept
forCal.

Heglancedatherandsmiled.“Yes.IcallhimKing,becauseheremindsmeofamanIknow—

onewho’sjustasimpatientandeverybitasunpleasantwhenhe’supset.”Hedidn’taddthatthe
nicknameoriginallybelongedtohiseldestbrother.

“He’svery…tall.”

“SoamI.Irequireatallhorse.”HefinishedhistaskswiththehorseandturnedtomovetowardNora.
Foronce,hewascleanedup.Hewasfreshlyshavenandsmelledofcologneandsoap.Hishairwas
clean,neatlyparted.Hisclotheswerelikenew,fromhislong-sleevedshirttotheneatcordtrousers
heworewithpolishedblackboots.Helookedverymasculine,andtheintensityofhisgazemadeher
nervous.Hepausedjustinfrontofher,admiringhertrimfigurebehindthechinabluebowthathung
belowthesailorcollarofthewhiteblouse.Thebowmatchedhereyes.

“Shallyoubegonelong?”sheasked,tryingtosoundunconcerned.

“Onlyovertheweekend,perhapsforadayorsobeyond,dependingonthetrainschedules,”hesaid
noncommittally.“Willyoumissme?”heteased.

Shegrimaced.“Sir,wehardlyknoweachother.”

“Asituationwhichcanquicklyberemedied.”Hebentsuddenly,liftedherclearoffthegroundinhis
armslikeababyandcarriedherbehindtheopendoorofthebarn,outofsight.

Hermouthwasopentoprotestthisshockingtreatmentwhenhislipspressedsoftlyoverit,teasingthe
tenderfleshuntilitadmittedhim.Behindherhead,shefeltthemusclescordinhisarmashebrought
herclosersothathecouldadvancethekiss.Herbreastsflattenedsoftlyoverthehardmusclesofhis
broadchest,andshefeltherheartbeatingagainstthem.

Outside,sheheardthewindrise,andthemetallicsoundofthewindmillasitsarmsbegantospin.
Therewasarumbleupinthedarkeningclouds.ButshewaslockedfastinCal’sarmsandfloating
blissfullyinfeelingsshehadneverexperienced.Hismouthwaswarmandhardandinsistent.Shehad
noinclinationtofightorprotest.Hemusthaveknownit,becausehewasgentle,almosttenderwith
her.Whenhefinallyliftedhismouth,shewasdazed,fascinated.Herwideblueeyessearchedhisina
silencebrokenonlybythesoftmovementsofthehorsenearby.

Hissilver-grayeyesglitteredastheytracedhermouthandthenmethershockedeyes.“You’revery
docileforanadventuress,”hewhispereddeeply.“Doyoulikelyinginmyarms?”

Shehadn’trealizedthatshewas.Hestillhadherclearofthefloor.Herarmswerearoundhisneck,
holdingon,andsheneverwantedtomove.Itwasasurprisetodiscoverthatitfeltnaturaltolethim
kissher.

“You’redazed,aren’tyou?”hemurmuredwithfaint,tenderamusementashestudiedherface.

“Youflatterme.”

“Youmust…putmedown,”shefaltered.

Heshookhishead,veryslowly.“NotuntilI’vekissedyouagain.”Hislipstouchedhers,teased,
tempted.Henibbledonherlowerlipandheardhergasp.“Youtasteofwhippingcream,”he
whispered,nudgingatherupperlipwiththetipofhistongue.“Youmakemehungry,Nora,forthings
nogentlemanshouldadmittoalady….”

Hismouthcrusheddownoverhers,openingittothemostintimatekissshe’deverexperiencedinher
life.Shecriedoutandpushedathim,frightenednotonlybytheintimacyofit,butbythesensationsit
madeherfeel.

Heliftedhishead,laughingsoftlyashesawhereyes.“Ithoughtyouweresophisticated,”hechided.

Shecolored.“Doputmedown!”shemurmured,strugglingandflustered.

Hedid,holdingheruntilsherightedherselfandsteadied.Shepushedatherdisheveledhairdoand
movedjerkilyawayfromhim.Hehadneverseemedtaller,moremenacing,thanhedidthen.

Forhimself,Calwaspleasedwithherreactions.Shewasn’tsohaughtynow,andhelikedverymuch
seeingheratadisadvantage.Itwasgoingtobefuntobringtheso-superiorMissMarlowedownto
thelevelofanordinarywoman.Shemightevenenjoybeinghumanforachange.

Hetouchedhernosewiththetipofhisfingerandlaughedagainasshelookedworriedlyaround
them.

“Noonesawus,”hesaidgently.“Oursecretissafe.”

Shechewedonherlowerlipandtastedhimthere.Hereyessoughthis,fullofunvoicedfears.

“WhatshallIbringyoufromBeaumont?”heasked.

“I…Ineednothing.”

Hiseyebrowsarched.“It’smyexperiencethatwomenlovelittlepresents.Come,isn’ttheresomething
yourheartdesires?”

Shewasafraid.Thewayhewaslookingathermadeherkneeswobbly,andhiskisseshadkindled
somethingfrighteninginsideher.Shemadeahelplessgesturewithherhands.

“No,thereis…thereisnothingIwant.I…mustgoinside.Dohaveasafetrip,”shesaid.

Hejustlookedather,awareofnewfeelings,newcuriosities,allofwhichinvolvedthewomanbefore
him.“IshallthinkofyouwhileI’maway,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandslow.“WhenIlookupatthe
starstonight,Ishallimagineyoulookingatthem,andthinkingofmeaswell.”

Sheflushed.“Youmustnot!”

“Why?”heaskedreasonably,andsmiled.“Youhavenobeau.Ihavenosweetheart.Whyshouldwe
notbeinterestedineachother?”

“Idonotwantthat,”sheblurtedout.

Hecockedaneyebrow.“BecauseI’mapoor,dirtycowboy?”hechided.“AmInotgoodenoughfora
MarloweofVirginia?”

Shegrimacedandhereadthetruthinherface.No,apoorcowhandwouldhardlybeasuitablematch
forawealthywomanfrombackEast.Itrankledthatsheshouldthinkthatway,thatsheshouldbeso
boundbyconventionwhenshewasmodernandwelltraveledandoutspoken.

Shewasanadventuress,shesaid,butshewascertainlyveryconventionalinherprivatelife.Shegave
lipservicetothemodernideals,butshedidnotpracticethem.Shewasjustonemoreprisonerofthe
socialconventionsofherset.Hewasoddlydisappointedinher.Hismotherwasafrontierwoman,a
goodanddecentwoman,butonewholivedtopleaseherownsenseofmorality,notflatrulesset
downbyotherpeople.HehadthoughtatfirstthatNorahadspiritandfeltthelureofadventure,that
shehadcomeWesttotesthercourageandchallengetheunknown.

Butinfact,shewasjustanotherboredrichsocietywomanwhotoyedwithmentogetherthrills.

Hemustn’tforgetpoorGreely.

“Please,”shesaidnervously.“Imustgo.”

Hisfacewasshuttered,hard.“Go,then,”hesaidcurtly.“Itwouldnotbeseemlyforyoutobeseen
withsomeonebeneathyoursocialstation.”

Sheglancedathimworriedly,guiltily.Butshedidn’tdenyit.Thatwaswhatdamnedherinhiseyes,
whatmadehimdeterminedtoshowherthatfeelingsweremoreimportantthanconventions.He
would,ifitwasthelastthingheeverdid.Hewouldwooandwinherasanitinerantcowboy.And
whenhewasthrough,shewouldneverjudgeanothermanbyhisclothesorhisstationinlife.He
wouldbetheswordofvengeanceforGreelyandalltheothermenthisspoiledyoungmisshadhurt
withherthoughtlessness.

Hewhirledangrilytowardhishorse,leavingNoratowalkslowlybacktowardthehousewithher
heartinherthroat.Shehaddrivenhimaway,andsheshouldbesorry.Butshehadnothingtogive
him.Ifhethoughtthatitwasbecauseofhisstationandnotherownfearsaboutherillness,then
perhapsthatwasaswell,too.Perhapsitwouldspareheranyfuturewooing.Thethought,which
shouldhavecomfortedher,wasvaguelydiscouraging.

Shehadbarelymadeittothestepswhensheheardthehorse’shoovessoundcloseby,andthen
quicklymoveaway.SheturnedintimetoseeCalridingoutthegate,tallagainstthedarkeningsky,
lookingasviolentasthestormitself.

THECHURCHPICNICwasasurprise.Norahadn’texpectedtoenjoyit,butshewashavingavery
goodtime.Theonlyflyintheointmentwas,asMellyhadintimated,Mr.Langhorn’sson,Bruce.The
littleboywasaholyterror,blondandslightandfullofmischief.He’dbarelyarrivedwhenheputa
bullfrogdownagirl’sbackandspilledlemonadeonthepreacher ’strousers.

Hisdadjustgrinnedandwatchedhim,apparentlyapprovinghisactions.Mellygavethewhipcord-
leanmanwiththedarkhairandeyesacoldglare,butheignoredher.Hewasapparentlytakenwithan
olderwoman,abrunettewithaplateofcakeandasweetsmile.

“Therehegoesagain,playinguptoMrs.Terrell,”Mellysaidirritably.“NotthatIcare,butshe’sat
leastfiveyearsolderthanheis,andshe’sgotthreekidsofherown.She’sawidow.Arichwidow,”
sheaddedinahiss.

Asifheheard,Mr.Langhornlookedather.Heliftedaneyebrow,gaveheralazy,dismissing
appraisal,andpickedupapieceofthewidow’scake.Therewassomethingalmostspitefulaboutthe
wayhelookedrightatMellywhilehebitintoit.

“Daringmetosaysomething,”Mellymuttered.“Lookathim!He’sa…ablackguard,anuncivilized
boor!Shedeserveshim!”

“Butthepoorwidowiskind,”Noraargued.

“Sheisablackwidow,”camethetersereply.“Idespiseher!”

NorawassurprisedatthepoisonoustonesfromhersweetcousinMelly.Itwassooutofcharacter.

“HetoldmethatIwastooyoungtogivehimwhatamanneededfromawoman,”Mellysaid
shockingly.Sheflushed.“Mamawouldhaveafitifsheknewhehadspokentomeinsuchaway.I
pretendedthatitwasanotherman,mybestfriend’snewhusband,whohadbrokenmyheart,butit
wasn’t.Itwas…him.”Shesoundedmiserable.HereyesfollowedthetallmanwiththewidowTerrell,
andshejerkedthembackaroundwithafaintgroan.“Myparentswouldneverhavepermitted
anythingtocomeofmyregardforhim,becauseheisdivorced!WhatshallIdo?

Itiskillingmetoseethemtogether!Hesaysthatheshallprobablymarryher,becauseBruceneedsa
mothersobadly.”Sheclenchedherhandstogether.“Ilovehim.Buthefeelsnothingforme,nothing
atall.Hehasnevertouchedme,noteventoshakemyhand….”

Therewasawrenchingsigh,andNorafeltsosorryforhercousinthatshecouldhavecried.

“Iamsorry,”shesaidgently.“Lifehasitstragedies,doesn’tit?”sheaddedabsently,thinkingof
Africaandtheterriblechangesithadbroughttoherlife.

“Yourshasbeenmuchdifferentfrommine,andcertainlyithasnotbeentragic,”hercousinargued.

“Youhavewealthandpositionandyouaretraveledandsophisticated.Youhaveeverything.”

“Noteverything,”Norasaidtersely.

“Youcouldhave.Mr.Bartonissweetonyou,”sheteased,forgettingherownproblemsmomentarily.
“Youmightmarryhim.”

Shecouldn’tforgettheharsh,coldfarewellshe’dreceivedfromMr.Barton.Shetensedindignantly.
“Marryacowboy!”Noraexclaimedhaughtily.

Mellyglaredather.“Andwhat,praytell,iswrongwithahardworkingman?Beingpoorisnosin.”

“Hehasnoambition.Heisdirtyanddisheveled.Ifindhim…offensive,”shelied.

“Thenwhywereyoukissinghiminthebarnbeforeheleft?”Mellyaskedreasonably.

Noragasped.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Isawyoufrommywindow,”shesaidwithachuckle.“Don’tlooksoshocked,Nora,Iknewyou
werehuman.Heisveryattractive,andwhenheshavesandcleansup,hewouldbeamatchforanyof
yourEuropeanfriends.”

Norashifteduncomfortably.“Heisuncivilized.”

“Youshouldspendmoretimeouthere.Ifyoudid,youwouldrealizethatclothesandafineeducation
donotalwaysmakeamanagentleman,”Mellysaidquietly.“TherearemenhereinTexaswhohave
nomoney,butwhoarecourageousandkindandnoble,intheirway.”

“Liketheheroesinmydimenovels?”Norachided.“Thatisallfiction.Ihavediscoveredthetruth
sinceIhavecomeWest,anditisdisillusioning.”

“Itshouldnotbe,ifyoudonotexpectpeopletobeperfect.”

“IcertainlydonotexpectitofMr.Barton.He…accostedme,”shemuttered.

“Hekissedyou,”Mellycorrected,“whichishardlythesamething.Letmetellyou,manyofour
unattachedwomeninchurchwouldgivemuchtohavetheelusiveandstoicMr.Bartonkissthem!”

Noraglaredathercousin.“Iwouldpreferthat,too.Hemaykissanyofthemhelikes,withmy
blessing.Ihavenodesiretobecomethesweetheartofacommoncowboy.”

“Orofanyman,itseems,”Mellymurmuredwithaspeakingglance.“Youareveryreluctantto
discussmarriageandafamily,Nora.”

Norawrappedherarmsaroundherbody.“Ihavenodesiretomarry.”

“Why?”

Sheshifted.“ItissomethingIcannotdiscuss,”shesaid,shiveringwiththememoryofhowillshehad
been.Howcouldshesubjectaman,anyman,toalifeofillnessesthatwouldneverend?

Howcouldshehaveababy,andtakecareofit?“Ishallnevermarry,”Norasaidbitterly.

“Withtherightman,youmightwantto.”

NorathoughtofCalBarton’shotkisses,andherheartraced.Shemustn’tremember,shemustn’t.She
turnedintimetoseeyoungBruceLanghornmakingabeelineforanotheryoungboyperched
precariouslyonarock,laughing.

“Oh,no!”Mellygasped,andbeforeNoracouldopenhermouth,hercousinbrokeintoadeadrun
towardthechildren.

Shehadn’trealizedwhatwasgoingonuntilshesawtheLanghornboyreachouttopushtheother
littleboy,immaculatelydressed,intothestreamface-first.

“Youlittleheathen!”theboy’smothercried,drawingeveryone’sattentiontoBruce.“Youshouldn’tbe
allowedindecentcompany!Thechildofadivorcedman!”sheaddedwithpurevenomasshepulled
hersoaked,weepingchildoutofthewaterandbegantocomforthim.

Langhornheard.Hegottohisfeetandjoinedhisson,wholookedtornbetweentearsand
embarrassment.

“Itriedtostophim,”Mellysaid,hereyeseloquentastheylookedupatthetallman.

Hedidn’tlookather,orseemtohear.HeputhishandonBruce’sshoulder.“He’sasgoodasyour
boy,Mrs.Sanders,”hetoldtheflusteredmother.“Ofcourse,hedoesactlikealittleboyinsteadofa
littlestatuesometimes.”

Mrs.Sanders’sredfacewentredder.“Hehardlyhasamoralexampletofollow,Mr.Langhorn.”

Langhornjuststaredather.“Ithoughtthiswasachurchparty,whereChristianpeoplegottogetherto
haveagoodtime.”

Thewomanfroze,andsuddenlybecameawareofpeoplestaringather,andnotveryapprovingly.

“Itseemstome,”Norainsertedwithexquisitepoise,“thatnoneofusissoperfectthathecansitin
judgmentonothers.Oristhatnotwhatchurchissupposedtoteachus?”sheaddedwithacoolsmile.

Mrs.Sandersbitalmostthroughherlowerlip.“Idobegyourpardon,Mr.Langhorn.Iwasfrightened
forTimmy….”

Langhorn’seyesspokeforhim.HeturnedBruceaway.“Youfindsomeotherlittlekidtoplaywith,”
hesaidloudly.“Iwantyouaroundboyswhoaren’tmadeofglass.”

Timmywipedhiseyesonhissleeveandjerkedawayfromhismotherwithafuriousglare.

MellysmotheredagrinandfollowedNorabacktotheirpicnicarea.

Itwasn’tlongbeforeLanghornandBrucejoinedthem.Bothweregrinning,andMellywasmore
flusteredthanNorahadeverseenher.

“You’reahaughtyone,”LanghorntoldNorawithpursedlips.“Idon’tknowthatIlikebeing
defendedbyeasternaristocratswithtoffeenoses.”

Noralikedhimatonce.Shegrinnedathim.“Idon’tknowthatIwanttoassociatewithaheathen,”she
returned.

HiseyebrowswentupandhelookedatMelly,whocoloredprettily.

“Icanseethatmyreputationhasprecededme,”hesaidheavily.Hesatdownontheirclothand
loungedonhisside.HisdarkeyessmiledatNoraandthenslidreluctantlytoMelly,whowastryingto
dishupchickenandrolls.“AmIinvitedtodinner?”heaskedhersoftly.

Melly’shandsshook.“Ifyoulike,”shestammered.“There’splenty.”

Itwasnothingtangible,butNorafeltherselfwonderingatthetensionbetweenthismanandher
cousin.ShehadtoldNorathathewasn’tinterestedinher,buthelookedatMellyjustalittletoolong
forpoliteness,andshewasshaken—morethanshaken—byjusthispresence.Hewasattractedtoher,
butobviouslyhewasn’tgoingtolethergetanycloserthanthis.

“Me,too,Melly,”Brucepleaded.Hegrinnedather.“Wereyougonnastopme?Isawyourunningmy
way.”

“Iwasn’tquickenough,”shemuttered.“You’rejustimpossible,Bruce.Really…!”

“Timmypushedmeinlasttimewewentonapicnic,”Bruceexplained.“Iwasjustgoingtogeteven,
that’sall.Hismomdidn’tsayawordwhenitwasmedrippingwet.”Heglowered.“Idon’tlikeher.
ShesaysI’mnotgoodenoughtoplaywithTimmy.”

“Likehellyouaren’t,”Langhornsaideasily.“Pardonmylanguage,”headdedpolitelytotheladies.
Helookedbackathisson.“Youdon’tjudgepeoplebytheirkin.”

“Youshouldn’t,”Noracorrected.“Unfortunately,peopledo.”

LanghornstudiedMellycarefullyasheacceptedaplatefromherunsteadyhandsandnoddedhis
thanks.“YoucametoBruce’srescuelikeanavengingangel.Thanks.”

Mellyshrugged.“Mrs.Sandersis…abitoverbearingattimes.She’soverprotective,too.Timmyis
goingtowishshehadn’tbeen,oneday.”

Hesmiled.“Maybenot.Yourparentshaveprotectedyou.Ithasn’thurtyou.”

“Hasn’tit?”Mellyaskedwithoutlookingathim.Shefeltbitter,fiercelybitter,becauseifherparents
hadn’tsmotheredherwithconcern,shemighthavehadsomehopeofalifewithLanghorn.Butthat

wasinthepast.Hethoughthertooyoung,andperhapsshewas.

Mrs.TerrellcamesidlingupaminuteafterLanghornfinishedhischicken,smilingfromunderher
lacyparasol.“Idohatetodisturbyou,Jacob,butI’mfeelingjustabitfaint.Wouldyoumindvery
muchdrivingmehome?”

“Butweonlygothere,”Brucewailed.“AndIhaven’tgottoplaywiththeotherkids.There’sasack
race…!”

“Hecanstaywithusandwe’lldrivehimtoyourplaceonthewayhome,”Mellyoffered,angryatthe
widow—whowasobviouslyjealous—andhurtforBruce.“Oh,dolethimstay,”shepleadedwhenhe
hesitated.

Helookedathissonquietly.“Youmindher.”

“Yes,sir!”Brucebeamed.

LanghornglancedatMellywithanunreadableexpressionandbenttopickuphisweather-beatenhat.
“I’llexpecthimhomebeforedark,”hetoldMelly.“Youhavenobusinessdrivingaroundthecountry
inthedark.”

“Yes,sir,”Mellymurmureddemurely,peeringupathimimpishly.

Hisfacefroze,asifherteasinghadanunwantedeffectonhim.Hewhirledonhisheel,takingMrs.
Terrell’sarmbruisinglytoherdherdownthepath.

“Thanks,Melly!”Brucesaidenthusiastically,grabbingforasliceoffresh-bakedapplepie.

“You’reswell!That’stwiceyousavedmylife.Honestly,isn’tMrs.Terrellahoot?ShewantsDadto
marryher,buthedoesn’tlikeherthatway.Iheardhimtalkingtohimselfabouther.”

Mellysmiledtoherself.ItwasnicetoknowsomethingsointimateaboutJacobLanghorn,evenifit
wasonlythathetalkedtohimself.SheglancedatNoraandsighedatthesympathyandcaringinthose
deepblueeyes.Shesmiledathercousinandshrugged.

Therestofthepicnicwasfun.MellyandNoracheeredBruceinthesackracesandwatchedhimbeat
theothersintheeggcarry.Therewerehorseracesbetweenthemen,whichBrucesaidhisdadwas
suregoingtohatehavingmissed,andmusicaswell,becauseacoupleofthemenbroughttheir
guitars.

IfCalBartonhadbeenaround,Norawouldhavethoughtthepicnicperfect.Shewonderedwhathe
wasdoing,onhismysteriousweekendabsence.

DOWNNEARBEAUMONT,TEXAS,agrimyCalBartonwashelpinghisdrillforemanputthefinal
touchesontheirnewestrigwhilehisbrotherAlanlookedon.Immaculateinhissuitandtie,Alan
wasn’tabouttogethimselfdirty.IrritablyCalthoughtthatthesnootyMissMarlowewouldhave
foundAlanjusthercupoftea.

“Thatshoulddoit.Let’sgetstarted,”Caltoldtheotherman,climbingdowntojoinhisbrotheron
solidground.

“Youhitadryholefirsttime,”Alanremindedhim.“Don’tgettoooptimistic.”

“It’smymoney,son,”Calremindedhimwithacoolsmile.“AuntGrace’smoney,actually,butIwas
herfavoriteandshehadapassionforoil.That’swhyyouandKingwereleftout.ShethoughtIhad
thetouch.”

“Maybeyoudo.Ihopeyoudon’trunoutofmoneybeforeyouhitthebigone.”

“Thatgeologistsaidtheoilishere,”Calremindedhim.“I’dhavecomethreeyearsagoifI’dhadthe
backing,butnoneofyoubelievedIknewwhatIwasdoing.LeastofallKing.Hemadehisopinionof
foolishventurescrystalclearbeforeIlefthome.”

“Kinghasmellowedjustrecently,thankstoAmelia,”Alanmused.“Youreallywillhavetocome
homelongenoughtomeether.She’squiteagirl.”

“Shemusthaveabackboneofsolidsteeltocopewithourbrother,”hesaidflatly.

“Shethrewacarafeathim.”

Cal’seyeswidened.“AtKing?”

“He’sstilllaughingaboutit.She’smorethanamatchforhim.Oneshiverstothinkwhatsortof
childrenthey’llhave.Iwanttomoveawaytoasafeplacebeforethefirstonecomesalong.”

Calchuckled.“Well,I’llbe.IthoughthewasgoingtomarryDarcy,andthereweretimes,mindyou,
whenIthoughthedeservedtomarryher.”

“Shameonyou.Iwouldn’twishsuchacoldfishonKing.Ameliaismuchmorehisstyle.”

HeglancedatAlancuriously.“IhadaletterfromMotherabouther.Shethoughtyouweretheone
withmarriageinmind.”

Alanlookeduncomfortable.“Iwas,whensheseemedgentleandinneedofprotection.Afterher
father ’sdeath,shechanged.ShewasmorewomanthanIcouldhandle.”Hesmiledruefully.“I’mnot
likeyouandKing.Iwantagentle,sweetgirl,notawarringValkyrie.”

“Notme,”Calsaid,eyeingtherig.“IfImarry,Idon’twantawomanIcanbrowbeat.She’llneedtobe
spiritedandadventuroustokeepupwiththewayIwanttolive.IfIstrikeanythinghere,I’llmove
ontotheplaceandneverleaveit.”

“Campouthere,youmean?”

“Somethinglikethat.Idon’tneedacitywomanwithsnobbishattitudes.”

“Thatsoundssuspiciouslylikeyou’vemetonealready.”

“Who,me?Gohome,Alan.Youaren’tsuitedtodrilling.You’lljustgetintheway.Idon’tknowwhy
youcame.”

“I’monmywaytoGalvestonforsomefishing.It’sjustthesecondweekinSeptember,andIwon’tbe
gang-pressedintoroundupbyFatheruntiltheendofthemonthatleast.Ineedabreak.

Thiswasjustastopontheway,”hesaid,grinning.“Ihaveatraintocatch.”

“Whenareyoucomingback?”

“Idon’tknow.Maybeafternextweekend.Maybealittlelater.”Hefrowned.“Ididwanttoseeamanin
BatonRougeaboutsomeranchbusinessaswell.MaybeI’llgooneastfirst,andthendoubleback.I’ll
cableyou.”

Calclappedhisbrotherontheback.“Gocarefully,youngAlan.Wemaybeoilandwater,butwe’re
family.Neverforget.”

“Iwon’t.”Alansmiled.“Goodluck.”

“Thanks.I’llneedit.”

AlanclimbedontohishiredhorseandwavedatCalashestartedbacktowardBeaumont.Calwatched
himwithapeculiarsensationinhischest,afeelingofloss.Helaughedathisownfoolishnessand
turnedbacktohischores.HehadverylittletimeleftbeforehehadtogetbacktoTylerJunctionand
theTremayneranch.HeenviedAlanthatfishingtrip.Drillingforoilwasanoccupationthatwas
expensive,physicallyexhaustingandnotalittledangerous.Justlastweek,aderrickhadtoppledona
nearbypieceofproperty,andaprospectorhadbeenkilled.Thedryholewasanoccupationalhazard
aswell,andafterdaysofhopeforastrike,itwasabitterbreak.Calhopedthatthisnextattemptwould
bemoresuccessful.Hehatedtoleavethedrillingcrewalone,butitcouldn’tbehelped.Hewasputting
allhissparecapitalintotheventure.Heneededwhathemadeasforemanattheranchtosupplement
hisincome.

Besides,itgavehimtheopportunitytokeepaneyeonthefamily’smassiveinvestmentinthe
Tremayneranch.HehatedspyingonChester,butitcouldn’tbehelped.Asmuchasthecombinehad
paidtotakeitover,theTremaynesstoodtolosethemost.Intheseunsafedays,itwasbettertocovera
betthanriskthehand.HehadtokeepChestersolvent,forthefamily’ssakeaswellasChester ’s.If
onlyhecouldbringthemanaroundtosomemodernthinking.He’dhavetoworkonthatanglewhen
hegotback.

ChapterFour

Thenextweek,CalhadatelegramfromAlaninGalveston,mentioningthefineweatherandasking
aboutprogressontherig.Caltooktimeenoughtowirehimbackandtellhim,tongueincheek,that
he’dhitthebiggeststrikeinTexashistoryandhopedAlanwouldn’tbesorryhemissedit.

HewishedhecouldbeaflyonthewallwhenAlangotthemessage,althoughhisbrotherknewhim
verywellandwasn’tlikelytofallforthejoke.Hewentbacktowork,buthismindwasn’tonit.He
wasthinkingabouthisnewventureandworriedaboutthecapitalhewasinvesting.

Perhapshewastryingtobuildalifeondreamsafterall.KinghadsaidasmuchwhenCalannounced
hisintentiontogolookingforabigoilstrikeneartheGulf.But,then,Kingwaspracticalanda
realist.Hewascontenttomanagetheranchandoverseethecombinewiththeirfather.Hewasn’ta
risktaker.

Norawasoutwalkingwhenhemadehiswaytothebunkhouselatethatevening.Helookedunusually
solemn.

“Hello,”shesaidgently,hesitatingwhenhestoppedjustinfrontofher.“Goodness,youlooksomber.
Issomethingwrong?”

He’ddeliberatelyavoidedhersincehisreturnMondayafternoon.Thewayhefeltaboutherconfused
him.Hewantedtomakeheruncomfortable,tohurtherbecauseofherarrogance,hertreatmentof
Greely.Butwhenitcamerightdowntoit,hehadn’ttheheart.

Hestudiedherquietly,awarethatforthefirsttime,shewasn’tmovingbackorwrinklinghernoseat
him.Herblueeyeswereshadowedinthedusklight,andtheywerecuriousastheysearchedhis
strong,leanface.

“It’snothingIcansharewithyou,”hesaidslowly.“A…personalmatter.”

“Oh,Isee.”Shepaused.“Lifeisnotalwayswhatwewouldwish,isit,Mr.Barton?”sheasked
absently.

Hescowledattheproperuseofhisname.“Ihavekissedyou,”heremindedhercurtly.“Howcanyou
stillbesoformalwithme?”

Sheclearedherthroatandfoldedherhandsatherwaist.“Youembarrassme.”

“MynameisCallaway,”hepersisted.“UsuallyI’mcalledCal.”

Shesmiled.“Itsuitsyou.”

“WhatisNorashortfor?”

“Eleanor,”shereplied.

“Eleanor.”Itsoundedrightonhistongue.Hesmiledashestudiedherinthefadinglight.“You
shouldn’tbehere.TheTremaynesareveryconventionalpeople,andso,Ithink,areyou.”

Herblueeyessearchedhisface.“Youarenot.”

Heshrugged.“Ihavebeenarake,andinsomeways,Istillam.Imakemyownrules.”Hiseyes
narrowedandhespokeinvoluntarily.“Whileyouareaslavetosociety’srules,Eleanor.”

Hernamesoundedmagicalonhislips.Shehardlyheardwhathewassaying.Shewantedtotouch
him,toholdhim.Hemadeherthinkofbeginnings,ofpalegreenbudsontreesinearlyspring.These
werefeelingsthatshehadneverbeforeexperienced,andshecovetedthem.Buthewasacowboy.She
couldn’timaginewhatherparentswouldthinkifshewrotethatshehadbecomeinfatuatedwitha
workingman,withahiredhand.Theywouldhaveafit.SowouldherauntHelen.Justthefactof
speakingwithhim,alonelikethis,couldcosthimhisjob.Whyhadshenotrealizedit?

“Imustgoin,”shesaiduneasily.“Itwouldnotpleasemypeopletofindmeherewithyoulikethis.”

Hisfingerscaughthersandsoothedthem,easedbetweenthem.Thecontactwasshocking.Hemadea
roughsounddeepinhisthroatandhadtofighttheurgetobringherbodyintohisandkissheruntil
hemadeherlipssore.Itwasinhiseyes,thatterribleneed.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dhada
woman;surelythatwasthereasonhereactedsoviolentlytoher!

Heletgoofherhandabruptlyandmovedback.“Itislate.”

“Yes.Goodnight,Mr.Barton.”

Henodded.Heturnedandwalkedaway,leavingherstaringafterhim.

AuntHelenwasstandingontheporch,lookingworriedwhenNoracameupthesteps.

“Nora,youshouldnotbeoutsidesolate,”shesaidgently.“Itlooksbad.”

“Iwasonlygettingabreathofair,”Norasaid,avoidingtheolderwoman’seyes.“Itissowarm….”

“Isee.”Helensmiled.“Indeeditis.Mydear,therewasthemostterriblestoryinthepapertoday,about
afamilyofmissionariesmassacredinChina,withtheirlittlechildren.Whataterribleworlditis
becoming!”

“Yes,indeed,”Norareplied.“HownicethatwearesafehereinsouthernTexas.”

THATSATURDAYtherewasastorm.Calandtheothermenwereoutgettingthelivestockseento,
whilethewaterrosetounbelievablelevelsandtoredownfences.Theywerekeptbusyallday,and
whentheycameinlatethatafternoon,theylookedlikemudmen.

Calcameupontotheporch,apologizingtoHelenandthewomenforhisappearance.

“Chesterwantedyoutoknowthathe’sallright,”hesaidwithoutpreamble,wipingagrimysleeve
overhisdirtyface.“Wehadtopullcattleoutofthemudallafternoon,andwelostafewheadinthe

flood.Chester ’sgonewithtwooftheothermenovertoPotter ’splace,toseeifheandhiswifeareall
right.Theirhouseisclosetotheriver.”

“Yes,Iknow,”Helensaidworriedly.“Whatanoddstorm,tocomeoutofnowherelikethis.

TheyhavesaidthatinArizonatherehavebeenunusualchangesintheweather,causingmanypeople
tobecomeill.Imagine,anditisonlythetenthofSeptember!”

Callookeduneasy.“Theweatherhasbeenveryodd,”heagreed.“I’dliketoknowifthingsarethis
badalongthecoast.”Hedidn’taddthathisbrotherwasthereandhewasconcerned.

“Wewillknowsoonenough,Isuppose,”Helensaid.“Dogoandhaveyourmeal,Mr.Barton,you
looksotired.”

Hesmiledwanly,glancingatNora.“Noneofushashadmuchrest.Chesterwillbehomesoon,I’m
certain.”

“Thankyouforcomingtotellus.”

Henoddedwearilyandturnedtowardthebunkhouse.Norahadtobiteherlipnottocallafterhim.If
shehadtheright,shewouldtuckhimupinbedandlookafterhim.Imagine,shetoldherself,how
sillyitwouldsoundifshevoicedsuchalonging.Shemovedbackintothehousewithoutsayinga
word.

Itwasn’tuntilMondaythatthenewsreachedTylerJunctionabouttheincredibletragedyinGalveston.
AhurricanehadcomeashoreintheseasidecityaboutmidmorningthepreviousSaturday,
submergingtheentirecityunderwater.Galvestonwasalmosttotallydestroyed,andearlyestimates
werethatthousandsofpeoplehadbeenkilled.

WHENCALHEARDTHIS,hewasonhishorseandgonebeforeanyonehadachancetoquestion
him.ItwasassumedthathewasgoingtoGalvestontohelpwithrescueefforts.Nooneknewthathe
hadabrothervisitingthereorthathewasterrifiedthatAlanmightbeamongthedead.Hedidn’tcable
homeontheway.IfnooneinElPasoheardaboutthetragedyforafewdays,hemighthave
somethingtotellhisfamilybeforetheyknewofAlan’sdanger.

HemanagedtogetonatrainheadingtowardGalveston,butwhenhegottothecity,alllineswere
downandthetracksweredestroyed.Hehadtoborrowahorsefromanearbyranchtogetintothe
city.Whathesawwouldgivehimnightmaresforyearsafterward.

Itwasn’tuntilhesawthedevastationfirsthandthatherealizedhowimpossibleitwouldbetofindhis
brotheramongthedead.Amongthesmashed,piled-upbuildingsofthecity,thereweremorepitiful
brokenandmangledbodiesthanhe’deverseeninhislife,evenintheSpanish-AmericanWar.He
tookitforafewhours,tryingtodowhathecouldtohelp,andthenhecouldn’ttakeitanymore.He
couldn’tbearthethoughtofhisbrotherinthattangleoflifelessness.Herodeoutoftownwithout
lookingback,sickatheartandsoul.Asaintwouldhaveahardtimereconcilingwhathe’djustseen
withanysortofdivinelove.

Disillusioned,shocked,grief-stricken,hecouldn’tbringhimselftogobacktotheTremayneranch
justyet.HerodeuntilhefoundadepotwithatrainboundforBatonRouge,withnoclearideaof
wherehewouldgoafterthat.

Hebookedaroominahotelwherehisfamilyusuallystayedwhentheytraveledhereonbusinessand
collapsedonthebed.Helayinbeduntildawnandwentdowntobreakfastbleary-eyedandexhausted.
Hewonderedifhewouldeversleepagain.

Memoriesofhisbrotherandtheirlivestogetherhadtormentedhim.HeandAlanhadneverbeenas
closeasheandKinghad,butAlanwasveryspecialtohim,justthesame.IthadbeenAlanwho’d
continuedtoencouragehimabouttheoilbusiness,evenasheteasedhimaboutdryholes.

Theboyhadinspiredhimtodothethingshewantedtodo,andhewasgoingtomisshimterribly.He
wonderedhowhewouldmanage….

Morose,dead-spirited,hedidn’thearthedoorofhisroomopenandbarelyfeltthehardclapofa
handonhisshoulder.“Well,whatareyoudoinghere,forGod’ssake?I’vejustgotteninfromalittle
townbackonthebayous,andsawyournameontheregister.Iwasvisitingthefamilyofayounglady
I’vetakenashineto….Cal?”

CalhadAlaninabearhug,abruisinggrip,andhiseyesclosedonawaveofreliefsogreatthathe
almostsobbedaloudwithit.

“ThankGod,”hesaidhuskily.“ThankGod!”

Alanpulledback,curiousashesawhisbrother ’sravagedface.“Why,whateveriswrong?”heasked.

Caltookaminutetogetagriponhimselfbeforehespoke.“Haven’tyou…heard?”

“Aboutwhat?”

“AboutGalveston,”Calsaidheavily.“It’sbeendestroyed.Totallydestroyed.Bodieseverywhere…”

Alanwasverystill.Hisfacewaspasty.“Ihaven’tseenapaperortalkedtoanyoneexceptSallyfor
days.When?”

“IthitSaturday,butwedidn’tgetthenewsuntilMondayinTylerJunction.Ithoughtyouwerethere.I
wentatonce.”Hesmoothedbackhishair,hiseyesterrible.“IalmostwentmadwhenIsawwhathad
happened.Youcan’timagine.I’vebeenthroughawar,butthiswasworse.MyGod,youcan’timagine
thedevastation,”hesaidinatersetoneasthehorriblememoryofthethingshe’dseenandheardleft
himsickinside.

Alanletoutabreath.“AndtothinkthatIcouldhavebeenthere,rightinthemiddleofit.MyGod!I
decidedFridaytoleaveGalvestonandcomehere,andtookatrainoutthatverynight.

TheweatherwasworsethanusualSaturday,andofcourse,therewassomeflooding.ButInever
dreamedofsuchtragedy!WhatofMr.Briggsandhisfamily?Iwasstayingwiththem….Havethey

identifiedanyofthedead,Cal?”

“They’llneveridentifythemall,”Calsaid,turningaway.Hestillcouldn’tbeartorememberthe
thingshe’dseen.“I’llhavetocabletheranch,”Calsaid.“Theymayhearaboutthehurricaneandthey
won’tlearnallofit.Wehavetoletthemknowthatyou’reallright.”

“Youdidn’tcablethemfromGalveston?”

Cal’seyesdarkened.“Thelinesaredown,”hesaidevasively.“I’llgoovertotheWesternUnion
officeanddothatrightnow.I’llbebackinaminute.”HesmiledwarmlyatAlan.“I’mgladyou’re
alive.”

Alannodded.“SoamI.”Hesmiled,too,becauseitwasnicetoknowthathisbrothercaredsomuch
abouthim.LikeKing,Caldidn’tshowhisfeelingsoften,oreasily.

ALANSTAYEDONINBATONROUGEwhileCalgotonthenexttrainforTylerJunction,andslept
withpurereliefmostofthewaythere.ThestoriesheheardonthewayaboutthefloodinGalveston
madehimevensicker,nowthathe’dseenitforhimself.Hehopedthatonedayhecouldforgetthe
sight,evenashethankedGodthathehadn’thadarelativethere.Thehorrorgrewdaily,alongwith
thethreatofterribledisease.Hemighthaveofferedtohelpagain,withAlansafe,buthehadhisown
jobtodobackinTylerJunction,makingsurethattheTremayneranch’scattleweren’tlostaswell.
AndtherewasnoshortageofvolunteerstohelpinGalveston,forthemoment.

TherewerereportsofseverefloodingalloverTexas,andheprayedthatGalveston’stragedy
wouldn’tberepeatedanywhereelse.IftheriversthatlayoneachsideoftheTremaynepropertyran
outoftheirbanksagain,therecouldbedevastationforthecombineaswellasChesterandhisfamily.
Theyhadtobehisfirstconcern,nowthatAlanwasoutofdanger.Hecoulddonothingforthedead.
Theywouldhavetobelefttoprovidenceandtheirpoor,grievingrelatives.

Hecouldhaveweptfortheirfamilies.

Despitehisreliefathisbrother ’ssafety,hearrivedbackattheTremayneranchpaleanddepressed.He
saidnothingaboutwhathe’dseen,althoughChesterhadheardenoughtoturnhisstomach;thingshe
hadn’tdaredsharewiththewomen.

Calhadenoughtodoforthefirstcoupleofdaysafterhisreturnhome,makingsurethatthe
Tremaynecattleweresafe.He’dcabledBeaumontfromTylerJunctiontomakesurethathisrigwas
stillstanding.Thelineshadbeendownatfirst,buthe’dmadecontactwithhisdrillrigger,and
everythingwasallright.Thatwasarelief.Hedreadedhearingthatthewindhadcosthimhis
investment.Perhapsthiswasanomenthathewasontherighttrack.

Hismelancholywasnoticed,however,andremarkedupon.HecametoreporttoChesterafewdays
laterwhileNorawassittingontheporchalone.

Hehadn’tpaidmuchattentiontohissurroundingssincehisreturn.Norahadnoticedhis
preoccupation,andshehadagoodideawhathadcausedit.

Sherosegracefullyfromthesetteewhereshe’dbeenperched,andstoppedhimjustashewasaboutto
knockonthefrontdoor.

“You’restillbroodingaboutGalveston,aren’tyou?”sheaskedgently.“Therewasaterrible
hurricaneontheEastCoastlastyear.Ilostabelovedcousin.AndIhaveseenfloods,althoughnotone
onsuchascale.Itisnotdifficulttoimaginethedevastation.”

Hewassurprisedbyherperception.Hispaleeyesnarrowedashesearchedherearnestface.“It’s
somethingI’llneverspeakabout,”hesaidtautly.“Leastofalltoawoman.”

Hereyebrowsrose.“AmImadeofglass,sir?”

Hisgazewentdownherbodyintheslimskirtandwhiteembroideredblouse.“Iwonder,considering
theblazingpathofsomeofyourcontemporariesthroughsaloonswithaxes.”

Shegiggledsoftlyatthereferencetothezealoustemperanceleagues.“Wouldn’tIlookathomewith
anaxinmyhand?”

Heshookhishead.“Itwouldn’tsuityou.”Hefrownedather.“You’vebeensubduedsinceyour
arrival.Youridewell,andChestermentionedthatyoucanevenhandleafowlingpiece.YetI’venot
seenyouindulgeyourfondnessforit.”

Shecouldshoot,butnotwell.ShehadmissedhershotinEnglandandblownoutapricelessstained-
glasswindowthatdatedtotheTudorperiod.Herhosthadtakenthelossofhisprizewindowwith
stiff-lippedgoodgrace,butNorahadn’tbeeninvitedback.Shehadn’thandledagunsincethen,either.
“It’stoohottoshoot,”shesaidevasively.

“Ithasbeenunseasonablycoldlately.”

Shesearcheddesperatelyforareply.

Heliftedaneyebrow,waitingforit.

Sheclearedherthroat.“Verywell,ifyoumustknow,IdonotlikegunsandIfindmostofthemtoo
heavyformyarms,”shesaidproudly.“Imiss.”

Hechuckledsoftly.“Youfraud.”

“ButIcanshoot,afterafashion,”shesaidcurtly.“ItisonlythatIhavedifficultywiththeweightofa
rifle.”

“AndwhatofthesafariinAfrica?”hepersisted.

Shepaledandavertedhereyes.“IdonotliketospeakofAfrica.Itisa…tarnishedmemory.”

Hewonderedatherwordingandtheexpressiononherface.Whatapuzzleshewasbecoming.

“ThereisaWomen’sClubsocialatthecourthouseonSaturdayevening,”herecalled.“Ihavebeen

appropriatedforit,byoneoftheorganizers.Wouldyoupartnerme?”

Herheartstoppedandthenranaway.Hermindwhirledthroughherwardrobeandshelookedupat
himwithbarelysubduedexcitement.“Partner…you?”

“Idanceratherwellforacowboy,”hetoldheramusedly.“AndIpromisetowearmybestbootsand
plentyofcologne.Youmaytrustmetobediscreet.”

Shecolored,becauseherauntHelenhadrepeatedlymadeherawareofthesocialdistancebetween
them.Tobeseenwitharanchforemaninpublicwouldembarrassnotonlyher,butherfamily.

Hesawherconflictingexpressionsandhisfaceclosedup.“Perhapsoneofthetowngirlswouldbea
betterchoiceafterall,”hesaidtautly.“Oneofthemwouldnotbesofarabovemeonthesocialscale.”

BeforeNorahadtimetoreact,heknockedcurtlyonthedoorandwasadmitted.Whenheleft,he
didn’tevenlookherway.Hewasfuming.BackinWestTexas,womenhadviedforhisattentions.The
bestfamiliesfrombackEasthadinvitedhimtostay,inhopesofmakingamatchbetweenhimandone
oftheirdaughters.HewasasaccustomedtowealthandpositionasNoraherself,buthewasinthe
positionofamanatamasquerade.Hecouldnottellherthetruth.

Andthemoreheconsideredit,theangrierhebecame.Itwasagoodthingthathesawherasshe
actuallywas,hetoldhimself.Hadshemethimundernormalcircumstances,hemightneverhave
knownwhatanappallingsnobshereallywas.

THESOCIALEVENINGwashostedbythelocalWomen’sClub,ofwhichAuntHelenwassecretary,
andtheclub’scolorsofgreenandwhitewereusedinthedecorations.Noraworeasimpleblacksilk
gowntrimmedinduchesselaceanddiamonds.Mellyworewhiteorgandy,andAuntHelenworeblack
taffeta,buttheirjewelrywasmadeofrhinestones.Theywereelegant,intheirway.Butnoneofthe
womencouldholdacandletoNora,whowassofashionablethatshedrewmostoftheattention.

CalBartonescortedaprettyyounggirlwhowasadaughterofoneoftheorganizersoftheevent.

Hewasattentivetothegirl,andonce,whilehedancedwithhispartner,hegaveNoraalookthatmade
herfeeltwoincheshigh.Herdignityandsocialpositionwerenotenoughtocompensateforthe
contemptshesawinhispaleeyes.Hewouldn’tknowthatAuntHelenhadbeenveryfirmaboutNora’s
conduct,andfeltaworkingmanwouldnotbeasuitableescortforsuchaladyofquality.Evenif
Norahadbeenwillingtodefyconventiononherown,shecouldn’tshameherauntanduncleorspoil
Melly’schancesofmarryingwell.SheresignedherselftolosingCalBarton’scompany,butvery
reluctantly.

Amiddle-agedvisitingpoliticianaskedherforadance,andsheacceptedwithgrace,smilingupat
himwithallhercharmastheycircledthefloor.Heseemedtobefascinatedbyher,becausehe
monopolizedherthroughthreemoredancesuntilherbefuddledauntpleadedwithhernottoallow
onemansomuchfamiliaritywithher.Embarrassed,Noraretiredtothepartytable.Itseemedthatshe
coulddonothingtopleaseheraunt.

“IsourMr.Bartonmadatyou?”Mellyaskedwhentheywerestandingaroundthehorsd’oeuvres

table,whereahugecandelabralitthesilvercoffeeserviceandsavoriesonsilvertrays.

“Itseemstobemylotinlifetobetherecipientofhisire,whenIamnotaccidentallycreating
scandals,”Norasaidresignedly.

“Youmustn’tmindMama,”Mellysaidgently,withunderstanding.“Shemeanswell,butithasbeen
hardforherouthere.Likeyourmother,shewasaladyofquality,andnowshefeelsherlossofstatus
keenly.ItisonlythatshewantsabetterlifeformethansheandFatherhavetoendure.That’swhy
she’ssoconcernedaboutconvention.”ShetouchedNora’sarmlightly.“Shedoesn’tknowthatyou
havea…afeelingforMr.Barton.AndIwouldnotdaretellher.ButIamsorryforyou.”

“Itisofnoconsequence,”Norasaidstiffly.“Icouldhardlyexpectanythingtocomeofit,considering
thedifferenceinourpositions.”Shetriednottofeelthewoundingofthequietwords.Buthowshe
wishedstuffysocialconventiontodamnation!Ifonlyshewereanordinarywoman,orCalBartona
gentlemanofwealth.Shesighedmorewistfullythansheknew,andMellyheardher.Todiverther
cousin,sheglancedaroundandsaidquickly,“Isn’tthatMr.

Langhorn?”

Melly’shandshook,almostupsettinghercupofcoffee.Noraquicklysteadiedit.“Careful,”she
cautionedunderherbreath,“lestAuntHelensuspectandsaysomethingtoyouaswell.”

“Thankyou,”Mellysaidsincerely.Shelaughedunsteadily.“Idaresay,wearebothindangerfrom
Mamathisevening.Andfromthelookofthings,youseemtobeonMr.Barton’slistof
preoccupations.”

“Thatisunlikelynow,sinceIhavebeenforcedtosnubhim,”Norasaidcarelessly,refusingtolookas
shesawCalmakinghiswaysteadilytowardthem.“Ifearthathefindsmetotallyforgettable.”

“Really?Wouldyoulookatthatscowl!”shemusedashecamecloser.

Nora’sownhandswerenonetoosteady,butshehadpoiseandcomposurethatyoungMellylacked.
ShelookedupatCalindifferently,feelingthedistanceintheirsocialstationskeenlyasshetookinhis
slightlyout-of-fashionsuitandthescuffsonhisblackdressboots.Shecouldn’tknowthathe’ddug
themoutofthebottomofhistrunkdeliberatelyfortheoccasion,toreinforcehisstatusasalowly
ranchhand.

“Youlookverynice,Mr.Barton,”Mellysaidwithagrin.

“Thankyou,MissTremayne,”herepliedpolitely.“Sodoyou.”

Noratriednottolookathim.Shesippedhercoffee.“Areyouhavingagoodtime,Mr.Barton?”

sheasked.“Itakeitthatsocialfunctionsaren’tyourusualsortofentertainment.”

Shecouldcertainlyrubitin,hethoughtirritably.Hesmiledcoolly.“Well,MissMarlowe,Ihaveto
admitthatIpreferahotgameofpokertoacoldwoman.”

Herbreathcaughtjustslightly,buthewasn’tlistening.HeheldouthishandtoMelly,smilingatherso
charminglythatshedidn’teventhinkofNoraasshelethimleadherontothedancefloor.

Theymovedwelltogether,toNora’sfury.Shedidn’tseemtobetheonlyonewhowasirritatedby
them,though.Mr.Langhornwasstandingwithtwoothermen,andthelookhewasgivingMelly,
unseenbyher,wouldhavescaldedmilk.Hewasquiteobviouslyjealous;butapparentlyhewasn’t
goingtoletMellyknow.HisreasoningescapedNora,untilsherealizedthathisdivorcedstatusput
himoutofMelly’sreachaseffectivelyasherwealthputCaloutofherown.

Shefeltanoddkinshipwithhim,anacheforwhatshecouldneverhave.

Shesippedhercoffeeandsmiledasthemiddle-agedpoliticiancametostandbytherefreshmenttable
withher.

“Quiteagathering,”heremarked.“IsureamhappyIgottocome.I’vebeenovertoGalvestontolook
atthesituation.Idon’tknowwhatWashingtoncandotohelp,butthosepoorpeoplearen’tgoingtobe
abletodomuchwithoutmoney.There’stalkofbuildingaseawall,youknow,topreventthissortof
thingfromeverhappeningagain.”

“Thatwouldbeawonderfulproject,”Norasaid.“Iwouldbehappytocontributetowardit.

Surelyotherswouldaswell.”

Hisfacebrightened.“Why,Ineverthoughtofitthatway.PerhapsImightapproachwealthyfamilies
andbusinessmenforpledges.”

“Anexcellentidea.”Shehesitated.“Havethey…identifiedallthedead?”

Hehesitated,too.Hecouldnotspeakofsuchthingstoagentlewoman.“Iamcertainthattheyhave,”
hereassuredher.Hecouldn’tmentionthatitwasnotonlyimpossibletoidentifythethousandsofdead
bodies,butthatitwasequallyimpossibletoburythem.Theywerebeingcrematedwheretheylay,and
armedguardswerehavingtoforcelaborerstosiftthroughthehorrortoextricatetheremainderof
thedeadfromtherubble.Sharkshadgatheredinthewatersaroundtheshore.Theworstofit,tohim,
wasthatthefloodhadcomeafterdaylightthatSaturdaymorning.Peoplewouldhaveseenitcoming,
thatfierce,relentless,mercilesswallofwater….

“Sir,areyouallright?”Noraaskedsuddenly.“Youhavegoneverypale.”

Heliftedhiscoffeetohismouthwithasmile,ignoringthescaldingnipofitagainsthistongue.

“IwasthinkingaboutmyreturntriptoWashington,”helied.“Dotellmeaboutyouruncle’sranch,
MissMarlowe.Iamfascinatedbythecattleindustry!”

MELLYDANCEDonlyoncewithCal,enjoyinghiseasycompanyandreadysmile.Shewas,of
course,awareofhermother ’squietdisapproval,soshemadesurethattheypartedassoonasthe
waltzwasover.SheleftCalandfoundherselfface-to-facewithanunsmilingMr.Langhorn.

Herheartleapedashisdarkeyesglittereddownatherwithanunspokenthreat.Sheflushedattheir
unexpectedhostility.

“Playingpatty-cakewiththeforeman,MissTremayne?”hechidedwithapoisonoussmile.

“Yourmotherhardlyapproves,ordidyounotnotice?”

“Itwasonlyonedance,andMr.Bartonisagooddancer,”shesaidairily,refusingtobeintimidated.

“He’smyage,”heremindedher.“Fartoooldforachildlikeyou.”

Sheliftedhereyebrowsandlookedinnocent.“Why,whateverdoyoumean?”

Hisleanjawtautened.“Thereareboysyourownagehere,”hesaidangrily.“Whynotdallywiththem
instead?”

“Youcannotchoosemyescortsforme,”shetoldhimquietly.“IwilldancewithwhomIplease,Mr.
Langhorn,andyoucandoyourworst.”Shesmiledathimslyly.“Itsurprisesmethatyoudidnot
bringMrs.Terrellalongforcompany.”

“Oneofherchildrenisill,”hesaid.

Shedidn’tdareshowherjealousy.“Iamsorry,”shesaidformally.“Ihopethechildwillsoonbewell.
Doexcuseme…!”

Shehadstartedtoturnawaywhenhisleanhandcaughtherupperarmandheldherinplace,
unobtrusively.Mellylookedaroundquickly,butnoonehadnoticedhispossessivehold.

“Mr.Langhorn!”shegasped.

Hejerkedhercloser,andhiseyes,atcloserange,wereunnerving.“Doyoudoitdeliberately?”

heaskedthroughhisteeth.“Ihavenowishtobecomeentangled,inanyway,withyou.Ihavetoldyou
so,andIhavetoldyouwhy.Ifherchildwerenotill,IwouldhavebroughtMrs.

Terrell.”

“Whyareyounotwithher?”shechoked,tuggingfutilelyagainsthisstrength.

“Becauseitwasnotherwish,”hereplied.“IhavetoldyoubeforethatIintendtomarryher.Shecan
helpmeprovidewhatBruceneeds,astableanddecenthome.”

“Mrs.Terrell’sboysareheathens,”shesaidcoldly.“Bruceisnot.Heisonlymischievous.Butifyou
marrythatwoman,hervilechildrenwillmakehimintoamirrorimageofthemselves—”

“Howdareyouspeakofhersonsinsuchaway!”hegrated.

“IdonotmeanBen,whoisakindboy.Buthowcanyounotknowthathistwoolderbrothersare

foreverintroublewiththetownconstable?”shereturned.“Theyhavealmostcausedtwobuggy
accidentsplayingshinnyonthestreets!”

“Itismerelyaboyishprank,throwingstonesatbuggyhorses,”hebegan.

“Whenabuggyoverturnedintheprocessandasmallchildwasalmostkilled?”sheemphasized,her
darkeyesflashing.“Youconsiderthataboyishprank?WhydoyounotaskBrucewhathethinksof
it?HedoesnotlikeeitherthewidowTerrellorhersons.Andifyouforcesucharelationshiponhim,
youmaylosehim.Whatifherunsaway?”

“Youareverynosyforsuchasmallwoman,”hesaid,throwingherarmaway.“Iwilldecidewhatis
bestformyownson,withoutanyinterferencefromyou!”

“Oh,Melly!”hermothercalledquickly,red-facedattheconfrontation,whichwasbeingnoticedas
thetwoantagonistsraisedtheirvoicesinanger.“Dear,docomeandhelpmeserve,please!”

“Atonce,Mama,”shereturned,flushingasshemovedawayfromMr.Langhorn.

Helenwasangryandtryingnottoshowit.“Ihaveaskedyounottoassociatewiththatman,”she
hissed.“Heisscandalous!”

“Yes,Mama,”Mellysaid,subdued.“IwasonlytalkingtohimaboutBruce.”

“Bruce?”

“Hisson.Youremember,NoraandIdrovehimhomefromthechurchpicnic.Heisaverydifficult
mantospeakto,andBruce’sbehaviorisworsening.IfeltthatImustspeaktohim,buthebecame
angry,”sheaddedconvincingly.

“Isee.IdowonderwhyMr.Langhorncameheretonight,”sheaddedsomberly,glancingacrossthe
roomtowardhimandfrowning.“Heneverattendssocialfunctions,doeshe?Perhapshehadbusiness
todiscusswithsomeone.”

“Thatispossible,”Mellysaid.Shefollowedhermother ’sgazeandhadhereyesmomentarily
capturedbyMr.Langhorn’sunsmilingones.Itwaslikeajoltoflightning.Shefeltitallthroughher
bodyandquicklydroppedhereyes.

Hermother ’sattentionwasdivertedbyayoungmancomingtowardthem.“Well,thisisanice
surprise.It’syoungMr.Larrabee.”ShepattedMelly’shandencouragingly.“Heisverynice.Hewas
askingforyouamomentago.”

“Mama,Idowishyouwouldnotpushmeatmen!”

Helenwastakenaback.“Don’tyouwishtomarry?”

“Yes.But…whynotencourageNoratodancewithsomeoftheseyoungmen?Mr.Barton,perhaps,”
sheaddedcautiously.

Hermother ’sfacestiffened.“Mydear,Noraisanheiress,”Helensaidsoftly.“Shewillbeavery
wealthywomanoneday.Aladyofhersocialpositionsimplydoesnotdanceinpublicwithan
ordinarycowboy.Peoplewouldtalk.”

“Surelyoutherewearemoredemocratic,”Mellybegan.

“Onemustnotcreatescandal,”Helensaidfirmly.“Now,dear,ifyoucouldhandmeoneofthose
chinacups,IwillfillitforMrs.BlakebeforeyouareaskedtodancebythatniceyoungLarrabeeboy
makinghiswaytowardus.”

Mellyagreedquietly,thinkingthatshefeltassorryforNoraasshedidforherself.She’dhopedthat
hermothermightrelentalittleabouttheunsuitabilityofMr.Barton,buthermindwasmadeup.Poor
Nora.Ifshehadanycontactatallwiththehandsomeforeman,itwouldhavetobedonediscreetlyand
inaclandestinefashion.Melly’seyesflashedasshethoughtabouttheunfairnessofitall.But,then—
perhapsshecouldhelp!

ChapterFive

Norawasn’tcertainwhethertobehappyorsadthatshewasn’tabletodanceevenoncewithCal
Barton.Hisimpatiencewithhermadehermiserable.Ifonlyheweresomeoneofwealthandstation,
someoneshehadtherighttocareabout,tobeseenwith.AuntHelenhadmadeitquiteclearhowshe
feltaboutdivisionofthesocialclasses.ItmadeNorasadtoadmitthathermotherwouldhavefelt
exactlythesame.NoonewasgoingtoapproveofNoragettingherselfinvolvedwithapoorcowboy.

Mellywasalsosubdued,afterherunsatisfyingconfrontationwiththeabominableMr.Langhorn.

ShehadknownhisplanstomarrythewidowTerrell,ofcourseshehad.Buttohavehimtellherso
brutally…Itdidn’tbearthinkingabout.Heseemedintentonbreakingherpoorheartinasmanyways
aspossible.Noraseemedtosensethathurt,becauseshereachedoutaglovedhandandtouched
Melly’sarmaffectionately.Itwasacomfortinggesture,anditeasedthepainalittle.

ITWASALONGRIDEHOMEinthesurrey,withCaltaciturnbehindthereins,andChesterandthe
otherstalkinginlow,subduedvoices.Whentheyarrived,ChesterhelpedHelenandMellydown,so
CalhadtoliftNoradownfromthehighstep.

Hisbig,leanhandscontractedgentlyatherwaistasheloweredherslowlytotheground.Hedidn’t
releaseheratonce,andherheartbegantoraceasshestaredathisfirmmouthandremembered
unhappilyhowhungrilyithadkissedherownthatonce.

Inthesoftmoonlight,helookeddownpointedlyathermouthforseveralseconds.Hishandscaressed
herwaistgentlybeforetheyfellandhemovedslowlybacktotakethesurreyontothebarn.Thatlook
wasmagic.IttookawayNora’spainandallherfears,becausesheknewthenthathefeltsomething
justaspowerfulasshedid.Shedidn’tthinkaboutallthereasonswhyitwasimpossible,nottheleast
ofwhichwasherowninfirmity,whichmightrecuratanytime.Allsheknewwasathrillofecstasy
thatCalBartondesiredher!

ChesterlitlampsforthegirlsbeforeheandHelencalledgood-nightandwentondownthehallto
theirbedroom.

“I’llbealonginjustaminute,Melly,”Norasaidasshewenttothefrontdoor.“Idroppedoneofmy
gloves.”

Mellywasn’tfooled.Shecalledbackareplyandwenttoherroomwithasmotheredgrin.

Outside,Norawalkedbrisklydowntothebarn,wheretheflickeringkerosenelanterngaveCal
enoughvisiontounhitchthesleekbuggyhorseandbeditdownforthenight.

HehadjustfinishedwhenhesawNorastandinginthedoorway,watchinghim.Hisfacehardened.He
latchedthehorse’sstallandgrabbedthelanternfromitsnailwithsubduedfury.

“Aren’tyououtofplace,MissMarlowe?”heaskedcoldly.“Abarnishardlyyoursetting,isit?”

Shenoddedtowardthelantern.“Couldyouputthatout,please?”

Hehesitated,butonlyforaminute.“Whynot?”Hehumoredher,curious.

“Andcouldyouputitdown,aswell?”shepersisted.

Heshrugged.Hesetthelanternonthegroundandstraightened.

“Thankyou,”shesaidsoftly.Andshemovedforward,rightupagainsthim.Shewentontiptoeand
loopedherarmsaroundhisneck.

Calcaughtherbythewaist,breathinginherperfume,andpushedwhilehestillhadenoughsenseto
resisther.

“Don’tdothat!”hesaidangrily.

Butshewouldn’tbudge.Herarmstightened,infact.“Whynot?”shewhispered.Itdelightedherthat
hewassoquicklyresponsive.Shecouldseehisshirtjerkingwiththehardbeatofhisheart,andit
thrilledher.Shepressedherhandsagainsttheshirt,smoothingthemoverhard,warmmusclethrough
thefabric.Shelovedthetouchofhim.

Hebarelyheardherforthethunderofhisheart.Hestoppedpushingashefeltherbreathonhis
mouth,teasing,tempting.Thewarmthofherbody,thescentofher,madehimsohungrythathecould
hardlystandstraight.Woulditbesoterribletogiveintowhathewasfeeling,justthisonce?He
groanedastheneedcaughthimupinitsfervor.Hermouthwassosoft,sosweet.Hehadtohaveit!

“Eleanor,”hewhisperedhuskily,bending.“Oh,God,Eleanor…!”

Evenashespokehername,shepushedherlipsupwardagainsthisfirmmouthandmadeatinysound,
deepinherthroat.

Hegroaned,losttoeverythingexceptthesoftnessofherinhisarms.Heliftedheragainsthimand
rivetedherslenderbodytohisinanintimacyshe’dneversharedwithanyoneexcepthim.

Thefeelofhispowerfulbodysoclosetohersmadeherrecklessandsheclungevencloser,loving
theexperiencedcrushofhishardmouthoverhersoftlips.

Hisheadspunwhilehekissedherandkissedherinthesilenceofthebarn.Hekissedheruntilhefelt
hertremblelikealeaf,andthenhismouthwasbrieflycruelbecauseofthefeversheraisedinhim.
Buteventuallyshestiffenedalittleandmoaned,andherealizedthathewasbruisingher.

Heloosenedhisholdenoughtoletherfeettouchtheground,buthermouthclungtohislipseven
then.

“Don’tstop,”shepleaded,herlegsshakingassheheldtohimtokeepherbalance.Herfacehungjust
underhis,yieldedandworshipping,herswollenlipspartedandfaintlyred.

“Don’ttease,”hesaidunsteadily.“Youknowhowdangerousitis.”

“DoI?”sheaskeddazedly.“ButIonlywanttokissyou,”shewhispered.“Please,justalittlewhile
longer…”

“Eleanor,youmuststopthis!”Hedraggedherhandsdownfromhisneckandstoodgaspingfor
breath,fightingthespecterofuncontrollabledesire.

“Don’tyouwanttokissme?”sheasked,confused.

Hegroundhisteethtogether.Howcouldheconfesstoherthathewasdyingtohaveher?Thathis
bodyachedtoburyitselfinthewarminnocenceofhers,thathishandslongedforthenakedsoftness
ofherbreastsandherbellyandherlegs!

“Youtrymetoofar,”hegroundout.Perspirationbeadedhisbroadforehead.Hepressedherhandsto
thefrontofhisshirtandheldthemthere.“Eleanor,gobackinside.Thisisnotthehourforustospeak
ofpersonalmatters.Whatwouldyourauntandunclethinkiftheysawusnow,likethis?”

Shewasbarelyabletothinkatall.Butitoccurredtoheratoncethattheywouldblamehim,accuse
himoftryingtoseduceher.Hewouldsuffer,notshe.Noonewouldbelievethatshehaddeliberately
temptedhim.

Shemanagedtostepbackfromhim,herbodyhungryforthepleasureshehadtodenyit.“Oh,Iam
sorry,”shesaidmiserably.“Ididn’tstoptothink.Youwereangrywithme,andIwantedyoutoknow
thatitwasAuntHelenwhoforbademetodancewithyou.”

Hemovedbackastepaswell,histallbodyfaintlyunsteadyasherealizedhowclosetotheedge
they’dstepped.He’dneverbeenquitesovulnerablebefore,andhewasnonovice.Shecertainlydidn’t
kisslikeone,hethought.Hewasmorecuriousaboutherexperiencethaneverbefore.

Itwasmorethanpossiblethatshewasplayingwithhim,asshe’dplayedwithGreely.Itmightevenbe
agametoher,seeinghowfarshecouldpushhim.Afterall,heknewthatshewaswellawareofwhat
shepresumedwasthedifferenceintheirsocialstatus.Ifshewasn’tjustatease,whywasshe
permittinghimtheselibertieswhensheknewherauntandunclewoulddisapprove?

Certainlyshecouldn’tbeinlovewithhim.Awomanofherbackgroundandstatuswouldn’tallow
herselftofallinlovewithsomeoneasunsuitableassheconsideredhim.Shewastoohaughty.No,she
hadtobeteasing,toseeifshecouldmakehimrespondtoheradvances.Shewastoyingwithhim,
thinkingthathewasofthesameilkasGreely—ashy,untriedrustic.

Thethoughtstrengthenedhisresolve.Sheneededtobetaughtalesson,andhewasjustthemantodo
it.Shehadasweetmouth.Heenjoyedkissingher.Buthisheartwasunassailable.Nowomanhadever
touchedit.

“Whydidyoucomeoutheretonight?”heaskedwithalazydrawl,hishandsstillholdingherwaist
loosely.

“BecauseIdon’tlikehavingyouangrywithme.”Shelookedupsadly.“YoumustknowthatIwould

haveenjoyednothingmorethantohavedancedwithyou.”

Sheevenmanagedtolookrepentant,hethought.Hesawrightthroughthesubterfuge.“Butthe
politicianwasyoursocialequal,andIwasnot,”heremindedher.“Youdidnotwantpeopletothink
thatyouwereassociatingwithsomeonewhowassociallybeneathyou.Isn’tthatthetruthofthe
matter?”

Herblueeyesshimmeredwithsadnessandresignation.Itmightbekindertolethimthinksothanto
havetoadmitthetruthaboutherownhopelessinfirmity.Butshedidn’thavethehearttodoit.

“Icannotputmyauntinsuchaposition,”shesaidquietly.“Sheismymother ’ssister.Bothofthem
camefromEuropeanroyalty.Itwould…Forgiveme,itwouldoutragethemtoknowthatIallowed
myselftobecomeinterestedinsomeonewhowas…notofourclass,”shefinishedmiserably.“Oh,
can’tyouseethatitisnowishofmine?”sheasked,lookingupwithtearsinhereyes.“Canyounot
feelmyheartbeatwhenyouholdme,andknowthatI…thatI…!”

Shewasdrawinghiminwiththosetears,thatwobblingvoice.Butheknewtoomuchaboutthe
vagariesofwomentobecaughtlikethis.Hesimplyplayedalong.

“Thatyoucareforme?”heaskedsoftly.

Shedroppedhereyestohischest,allbutstrangledbythemadbeatofherheart.“Yes,”shesaid
huskily.“ThatIcareforyou.”

Hehadtofighttokeepfromlaughing.Shewasgoodatdalliance.Hewonderedhowexperiencedshe
reallywas,underherfacade.

Sheglancedupathissetface,tryingwithherinexperiencetoreadwhatwasthere.Hermalecousins
hadhardlypreparedherforacontretempswithamanshedesired.Shewantedtoknoweverything
abouthim.Shewantedtobewithhimallthetime.Shewantedonlyhim,ifitmeantthesacrificeof
everythingshehad.

Hedrewherfaceuptohisandkissedherbrieflyonthemouth.“Youmustgoinside,”hesaidquietly.
“Thisisnotthetimeforsuchdiscussions.”

“Idonotwantyoutogo,”shesaid.“Iwantonlytobewithyou.”

Hesteeledhimselfnottofeelthosewordsrightthroughtohisheart.Hewasn’tgoingtoallowherto
toywithhim.PoorGreelyhadsufferedatherhands,butCalwasnoimpressionableboy.

Sherealizedatlastthathedidn’tbelieveawordshewassaying.Inhiseyeswascynicismandsome
sortofcoolamusement.

“Why…youdonotbelievemeatall,”shesaidslowly.

“AfterthewayyoutreatedGreely,doyouexpectmeto?”hesaid.“Youlookeddownyourpertnose
atmefromthemomentwemet,makingsosureIknewthatyouwouldn’tdirtyyourlittlehandby

touchingacommoncowboy.”

Shefaltered.“I…havelivedinsuchadifferentworldfromyours,”shetriedtoexplainit.“Eveninmy
travels,Iwasshelteredfromtherealitiesoflife.Youmustallowformybackground.”

“Why?”

Shedidn’tknowhowtoreplytosuchabluntquestion.Hersofteyessearchedhishardface.Itwaslike
talkingtogranite.“Ishalltry,”shesaid.“Really,Ishall.I…wanttoknowaboutyourlife,aboutyou.I
wanttounderstand.”

Hetouchedhersoftmouthwithhisfingertip,tracingitlazilyuntilhefeltherlipstremble.Shewas
affectedbyhimphysically.Shecouldn’thidethat.Butwhetherornotherheartandmindwere
involved,hedidn’tknow.Hiseyesnarrowedwithcalculation.

“Youhavealreadysaidthatyourauntdoesnotapproveofanycontactbetweenus,”heremindedher.

Shecaughthishandinbothofhers.Forgottenwasherillness,herlifebeforenow,herwealthand
position.Shewantedthismanasshehadneverwantedanythingbefore.Itwouldworkout.

Itmust!

“Iwillmeetyou,insecret,”shesaidfervently.“Whenever,wherever,yousay!Iwilldoanythingyou
askofme.”

Hewentverystill.“Anything,Eleanor?”hetauntedsoftly.

Sheflushed.“Anything…withinreason.”

“Andnothingindiscreet?”hepersisted.Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“Itisapoorregardwhichsetssuch
rigidlimits.”

Shegnawedherlowerlip.“Icannotbeindiscreet,”shewhispered.“ItisnotonlymyownwishesthatI
mustconsider.Thereismyfamily.”Hereyespleadedwithhimtounderstand.“Surelyyouunderstand
loyaltytoyourkinfolk?Don’tyoufeelthesameresponsibilitytowardyours?”

Hedid.Morethanhecouldadmit.Buthewantedhercompletelyyielded,somuchinlovethatshe
woulddareanything,riskanything,forhim.Herefusedtoconsiderhisreasoning,orhismotives.It
wassuddenlyimperativetobendhertohiswill.

Hepulledhercloseandbenttokissherwithslow,roughhunger.Hefelthersoftbodytrembleinhis
armsandwonderedcynicallyhowmanyothermenhadexperiencedherpretendedshypassion.An
innocentadventuresswasacontradictioninterms.

Hisbighandsliduphersidetotouchthesideofhersmallbreast.Shejumpedandcaughtathiswrist
frantically,drawinghermouthbackinaflurryofembarrassment.

Helethisarmsfallawayandsmiledmockingly.“Limitsalready,Eleanor?”

Sheclaspedherhandstogethertightly.“Nodecentwoman—”shebegan.

“Decencyhasnolicensehere,”hesaidfirmly.“Awomanwhocaresdeeplyforamanthinkslessof
rigidsocialconductandmoreofgivingpleasure.”

Shemovedbackastep.Shewasappalledathisattitude.Surelyifhecaredforher,hewouldnotask
suchasacrifice.Herwhirlingmindstruggledtofocus.

Hewaslosingher.Hesawtheuncertaintyinherfaceandmovedforwardtotakeherhandsinhisand
liftthemhungrily,palmsup,tohismouth.“Forgiveme,”hesaidsmoothly.“Iwastestingyou.Ishall
notaskanygreatsacrificesofyou,Eleanor.Iwantonlythepleasureofyourcompany,thesolaceof
yourkisseswhenIamlonely.Ishallasknomorethanyouwishtogive.”

Sherelaxedwithasoftsighandsmiledathim.Herlovegrewbyleapsandbounds,andshesaw
rainbowsofhappinessahead.

Thesuddenbrillianceofhereyes,theradianceofherface,madehimfeelvaguelyguilty.Tostaythe
unwelcomefeelings,hedrewhergentlytohimandbrushedhismouthsoftlyoverherown.

“Youmustgoinside,mydear,”hewhispered.“Wemustnotbediscoveredlikethis.”

Theendearmentmeltedherheart.Atthatmomentshewouldhavegivenhimanything.Amazing,to
findloveinsuchanunexpectedplace,andsosuddenly.Shelookedathimwithherwholeheartinher
eyes.

Hesmiled.“Youareverypretty,”hemurmured.“Willyoureallymeetme,againstthewishesofyour
people?”

“Oh,yes,”shewhisperedfervently.“Wheneveryousay,Cal.”

Hisnameonherlipsmadehisheartleap.Thatwasunexpected.Hechuckled.“Whatdotheysay,that
lovewillfindaway?”heteased,likingherblush.“Thensobeit.”

Eleanornoddedhappily.Lovewouldfindaway,hesaid,sothatmustmeanthathefeltthissame
incrediblepleasurethatshedid.Shefeltasifsheglowed.

Heheldherhandtightlyinhisandwalkedwithheraroundtothefrontofthehouse,uptothefront
steps.“Wemustbecarefulfromnowon.Youmustnotbeseenlikethis,alonewithme,”

hesaidgently.

“Yes,Iknow.ButIthoughtthatyouwerelessstrappedbyconvention,Mr.Barton,”shereplied,
teasing.

Helookedatherintentlyinthefaintlightoftheporch.“YouwillfindthatIamquiteunconventional,
insomeways.Butyourreputationisimportanttome.”

Thatpleasedher.Hereyestwinkledupathim.“Youareold-fashioned.”

Hesmiledfaintly.“WhydoIgaintheimpressionthatyouarenot?”

Sheshiftedfromonefoottotheother.“Ihaveperhapsgivenafalseimpressionofmylife,”shesaid
slowly.“Itendto…exaggeratesomeofmyadventures.”Thesadnessinhereyespuzzledhimasthey
soughthis.“Ihavehadsolittletolookforwardto,”sheconfessedslowly.“PerhapsIcreatedlaurels
torestupon.”

“Youareyoung,”heprotested.“Youhavemarriagetolookforwardto,children….”

Shewentverystill.Hereyessoughthis,andshesawthecynicismtherebeforehecouldhideit.

“Why,yousayitasifyouthinkfamilylifeisforfools!”

Hisheavybrowsdartedinwardtowardhisnose.“Notforfools,”hebegan.“ButIhaveplansthatdo
notallowformarriage.”

Thatwasbluntenough.Whathadshebeenthinking,anyway,thattheywouldmarryandsettle
together?Shecouldnotmarrysomeonelikehim,andhedidnotwanttomarryatall.Justthesame,it
mighthappen,shethoughtstubbornly.Shewouldnotrelinquishhopenow,notjustnow.

“Whenyouleavefortheweekend,Iusedtowonderifyouhadawifeandfamilythatyouwentto
visit,”shecommented.

“Ihaveafamily,”heconfessed,watchingherfacefall.“Parentsandbrothers,”heamended,andsaw
thelightcomebackintoherface.

“Areyoutheoldest?”shepersisted.

“Themiddlebrother,”hecorrected.

“Anddidyougrowupintheshadowoftheeldest?”

“Myyoungerbrothergrewupintwoshadows,Ifear,”hemused,rememberingAlan’schildhood.
Alanhadneverquitemeasureduptothetwofire-eaterswhoarrivedbeforehim,althoughhehad
perhapsthekindestheartofthethreebrothers.

“IhaveoftenwishedthatIwerenotanonlychild,”shereplied.“Butitwasnottobe.”

“Youhavenosiblings?”heasked,startled.

“No.Mymotherhasalwaysbeendelicate.”

Hestudiedherwithnewinterest.Shechangedsometimesbeforehisveryeyes.“Andareyoudelicate,
Eleanor?”heasked.

Memoriesofthehorribleboutsoffever,foralmostayear,echoedinhermind.Sheshivered.“Imust

goin,”shewhispered.Sheturnedquicklyandwentupthesteps,callingasubduedgood-nightover
hershoulder.Shecouldn’tadmittohimthatshewassoweak,soimpairedphysically.

Surelyfatewouldnotdenyherthislittlespotofhappinessinherbarrenlife.Ifnothingelse,she
wouldhavethememoryofCal’skissestosustainherintheemptyyearsahead!

CALWASNOWHEREINSIGHTthenextmorning,andEleanorwonderedifshemighthave
dreamedthenightbefore.Mellydidn’tquestionhertooclosely,butherauntHelen’seyeshadbeen
fullofworry,asifshewasuncertainaboutsomething.

Laterthatday,whileNorawashelpingMellypickupeggsinthehenhouse,Mellyexplainedwhatwas
disturbingAuntHelen.

“Nora,”shesaid,asifshewerecarefullychoosingherwords,“atelegramhascomeforyou,from
yourparents.ItseemsthatyouhavereceivedaninvitationtovisitrelativesinEurope.Theysaythat
youmaybepresentedatcourt,toQueenVictoriaherself!”

Norafeltasuddenpanic.Thisinvitationcouldnothavecomeataworsetime.Certainlyitwouldbe
somethingquitespecialtobepresentedatcourttoQueenVictoria.But…

“Mamaisuncertainaboutwhetherornottotellyou.Youseemtobehavingsuchagoodtime,and
youhavebeenveryill,”Mellyconfided.“Youarehealthyhere,andwedoenjoyyourcompanyso
much.Wedonotwishyoutogoawaysoquickly.Butitisyourchoice,ofcourse.ItoldMamathatI
wouldspeaktoyou,inprivate.”

Norafingeredthefoldsofherlongskirt.Howcouldsheleavenow,whensheandCalhadonlyjust
discoveredeachother?Ontheotherhand,hermotherwasnotgoingtobebestpleasedifNora
missedanopportunitytobepresentedatcourt.

“Youdonotwishtogo,doyou?”Mellyaskedquietly.“YoudonotwishtoleaveMr.Barton.”

Nora’sfacecontorted.“Itishopeless,”shewhispered.

“Why?Heisagoodanddecentman,”Mellysaid,“regardlessofhiscircumstances.Surelyitdoesnot
causeyouembarrassmentthatyoufindMr.Bartonattractive?”

Embarrassment.Embarrassment.Noradidn’twanttoconsiderwhatshewasthinking,butshehadto.It
wasthetruth.Shewasembarrassed.CalBartonwasamarvelousranchforeman.Butcouldshereally
picturehimdressedfortheoperaorthetheater,inwhitetieandtails?Couldshepicturehim
discussingpoliticswithherfather ’scontemporaries,orreceivingguestswithherintheparlorather
home?Wouldheknowtokeephisfeetoffthefurniture,howtoactattable,howtobehaveasa
sophisticatedgentleman?Shewaspanic-strickenattheverythoughtofCalBartoninaparlor.He,
withhiseternallynastybootsandwornclothesandunshavenface.Hereyesclosedonawaveofgrief.

“WhatshallIdo?”sheaskedMelly.“IcannotstayandIdonotwishtoleave!”

Mellyputanaffectionatearmaroundher.“Donothingforanotherweekorso.Thinkaboutit.”

Hereyestwinkled.“Afterall,Nora,somuchcanhappeninaweek.AndIamyourally,youknow.”

Norahuggedherback.“YourmotherwouldneverapproveofanyconnectionbetweenCaland
myself.Norwouldmyparents.”

Mellyexchangedacomplicatedglancewithher.“Theywillneverknow.Willthey?”

Norasmiledgratefully.Shepursedherlipsandstudiedhercousin.“This…compact…wouldnotbe
thepreludetomydoingafavorforyouinreturn,ofcourse?”

Mellyflushed.“Oh,Mr.Langhornwouldneverwishtomeetmeinsecret,Iamcertain.”

“Asyousay,dear,anythingcanhappen.”

Mellyburstoutlaughing.“Well,almostanything,”sheamended.“Shallwethinkoptimistically?”

“Let’s,”Noraagreed.

MAGIC,ITSEEMED,WASATWORKontheTremayneranch.ForCalBartondidnotgoawayon
hisusualmysteriouslongweekend.WithMelly’shelp,heandNoramanagedlongwalkstogetherand
evenabuggyride.

“Thisiswicked,”Noratoldhimamusedlyastheyjostleddowntheruttedroadinamistingrain.

“Mellywillgetwetwaitingforusatthecrossroadswiththebuggy.”

“Shehasbothaparasolandaslicker,”heremindedNora.Hehadrolledacigaretteandwassmoking
it.Heseemedpreoccupied,asheoftenwaswhentheymet.Henevertalkedabouthimself,abouthis
dreamsorhisfamilyorhishome.

“Youareverysecretive,”shecommented.“IhavetoldyouaboutoursummerhomeintheBlueRidge
MountainsofVirginia,andmychildhood.Ihavetoldyouaboutmyfamily.ButIknowsolittleabout
you.”

Hetookadrawfromthecigarette.“Mypastisuninteresting,”hesaid.

Shenibbledatherlowerlip.“Don’tyoumeanthatyouhavenowishtosharepersonalthingswith
me?”

Hechuckled,drawingthehorseofftheroadunderthetreesandallowingittograzeinthemist.

HeputonthebrakeandturnedtoNora,pullinghergentlyintohisarms.“Onthecontrary.Iwishto
shareverypersonalthingswithyou,”hemurmured,andhismouthbenttocoverhers.

Shepermittedtheshockingentryofhistongueinsidehermouth,thetouchofhislean,surehandson
herbreasts.Thepleasureshefeltdisturbedheralmostasmuchasthelicenseshepermittedhim.Itwas
indecenttoallowamansuchintimacies,butah,howsweetitwastofeelhislongfingerstracing
aroundhertautnipples.Eventhroughthefabric,itexcitedher.Hegroanedsoftlywhenhetouchedher

thisway,andshelikedthequickeningofhisbreath,thefainttremorofthemouththatkepthers
prisonersohungrily.

Buttodaytherewasadifferenceinhim.Hishandsfeltforthetinybuttonsatherthroatandbeganto
slipthemoutoftheirloops.Shecaughtathisfingers,protesting.

“Hush,”hewhispered,teasinghermouthwithhisashecontinuedhistask.“Youloveme,don’tyou?”
heaskedtenderly,andsawthefaintshockinhereyes.Shedidn’tdenyit,andhisheartraced.“Then
thereisnoshameinpermittingmethispleasure.”

Hemadeitsounddelightfullycorrect.Evenasshefeltthedarkpleasurewashoverher,shemight
haveprotested,butinsteadofhishandsonthewhitefleshhewasexposing,shefelthismouth.She
stiffened,shockedatthewhipofdelighthekindledinheruntriedbody.Herhandsflutteredathishead
andthensuddenlycaughtinhishairandcontracted,pulled,pleadedashislipstracedherthroatand
thenhercollarbone.

“Cal…we…mustn’t,”shechoked.

“Oh,butwemust,”hewhisperedardently.Hisheadlifted,justafraction,sothathecouldpullaway
thefinefabricabovethewhalebonecorsetsheworeandexposethedelicatepink-tippedriseofher
smallbreastunderherlacychemise.

Itwasnotthefirsttimeforhim.Therehadbeenwomen.ButthesightofNora’sfirm,prettylittle
breastkindledsomethingbesidespassioninhim.Helookedatitandhadasudden,staggeringvision
ofatinymouthsucklingthere.

Theshockwasinthepale,glitteryeyesthatliftedtomeetherdazedblueones.

Histhumbandforefingergentlypressedonthehardnubandshegasped,flushing,becauseshehad
neverimaginedthatamanmighttouchhersoinbroaddaylightandlookinhereyesashedidit.

“Tellmenow,”hesaidquietly.“Isthisthefirsttimeforyou?”

Shebitalmostthroughherlowerlip.Herwideeyesdroppedtoheropenbodice,totheleanbrown
fingersonthepalenessofherskin.Herbreathcaughtattheintimacyofit.

“Yes,look,”hebreathed,arousedevenmorebyherreaction.“SeehowthenipplehardenswhenI
touchit,seehowitliftstobegformymouth.”

Thatshockedher,andshelookedupathim,flushing.

Hesearchedhereyes.“Youdidnotknow?”heaskedgently.“Itiswhatamanoftenenjoysmostwitha
woman—thesubtle,sweettasteofherbreastsinhismouth.”

Involuntarilyherbackarchedjustalittleandherbreathingchanged.

Heknew,withoutwords.Smiling,heheldherwhilehishandmovedandhismouthslowly,tenderly,

tookitsplace.Hebegantosuckleher,feelingherstiffenandgasp,andthencryoutasthewavesof
sensationrippledthroughheryieldedbody.Shehadnothoughtofrefusinghimanythingheaskedof
her.

Andheknewit.Hefelttheviolentthrobofherheartunderhismouth.Therewasasmalldeserted
cabinnearby,justafewstepsofftheroad.Aflashoflightningmadeherjerkinhisarms,andheknew
thenthatitwasfated,thisinterlude.Withasmall,triumphantlaugh,heclimbedoutofthebuggyand
liftedherinhisarms.Herefusedtothinkofconsequences.Hewantedherandshewantedhim;surely
nothingelsematterednow!Hisbodywasinanguishfromthelongweeksofabstinence,andherewas
Eleanor,inloveandwantinghim.Evenhisthoughtsofrevengeretreatedbehindthefuryofhisdesire
forher.Hefeltitwitheverystephetook,likeafireinhisbrain,inhisblood.

“Cal,”shewhispered,dazed.

“Don’tbeafraid,”hemurmuredagainsthermouthasheturnedwithNorainhisarmsandwalked
towardthecabin.“Itwillbeoursecret.Noonewillknow,ever.Ineedyouso,Eleanor,”

hewhisperedhuskilyathersoftmouth.“Ionlywanttoliewithyou,toholdyouinmyarmsandfeel
yourmouthundermine.Nothingterriblewillhappen.Iwilldonothingthatyoudonotwant.”

Hefeltherrelaxandhadamoment’sguilt.Shetrustedhim,andheknewthathewantedmorethan
kisses.Hecouldmakeherwantit,too.Itwasblatantseduction,buthewaspowerlesstostophimself.
Heachedforher,andshelovedhim;hehadaccusedherofit,andshehadnotdeniedit.Hersoftbody
wentrighttohishead.Besides,shewasamodernwoman.Eventhoughshewasmoreinnocentthan
he’dthought,itwouldbenoterriblethingforhertoknowaman.

Shewouldsuccumbtosomeoneeventually,aswomenofheradventurousnatureinevitablydid.

Itmightaswellbehim.Hewantedtobeherfirstman.Hewanteditbeyondanything!Hewouldbe
gentlewithher,asanothermanmightnotbe.Herationalizedituntilitmadesense,untilhis
consciencecloseditseyestotheenormityofwhathewascontemplating.Hisbodywasincontrol
now,forthefirsttimeinhislife.

Noralaytremblinggentlyinhisarms.Sheknewwhathewasgoingtoaskofher,andashecarried
herupthestepsandintothedarknessoftheone-roomcabin,shehadjustenoughsanityleftto
struggleforananswer.

ChapterSix

Therewasabedinthecorneroftheroom,witharaggedquiltcoveringit.Thisoldcabinwasused
bythemeninthespring,whentheyroundedupthecowsandnewcalvesandhadtostaywiththemto
protectagainstpredatorsontwolegsandfourlegs.Calcarriedhertoit.Hisbodythrobbedwith
unsatisfiedpassionashegentlylaidheronitandcamedownbesideher.

“Cal,Icannot—”shebegan.

Hismouthcoveredhers,stillingthewords.Heknewsowellhowtostemherfears,howtocoaxher
intopermittinghimthesamelibertiesshehadallowedinthebuggy.Butnowtheywereevenmore
intimate.Somehowwhilehewaskissingher,hehadeasedawaythefabricfromherbreasts,andeven
now,withhismouthsucklinghertenderly,hishandswerebusywiththelacesofthecorset.

“Oh,youmustnot,”shewhisperedweakly.Herbodysangfromtheministrationsofhishandsand
mouth.Shewaswoman,aliveforthefirsttime,madeoffireandpassion,awillingvesselwanting
onlytobefilledandmadewhole.

Heknewthat.Hesavoredherlikeafineoldwine,treatinghertoanintoxicationofthesensesthathe
knewnowshehadneverknownbefore.Shewasasinexperiencedashewasexperienced,butknowing
itwasn’tenoughtostophim.Hewasatthemercyofhisownachingneeds,andthatwasasnewtohim
asNora’ssoftcriesofsurprisedpleasureweretoher.

Shewasshyabouthernudity,buthiswarm,slowmouthgentledher,madeherresponsiveagain.

Shewasperfectlyformed,allsoftskinanddelicatecoloring,andshesmelledofroses.Hersmooth
whitethighsweresweetunderhismouthandhands.Helikedthetinycriesthatpulsedfromhermouth
whenhetouchedherunexpectedlytomakesurethatshewasreadyforwhatmustcomenext.

Herhandsdelightedinthethickhairthatcoveredhischest.Shestrokedhimconvulsively,blindand
deafanddumbtotheworldaroundthem,tothestormbuildingoutsidethewarmlittlecabin.

ShehadnothoughtoftheconsequencesorthefutureoranythingexcepttheheatedpleasureCalwas
givingher.

Whenhewasasnudeasshe,thefeelofhismasculinebodyagainstherfeminineonewasgloryitself.
Shepressedagainsthimlovingly,jerkedalittleattheevidenceofhisdesirethatpressedhardandhot
againstthedelicateskinofherthighs.

Herwideeyestoldtheirownstory.Hesmiledintothemthroughhisownexcitement.“Iamaman,”he
whispered,rubbinghismouthgentlyoverherlips.“Weareconstructedtofittogetherinthisfashion.
Didyounotknow?”

“Ihavenever…neverseenorknown…”shefaltered.

Heliftedhimself,straddlingherroundedhips.“Lookatme,”hesaidsoftly.

Hereyeswidened,rounded,astheysketchedthemasculinecontoursofhisbody.“Oh…my!”

shechoked,reddening.

Hesmiled.“Isitshocking?”Heeaseddownoverher,tenderlyclosinghereyeswithkissesashe
nudgedherlegsapart.“Youcannotimaginehowsweetitwillbe,thefeelofmeinsideyourbody,”he
whispered.

Sheshivered.Hernailsbitintohisarms.

“Gently,mydarling,”hesaid.Henibbledherlipswhilehesurgedgentlyforward,oneleanhand
lifting,pulling,sothathepressedatthesoftfoldsthatenclosedthemysteryofherbody.“Iwouldnot
hurtyouforalltheworld.”

Shebitherlowerlip.“Itstings,”shebreathed,shivering.

“Onlyforaninstant,”hemurmured,forcinghimselftobepatientwhenthefeelofherlikethiswas
sendingthebloodcareeningintohishead,throughhisveins.Hisbodycordedlikeastrungrope.He
wasbarelyabletocontainhimself.

Shestiffenedagain,makingitdifficult.

Hismouthsliddowntoherbreastsandheteasedthemgently,nibbledandsmoothedoverthemuntil
shebegantorelax.Hishandwentbetweenthemtocoaxherbody,andallatoncesheshudderedand
criedoutandpushedupathimofherownaccord.

Hereyesopenedwideashepressedcompletelyintoher,andtheyfrozelikethat,searchingeach
other ’seyesinafeversohot,theyseemedtoburntogether.Hegroanedharshly,hishipspressing
downashestaredathershockedface.

Themovementwassharp,quick,loudinthestillness.Hergaspingbreathswereechoedinthethroat
ofthemanaboveher.Herlover,shethoughtwhileshecould.Herlover…herlover…!

Shecriedouthisname,clungtohim,gaspedasshematchedhismovements.Butalltoosoon,hislean
bodycordedandhecriedoutharshly,hisfacereddeningashearchedbackwardandconvulsed.

Shewasunsatisfied.Sheseemedtothrob,buttherewasnorelief.Shecouldn’tstopmoving,even
afterhecollapsedonher,andshegroanedherfrustrationasthefeveronlygrewworse.

Hemanagedtocatchhisbreathfinally,andherolledsideways,bringingherbacktohimwithasteely
hand.“Theremaybejustenoughtimeleft,”hewhispered,coveringhermouthwithhis.

Shedidn’tunderstand,butitnolongermattered.Hemovedher,andhimself,untilhebroughta
shockedcryofpleasurefromher.“There,”hewhisperedroughly.“Yes…there.”

Therhythmwasquickandsharp,asithadbeenbefore,butthistime,shewentupintothestars.

Herwild,keeningcriesweremusictohisears.Hefeltherconvulseandcrushedherhipsintohis,

holdinghertherewhileshejerkedlikeadyingthinginhisarmsandfinally,finally,collapsedin
sweatandtearsagainsthim.

Theyrested,andsleptalittle.Andthencametheshame.

Shedressedinsilence,withherbacktohim.Herbodyachedfromthenewexerciseithadperformed,
andtherewasasorenessthatwasunfamiliar.Therewerestains,too,fromwhichsheavertedhereyes.
Thehardestpartwasfasteningthecorset,whichshemanagedafterafashion.

Shefelt,andcertainlylooked,disheveled.Shedidn’tknowhowshewasgoingtoexplainherlong
absencetopoorMelly,muchlessherappearance.

Caltookmuchlesstimethanshedidtopullonhisclothing.Hewassmokingacigarettebythedingy
windowwhenshewasthrough.

Hefeltsickenedathislackofhonor.Hehadseducedaninnocentwoman,andallbecausehispride
hadbeenstungbyherattitude.Itseemedapoorexcusenow,intheaftermathofsuchexhausting
passion.Hehadneverknownsuchpleasurebefore.Atleasthehadgivenherthataswell,despitethe
pricehehadexactedfromherinreturn.Shewasnolongervirginal,andtherewastheriskofachild.
Hehaddishonoredherandhimself.

“Couldweleavenow…please?”sheaskedinapale,subduedtone.

Heturned,wincingattheexpressiononherface.Gonewastheconfident,faintlyarrogantyoung
womanwhohadfirstcometotheTremayneranch.Thiswasashyandinsecuregirl,whoseguiltand
shamewereclearlywrittenonherdowncastface.

Heopenedthedoorforher,hesitatingwhenshecameevenwithhim.

“Ididnotmeanittohappen,”hesaidquietly.“Ifyoubelievenothingelse,believethat.”

Shenoddedwithoutliftinghereyes.

“Iwillstandbyyou,”headdedstiffly,“iftheneedarises.”

Theneed.Asiftheyhadnotbrokenrulesofconduct,asiftheyhadnotsinnedandshamedthemselves
andtheirfamilies.Hewassayingthathewouldsacrificehimselfifshehadconceivedhischild,
becauseconventiondemandedthisofanhonorableman.

Shelookedupathimwithfuryinhereyes.“Youwouldbefortunateindeediftheneedarose,would
younot,sir?Consideringyourfinancialstatusandmyown,Ishouldsaythatyouwouldfeelblessed
ifIgrewlargewithachild!”

Hefeltthewordstotheheelsofhisboots.Shethoughthewasagigolo!Itwouldhavebeenlaughable
ifthecircumstanceshadnotbeensodire.Asitwas,sheonlymadehisguiltworse,andhelashedout
ather.

“Youhavehadenoughfunattheexpenseofthemenhere,”hesaidcoldly.“Yourtreatmentofpoor
Greelymademedeterminedtoshowyouhoweasyitwouldbeforamanofexperiencetomakea
playthingofyou.AndIhave,madam.Youwerenochallengeatall.”

Shewentfromscarlettostone-whiteinseconds,reelingfromtheaccusation.Shecouldnotevendeny
it.Shehadfallenintohisarmswithoutasingleprotest,butbecauseshelovedhim.Shelovedhim!
Andhehadnofeelingforher,saveoneofcontempt.HehadseducedhertoavengehisfriendGreely.
Ithadbeenacoldanddeliberateact.

“WereItotellmyuncle,hewouldkillyou!”sheraged.

“Wereyoutotellyouruncle,hewouldthrowyououtthebackdoor,”hesaidcoolly.“Heandyour
auntareconvention’sslaves.Theywouldsacrificeyouwithoutasinglethoughtifitmeantrisking
censureorgossiponyourbehalf,andyouwellknowit.”

Sheswalloweddownheranger,shiveringintheaftermath.“Iwasseduced,”sheaccusedhuskily.

“Soyouwere,butwillingly,”heremindedher.Hesmiled,butitwasnosmileatall.“Itsurprisesme,
withyoursophisticatedbackground,thatyourfirsttimeshouldbewithapoorcowboy.

Woulditnothavebeenwisertosaveyourselfforamoreworthysuitor?”

Sheclutchedherclothdrawstringpursetightlyinherhands,tooashamedtofightanymore.

“Takemeback,”shesaidinabarewhisper,andwalkedpasthimoutthedoor.

Heslammedhishandagainstthedoor.Hehadn’tmeanttomakehermoreashamedthanshealready
was,butsheenragedhimwithhersuperiorattitude,withheraccusationthathehaddeliberately
seducedherforfinancialgain.Hislackofreasonandrestraintenragedhimevenmore.

Shewasinthebuggywaitingwhenheclimbedinbesideher.Shewascomposed,butsoquietthathe
wasworried.

“Youwillnotdoanythingrash,”hesaidcurtly,hissilvereyesblazingather.“Doyouhearme?

Ifyouconceive,thechildwillbemineaswellasyours.”

Herhandsclenchedagainonherpurse.“Iwouldnotsendmysoultohellbykillingmyself,sir,”

shesaidinathinvoice.“NorwouldIcondemnalittlechildtothesamefate.Regardlessofwhatyou
thinkofme,Iamnotcoldhearted.”

Hefingeredthereins.Hecouldn’tmanagetolookather.Hischestroseandfellinalong,hardsigh.
“Wemustdecidewhattodo,Eleanor,”hesaidafteraminute.

“Thedecisionismine,notyours,”shetoldhim.“Ishallgohome.”

“Home!”

“Home!”shereturnedfirmly,herblueeyesdaringhimtoargue.“Ishallcontactyouif…ifthereisa
need,butIshallnotstayhereonedaylonger!Itwouldturnmystomachtohavetolookatyouagain
after—”sheswallowedandavertedhereyes“—whathappened.”

Hishandscontractedonthereinsandhismouthcompressed.“Itwouldbeungentlemanlytoremind
youthatyoulovedwhathappened,”hesaidthroughhisteethasheturnedthehorseandsetthebuggy
inmotion.

Shedidn’tanswerhim.Herhumiliationwascompleteenoughwithoutthat.Hehadhurthermorethan
hewouldeverknow,shevowed.Shehadbeenfallinginlovewhilehewasonlyplottingherdownfall,
exactingrevenge.Andevennow,hedidn’tunderstandthatshehadn’tmeantGreelyanyharm.

Shewantedtoaskhimifhisrevengehadbeenworthit,ifhefeltthathisfriendwasvindicated.

Butshehadn’ttheheart.Shewassickatherstomach,hersoul,hermind.Howcouldshehavebeenso
stupid?Lookingback,sherealizedthathehadplayedonhervanityfromthebeginning,flatteringher,
teasingher,whenhewasonlycalculatingwhatwouldbetheswiftestwaytoherdownfall.

“Stoptormentingyourself,”hesaidtightly,astheyapproachedthecrossroadswhereMellysatinthe
buggyunderatreewiththerainslickerwrappedaroundher.“Nothingwillundoit.”

“More’sthepity,”shesaidunsteadily.

“ForGod’ssake,don’tcry!”hebitoff.“Ifsheseestears,shewillknoweverything!”

Norafoughtthetears,wipingroughlyathereyes.

“Surelyyouhavehadencounterswithmen,”heaccused,hatingtheguilthefelt.“Icannothavebeen
thefirstmantokissyouortouchyouasIdid.”

Hervoicewobbledwhenshereplied,“Butyouwere,justthesame.Ihavehadnointerestinmen.”

“Becauseyoufoundnoneofyoursocialleveltoplyyourwileson?”Helaughedharshly.

Sheliftedhereyestohishard,leanface.Iftherewaspainorguiltthere,hehiditwell.Shelowered
hergaze.“BecauseIhaveneverloved,”shecorrectedhuskily,andonlythenrealizedwhatshehad
admitted.

Theterriblecontortionofhisfeaturestoldherimmediatelythatheknewshelovedhim.Italso
betrayedhisguilt.Hehadhiddenitwell,butnomaskcouldconcealtheshockandanguishof
knowingthathehadcapturedherheartinhiszealtoavengeGreely.Hehadthattobear,too;thathe
hadnotonlydishonoredher,butthathehadbrokenherheartaswell.

Hisfeaturessoftenedashelookedatherwithfaintpity.“Mydear,”hebeganslowly,hesitantly.

“Iamnotyourdear,”shechoked.“Indeed,sir,Ihateyounowasmuchasitispossibleformetohate
anyone!Ionlypraythattherewillbenolittlebabytosufferforoursins,becausehellwouldbe

preferabletomarriagetoyou!”

Whilehewasabsorbingthatunpleasantblow,sheclimbedoutofthebuggyandrantoMellyand
climbedswiftlyintotheotherbuggy.

“Heavens,Nora,whathappened?”Mellyexclaimedwhenshesawtheconditionhercousinwasin.

“Thestormcaughtus,”Norasaid,“andwehadtoshelterinacabin.Oh,itwasterrible,Melly,the
lightningandthunderandtherainasweran….Calthrewhiscoatoverme,andIamallbut
disarranged!”

Mellyvisiblyrelaxed.“Isthatall!”shelaughed.“Iamashamedofmyfirstthoughts.Wemustget
homerightaway!WewilltellMamathatwewerecaughtinthestormandshelteredtogetherinthe
cabin,justincase.”

Nora’seyesblurredwithtears.“Youaresokind,Melly.”

“Wouldyounotdothesameforme?”sheteased.

Noradidn’treplythatshewasn’tthatcruel.ShewatchedthebuggyCalwasdrivingvanishintothe
rainandtheyturnedandwenttheotherway.

SHEDIDN’TSPEAKABOUTherneedtoleavetheranchwhentheyreturned,forfearofgiving
awaywhathadhappened.ShechangedclotheswhileMellytoldthelietheyhadconcocted,andshe
camebackoutneatasapinandsmilingthroughherpain.Shelookedthesameasalways,and
fortunatelytherainhadnotcausedachill.Butinside,shefeltdead.

Thenextmorning,afterasleeplessnight,sheapproachedherauntinthesittingroom.

“Ishouldnotmentionit,Isuppose,butMellysaidthatIhadreceivedaninvitationtovisitrelativesin
Europethroughmymother,”shebegan.

Helensmiledsheepishly.“Yes,youdid.Ishouldhavetoldyoubeforenow,butIhesitatedtogiveyou
anexcusetoleaveus.Mellyhasbeensomuchhappiersinceyoucame.”

“Ihaveenjoyedmyvisit,”Norareplied,andsmiledback.“Buttobepresentedatcourt…!”Shelether
deliberateenthusiasmspeakforitself.

“Iknow.Iwouldhavebeenhard-pressedtorefusethechancemyself,dear,”Helensaidgently.

Shegotupandfetchedhersister ’sletterandhandedittoNora.“Itisonlyafewdays’delay,you
know.Iamsorry,butselfishly,Ididnotwantyoutogo.There.Readitforyourself.”

Noradid.ItwasaninvitationtotheRandolphestatenearLondon.Theonlythingthatmadeheruneasy
wasthatEdwardSummervillewasafriendoftheRandolphs,butcertainlyhewouldhavegivenuphis
madpursuitofherafterthethrashinghercousinsgavehiminAfrica.London.Thepalace.An
introductiontoQueenVictoriaherselfandtothePrinceofWales.Perhapstheexcitementofitwould

takehermindoffherfallfromgraceandhelphertoforgetthatamanshehadlovedhadbetrayed
her.

“Imustgo,”shetoldHelen,turning.“Really,Imust.Iamsorry.”

Helenshookherhead.“Thereisnoneedtoapologize.ButIhopethatyoumaywanttoreturntous
whenyoucomeback,sothatwecanhearallaboutit.”

“Iwouldbedelightedtoreturn,”Noralied.ShewouldnevercomeneartheranchagainaslongasCal
Bartonworkedonit.Shecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutwhatshehaddone.Shehadgivenherselftoa
commoncowboy.Wouldhebragabouthisconquest?Herkneeswentweakatthethoughtthathe
mighttellotherpeoplewhathadhappened.

“Youlookill,”Helenremarkedworriedly.“Youarenotchilledfromtherainstorm?”

“No,”Norasaidquickly.“Iamalittletired,thatisall.Thestormwasveryviolent,andwewere
fortunatetochanceonthelittlecabin.”

“Indeedyouwere.”

“Imuststartgettingmythingstogether.PerhapsUncleChestercoulddrivemeintothedepot
tomorrowmorning?”

“Yes,andyoucancatchtheearlytrain.”Helenmovedherhandshelplessly.“Oh,mydear,Idohateto
seeyougo.Itwaslikehavingyourdearmotherwithmeagain,justforalittlewhile.”

ImpulsivelyNorahuggedher.“Ishallcomebackagain,”shepromised.Perhapsonedayshecould,if
CalBartoneverresignedhispost.Andiftherewerenoterribleconsequencestofacefromher
stupidity.Itwentwithoutsayingthatherauntwouldimmediatelydisownherifshefellpregnantoutof
wedlock.Scandalouswomenwerediscardedbysociety;evenbykin.

MELLYHELPEDHERPACK,lookingmoroseandsad.“Iwishyoucouldstay,”shesaid.

“HowcanyougoawaywhenyoufeelthewayyoudoaboutCal?Won’tyoumisshimterribly?”

“Why,ofcourseIshall,”Norasaid,forcingherselftosoundcarelesslypolite.“Ithasbeenfun,
meetinghiminsecret.ButyouknowthatIcouldnotbecomeseriousaboutsuchaman,Melly.

Honestly,couldyouseeMr.Bartonattheoperainthosebootshewears?”shelaughed.

Thelaughtersoundedalittlefrantic.Mellyfrownedather.Norahadn’tbeenthesamesinceyesterday,
andhereyeshadbeenredwhenshecamebacktothebuggyfromherridewithCal.

“Heupsetyou,didn’the?”Mellyaskedgently.

Norabitherlowerlip,butthetearscamejustthesame.Sheburiedherfaceinherhands.“Itwasall
forrevenge,Melly,allthesweetthingshesaidtome.Hetoldmeso.Hewasgettingevenforwhathe
thinksIdidtoGreely.Hewas…takingmedownapeg,thatwasall.Henevercaredforme.Heonly

wantedtoshameme,tohurtme,tomakemesorryformakingfunofhisfriend.”

Shesobbedbrokenly.“Oh,Ihatehim,”shewhispered.“Ihatehim!”

Mellywrappedherarmsaroundtheolderwoman.“Thesnake,”shemuttered.“Howcouldhebeso
cruel!”

“InevermeanttomakeGreelyquit,”Norasaid.“Ionlylikedhisshyness.Iwasnotdeliberately
cruel!”

“Hush,dear.Iknow.Iknow.”

“IlovedCal,”sheconfessedinawhisper.“Howcouldhehurtmeso?”

“Menareoftencruel,sometimeswithoutmeaningtobe,”Mellytoldher.“Areyoucertainthathe
doesnotloveyouinreturn?”

“HesaidthatIwasafool,”shewept.“Hesaidthatallofit,theflatteryandthesecretmeetings,were
onlytomakemesorryforwhatIhaddone.”

Mellyheldhercloser.“Andthisiswhyyouaregoinghome?”

“Imust,”shesaid,hidingherfearfromhercousin.“Thereisnothingformehere.InEnglandIwill
befarawayfromhim.Myheartwillheal.”

Mellywondered,butshedidn’treply.Sometimeswordsonlymadethingsworse.Shesmoothedthe
chestnuthairandletNoracryuntilthetearsfinallystopped.

NORA’SBAGSWEREPUTintothesurreyandshesaidhergoodbyestoMellyandherauntHelen
whileUncleChestergavesomeorderstohismen.

CalBartoncameupbesideher,hatinhand,mindfulofthecuriousglancethatcamehiswayfrom
Nora’saunt.

“IhopeyouhaveasafetripbacktoVirginia,MissMarlowe,”hesaidpolitely.

“Thankyou,Mr.Barton,”shesaidinathinvoice.Herheartbeatmadlyandshehadtodraghereyes
awayfromhis.Sherememberedtoowellherfallfromgraceathishands.

“Lookatme!”

Herfacejerkedup,flushedundertheglitterofhispaleeyesastheysoughttheravagesoftheday
before.Hesaidsomethingunderhisbreath,andhishandcrushedthebrimofhishat.

“Runningawaywillnotsolvethis,”hesaid.

“Neitherwillstaying,”shesaidwiththeremnantsofherpride.“Youhavenothingtogiveme.”

Helookedaway,hisfacehardwithcontrol.“Mylifewasplanned,”hesaid.“Ihavedreamsofmyown
tofulfill,andnoplaceforawomaninthem.Whileyou,”headded,“havenoplaceinyourlifefora
fortune-huntingcowboy.Isthatnotso?”

Sheflushed.“Iwaswrongtoaccuseyouofsuchathing,”shesaidmiserably.“Iknowyouthatwell,at
least.”

Hisfacetightened.“Youknowmebetterthanyourealize,”hesaid.“Ineveryway.”

“Donot!”shewhisperedfrantically.

“Wewenttogethertoparadise,”hesaidroughly.“Canyouforget?”

“Donotshameme!”

Hehatedtheiraudience,evenifitwasoutofearshot.Hedidn’twanthertogo.Somethingmustbe
workedout;surelyhecouldthinkofsomewaytokeepherhere!

“Stay!”hewhisperedhuskily.

Shebitherlip.Shecouldn’tlookathim,becauseifshedid,shecouldn’tleave.Hedidn’twant
marriage,heonlywantedherbody.Shecouldn’tgiveintotheweakness.Shelovedhim,buthefeltno
suchemotionforher.

“Icannot,”shesaidheavily.“Imustnot.”Sheliftedhereyestohisfinally.“Thereissomuchthatyou
donotknowaboutme,”shetoldhimplaintively.“IknewthatIcouldnevermarryorhaveachild.I
hadacceptedit.Iwouldneverhaveloved…ifyouhadnotmademe!”

Hescowled.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Herunclewascomingback.Therewasnomoretime.Itwastoolate.Toolate!

“Goodbye,”shesaidswiftly,andmadetoclimbontothesurrey.Calhelpedher.Hishandonherarm
waslikeabrand,burningintoherheartforever.Shesatheavilyonthewoodseat,hottears
threateninghereyes.

“Readytogo,girl?”UncleChestersaidcheerfully.

“Yes,”shesaid,forcingasmileandwavingtoherauntandcousin.“Yes,I’mready.Goodbye!”

Theycalledtheirgoodbyesback,butCalBartonstoodofftooneside,hisheadbareinthesun,
watchingherleavehim.Hehadn’tlovedher,hetoldhimself,hewasonlyguiltybecausehehad
compromisedher.Butthatdidn’texplaintheemptinessinsidehimthatgrewbiggerasthesurrey
grewsmallerinthedistance.

ChapterSeven

NorasailedforEnglandaweekaftershearrivedhomefromTexas.Shewaspleasant,evencheerful,
buttherewasaleadenweightinherheartassherealizedhowfoolishshehadbeen.Iftherehadbeen
othermeninherlife,perhapsshewouldnothavefallensohopelesslyinlovewithanunsuitableone.
Andnowshehadtowaittoknowiftherewouldbeconsequencesfromherfallfromgrace.Shehad
neverfeltsoalone.

Thepassengersontheshipwerefriendlyenough,butNorakepttoherselfexceptwhenmealswere
served.Shesatatthecaptain’stableandlookedelegantandcool,whileinsideshetormentedherself
withmemoriesofCalBarton’sarms.Thesepolished,elegantgentlemenwouldneverthinkof
allowingthemselvestobecomefilthyorsmell.Theyweremonied,sophisticated.

Butsheremembered,sowell,thewayCalhadlookedwithatiny,lostcalfinhisarms.Therehadbeen
astrangetendernessinhispaleeyesthatlingered,once,whenhelookedather.Sherememberedit
withoutwantingto,becauseithadbeenatvariancewiththebetrayalthatcamelater.

Herupbringinghadmadehimlikeanalientoher.Asasmallchild,shewasnotallowedtoplaywith
childrenwhowerenotinhersocialset.Shehadstartedouttobeatomboy,muchtoherparents’
dismay,butastrictgovernesshadtakenthespontaneityandimpulsivenessrightoutofher.Shehad
learnedtobeladylikeandcorrect,withexquisitemanners.Thealternativewasastickwieldedbyher
fatheragainstherlegs.Eventhroughherthickskirts,itwaspainful.Achildmustlearndiscipline,he
informedhermanytimes,oritwouldgrowuptobeidleandwithoutmorals.Sheoftenwishedthat
therewereagentlerwayofensuringsuchtraits.Sheseemednevertopleaseherfatheratall,andher
poorlegswereconstantlybruisedinheryouth.

Norhadhermotherprotestedthesedisciplinesessions.Insuchawayshehadherselfbeentaughtto
mind.Norasecretlythoughtthatifsheeverboreachildofherown,shewouldneverallowittobe
treatedinsuchamanner,regardlessoftheconsequencestoherself.Unlikehermother,shewouldnot
becowedbyherhusband.

Lifewassoriddledwithrulesandcodesofbehavior.Shewonderedhowitwouldbetowearjeans
likeamanandrideastrideahorse,ortobeallowedtosocializewithanyoneshepleased.

Inherchildhoodshehadenviedthesmallpoorchildrenwhoplayedwithmudpiesandrolled,
laughing,throughtallgrassinpursuitofoneanotherandtheever-presentdogsandcatsofthepoor
sections.Norahadneverbeenallowedapet.Animalswerenasty,herfatherinformedher.

Andofcourse,aladyneverallowedherclothingtobesoiled.

SHEKEPTTOHERSELFuntiltheshipdockedinLondon,andacarriagetookherstraighttothe
Randolphestateoutsidethecity.ItwasOctobernow,andthetripoverhadbeenbitterlycold.

Shewrappedherselfwarmlyinherfurcoat,withthebearrobeloopedoverherlegstokeepthecold
fromthem.Herhandtouchedthelong,thick,blackfurtenderly,andshefeltatwingeofpityforthe
poorcreaturewhosehideithadbeeninlife.Allthesame,itwaspleasantagainstthechill.

Shestillhadnoideaifherbodywasfertilenow.Shehadneverbeenregularinhermonthlies,andshe
wasprobablylesssonow,withtheexcitement.ShemissedCalsomuchthatshefelttornintwo.

TheRandolphestatewascrownedbyaseventeenth-centurycountryhousethathadoftenhosted
royalty.Itwascoldassin,butithadanatmosphereofwarmththatmadeNorafeelrightathome.

HerelderlycousinsLadyEdnaandSirTorrancemadeherwelcomefromthefirst.Theywereminor
royalty,forhewasabaronet—atitlewithwhichhehadbeenpresentedbyHerMajestyQueen
Victoriaformilitaryservice,notaninheritedtitle—buttheelderlycouplewerelessstringentabout
titlesandprotocolthanmanyothersoftheirstature.Theyhadnochildrenoftheirownandadored
youngcompany,especiallyNora.Norathoughtitwasprovidentialthattheyhadaskedhertovisitjust
now,whenshesodesperatelyneededpampering.Hermotherwaskindandsweet,butherfatherwasa
businessmanwhohadlittletimeforpaternalduties.Shehadneveroncedaredthinkabouttellingher
plighttoherparents,forfearofbeingdisowned.Herfatherwouldnevercountenancewhatshehad
done,orforgiveherforit.Hisopinionof“loosewomen”

waslegendaryinthefamily.Andwhilehermothermighthavebeensympathetic,shewouldnever
havestooduptotheheadofthehousehold.

TheonekindnessinNora’stumultuouslifewasthatshehadnotbeenrevisitedbythefever.

“Ithinkyourdoctoriswrong,”Ednasaidfirmlywhiletheyweresittingintheparlorlateatnight.“To
tellyouthefeverisfatal!Indeed!IhaveknowntwowomenwhocontracteditinAfrica,andbothlived
toripeoldagesandhadlargefamilies.”

“Ourphysicianisveryknowledgeable,”Norasaidsadly.“Hehasneverbeenwrongbefore.”

“AndwhatdoesaVirginiaphysicianknowoftropicaldiseases?”Ednaharrumphed.“Theveryidea.A
colonialdoctor.”

“Dear,thecoloniesarenowcalledAmerica,”herhusbandchidedgently.

“Thecolonies,”sherepeatedfirmly,“needbetterphysicians.Ishallhaveourowndearphysician
examineyou,mydear.”

“No!”Norasatbackandforcedherselftoappearcalm.“Imean,Idonotneedexamination.Ifeel
fine.”Shecouldnotallowadoctortoexamineher,whenshehadnoideaifshewaswithchild.
Perhapsaphysicianmighthavewaysofdiscoveringiteventhissoonafterconception.Sheknew
nothingofmedicine.

“Asyouwish,dear,”Ednasaidgently.“Butitisworththinkingabout.”

“AndIshall,Ipromiseyou,”shevowed.

THEGLITTERoftheEnglishcourtwasunlikeanythingNorahadeverseen.Shecouldstillhardly
believethatshewastobepresentedtothequeenherself.Fordaysnowshehadbeencarefullycoached
inwhattosay,howtobehave,howtocurtsy.Therewasarigidprotocolthatonemustfollow,andshe

paidstrictattentiontoherschooling.Heroneworrywashersuddentendencytobecomelight-headed.
Heavenforbidthatsheshouldfaintatthemonarch’sfeet!

AboutQueenVictoria,shehadbeensingularlyignorant,despiteherroyalcousins.Sheknewthatthe
monarchhadninechildren,thatshewaswidowedtheyeartheAmericanCivilWarbegan.

SheknewthatPrinceAlbertEdwardwastheoldestofVictoria’schildren.SheknewthatVictoriahad
celebratedherDiamondJubileein1897,andthatshewasdepressedovertheBoerWarinSouth
AfricaandtheBoxerRebellioninChina.ItwasasadtimetocometoEngland,inmanyways,and
despitetheexcitementofherdayinthepalace,apartofNorawasgrievingoverherbetrayalbyCal.

Sincethepresentationwasintheafternoon,Noraworeherbestsuit,ablacksilkonewithalacywhite
blouseandspotlesswhitekidgloves.Sheworeapertlittlehatwithaveil,andhermother ’sdiamonds
atherthroatandwrist.Shefeltelegantenoughinherfinery,butherfirstglimpseoftheagedqueen
setherheartracingandstoppedherbreathinherthroat.

Victoriawaseighty-oneyearsold,butshehadtheunmistakableproudcarriageofherpositionanda
mystiquebefittingawomanwhohadgovernedEnglandforoversixtyyears.Shewasbelovedbyher
peopleandrespectedtheworldover.EvenParliamentdeferredtoher.Butshelookedunwell,Nora
thoughtsadly.Poorthing,tohavelivedsolongwithoutthemanshelovedmostintheworld.Shefelt
astrangekinshipwithher,becauseshewastornapartattheideaofneverseeingCalBartonagain.

HerkneesshookasshewaspresentedtoVictoria,whonoddedandsmiledpleasantly.Shemanaged
thecurtsywithoutfalling,althoughshewaslesscalmthansheappeared.Agreeting,aquickretreat,
anditwasover.Amomenttolastalifetime,andthereweremanyothersonthelistwhowouldcherish
theirfewminutesatcourtforever.

“Well,mydear?”Ednachuckledwhentheywerehavingteainasmallcaféafewblocksfrom
WindsorCastle.“Howdoyoufeel?”

“Oh,Ishallneverwashmygloveorchangemyclothes,”Noramurmureddryly.“Otherwise,Ishall
bequitenormal.”

Ednaandherhusbandlaugheddelightedlyandofferedheranotherteacake.

THEDAYSPASSEDLAZILY.Norabegantorecoversomewhatfromthejourneyandthegriefthat
hadprecededit.Butshemadenopretenseatwantingadventure.Shewasquitecontenttoletthe
servantsbringherteaandcakesandmagazines,andtositinthequietgardenwithoutbeingdisturbed.
EdnaandTorranceweresupportivewithoutbeingintrusive,asiftheyknewshehadbeenthrough
somesadexperienceandwantedonlytocomforther.

ButatnightsherelivedoverandoveragainthatafternooninCalBarton’sarmsintheoldcabin.

Shefelthismouth,heardthetorturedwhipofhisbreathatherear,experiencedalloveragainthe
feverishecstasyofbecomingawomanineverysenseoftheword.Itwasashamefulsecret.Notonly
hadshesacrificedhervirtue,shehadcommittedthecardinalsinofenjoyingit.Whenshewentto
church,shekeptherveilinplaceandwincedatthesermon.Shehadsinnedquiteterribly.Perhapsshe

wouldgotohellforit.ButshehadlovedCal,wouldalwayslovehim.Didthatnotbalancethescales,
evenalittle?Anditwasnotasifshealonewereguilty.Hehadseducedher.Shehadbeeninnocent,
butnothe.Surelyhehadknownexactlywhathewasdoing,had,infact,seducedherdeliberatelyto
showherwhateasygameshewas.Thatwasthemostshamingpartofit;thatshehadloved,andhe
hadonlyusedhertosatisfyadisgustingappetiteoftheflesh.Hehadnotlovedher.Andworse,she
hadnotcared.Shehadonlywantedtopleasehim,whileheplottedherdownfall.Shefeltunclean.

Therewasanotherworry,asecretone.Shewaslateforhermonthly;laterthanever.Andshebeganto
loseherappetiteforbreakfast.Shehadalwayslookedforwardtothefirstmealoftheday,enjoying
hertoastandjamandscrambledeggs.Butjustlatelyeggsmadehersicktoherstomach.Theterrorof
pregnancymadehergocoldalloverwithfear.Wherewouldshego?

Whatwouldshedo?Herparentswoulddisownher.

Calhadinstructedhertotellhimiftherewereconsequences,butshehadtoomuchpride.No,there
mustbesomeotherway….Andthensherememberedtheterriblefeverthatmightrecurandbecame
moreworried.Couldithurtthebaby?Sheputherhandsprotectivelyoverherstomach.Alreadyshe
thoughtofitasaliving,breathinglittlehumanbeing,eventhoughshehadnoproofofitsexistence
exceptsuspicions.Shelayback,shiveringwithreaction.Shehadnoideawhatshewoulddo.Sheonly
knewthatshemustbeginmakingdecisions.

ALETTERCAMEFROMHERMOTHERlatethenextweek,remindingherthatshemustcomehome
intimeforThanksgiving.ShealsoremarkedthatEdwardSummervillehadcomebythehouseand
askedafterher.HewasonhiswaytoEngland,andwhenhetrickedherangrymotherintotellinghim
whereshewas,hesaidthatheplannedtostopattheRandolphestateandvisither.Hermotherwasnot
pleasedaboutthis,andneitherwasherfather,buttherewaslittletheycoulddotostoptheman.
EdwardSummervillewasthelastpersonintheworldwhomNorawantedtosee!

Asithappened,hearrivedthatveryafternoon,havingcomeoverinthesameshipwiththemailfrom
America.HewasgreetedwarmlybytheRandolphs,whomadeabigfussoverhim,whileNoragave
himacoldandunpleasantstare.

Heflushedashemetheraccusinglook.Hewasalmosttoohandsome;blondandblue-eyed,talland
majestic.Heevenhadanimpeccableaccent.Womenlovedhim.Mostwomen.Norafoundhim
repulsive.

“Ihopethatyouarewell,Nora,”hesaid,reachingforherhand.

Shewithdrewitbeforehecouldtouchit.“IwashealthierbeforeIwenttoAfrica,Edward,”shesaid
pointedly.

Heletoutalongbreath.Helookedweary.“Yes,”hesaid.“Tomyshame,Iknowit.Ihavehadlong
monthstothinkaboutmybehavior.Iregretsomuch,Nora.Iactuallycametoapologize.

Imaginethat,”helaughedcynically.

Sheclaspedherhandstightlyatherwaist.“Nowthatyou’vedoneso,Ihopenottohavetoseeyou

again.”

Hegrimacedandshotaglanceattheelderlycouplesittingbythefireplace,tryingnottoeavesdrop.
“Youwillbreaktheirhearts,”hesaidunderhisbreath.“Theysensearomance.”

“Thatwouldrequiresomeimagination,”shesaidpleasantly.

“Ouch!”

“Ihavenofeelingforyou,saveoneofdistaste,”shesaidbluntly.“Ihavebeenillmostoftheyear
untilthesummerwithfever.Iblameyou.”

“Iblamemyself,”hesaidfervently.“Yourmothertoldmeofyoursufferings.Iamacad,Eleanor.But
Ineverknewit,notreally,untilKenya.”Heleanedonthefashionablecaneinhisrighthand,withits
bigsilverwolf’shead.“Ihopetochangeyourbadmemoriesofme.”

“Thatwilltakesomeeffort,”shesaidstiffly.

“Irealizeit.Ihavebeeninvitedtostay,”headded,smiling.

“ThenIshallleave.”

“No.”Hestooderect.“Please.Atleastgivemetheopportunitytomakeamends,Eleanor.Ipromise
youthatIwilldonothingtooffendyou,nothingatall.Iwantonlythepleasureofyourcompany,
whenyoufeelinclined.”

Shehesitated.Hedidn’tlookthreateninganymore.Infact,hehonestlylookedrepentant.Shewas
lonely.Itwasprobablyastupidthingtodo,butafteraminute,shenoddedreluctantly,andherelaxed.
HewouldkeephermindoffCal,perhaps,ifshecouldforgetthehorrorsshehadsufferedsince
Kenya.Shewasnothard-heartedenoughtorefusehimforgiveness,whenheseemedgenuinelysorry
abouthisbehavior.Theysaidpeoplecouldchange.Timewouldtell.

BACKINBEAUMONT,awearyCalBartonwaswatchingthedrillworkonthesecondtractheand
hisnewpartnerhadpurchased.Pikewasathin,darkman,alittleolderthanCal,who’dspenthislife
lookingforabigoilstrike.Calhadneededsomeonetostayattherigandsupervisethemenwhilehe
workedontheTremayneranchandgentlyguidedChestertowardmoremodernmethodsofbeef
production.Hishearthadn’tbeeninitsinceEleanorleft,buthewentthroughthemotions.Thething
was,hecouldn’tbeintwoplacesatonce,andChesterwasdigginginhisheelsoverthatnew
cultivator.

“She’llbedry,”Pikesaidcurtlywhentheyhitwater.

“Youcan’tknowthat.Wehaven’tgonedeepenough,”Calargued.

“Iknow.”Pikewipedhisfacewithadirtysleeve,andhisdarkeyesmettheotherman’slightones.
“Thisisfamiliarterritorytome.Water,thennothing.Iftherewasoil,we’dhaveseensomesignby
now.”

“Godeeper,”Calsnapped.“ThegeologistIcontactedthinksthisisanidealplacetodrill.”

“Geologistsdon’tknoweverything.”

“Neitherdowaterwitches,”Calmused,tongueincheek.

“No?Thewaterwitchsaidwe’dhitwaterhere,andwedid,”Pikeremindedhim.“Hadadiviningrod
andeverything.Willowstickwentcrazyandjerkedhimslamintothegroundrighttherewheretherig
is.Itoldyouwe’dhitwater.”

“We’llhitoileventually.TherehavebeenotherstrikesinTexas.”

“Butnothere.”

“Therewillbe,”Calsaidflatly.

Pikeshruggedhisthinshoulders.“We’llkeepgoingdown.Whathappenswhenyourunoutof
money?”

“Westartonyourpoke.”Calgrinned.

Pikegavehimanarrow-eyedstareandwentbacktowork.

CalboardedthenexttrainnorthtoTylerJunction.HewonderedasherodealonghowEleanorwas,if
shethoughtabouthim,ifshehatedhim.Mostofall,heworriedabouthercondition.Iftherewasa
child,hecouldn’tleavehertofacethedisgraceallalone.Hehadtodosomething.

Butwhat?

Hedidn’texpecthertowritehim,andshedidn’t.Butshewrotetoherpeople.HewaylaidMellyatthe
backporchafewdayslaterandaskedpointedlyifshe’dheardfromNora.

“Yes,”Mellysaidhesitantly,coolbecausesheknewhe’dhurthercousin.“She’sstayinginEngland
withsomecousins.”

Hesweptoffhishatandranahandthroughhisthick,sweatydarkhair.Hispiercingsilvereyesmet
hers.“Issheallright?”

Mellythoughthemeantthefever,andguessedthatshe’dtoldhimabouthermishapinAfrica.

“Yes,she’sfine,”shesaid.“Shehashadnorelapses.”

Calfoundthewordingodd,buthedidn’tremarkonit.“Issheplanningalongstay?”

“Shedidn’tsay,butmyauntCynthiawroteus,veryworriedbecausethatEdwardSummervilleman
hasfollowedhertoEngland.Hewantstomarryher,hesays.”Shelaughedcoldly.“AsifNorawould
marryamanwho…who…well,whowassuchacadastoleaveherinthelurch!”

Calfelttheblooddrainoutofhisface.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Shegloweredupathim.“SurelyNoratoldyouaboutit.Hepursuedhereverywhere.He’svery
wealthyandhelovesher,orsayshedoes.Isupposeit’sdecentofhimtofinallyofferhermarriage,
butIdon’tthinkthatjustifiestheshamehecausedher—”

“Melly!Dear,pleasehurry,thefoodisgettingcold!”

“Coming,Mama!”ShethrewCalanapologeticglanceandwentquicklyinside.

Calstoodontheporchwithragingemotionstearingathim.Mellyhadimpliedthatthisman
SummervillehadbeenintimatewithNora.Hadhe?Herememberedhertremblinguncertaintyinhis
arms,hershockedcriesofpleasure.Butcouldnotthathavebeenfaked?Shehadacceptedhisbody
easilyenough,andshehadgottenpleasurefromit.Hadhebeenmistakenaboutherinnocenceafter
all?Heassumedthattherehadbeennoman,butshouldavirginhaveenjoyedherinitiationsomuch?
Shehadadmittedthatitstung,justatfirst,butshecouldhavebeenlying.

Yes.Shemusthavebeenlying,hethoughtfuriously.Hehadwhippedhisconscienceoverwhathe
consideredhisreprehensiblebehavior,becausehehadplayedherforafool.Butitseemedshehad
playedhimforabiggerone.Shehadcomewesttoescapeanamoroussuitorwhohadalready
enjoyedherinnocence,andshehadfoundanotherman.Perhapsshehadbeentryingtofinda
husband,incasesomethingcameofherindiscretion.Wasthatwhyshehadyieldedtohim?

ButnowSummervillehadcometoheel,whichmightbeanothermotiveforhertripoutWest.

ProbablysheandhersuitorwereevennowsippingteainsomemajesticBritishcountrymansionand
laughingathisnaïveté.Calcouldhavekickedhimself!Howcouldhehavebeensostupid!

Well,hethoughtangrilyasheslammedhishatonhisheadandwentbacktohischores,heknew
betternow.Heknewexactlywhatshewas.Andiftherewasachild,shehadnoneedtocometohim
withpleasformarriage.HewouldsendhersmartlyrightbacktoSummerville,thefatherofanychild
shemightconceive!

THESECONDWEEKofherstayinLondonpassed,withEdwardSummervilleattentiveandkind.
Noradidn’tcompletelytrusthim,evenso,andshelikedhimevenlesswhenhebegantospeakof
otherwomenwhocameandwentinhislife.HehadacavalierattitudeabouthergenderwhichNora
founddistasteful.Itseemedtobeherfatetobecomeinvolvedwithmenwhosepresencecheapened
her.

Thequeasinessatbreakfasthadnotlefther.Shehadnoideahowawomanknewifshehadconceived.
Shehadheardhermarriedfriendstalk,butonlyinwhispersandnotspecificallyabouttheirhealth
concerns.NowNorawishedshehadlistenedmorecarefully.Shewantedtoconsultaphysician,but
thatwouldbeeasiersaidthandone.Anditcouldcausescandal,especiallyhere,whereherroyal
cousinslived.Perhaps,ifshewenthome,shecouldgotoNewYorkorsomeotherlargecityandvisit
aphysiciantowhomshewasnotknown.Thatseemeddishonest,butitwastheonlywaytospareher
familyascandal.

ShebrokethenewstohercousinsandSummervillethatverynightthatshewasgoingtobook
passageonthenextshiphome.

“Dear,dostayalittlelonger,”Ednapleaded.“Wedosoenjoyhavingyouwithus.”

“Indeedwedo,”Torranceseconded.

“Ishouldloveto,reallyIshould,”Noraassuredthem,“butmymotherwishesmetobehomeintime
forThanksgiving….”

“Butthatistwoweeksaway.”Ednamoaned.

“Andtheshipcouldbedelayed…anythingcouldhappen,”Norapointedout.“Besides,Iwillhaveto
helpMotherprepareforthefamilypartyshealwayshostesses.Couldn’tyougobackwithme?”she
asked.

Theyshooktheirheads,becausethey,too,hadengagementstofulfill.ButSummervillesmiledashe
informedNorathathewouldaccompanyhertotheStates,andhopeforaninvitationtothe
Thanksgivingparty.Hopewouldnotbeenough,Noraknew.Hermotherandfatherdidnotlike
Summervilleatall,andshestillhaddoubtsabouthim.Somewhereinhermind,shewonderedwhyhe
hadbotheredtofollowhertoLondonandstayfortwoweeks.Truetohisword,hehadnotannoyed
herorattemptedtohandleherinanyway.However,therehadbeenawatchfullookabouthim.

“Somethingistroublingyou,mydear,isitnot?”LadyEdnaaskedherwhileshewaspackingthat
night.

Shenodded,pausinginthefoldingofagown.“ItisEdward.Idonottrusthim.”

Ednasighed.“Imustadmit,thissuddenvisitofhisisdisturbing,whenhehardlyeverstopstoseeus.”
SheliftedhereyestoNora’s.“Youknowthathisfamilyhassufferedadeclineinfortune?”

Nora’seyebrowslifted.“Ah.Ibegintoseethelight.”

Ednagrimaced.“Forgiveme.Iamfondofhim,butheisnotthesortofhusbandyouneed.Helikes
thewomentoomuch.”

“Iknow.”

“Andawomanshouldnotbemarriedjustforherfortune,”Ednaaddedindignantly.“Ihadnoidea
whyhewashereuntilIspoketoLadyWinterattheteapartythisafternoon.SheaskedifSummerville
wastrulyinresidencehere,andIadmittedthathewas.Thenshelaughedandsaidthathehadcourted
mostoftheeligiblewomeninourcirclewithoutsuccessandwascontemplatingthelossofluxury
withdespair.ThenLadySylviaannouncedthatyouwerevisiting,andeveryoneknewwhy
Summervillewashere.”ShepattedNora’shandsympathetically.“Forgiveme.Iwouldnothave
allowedhimtopresumeonourhospitalityifIhadanyideaofhismotives!”

“Iknowthat,”Norasaidgently.Shehuggedtheolderwomanaffectionately.“Please,thinknothingof

it.IknowEdwardverywell,unfortunately.Itwashewhocausedmetogetthefever,youknow.He
toremydressinamorouspursuit,andthemosquitoesgottomyskin.JohnandClaudethrashedhim
royally,andIhadnotheardfromhimforsometime.Isupposehethoughthemightendupahappy
widowerifhecouldconvincemetomarryhim,”sheaddedbitterly.

“Nora,youwillnotdieofthefever!”Ednasaidfirmly.“Blackwaterfeverisnotthatdifficultto
diagnose,andyouwouldbedeadalreadyifyouhadit.Certainlyyouwouldbecomeillveryquickly
andhavenoappetiteandnoenergy.”

Norafeltherselfgopale.Couldshehavebeenwrong?Coulditbethefever,thekillingfever,andnot
pregnancyatallthatwascausinghercondition?Shewashorrified.

“Now,youmuststopworrying,”Ednacontinued,oblivioustohercousin’sshockedexpressionasshe
begantohelpfindclothesforthemaidtofoldandputinNora’scases.“IamcertainthattheAlmighty
hasnotcursedyouinsuchaway.AndasforSummerville,why,heisnomorethanafly.Ihaveno
doubtthatyourfatherwillsettlehishashforhimifhehasthetemeritytofollowyouhome!”

ChapterEight

Thevoyagehomewasadifficultone,becausethehugecruiseshiphitastormintheAtlanticand
pitchedandtosseduntilNorathoughtshewouldbringupherstomach.Sheremainedinhercabinwith
theship’sphysicianattendingher,andtheseasickpillshelpedsomewhat.Butshewasworriedabout
hertruecondition,andtooafraidtomentionit.

Thedoctor,akindelderlyman,satdownonthebunkbesideherandtookherhandinhis.

“Now,”hesaid,whenthestewardhadplacedherjugofjuiceonthetableanddeparted.

“Supposeyoutellmewhatisoccupyingyourmindtosuchadegree,younglady.”

Sheswallowedanotherwaveofnauseaandlookedupathimwithtormentinherblueeyes.“Ihave
been…indiscreet,”shefaltered.“Ilovedhimsomuch.Ithoughthelovedme,”sheaddedinawobbly
whisper.

Thedoctor,whowasnostrangertosuchconfessions,pattedherhand.“Andnowyoufearthatthere
willbeconsequences.”

Shebitherlip.“Yes…or…”Shelookedup.

“Or?”heprompted.

“Ihavehadfever,frommosquitobitesIreceivedinKenyaonsafari,”shetoldhimworriedly.

“Theysaythatblackwaterfeverbeginswithlossofappetiteandnausea,whichIhave.”

“Howlongagodidyoucontractthisfever?”

Shetoldhim.

“Andhowlongagowasthis…ahem…indiscretion?”

Shetoldhimthat,too.

Hesmiledgently.“Mydearyoungwoman,Ifearthatblackwaterfeverisgoingtobetheleastofyour
worries.ImustgetmynursetoassistmewhileIexamineyou.”

“No,please,”shepleaded.“Idon’twantanyoneelsetoknow.Myfamily…thedisgrace!”

Heletoutalongsigh.“Whatsortofaworlddowelivein,youngwoman,wherebeinghumanissuch
acrime?Verywell,Icandotheexaminationalone,ifyouwillpermitme?”

Shenodded.“Ofcourse.”

Itwasembarrassinglythorough,andwhenhefinished,hewasresignedandreluctanttotellher.

Helingeredoverwashinghishandsinthebasinanddryingthembeforeheturned.

“Iamsorry,”hesaidquietly.“Butthereisgoingtobeachild.”

Shesatrigidlyontheedgeofthebed.Herfirstimpulsewastopanic,tojumpoverboard,to…Then
shethoughtofatinyblackheadsucklingatherbreast,andsuchawaveofloveandjoysweptthrough
herthattearsstungherblueeyes.

“Therearewaystomanagesomethinglikethis,”hebeganinapaternaltone.“Adoptioncanbe
arranged.Icansendyoutotheproperpeople.Judgingbyyourmannerofdress,youarewell-to-do,
whichwillbeahelp.”

“ButIdonotwanttogiveupmychild,”shesaidearnestly.

“Alaudable,noblesentiment.Butimpractical,unlessthefatherwillmarryyouandgivethechilda
name.”

Shegroundherteethtogether.Calwouldmarryher,ofcourse,ifshepresentedhimwiththefactofa
child.Buthewaspoor,andshewouldhavenothingforherselfandthechild.

HerfatherwouldneveracceptCalasason-in-law.NorwouldheacceptNorainherconditionwithout
ahusband.HewoulddisinheritNoraimmediately.IfshemarriedCal,theywouldbeforcedtolivein
ashackonherauntanduncle’sranch,whereheworked,andNorawouldhavetolearntocookand
cleananddoforherself.Itwasanightmareofapossibility.Shehadbecomeaccustomedtowealth
andservants.Howcouldshelivelikeafieldhand?Itmightsoundromantictogiveupherallfor
love,butitwashardlypractical.Shewouldsufferinthatsortofenvironment,andherillnesswould
beaneternalburdenonCal.Calmighthateherforforcinghimtomarryher.Hemightnotevenwant
thechild.Shegroaned.Itseemedthatallherdoorswereclosed.

“Thinkaboutit,”thedoctorcounseled.“Iwilltellnoone,youmayrestassuredofthat.Whenwe
reachNewYork,Ishallgiveyouawaytocontactme.Youdonothavetodecideimmediately.”

Sheliftedwearyeyes.“Thankyou,”shesaidsincerely.

Helookedconcerned.“Ihavetwodaughtersofmyown.Thisman…Youstilllovehim?”

Shedroppedhergazetothefloor.“Atthetime,Ilovedhimmorethanlifeitself,”shesaidhesitantly.

“Mydear,ifyoudidnotstilllovehim,thechildwouldnotbesoprecioustoyou,”hecommented
withasmile.

Shewasshocked.“Icouldnotloveamanwhobetrayedme!”

“Alas,hatredispartoflove.Trynottoworrytoomuch.Andeatproperlyandgetenoughrest,”

headdedsternly,closinghismedicalbag.“Youaredelicatenow.”

“Thefever…”

Heturned.“Itmayrecur,”hesaid.“Butevenifitdoes,itwillnotbefatal.Youwilllearntolivewith
it,asmanymendidwhocamebackfromPanamaandCubasimilarlyinfected.Mydear,itispossible
tocontractmalariaeveninthesouthernmostpartsoftheUnitedStateswheremosquitoescarrythe
plasmodia.IhaveseenmorecasesofitthanIcanremember.Youwillsurvive,Ipromiseyou.Doyou
takequinine?”

“Oh,yes,”shesaidmiserably.“Afterthefirsttwoattacks,Ihadto,butitmakesmeuncomfortable.
It…willnotharmthebaby?”

Hesmiledandshookhishead.“Ofcoursenot.Now,trytogetsomerest.Theseasickpotionshould
helpsomewhat.”

“Thankyou,doctor.”

Hepattedhershoulder.“IwishthatIcoulddomore.Goodnight,MissMarlowe.”

Shewatchedhimgowithtiredeyes.Hewaskind,andhedidatleasthavehopetoofferaboutthe
fevers.ButwhatwouldshedoaboutCal’schild?Thatwasaproblemshecouldn’tsolveinthecourse
ofonenight.

EDWARDSUMMERVILLEwatchedherverycarefullyuntiltheydocked,andallthewaybytrainto
Richmond.Heseemedtoknowabouthercondition,becausehewasverysolicitousandconcerned.

“Areyougoingtokeepit?”heaskedbluntlywhentheywerebrieflyaloneontheplatformwaiting
forherfather ’sservanttodrivethemhome.

Shewentwhiteasshemethisknowingeyes.

Hesmiledcynically.“Didyoureallythinkyoucouldkeepsuchathingsecret?”heasked.“Thedoctor
toldhisnurse.She,aftersomeflatteryandaboxoffinechocolates,wasquiteforthcoming.”He
cockedhishead.“WasitthemaninTexas?TheoneIheardyoutellEdnaabout?”

“Mychild’sparentageismybusiness,”shesaidwithbravado.Shewasoutragedathismeddling,at
hisunscrupulousbehavior.Hewasascoundrel.

“WhatwillyoudoifItellyourparentsaboutthechild,Nora?”heaskedsuddenly,withanunpleasant
gleaminhiseyes.“WhatifItellthem,infact,thatitismine?”

“We…wehavenever…!”

“WehavebeentogetherforweeksinEngland,”heremindedher.“Andyourconditiondoesnotshow.
Yet.”

“Youcouldnotdosuchathing!”sheraged.

“Myfatherhassquanderedmyinheritanceondrinkandgambling,”hesaidicily,hishandsomeface
uglywithangerandgreed.“Icannotliveapauper.Iwillnot.Youneedahusband,andIneeda

wealthywifetosupportme.Wewillsuitadmirably.Iwillbethepictureofalovinghusbandand
father,Ipromiseyou,andthelittlebratwillneverknowthetruthabouthisconception.”

“Iwillnot!”shesaidonagasp.

Heturnedtoseethecarriageapproachingandbenttopickuphiscase.HesmiledcoollyatNora.

“Thinkofthealternative,Nora.Yourfatherwillforceyoutomarryme.”

“Hewilldisinheritme!”shecorrected.

Hecockedaneyebrow.“Ihardlythinkso.Afterall,Ihaveanoldfamilyname,andheknowsnothing
ofourfinances.Heisacowardlymanabouthisfamilyname.Hewilldoanythingtokeepitunsullied,
andsavehisfinereputation.Abankercanhardlyaffordascandal,mydear.”

Hewassayingnomorethanshealreadyknew.Herfatherconsideredhissocialpositionmore
importantthanhislife.Hewoulddoanythingtosafeguardit,rightdowntomakingNoramarrya
blackguardlikeSummerville.

“IwillgiveyouuntilFridaytothinkitthrough.Ifyouhavenotagreedtomarrymebythen,”he
addeddeliberately,“Iwillmakeyou.”

“Youwillmakemedonothing!”sheinformedhimhaughtily.Butthestrainofthetripandher
conditionhadmadeherweak.Shefaltered,andhecaughtherjustasshestartedtocrumple.

“Donotfightme,”hecounseled.“Itwilldonogood.Imeantohaveyou.Imeanttohaveyouin
Africa,butyourcousinspreventedme.Nowthereisnoonetoturnto,noonetosaveyou.Iwillhave
myway,andyourfortune.Andthereisnotonethingyoucandotopreventit.”

Oh,yes,therewas,shetoldherselffirmly.Shewouldstophim,somehow.Ifonlyshefeltbetter!

Shewasinnoconditionforastandingfight,butshemustmanageone,orshewouldlosecontrolof
herownlife,andherfortune.WhataterriblefateCalhadledherto!

THEYARRIVEDATHERPARENTS’homeminuteslater,andEdwardhelpedNorafromthe
carriageandintothehouse.Shewaswarmlywelcomedbyhermother,buttherewasnosimilar
greetingforEdward,whomadehimselfrightathomewithoutaninvitation.

“Yourfatherwillbealongdirectly,”CynthiatoldNora,glancingcuriouslyatEdward.“Excuseme,
Mr.Summerville,Idonotrememberinvitingyoutostay.”

Hesmiledvacantly.“Noradid.Didn’tyou,mydear?”

Noraglaredathim.“No,Ididnot.”

Hegottohisfeetslowlyandpausedinfrontofher.“YouhaveuntilFridaymorning,”hereminded
her.“I’llseeyouthen…darling.”Hebenttobrushhislipsoverhercheek,butshejerkedback
accusingly,herblueeyesglitteryastheymethis.

“Ishallhavethepolicewaitingforyou.”

“AndIshallhaveareporterwaitingforyou,”hecounteredgently.

Norawaswhitewhenheclosedthedoorbehindhim.Cynthiagothertothesofaandhelpedhertolie
down.“Vileman!”sheexclaimed,fussingoverNora.“Isitthefever,dear?”

“Ifeelill,”Norahedged.

“Nodoubt,afterthatlongtrip.”Shehadthemaidfetchawetclothandputitgentlyoverher
daughter ’sforehead.“Mypoordarling.Itissogoodtohaveyouhome.Itislonelywithyourfather
awaysomuchatthebank.IfearthatitmeansmoretohimthanIdo.”

Noracouldhaveassuredherthatitdid.Herparentslivedtogetherbutwithoutasparkofwarmth
betweenthem.Herfatherdictatedandhermotherobeyed.Itwassuchastaid,clinicalrelationshipthat
ithadkeptNorafromeverwishingtomarry,untilshemetCal.

SheclosedhereyesandhopedthatEdwardwouldjustgoaway,thathewouldn’tcarrythroughwith
histhreat.Butsheknewthatwouldneverhappen.Hehadhiseyeonhermoney,andhewascertainthat
hecouldmaneuverherintomarriage.

Cynthiaassumedthatitwasthefevermakingherdaughterill.Shesatdownnearbyandbeganto
speakofcommonplacethingsinherserenetone.Allthewhile,Norawassearchingforawayoutof
herpredicament.Justthethoughtoftellingherfatherwhatsortofmessshewasinmadeherterror-
stricken.AndEdwardSummervillewasgoingtocomplicatethesituationimmeasurably.Ifonlythere
wassomethingshecoulddo!

Buttherewas,sherealizedsuddenly.Itwasanunpleasant,unwantedalternative,butitwastheonly
oneshehad.Shemovedthewetclothasideandopenedhereyeswithalongsigh.Itwouldkillher
pridetoaskforhelp.Ontheotherhand,shehadverylittlechoice.

Shesatup.“Mama,canyousendClarencetotheWesternUnionofficeforme?Imustsenda
telegram.”

“Why,certainly,mydear.Towhom…?”

“Please,donotaskme,”Norareplied,meetinghermother ’seyes.“TrustthatIknowwhatIamdoing,
canyou?”

“Nora,issomethingwrong?”hermotherasked.“Firstthatvilemancomesbackwithyou,afterIhad
senthimawayseveralweeksago,andnowyouarrivelookinglikedeath.Please,canyounotconfide
inme?”

“CertainlyIcan,”Norasaidcomfortingly.“Butnotjustyet.MayIhaveapencilandpaper?”

Withalong-sufferingsigh,Cynthiafetchedthem.“Mysocialsecretarycouldtakedictationifshe

werehere,”shesaid.

“Icanwriteitmyself.AndClarencewillneedtowaitforananswer.Itmay…takesometime,”

sheadded.

“Youareverymysterious,darling,”Cynthiaremarked.

Noradidn’tanswerher.Shewastryingtoputanovelintoafewscantwords.Whenshefinished,she
countedthewords,tookasilverdollarfromherpurseandsealedthewholeinanenvelope.

Cynthiawasmorethancurious,butsherelentedwhenshenoticedthestraininherdaughter ’sface.
Somethingwaswrong,badlywrong,andshefeltthatithadsomethingtodowiththatSummerville
person.HeseemedverypossessiveofNora,andhewasuptosomething.Itmustbesomething
unpleasant.He’dsaidthathewasreturningtothehouseonFriday,andNoraseemedtobeupsetabout
it.CynthiawouldhavetoaskNora’sfathertobeathomeFridaymorning,andhewouldnotlike
beingaskedtostayawayfromworksolong.Butlikeherself,hedisapprovedofSummerville.
Cynthiafoundthemandetestable.ShehopedNoraknewwhatshewasdoing.

Clarence,theyardman,tookthemessageintoRichmondandsentitoff.Ittookhalftheafternoonto
getareply,buthewaitedpatientlyuntiltheWesternUnionmansentforhimandgavehimasealed
envelope.

WhenClarencebroughtitback,Nora’shandstrembledassherippedopentheenvelopewithafast-
beatingheart.ShehadbeenafraidthatCalwasaway,thatshewouldnotbeabletoreachhim.Now,at
least,shehadananswer.Shedidn’tknowwhathisreplywouldbeorwhattoexpect.Shecouldn’tbear
todrawitout,either.Shecouldonlyhopeforthebest.

Thewordsleapedoffthepage,terseandwithoutembroidery.“WillarrivemidmorningFriday.

C.B.”Thatwasall.Nothingmore.Hewascoming.Shelaybackandclosedhereyes.Itdidn’tmean
thatshewassafe,butatleastshehadachanceofescapingEdwardSummerville.Shehadtotrustin
theAlmightytodotherest.

CALBARTONSTEPPEDoffthetraininRichmondFridaymorning,tiredanddustyandhalfoutof
humor.Ithadtakeneverythingshortofmagictomakeitheresofastwithallthenecessary
connectionsbetweencities.Hewastiredandsleepy.Buthewashere.Nowhewantedtohearwhatthe
hellthatterselittlemessagemeant.“Needyouimmediately.Eleanor,”itread,andhewouldn’thave
missedseeingherfaceforalltheworldwhenheadmittedthatheknewallaboutherpalSummerville.
Nodoubtshehadfallenpregnantandplannedtoaccusehimoffatheringthechild.Butnowheknew
aboutherotherbeau,andshewasgoingtojumpthroughsomehoops.Hepromisedhimselfshewas.

HegotacarriagetotheMarlowehome,abigbrickaffairdowntownwithabig,privateyardanda
formalgardenthatwasimpressiveeveninthelateautumn.Itwasthesortofhousehe’dhaveexpected
EleanorMarlowetolivein.

Hewasraisingeyebrowsalready.Hehadn’tbotheredtochangeintohisgoodsuit.Afterall,hedidn’t

needtoimpressanyonehere.Hewasgladthathewaswearinghisworkinggear,rightdowntothe
gunbeltstrappedaroundhisleanhipsthathe’dbeenwearingtohelpthelocalsheriffhuntfortwo
bankrobbers.He’djustsignedonaspartofapossewhenEleanor ’stelegramreachedhimintown.In
hisjeansandbigbootsandwideStetson,hisfringedleatherjacketandgunbelt,helookedlike
somethingoutofoneofNora’sdimenovels.Therolledcigarettebetweenhisteethcompletedthe
pictureasheusedthedoorknocker.Thebutlerwhoopenedthedoordamnnearpassedout.Cal
grinnedathim.

“Howdy,”hedrawled.“Norahome?”

Thebutlerstaredathimasifhecouldn’tbelievehiseyes.Hestammered.“I—I—I—”

Noracametothedoorherself,lookingpaleandvulnerable,white-facedwithfatigueandworry.

“Thatwillbeall,Albert,thankyou,”shesaidgently.

Theoldsilver-hairedmannoddedpolitely,fixedCalwithanothershockedappraisalandwentback
thewayhe’dcome.

Calstaredatherwithnarrow,cooleyes,acontrasttothechurningemotionsthatlookingather
resurrected.Shehadbeenill,thatwasevident,andthesightofherpale,wornfacemadehimfeelboth
guiltyandprotective.Heforgothisangerwhenhesawhergesturewithathinhandthattrembled.

“Docomein,”Norasaidnervously.Shecouldn’tkeephereyesoffhim,butthiswashardlythetime
tothrowherselfintohisarms.“Pleaseforgivemeforinvolvingyou.Ihadnochoicesleft.”

Hiseyebrowarched.Whatachangethiswas;nocommentsabouthismannerofdress,andevenan
apology.Shemustbedesperateindeed.Heforbadehimselftolooktoolongatthosesoftlipsasthey
moved.Theyremindedhimofthelasttimethey’dbeenalonetogether,andthememorywasstill
hauntinghimeverynight.Hehadmissedhermorethanhethoughtpossible,despitehisanger.

“Niceplace,”Calcommentedashelookedaround,pretendingtobestunnedbytheluxuryaround
him.“Damn,thisisswell!Youreallyareloaded,aren’tyou,honey?”

Sheignoredthebanter.Shewasn’tfeelingatallwell.Shesankontothesofaandfoldedherhands
primlyinherlapwhileCalprowledaroundtheroom,lookingateverything.

Hereyeswenttohiscakedboots,andsheonlysmiledcomplacently.Hehadn’teverwornthegunbelt
before,andshefrownedslightlyatthewornhandleofthesix-shooteritcontained.

“Theydon’thavegunfightsinTylerJunction,”sheremindedhim.“Youyourselftoldmeso,once.”

Heturned,smokingcigaretteinhand,afaintsmileonhishardlipsashelookedatherwithsomething
lessthanaffection.“Weweregoingouttotrackdowntwobankrobberswhenthecablecame,”he
replied.“Theykilledawoman.”

“Oh.Howterrible!”

“They’llbeluckyiftheymakeittotrialwithoutbeinglynched,”hereplied.“Now.What’sthisdeal
aboutmybeingneeded?”headded.

Thoseglitterypaleeyesmadeherheartrace.Hewaslookingatherwithnoneoftheconcernshe’d
glimpsedwhensheopenedthedoortohim.Infact,nowheseemedamusedandvaguely
contemptuous.

Shelookedtowardthedoorwaytomakesurehermotherandfatherweren’twithinearshot.Itwas
Friday,andherfatherhadn’tleftearlyasusual,alertedbyhermotherthattroublewasbrewing.

“I—I—”shebegan,tryingtoformthewords.

“Catching,isit?”hedrawled.Whenshefrowneduncomprehendinglyheadded,“Thebutlerhadthe
sameproblemexpressinghimself.”

Sheglaredathim.“Youarenotmakingthiseasyforme.”

“ShouldI?”hereturned.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Whereishe?”

“He?”

“Summerville,”hereplied,smilingwhenshestarted.“Didyouthinkthatnewsofhispresenceinyour
lifewouldnoteventuallyreachmyears?”

“Soyouknow,”shesaidheavily.

“Yes.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Itneedsnogeniustoknowthatyouarewithchild.Summervilleobviously
isinpursuitofyou,sincehefollowedyoutoEurope.Isenseaconnectionbetweentheevents.”

Sheglaredathim.Theinsultmadeherangry.“Hewishestomarryme,”shebegan.

“Well,Idon’twantawife.Sowhatistheneedyouspokeofwhenyoucabledme?WhatpurposeamI
expectedtoserveinyourcomplicatedlifeifyouhaveafiancéalready?”

Hereyesmethiscoldgaze.Hopediedinherface.Hedidnotcareforheratall.Heknewwhat
Edwardhaddonetoher,anditdidnotmattertohim.Shewishedferventlythatshehadneverbothered
toaskhimforhelp.Itwassoobviousthathedidnotwishtomarryher.Heknewaboutthebabyand
hedidnotwantit,either.Shecouldhaveweptforherfoolishness,forherdreamsoftheirreunion.
Howsad,toloveandberejectedsofinally,insuchastate.

“Oh,thereyouare,Nora,I—”Hermotherstoppeddeadinthedoorway,anolderversionofher
daughterwiththesamebrightblueeyes.Shetookintheunkemptcowboyfillingherlivingroomwith
shockandthencuriosityassheeyedtheguninhisholster.“Areyouadesperado?”sheasked
uncertainly.

Henodded,liftingthecigarettetohismouth.

“Haveyoucometorobus?”hermotherpersisted.

Helookedaroundwithmagnificentdisdain.“Madam,youhavenothingthatIwant,”hesaid
carelessly,andlookedrightatNoraashespoke.Hereyesmethisbravelyinspiteofherhurt,andhe
foughtdownatwingeofguiltatthepainhesawinherwanface.

Cynthiafrowned.“Sir,youspeakinriddles.”

“Acallingatwhichheisquiteadept,”Norasaidcurtly.

HeglaredatNora.“AskyourdaughterwhyIamhere.Itwasshewhosentforme.”

“Mother,thisisCalBarton,”Norasaid,andshedidn’tlookathim.“He…HeisUncleChester ’s
foreman.”

“Oh.”Cynthia,consciousoftheneedformannersevenwhenconfrontedbyaTexasmadman,moved
forwardandextendedherhand.“Iampleasedtomeetyou,sir.”

“Thepleasureismine,Mrs.Marlowe,”hesaid,andliftedherhandtohislipsasifhe’dspenthislife
inafrontparlor.

Norawasasshockedashermotherwasdelighted.She’dneverseenCalinaparlorbefore,exceptfor
heruncle’s.Buthewasn’tatallintimidatedbyhissurroundings.Infact,helookedrightathome.

Cynthialaughedgently.“Dositdown,Mr.Barton,andletmehavesometeabroughtin.Unlessyou
prefercoffee?”

“Ido,infact,”herepliedgallantly,andevenremovedhishat.

Cynthiacoloredprettilyatthegesture.“Ishallberightback!”Sheleft,soflusteredthatsheforgotto
askwhyNorahadsummonedhim.

Noraglaredathimwhenhermotherwasoutofearshot.“Howgentlemanly,”shemuttered.“Canyou
bow,aswell?”

“Onlytoalady,”hereturnedwithacoldsmile.

Herchestrosewithindignation,butbeforeshecouldfindareply,thedoorknockersoundedagain
andAlbertwenttoanswerit.

“Morecompany?”Calchided,tossinghisStetsonontothesofabesideherashehookedawingchair
andsatdowninit,withaprettycandydishinhislaptoserveasanashtray.

NoraturnedandlookedworriedlyatthefrontdoorasitopenedtoadmitEdwardSummerville.

Helookedimmaculateinhissuitandbowlerhat.Heremovedthehatfromhisblondhairandmoved
intothelivingroomafterAlbertgrudginglyannouncedhim.

“Nora,mysweet,”hegreeted,tryingtocatchherhand.Shewithdrewitoutofhisreach.

“Iamnotyoursweet,”shesaidcoldly.“AndIamnotgoingtomarryyou.”

“Why,yes,youare,”hereplied,andcastacuriousglanceatthecowboyinthewingchair.“Whois
this?”

“ThisisCallawayBarton,”Noraintroduced.“Andthatisenoughsmalltalk.Shoothim,please,Mr.
Barton.”

Bothmenlookedatherblankly.

“Youmayshoothiminthefoot,ifyouprefer,”shecontinued,talkingmatter-of-factlytoCal.

“Throughtheheartwouldsuitmebetter,butIampreparedtobelenient.Now,ifyouplease,”

shepersisted,wavingherhandtowardEdward.

Edward’sblondbrowsarchedwildly.“Nora…!”

Cynthiarejoinedthegroup,laughinggailyatsomethingMary,themaid,hadtoldher.Butthesmile
fadedwhenshesawthetableaubeforeher.

“Why,Mr….Summerville,”shestammered,glancingfromhimtoCalBarton,whowassittingcross-
leggedinthechair.

“Docloseyoureyes,Mother,”Norasaidcalmly,“whileMr.BartonshootsEdwardforme.”

Cynthia’sintakeofbreathwasveryaudible.Shesatdownheavilyinanotherwingchair.“Nora.

Mydear…”

“Icannotshootamanfornoreason,”Calburstout,dumbfounded.

“Ihaveareason,”Norasaidhotly,glaringatEdward.“Hehasinsultedme,humiliatedme,
endangeredmylife,andjustyesterdayheattemptedtoblackmailmeintomarriage!”

Edwardgapedather.“Youareunwell!”

“Imustagree,”Cynthiasaid,dazed.“Nora,wouldyouliketoliedown,dear?”

“No,Iwouldnot,”Norasaidshortly.“Itislyingdownthatisthecauseofmypresentpredicament,”
sheaddedwithafuriousglareatCalBarton,whogroundhisteethtogetherattheinnuendo.

“Noneofthismakessensetome,”Cynthiabegan.

“Whatisallthisracket?”demandedNora’sfather,joiningthegroup.Helookedevenmoreirritated
thanusual,especiallywhenhesawCal.“Whoisthiscowboy?”hedemanded.“Andwhatisthis
scoundreldoinghere,Cynthia?”headded,glaringfuriouslyatSummerville.

“Whydon’tyouaskme,Father?”Noramuttered.“OrdoyouthinkIhaven’tenoughbrainstoanswer
you?”

“Nora,bequiet!”herfathersnapped.“Summerville…?”

“IthinkthecruxofthematteristhatNoradoesn’twanttomarrythisfancydude,”Caldrawled,
gesturingtowardEdwardwithhiscigaretteashefinallybegantounderstandthesituation.

“No?”Edwardaskedhaughtily,feelingbrave.“Well,shewill.Won’tyou,Nora?”headded
meaningfully,andthethreatwasinhisveryposture.Seeingit,Calhadtoresisttheurgetogetupand
punchhim.

Noratookadeepbreath.“No,”shesaid.“Idonotwishtomarryyou,Edward.”

“YouhavespentweekswithmeinEngland,”Edwardsaid,makingsuretheothersgottheimplication.
“And,”headdedsmugly,“youarewithchild.”

Therewasanoutcrythatcouldbeheardupstairs.Godknewwhattheservantswouldsay,Cynthiawas
thinking.

Nora’sfatherlookeddangerous.Heturnedonher.“Isthistrue?”heaskedwithcoldfury.

“Answerme!”

Norasatupverystraight,anditdidn’tshowthatshewasshakinginside.Shelookedupintoher
father ’seyeswiththelastofhercourage.

“Yes,”shesaidwanly.

Herfather ’sopenhandshotoutimmediatelyandcaughtheronthesideoftheface.Thesoundofthe
slap,alongwithhergaspofpain,echoedaroundtheroom.

ChapterNine

Beforethesoundoftheslapdied,CalBartonhaderuptedoutofhischairwithsmoothgraceand
Nora’sfatherwaslyingflatonhisbackonthefloor.

“Yousonofa—”Calbitofftherest.Hestoodovertheolderman,hisbigfistsclosedandwaitingat
hissides,lookingeverybitasdangerousasthedesperadoCynthiahadfirstmistakenhimfor.“You
touchheragainandI’llbreakyourdamnedneck!”Hedidn’tevenraisehisvoice,butthethreatinit
wasblatant.Hisposturealonewasintimidating.Addedtothecoldmenaceofhispaleeyesandthe
authoritywithwhichhespoke,evenSummervilletookastepback.

Marlowesatupslowly,incredulous,holdinghischeekwherehismuttonchopsideburnsstuckout.The
manstandingoverhimlookedcapableofanysortofviolencewiththatlow-slunggunbelt.Buthe
wasn’tthreateningtousethegun.Heseemednottobeawareofit.Marlowestruggledwithaniggling
respectfortheman,despitehissorejaw.Notthatheregrettedhisaction;Norahaddeservedthat
blow,hethoughtwithremainingoutrageatherscandalousbehavior.Thewholefamilywouldbe
disgracedbecauseofher!Hewouldneverbeabletofacehissocialequals,andluridtalesofher
wouldbetoldatlocalclubs.Thethoughtwasinsupportable!

Nora’seyesbrightenedasshenursedhersorecheek.AtleastCalcaredenoughnottoletherbe
manhandled.Thatwassomething.Anditdidn’toffendheronebittoseeheroverbearingfathersitting
onthefloorwiththatflabbergastedlookonhisface.Imagine,hittingapregnantwoman!

“Thechildismine,”EdwardSummervilleannouncedloudly.“IamwillingtomarryNora,tomakeit
legitimate.”HemovedalittlefartherawayfromCalashespoke.Themanlookedvicious.

CalglancedatEleanor,andwhathesawinherfacecontradictedallthethingshe’dthoughtupuntil
now.ShemighthavebeenawaywithSummerville,hemighthavewantedtohaveanaffairwithher.
Butthatbrieflynoticeablelightinhereyeswasunmistakable.Despiteeverything,shelovedCal
Barton.Andfeelingthatway,shewashardlylikelytoclimbintoanotherman’sarms.

Heknewit,deepinsidehimself,regardlessofSummerville’sclaims.

“No,”Calsaidquietly.HenevertookhiseyesfromNora’s.“Thechildismine.AndEleanorwill
marryme,assoonasIcanarrangeit.”

Eleanor ’seyessoftenedasshesearchedhis.

Herfatherwasoutragedagain.“Mychild,marryacommoncowboy?”Mr.Marloweburstout.

“Why,Iwon’thaveit!”

“Whatwillyouhave?”Calaskedcoldly.“Thisdandyasason-in-law?”Hejerkedhisthumbtoward
Summerville.Summervillebristled,buthewasn’tquitebraveenoughforacomeback.

Themanwaswearingabigpistol,afterall,andhewasnofool.SummervillehadnowishtojoinMr.

Marloweonthefloor.

“Edwardhasnoincome,”Noraadded.“Hetoldmethathisfatherhasgambledawayhisfortune.

Hehadinmindmarryingmetoregainitthroughyou,Father,”shesaidbrutally.“Thechildisnothis.
Iwouldneverallowsuchrepulsivehandstotouchme!”

Edwardcolored.HeglaredatNora.“Youwouldmarrythisbeggar?Amanwhodresseslikeatramp
onthestreets,whodoesnotevenknowtocleanhisshoesbeforeheentersadecenthome?”hetaunted.
Hemovedbackanotherstep,justincase.Thecowboylookedvaguelymurderous.“Andwherewill
youlive,Eleanor,inatinyshack?Youwillhavetocookandclean.

Youwillhavenoservants,nomoney.”

Nora’sfacehadgoneashadepaler,butshedidn’tsayaword.Shejustsatstifflyontheedgeofthe
darkbluevelvet-coveredsofa,staringintospace,unmovable.Shehadthoughtofthosesamethings,
butshereallyhadnooptionsleft.Caldidbelieveher.Thatwasallthatmatteredjustnow.

Calwatchedherexpressionclosely.Thechildmightbehis.Shemightevenlovehim.Butshewasstill
highsociety,anditwasalltooobviousthatshedidn’tthinkhewasgoodenoughforher.Shewasn’t
alone.Herparentswerelookinghorrifiedaswell.Hesmiledcoldly.Well,MissEleanorMarlowe
couldmarryhimandcomebacktoTexas,butnottothewealthofLatigo,thefamilyranchnearEl
Paso.Oh,no,therewouldnotbethatelegant,moniedsettingforMissMarloweofRichmond.She
couldcomeandlivewithhimintheforeman’scabinontheTremayneranchandlearnhowtobecome
ahumanbeingandstoplookingdownhernoseatpeoplesheconsideredtobeherinferiors.Ifhehad
toberobbedofhisfreedombecauseoftheirmistake,shewouldhavetogiveupherlifeofluxury.It
wouldbeaneventrade.

Hewastakenbacktohisownchildhoodashestaredattheolderman,rememberingonebriefsetback
inhiswealthylifewhenhisfatherhadverynearlylosteverything.Thefamilyhadbeen,justbriefly,
poor.AwealthyfamilyinElPaso,theTarletons,hadbeenpuppy-friendlywhiletheCulhaneswere
powerful.Butthatattitudehadchangedabruptlywhentheywereapproachedforaloanbyastiff-
neckedBrantCulhanewhenhisfortunessagged.Theirattitude,thoughrareforElPaso,hadlefta
deepscaronCal’syoungemotions.TheyoungestTarletonboyhadbeenfriendswithKingandCal.
ButsoonafterthefinancialblowsufferedbytheCulhanes,hetoldthemthathehadnodesiretoplay
withpoorchildren.Hemadefunoftheboysatschoolandgenerallymadetheirlivesmiserablefor
thetwoyearsithadtakenBranttorecouphislossesandregainhiswealth.

Evennow,rememberingthetauntsandgibesmadeCalbristle.Hehadtakenthemtoheartevenmore
thanKing.WhentheCulhaneswerewealthyagainasthecattlemarketimproved,theTarletonsfound
themselvestheoutsidersatlocalsocialgatherings.TheywereneveragaininvitedtoLatigo.The
youngestTarletonboywasautomaticallyexcludedfromanyoftheboys’

parties.ButitwaslittlerecompenseforthehumiliationtheCulhaneboyshadsufferedathishands.

WhileCalwasreminiscingsilently,Nora’sfathergottohisfeetatlast.HeglaredatCal,buthe
walkedwellaroundhim.“Ishallnotcountenancesuchamarriage,”hesaidcurtly.“Ifyoumarrythis

ruffian,Iwashmyhandsofyouforever!”

“Oh,no,mydear,youcan’t,”Cynthiawailed,findinghervoicealltoolate.Shehadpaledandstarted
forwardwhenhestruckNora,butshewasmuchtoointimidatedbyherhusbandtoprotestanythinghe
didverystrongly.Shealwayshadbeen.

“Ican,andIshall,”herfathersaiduncompromisingly.HelookedatCalwithcoldeyes.“Ishallnot
allowmydaughtertomarrysofarbeneathher.Shewillmarryamanofourownclassandsocial
level.”

CalliftedaneyebrowatNora.“Sothat’swhereyoulearnedit,”hemurmured.Helookedatherfather.
“Itseemstomethatit’salittlelatetobesochoosy.Inanothermonthorso,herconditionisgoingto
beverynoticeableindeed.Infact,”hemused,noticingthefaintthickeningofherwaistline,“it’s
beginningtoshowalready.”Hefounditamazingthatheshouldfeelaskirlofprideatthesightofher
belly.

Noragaspedandcoveredherwaist,whileherfather ’shandsclenchedathissides.

Edwardsurveyedthegeneralareaandshrugged.Heputonhishatcarefully.“Well,Iwishyoujoy,”
hetoldNorawithavenomoussmile.“Whenyoutireoflivinglikeaslave,Imightgiveyouasecond
chance,Eleanor.Ifyouarestill…abletomarryagain.”

Thatwasaveiledreferencetothefever,andNorapaled.Despitethedoctor ’sreassurance,shehadno
realoptimismaboutthefuture.Shewasafraidnotonlyforherself,butforherbaby.

“SomedayGodwillpayyoubackforyourpartinmysuffering,Edward,”shesaidinawhisper.

“Ipromiseyou.Crueltyfindsitsownpunishment,eventually.”

Edwardonlylaughed,untilhenoticedthemovementCalmade.Hemovedquicklytowardthedoor.“I
mustbeaboutmybusiness.Goodday.”

Whenhewasgone,onlythefourofthemremained.

“Ihave…hadMarymakecoffee,”Cynthiabegan.

Herhusband’sfacewasflushed,andthecheekthatCal’sfisthadfoundwasveryred.Heturnedtohis
daughterandlookedatherwithicycontempt.“Getyourbagspackedandgetoutofmyhouse,you
hussy,”hetoldNora.“Youwillneverreceiveanotherpennyofsupportfromme.

Youcanturntoyour…loverforthat.Andforwhateverelseyouneed.Nevercomehereagain.

Youhavedisgracedme!”

Helefttheroom,slammingthedoorbehindhim.

Cynthiawasintears.“Oh,Nora,howcouldyoudothistous?”sheaskedmiserably.“Wetriedtoraise
youtobeagoodgirl,youwerebroughtupinaChristianmanner….”

Calhadhadenough.Havingseenherhomelife,heunderstoodNoramuchbetter,although
Summerville’sveiledreferencesstillpuzzledhim,asdidNora’spartingremarktotheman.Hewould
havetoaskherwhatthatwasallabout,whenhehadthechance.Rightnow,gettingheroutofthis
hellholewasmostimperative.Shelookedsick.

“Getyourthingsandlet’sgo,Nora,”Caltoldhergently,helpingherupfromthesofa.Hecouldn’t
rememberatimewhenhe’dfeltmoreprotective,orpossessive,ofanyone.

Noradidn’targue.Shewentpasthermother,sickatheartandtremblingallover.Fortunatelymostof
herbagswerestillpackedfromhertripoverseas,andallAlberthadtodowastakethemoutontothe
streetwhereCalobtainedacarriage.Sheleftbehindthethingsthatwereunpacked,withoutregret.

Cynthiawalkedoutwiththem.“Oh,Nora,howcouldyou!”shewailed.“Howcouldyoushameusso,
afterallyourfatherandIhavedoneforyou!Howungratefulyouare!”

Noralookedattheolderwomanasifshehadneverseenherbefore.Shewasbeingmadetofeellike
acondemnedprisoner,withoutfriendorsolaceinalltheworld.Sheliftedherchinproudly.

“Youneverdefendedme,”sheaccused.“Allmylife,anythinghechoseforpunishmentmetwithyour
approval.Eventhis,”sheadded,holdingherredcheek.

Cynthiawrinkledherhandkerchief.“Heismyhusband,”shesaidmiserably.“Itismylotinlifetodo
ashewishes.Besides,Nora,heisright,youknow—youhaveruinedus.”

Norabristled.“Anditisyoursocialstatus,andFather ’s,whichmattersmosttoyou,isitnot?”

sheaskedquietly.“Myconditionandthatofmychilddoesnotconcerneitherofyou.Iamoutcast,
discardedbecauseImightcauseembarrassment.Itellyouthatnodaughterofminewouldeversuffer
suchafateinasimilarcondition,notifIwerehangedfromthenearestoaklimbfordefendingher!”

Cynthiapaledandclutchedherhandkerchief.“Oh,mydear,youdonotunderstand.Yourfather ’s
business,hiswealth—”

“ItsaysintheBiblethatithardlyprofitsamanifhegainsthewholeworldandloseshisownsoul,
doesn’tit?”Noraasked.Shewatchedtheflushrunoverhermother ’sdelicatefeaturesbeforeshe
turnedandwashelpedintothebuggybyCal,whohadneverbeenprouderofher.

Hetookthereinsinhandwithacold,speakingglanceathermother.“Oneday,”hesaidveryquietly,
“youwillhavemuchcausetoregretyouractions.Andsowillyourhusband.”Henoddedpolitelyto
hermother,withoutspeaking,andstartedthehorsemoving.Hewasthinkingahead,tothetimewhen
Norawouldknowthetruth,andsowouldherfamily.Theymightbewell-to-do,buttheirfinances
wereapittanceincomparisonwiththeCulhanes’.

“Don’tletherseeyoubreakdown,”hesaidquietlywhenhervoicebrokeonasob.“You’vegotguts,
I’llgiveyouthat.”Heglancedatherred-eyedface.“Andyou’llneedthem,whereyou’regoing.”

Shedidn’treply.Shewipedhertearsandcomposedherself.Evenwhentheywerewelldownthe
street,Noradidn’tlookback.Thatpartofherlifewasover.Somehowshewouldhavetolearntolive
inaworlddrasticallydifferentfromherpamperedone.

THEYWEREATTHETRAINDEPOTbeforeshespoke.Ontheway,shehadbeguntothinkabout
Calandwhatshemusthavecosthimbypleadingwithhimtocomeallthislongway.

Besidesthat,therewasthepositionshe’dplacedhimin,surelyanuncomfortableone.Hedidn’twant
tomarryher.Hehadrescuedher,afterafashion,butshecouldhardlyaskhimforanythingmore.She
wouldhavetolearntotakecareofherself.Wasthatnotwhatbeingamodernwomanwasallabout?
Perhapsshecouldbewhatshehaddreamedofbeing,despiteherconditionandherinfirmity,ifshe
onlyhadthecouragetodefyconventionandflyinthefaceofgossip.

“Ihavebeenagreatexpensetoyou,”shesaidinadrained,ghostlyvoice.“ButIhavealittlemoney
saved.Icanpayforyourtrainticketatleast.”Shefoughttearsasshetookasteadyingbreath.“Ionly
neededyourhelptoescapebeingforcedintomarriagewithEdward.Iwillbefine.IcangotoNew
Yorkandfindsomesortofjobthere.”

Calstudiedherprofilequietly.“Thechildismine.”

Itwasaquestion.Herheadinclined,stillwithoutturning.“Thatistrue,”shesaid.“ButIdon’thold
youentirelyresponsible.Thefaultwasmineaswell.Youdon’thavetosacrificeyourfreedom.”

Hesatbackinthecarriageandfingeredthereins,staringaheadblankly.Hehadn’tplannedtomarry
andhaveafamily,notforalongtime,ifever.Thisdevelopmentwasinterferingwithallhisdreams.
Buthowcouldhedeserthernow?Hefeltviolentangeratthememoryofthethingsherfatherhad
saidtoher,atthewayhehadhither.Howdarethemantreathisonlychildinsuchavileway?It
infuriatedhim.

“Ifyoucouldhelpmegetmybagsonthetrain…?”sheasked.

Heturnedandlookedather.“Theonlytrainyou’regettingonismine.We’llbemarriedalongthe
way,sothatwewon’tshameyourkinfolkbyannouncingyourconditiontoalocalminister.”

Sheclosedhereyesonawaveofshame.Shehadn’tthoughtofthataspectofit.Shewouldbe
rejoiningherauntanduncle,butinavastlydifferentmanner.Insteadofawelcomeguest,shewould
belittlemorethanaservant.Herpridestungbitterlyatthethought.“It’snotnecessary,”

shebegan,lookingforawayout.

“Thechildshouldbeourprimaryconcern,notourownwelfare,”heremindedherbluntly.“Itdidn’t
asktobecreated.”

Sheflushed,rememberingthatfrenzyofcreationthathadoccurred.“Youdon’twantme.”

“Idon’twantawife,”hesaidstiffly.“ButI’mnotsodishonorablethatIcanleaveyoutothemercyof
strangers.Come.”

Shefollowedhimtotheplatform,standingbackwhileheboughttickets.Hereyeslingeredonhistall,
broad-shoulderedformwarmly,lovingthestrengthandsizeandauthorityofhim.Hehadanairof
commandabouthim,somethingshedecidedthathehadacquiredwhileservinghiscountryduringthe
Spanish-AmericanWarof’98.Butitwasmorethanthat,too.Hespokewithsuchauthority,asifhe
wereusedtopeoplejumpingwhenhemadedemands.Andhehadn’thesitatedtostrikeherfather
whenheattackedher.Amazing,thathehadnofearofarichman.Itdelightedherthathewasso
fearless.Sheknewhiminaphysicalway,butactuallysheknewnothingabouthim.

Heturned,ticketsinhand,andescortedhertoaseatinsidethedepotonthesmoothwoodenbenches
withtheircurvedbacksandarms.Sheranherhandoverthewoodwhileshesat,waiting.

“Wouldyoucareforasodaorsometea?”heaskedpolitely.

Shesmiledimpishlyanddidn’tlookup.“Actually,Ithinkaneatwhiskeywouldbemoreinlinewith
thewayIfeel,exceptthatIhavenevertastedspiritsinmylife.”

Hesatdownbesideher,thegunthuddingasitbrushedtheseat.Hemoveditcarefullyandleaned
towardher.“Areyouallright,Eleanor?”heaskedgently.

Surprised,sheliftedhereyestohis,tinglingasshemetthematcloserrangethanshe’dexpected.

Shelaughedalittlenervously.“Ofcourse.Thankyouforcoming—fordefendingme.”Herthin
shouldersliftedandfellassherestedherhandsinherlap.“Iwouldhavefoughtmyownbattle,hadI
notbeensoillfromthereturntrip.”

“Youwouldnothavebeenuptoyourfather ’sweight,Ifear,”hesaid,gloweringasheremembered
hercheek.Hetouchedit,lightly.“Doesitstillhurt?”

“Itisonlysore.”

“Thatwasunforgivable,”hesaidtautly,strokingthesoftflesh.Hewatchedherlipspart,heardher
breathingquicken,andhesmiledasshetriedtohidethereactionheprovoked.“Isthisacommon
thingforhimtodo,Eleanor?”headded.

“No,”shesaid.“Heusedtouseacaneonme,whenIwasyounger,buthewasneverbrutal,”she
addedquickly.

Helookedshocked.“Acane!”

Sheshifted.“Why,yes.Isn’tittheusualthingforachildtobestruckforinfractions?”

Hisjawtautenedandhispaleeyesnarrowedinanger.“Notagirlchild,”hesaidroughly.“Itis
outrageous!”

Shesmiled.“Hehasnotdoneitformanyyears.Nowheonlyswellsupinthefaceandblustersatme,
asarule.Hecares,inhisownway.Sodoesmymother.”Sherememberedtheirhorrorather
conditionandtheircensure,andtearsstunghereyes.Sheturnedherfaceawaytohidethem.

“Youwereneverallowedtoplaywithdirtychildren,wereyou?”heaskedsuddenly.

“Withthoseofthelowerclasses?Ofcoursenot,”shesaidatonce,andwatchedthelightgooutofhis
face.Shegrimaced.“Iamsorry.Thatwasrude.”

Helookedaway.Shehadalongwaytogo,hethoughtirritably,anditwasgoingtobeadifficultroad
forbothofthem.“Howaboutthattea?”

“Thatwouldbelovely.Isthereateashopcloseby?”

“Yes.Andsomethingevenbetter,”headded,ashissharpeyesspottedasignhangingoveradoorway
justdownthestreet.“Come.”

Theyleftthebagswiththeporter,sincethetrainwasnotdueforanhour—atleast—andheescorted
Noradownthelongwoodensidewalktoasmallhouseapartfromtherowofshops.

“Here?”shefaltered,holdingback.

Henoddedsolemnly.“Here.Wemightaswellgetitoverwith,”headdedunderhisbreath.

ThatcommenthardlyalleviatedNora’sownmiseryasCalledherinside.

Itdidn’ttakeverylong.ThejusticeofthepeacelistenedtoCal’staleofwoeaboutthetwoofthem
havingtogoallthewaytoTexasunderacloudofscandalsincetheyweren’tmarriedandwantedto
be.Nora’sreputationwouldberuined.Hementionednothingabouthercondition,butwentonandon,
untilthejusticeofthepeace’slittlewifewasintears.

“Why,ofcourse,Ishallmarryyouatonce!”thesmall,elderlymansaid,andhiswifepattedNora’s
shouldercomfortingly.“Steprightinhere,Mr.Barton,andweshallfilloutthenecessarypapers.”

Calhesitated.Hewasgoingtohavetodosomefancytalkinghere,forsure.Hecouldn’tmarryunder
anassumedname,buthehadnointentionoflettingNoraknowhissurname.Heandthejusticeofthe
peacefilledoutthepapers,butNorasignedbeforeCal’slastnamewasadded.Calmadesurethathe
hadthelicense,nother,sotherewasnochancethatshemightseehertruemarriedname.

Theceremonywasverybrief,justtheusualmarriageservice,andNorastoodbesideCal—whohad
takenoffhisgunfortheoccasion—inamiserablesilencewhilethewordswerespoken.Shehad
alwaysenvisionedahugesocietyweddingwithalltherightpeopleattending,andherselfgownedby
Worthwithasprayofwhiterosesinherhand.Hereshestoodwithasingleyellowchrysanthemum,
whichwastheonlyliveflowerthelittlewomancouldprocureforher.Shewaswearingheroldest
graydress,notevenawhiteone,andhadnothatorveilbecauseshehadn’ttimetosearchforthehat
thatmatchedthisgarment.Infact,thedresswasalreadytootightinthewaist;ifithadn’tbeenalittle
bigandbeltedtofitinthepast,shewouldn’tevenhavebeenabletowearit.Shewaspregnant,andthe
manathersidedidn’twanther.Shefeltasifshewerebeingsoldintoslavery,anditwasherown
fault.Shewantedtobawl.

Andshedid,whenthejusticeofthepeacedeclaredthemmanandwife.Shedidn’tevenhavea

weddingband.NorhadCalmovedonestepnearerwhenthelittlemaninvitedCaltokissher.

Callookeddownathisreluctantbrideandsawthetearsrollingpasthermouth.Histeethclenched.He
producedahandkerchiefandslowlydriedthetears.

“Ididn’tevenhaveaproperdress,whetherornotIdeservedit,”shewhisperedmiserably,“andno
bridesmaidsorabouquetoraminister…”

Cal’sfacefroze.“Well,youhaveahusband,atleast,”hesaidsharply.“Awomaninyourcondition
shouldbegladofone!”

Shegnawedalmostthroughherlowerlipandcouldn’tlookup.Hewasfurious.Shefelttheangerasa
tangiblething.

“There,there,”thejusticeofthepeacecomfortedher,“it’saveryemotionalmoment,isn’tit?”

Calsaidnothing.Herhastywordshadmadehimawareoncemoreofhercondescendingattitude
towardhim.Hadhenotprecipitatedthiscrisisbyseducingher,hefeltcertainthatshewouldnever
havemarriedhim.Shewouldhavebeencountinghismoneyandcheckingthesocialregisterbefore
sheagreedtoconsiderit.

Summervillewasmuchmorehersort.Butshefoundthemanrepulsive,didn’tshe?And,too,there
wasthematterofthoseveiledremarksshehadmadeabouttheman.Heglancedatherasshestood
talkingtotheminister ’slittlewife,hiseyesnarrowingonherslenderbody.Shewasprettyand
elegant,butexceptforthatafternooninthelinecabin,hehadthoughtheroddlycold.

Shehadbeenasurpriseandadelighttohim,withherunexpectedcomplexities.Herememberedso
vividlythewayshehadcomfortedhimwhenhereturnedfromthedevastationofGalveston.

Buthealsorememberedherattitudetowardhisworkandhisclothes.Shehadbeentaughttobea
snob.Hewonderedifshecouldbeuntaught.

Hisparentswouldneverunderstandthislightningmarriage.Theywouldhavetobetold,andhis
motherwouldbeoutragedthathersonhadruinedadecentwomanandhadtomarryhertosaveher
reputation.Shewouldbegoodforafifteen-minutetiradewhenhefinallywenthome.Andashe
lookedatNora’sshatteredface,hewonderedhowshewasgoingtoreacttothenewsthatshe’d
marriedaverywealthyman.

Hewouldhavetotellhereventually.Butnotrightaway.Hecouldn’trisklettingthecatoutofthebag
untilhefinishedgentlyguidingheruncleintomoremodernmethodsofcattleproduction.Therewere
stillafewdetailshehadtoworkoutwithChester.ThenMissEleanorMarlowe—no,Mrs.Eleanor
Culhaneifshedidbutknowit—wasinforafewsurprises.

Hetookhertothesmallteashopandorderedsandwichesaswell.

“Icouldnoteatathing,”shesaidwearily.

“Butyouwill,Mrs.Barton,”hereplied.“Iwantahealthyson.”

Sheflushedandglaredathim.“HaveyoutoldGodyet?”

Hechuckledatherunexpectedfire.“Notyet,”headmitted.Hispaleeyesnarrowedonherthinface.
“Youhaven’thadaneasytimeofit,haveyou?”heaskedwithquietsympathy.“Thetripoverseasmust
havebeenanordeal,comingandgoing.AndIgatherthatSummervillewaspresentallthetime?”

SheshookherheadasshestirredtheteainthechinacupwithadistinctiveRogerssilverspoon.

“HefoundoutfrommyparentsthatIwasinLondonandfollowedmethere.Hisfamilywasfriendly
withmyrelatives,theRandolphs,whoinvitedhimtostay.”Sheliftedhereyestomeethis.“Idetest
him.WasitMellywhotoldyouaboutAfricaandwhathappenedthere?”

Hescowled.“No.WhataboutAfrica?”

Herhandstilled.“ButyousaidthatyouknewaboutEdward.”

“IknewthathewasinEuropewithyou,”hesaidflatly.

Thatputadifferentcomplexiononthings.Shedidn’tknowwhattosaynow.Itwaseasyenoughtotell
him,butwhyputthatburdenonhim,alongwiththeothers?Whyinflictaworseordealthanhe
alreadyhadtoendurebyinforminghimthathehadmarriedaninvalid?Hispoorfortuneswere
worsening,becausenowhewouldhavetosupporther.Ifshebecameill,whatthen?Howwouldhe
workandcareforher?Hewasaproudman.Itwoulddevastatehim.Shestifledasobassherealized
themiseryshehadcausedeveryonebynotbeingstrongenoughtorefusehiminthecabinthatday.

“Areyouthinkingaboutthewealthyougaveuptomarrymeandregrettingyourhastydecision?”he
askedwhenheheardthesmallsoundandmisinterpretedit.“Summervillemighttakeyouyet.”

“Youaremyhusbandnow,”shebegan.

“Anddivorceisasunwelcomeaprospectasunwedmotherhoodtoyouandyourfamily,ofcourse,”
hesaidcurtly.

“Oh,youinfuriateme,”sheretortedwithacoldglare.Shesippedhertea,enjoyingitswarmth.“Iwas
lookingforwardtoagrandpartyatThanksgivingwithmyfamilyandfriendsatourhome,andnowI
shalleatbeefinacabininstead!”shesaidwithdeliberatehauteur,strikingbackathimwhereshe
senseditwouldhurtmost.

“Notbeef,mydear,”heinformedherblandly.“Turkey.Wildturkey.Itrustyoucancook.Ihaveno
culinaryskills.”

“Cook?”

Thelookonherfacebroughtasmiletohis.“Andclean,”headded.“Andwashandironandtheother
thingsthatTexaswivesdosocheerfullyandwithsuchpride.”

“Myaunt…!”shebegan.

“Yourauntisnowyoursocialsuperior,orhadn’tyourememberedthatyouarethewifeofher
husband’sforeman?”hesaidwithdeliberatesarcasm.“Imaginethat,Mrs.Barton.Farfromeatingon
delicatechina,youmaywellfindyourselfworkinginthebighouse,washingit.”Heleanedforward.
“Andastotheturkey,notonlyshallyouhavetocookit,mydear.Firstyoushallhavetocatchit,and
killit,andcleanit!”

ChapterTen

“Oh,forGod’ssake!”CalmutteredasheknelttosupportNora’ssaggingbodyinherchairwhileshe
struggledbacktoconsciousness.

Shecouldbarelybreatheforthecorset.Howshehatedtheold-fashionedcontraption!

“It’sthisdamnedthing,isn’tit?”hemurmured,pluckingatthecorsetunderherdress.“Itcan’tbe
goodforthebaby,Nora.”

He’dusedhernickname,andtenderly.Ifshehadn’tbeensofaint,shemighthaveenjoyedhearingitin
hisdeep,slowvoice.Shepulledherselfupbytheedgeofthetableandleanedherheadforward,
tryingtogetbloodbackintoherhead.Thenauseathatcamewithitwastheworst.

“Speakingofthingsthatarenotgoodforthebaby,IwouldnumberamongthemtellingmethatIshall
havetokillaturkey!”shesaidangrily.

“I’llwearagag,”hesaidirritably.“Ifthemerementionofpreparingfooddisturbsyou,wewill
probablybothstarvetodeath.”

Hesoundedsomalethatshebegantolaugh.Histemperwasn’tfrighteninglikeherfather ’s.

Sometimesitwasevenamusing.

“There,yousoundmorechipper,”hesaid,relaxingalittle.Herubbedherhands,bringingcirculation
tothem.“Areyouallright?”

Shenodded.“It’stheheat,Ithink,asmuchasanything,”shesaid.

“Thisnicecoolplace?”heburstout.

SherememberedEastTexasandhowhotithadbeenduringhervisit.ButitwasNovembernow.

Surely…

Hisfacetoldthestory.“EastTexashasverymildwinters,”hesaidgently.“Anditdoesn’tgetvery
cold.”

“Well…thatmightnotbesobad.”

“It’salmosttimeforthetrain,andyouhaveeatennothing.I’llhavethempackthesandwiches.

Wecaneatthemontheway.”

Shelaidahandonhissleeve.“Ican’t.”

Heclaspedherfingersgently.“Youshall,”hesaidsoftly,“ifIhavetofeedyoueverybitemyself.”

Shecoloredprettilyandhiseyestwinkled.“Oh,youlikethatidea,doyou?Isitromantic,doyou
think,tohaveyourhusbandputtinybitsoffoodintoyourmouth?”

Shecoloredevenmore.“Stop!”

Hechuckled.“Insomeways,youarefaryoungerthanyoulook.Waithere.”

Shelovedhimwhenhewasprotectiveandgentlewithher.Itwassuchachangefromhisusual
mockingway.Ofcourse,shemustn’tallowherselftobecomedependentonhim.Andasforthe
future…well,thatwouldhavetobetakenonedayatatime.HerauntHelenhadadaptedtoawild,
roughlife.PerhapsNoracould,too.Shestillworriedaboutthereceptiontheywouldgetwhenthey
arrived.

“Haveyoucabledthemthatwe’recoming?”sheaskeduneasily,oncetheywereintheprivate
compartmentCalhadarrangedforthem.ThetrainwentallthewaytoSt.Louis,sotheydidn’thaveto
changeuntilthen.Sheworriedaloudatthecost,buthehadwavedawayhercomment.

“OfcourseIcabledthem,”hesaid.“Iworkforyouruncle,remember?”headdeddeliberately.

Sheflushed.“Icouldhardlyforget.”Sheshifteduncomfortably.Thesunwassettingandshefelt
sleepy.

“Whynotliedown,Nora?”heinvited.“Icanturndowntheberthforyou.”

Shelookedathimblankly.Itwouldmeangettingundressed,ofcourse,andtheywouldbesleepingin
thesameroom.Wouldhewant…Wouldheexpect…?Herwideeyesandflushedcheekstoldhimwhat
shewasthinking.

Itirritatedhim.“Youareinaweakenedconditionandill,”hebitoff.“DoyoureallythinkthatIwould
considerinsistingonmyconjugalrightsnow?”

Shelinkedherhandstogethertightly.“Forgiveme,”shesaidunsteadily.“Iam…Iamtiredandnot
thinkingclearly.Ofcourseyouwouldnot.”

Hemovedhergentlyasideandpreparedtheberthforher,rightdowntoturningdownthesheets.

Heclosedtheblindsaswell,shuttingoutthesparsetrafficdownthehall.

“I’llgotothesmokingcarwhileyouchangeintoyournightthings,”hevolunteeredbeforeshe
asked.“Takeoffthatdamnedcorset,willyou?”headdedirritably.“It’sinsanetoexpectawoman
carryingachildtowearsuchatorturousgarment!”

Shewasn’tusedtomenmakingsuchintimatecommentsaboutherapparel.Buthewasherhusband.

“Icannotgowithoutit,”shebegan.

“Youcertainlycan,”heretorted.“Youcanwearasuitcoattomorrow.Noonewillnotice.”

Sheshifteduncomfortably.“Itisindecent.”

Hetookherbytheshouldersandheldherinfrontofhim.Shehadforgottenhowtallandstronghe
wasuntilhecameclose.Shesmelledthefaintscentofcologneandwonderedathowneathelooked.
Evenhisfingernailswereimmaculate.

“Indecent,butcomfortable,”hesaid.Hiseyessearchedhersquietly.“Howdoyoufeelaboutthe
baby?”

Thequestioncaughtheroffguard.Shewaslostinhiseyes,inthetouchofhim.“Joyful,”she
whispered.

Hehadn’texpectedtheanswer.Hischestroseandfellroughly.“Joyful,”herepeated,asifhedidn’t
understandorbelievetheword.Hiseyesfelltoherslenderbodyandthenliftedtoherface.Hewas
confusedabouttheemotionssheraisedinhim.Hewasastrangertolove,althoughnottowomen.But
thisonemadehimfeelwarminside.Shegavehimpeace.Theywereoddsensations,andhewasalso
awareofaswellinginhislowerbody,atightnessthatpresagedneedsshecouldnot,inhercondition,
satisfy.Theurgehadbeenconspicuousbyitsabsencesincehehadlastseenher.Howoddthathe
hadn’trealizedit.

Norasighedsoftly,afraidtobreakthespell.“Andyou?”sheasked.“Areyousorryaboutthechild?”

Hisbroadshouldersmovedunderhisbuckskinjacket,disturbingthelongfringeandmakingitsway.
“No,”hesaidbriefly.

“But…notglad?”

Helookedtroubled.Hishandscontracted.“Iamthirty-twoyearsold,andIhavelivedrough.Istilldo.
Ihadn’tthoughtofsettlingdownyet,muchlessofafamily.Iwill…adjust.Butitneedsalittletime,
Nora.”

“Isee.”Herdisappointedeyesfelltohisjacket.Shelikedthesoftfeelofitunderhersplayedhands.

Hisownbighandspreadagainsthercheekandtippedhersadeyesuptohis.Hedidn’tlikethat
sadness.Hebentslowlyanddrewhislipsoverherswithexquisitetenderness.Hewantedjusttooffer
comfort.Butthenhefelthertrembleandheardherbreathcatch.Hefeltherfingersturndownagainst
hiscoat.Hisheadliftedandhelookedintoafacethatdisplayedembarrassmentandlonginginequal
proportions.

Shewasapuzzle.Sohaughtyuntilhetouchedher,andthensoresponsivethatshesenttheblood
ragingthroughhisbody.

“Thesmokingcar,”shepromptedunsteadily.

Hefrownedslightly.“Doesitembarrassyousotowantmykisses?”heaskedgently.“ForIassure
you,itdelightsmetohaveawifewhocannothideherpleasureinmytouch.”

“It…does?”

Hefoundhershysmilefascinating.Hereturnedit.Histhumbtuggedatherlowerlipandhebenthis
headagain,fittingherlipsexactlytohisinasilencethatechoedtheslapofthemetalwheelsagainst
therailsateachjoining.

Hisarmsslidaroundher,drawinghergentlyagainstthelengthofhislean,fitbodypullingherupto
presshercloser.“No,don’tcloseyourmouth,Nora,”hewhisperedwhenshedrewherlipstogether.
“Openit,veryslowly…Yes,littleone,justlikethat…”

Shefelthistongueteaseherupperlipandthenworkitswayaroundtothelowerone.Allthewhile
sheheardhisheavybreath,belyingthepatienceheshowedher.Herhandssliduptohisthroatand
pressedjustathiscollarbone,savoringthethicknessofchesthairthatcoveredhim.

Herhandsexcitedhim.“Wait,”hewhispered.Hepausedtoshedhisjacket.Thenheliftedonehand
awayfromherwaistandmoveditbetweenthem,watchinghercuriousfacewhileheunfastenedhis
shirtandslowlypulleditoutofhisbeltedbluejeans.Hereyesdilatedasshestaredathim,herbreath
unsteady,loudinthecar.

Hefelthimselfshudderatthefascinated,hungryexpressiononherface.Withaharshsound,hethrew
theshirtoffanddraggedherhandstohim,shiveringasheguidedthemoverthehotmusclesofhis
bare,hair-roughenedchest.Herbreathingmatchedhisnow,andherhandswereunsteadywherethey
touchedhim.Theyfelt…gloriousonhisskin!

“Nora!”hewhisperedintorment,ashebenttogrindhismouthintohers.

Sheclungtohismouth,herlegsinvoluntarilypressingtohisandnotwithdrawingevenwhenshefelt
thesurgeofhisbodyagainsther,thehardnessthatpressedinsistentlyagainsttheirchild.

Hisleanhandsreleasedhersandwenttoherslenderhips,topulltheminquick,jerkymovements
againsthimandthenrotatetheminsoblatantaseductivedancethatshemoanedunderhisdemanding
mouth.

Theheattheygeneratedwasblinding.Shefelthishandsonthebuttonsofherdressandarchedbackto
givehimtotalaccess.Hermisty,dazed,half-closedeyeslookedintohisashefoughttinybuttonsout
ofbuttonholesandhisbodyshiveredwithitsneed.

Heskinnedthedressdownherarmsandfoundthelacesofthecorset,cursingitthroughlaughter.He
managedfinallytogetitloosenedenoughthathecouldtugitupoverherheadandtossitontothe
berth.

Shedidn’ttrytocoverherselfwhenheturnedbacktoher.Helookedathersmallbreastswith
pleasurethatwastingedwithcuriositywhenherecognizedthechangesthatthebabyhadmadein
them.

Hetouchedthewideareolaofoneandtracedapale-blueveinuptohercollarbonewhileshestood
tremblingathisfingertips.

“They’re…different,”shefaltered.“Idon’tknowwhy.Itisn’tsomethingIcouldaskaman,evena
doctor.”

Histhumbslidovertheareolatenderlyandhesmiled.“ThenshallItellyouwhattheyare?”heasked
softly.“Acattlemanlearnsquicklyaboutconceptionandbirth,andthechangesthatoccurinyour
bodyoccuralsointhatofothercreatures.These,”hesaid,tracingthenoticeableveins,

“bringmorebloodtoyourbreastssothattheycanpreparemilkforourbaby.Andthis,”headded,
tracingthenippleuntilithardenedandshegasped,“enlargestofithismouthsothathecansuckle
you.”

Theimageryandthetender,deep,smokysoundofhisvoicemadeherkneesweak.“Inever
dreamed…”shewhispered.

Hebentandliftedher,andthensatdownontheseatwithherinhisarms.Hishandtracedherbreasts
softly,lovingly,whileherspresseddeepintothethickhairoverhisbreastbone.

“Yourskinislikealabaster,”hewhispered.“Andyousmellofroses.Iwantthefeelofyouundermy
body,Nora,andthesoftnessofyourlegsslidingagainstmineasIpressdeepintoyou.”

“Cal!”Shepressedherhotfaceagainsthischest,embarrassedatthethingshesaidtoherso
uninhibitedly.

“Youaresoshy,mywife,”hesaidatherear,“tobesoresponsivetome.Comecloser.It’sbeena
long,longtimesinceIfeltyourskinagainstmine.”

Heguidedherhandsaroundhisneckandbroughtherupagainsthim,holdinghereyeswhilehe
movedhersoftlyagainsthisroughchest.

“Itfeelsgood,doesn’tit?”heaskedsolemnly.

Shehesitatedtospeak,andhesmiledather.

“Aladydoesnotadmittothesedarkpleasures,isthatit?”heteased.

“Adecentwomanisnotsupposedtofeelpleasure,”shesaidworriedly.

Hechuckled.“Oh,Nora,areyoureallysonaive?Doyouthinkthatbecausesocietydictatesstoic
indifferencetothesensual,itdoesnotexist?Tellmethatyouhaveneverpeekedatthewordsof
Swinburne.”

Shecoloredprettilyandherfacesoughthischest.

Thesensationshefeltwipedthesmileawayandhisleanhandscaughtherhead,stillingit.

Shefelthimshiver.Why,helikedherfaceagainsthischest,shethought,fascinated.Wouldhelike
morethanthis?Hewashesitating,asifhemightliketoasksomethingofherbuthesitatedforfearof
shockingher.

Herbreathtrembledinherthroat.“Cal?”shewhispered.“I…Iwilldoanythingyoulike.”

Hiseyesclosedonasilentgroan.Hishandstightenedinherhair.“Nora,sweetheart,putyourmouth
onme,”hewhispered.“No,littleone.Openit.And…here.”Heguidedhertothecounterpartofher
ownnippleandpressedherfaceclose.

Shewasshocked,firstattherequestandthenatthewayhereacted,andthenatthepleasureitgaveher
tomakehimgroanaloud.Underhermouth,shecouldfeelthesmall,tightnipple,andbeneaththat,the
dampnessofhisskinandtheroughnessofhairandthedeep,dull,racingpulseofhisheartbeat.

Shenibbledathischestlazily,delightingintheirintimacy.Why,marriagewasexciting,shethought!
Shesmiledandliftedherheadtolookintohispale,glitteringeyes.

“Doyoulikemakingmelikethis?”hewhisperedroughly.“Doyoulikeseeingmeatyourmercy?”

Shenodded,herbreathtooshakyforspeech.

“Doitagain,then.”

Sheslidagainsthimtofindtheotherside,andherhandssmoothedoverthewarmmuscleofhim
whileshetastedthestrangemalenessofhischestwithsoft,eagerlips.

Whenhecouldbearitnolonger,hebenttofindhermouthandhekissedheruntilherlipswere
swollenandherbodywasliftingrhythmicallytotheslowtracingofhishand.

Hehadherdressaroundherhipsnow,andhisfingerswerewanderingoverthefaintswellofher
waistandstomach.Heliftedhisheadandlookeddown,andsmiledwithpossessionatthesoftrise.

“Youlookverysmug,”sheaccusedbreathlessly.

“Igaveyoumychild,”hesaidsimply.Hemethereyeswithafaintfrown.“ItdisturbsmethatIdidit
soeasily,andsoquickly.”

“Becausetherecouldbeagreatnumberofchildren,”shesaid,understanding.

Henodded.“Thealternativeisabstinence.”Hesmiledruefully.“Orotherwomen.Andthat,Icould
notcontemplate,”headdedbeforeshecouldspeak.“Nora,IfindthatIhavenodesireforother
women,sincethatafternoonwespenttogether.”

Hesaiditasifitbotheredhim.Itlitupherface.“Donotworryso,”shesaidgently.“Wemustlive
onedayatatime.”

Hishandpressedgentlyonherstomachandhelookedintohereyesquietly.“Iwantyou.Itwouldbe
safe,becausethereisnoriskofmakingyouanymorepregnantthanyouare.ButIwilldonothing
againstyourwill.”

“Itisshamefultoadmit,”sheconfessed,“butI…wantyou,too.”

“Isitdangerousforthebaby?”heasked.“Iwillbevery,verygentlewithyou.”

Herarmsloopedaroundhisneck.“Youwere,eventhefirsttime,”sherecalled,buryingherfacein
hishotthroat.“Oh,loveme,”shewhisperedfervently.“Loveme,loveme…!”

Hemadearoughsound,deepinhisthroat,andcarriedhertotheberth.

SHESHIVEREDFORALONGTIMEafterwards,cradledagainsthisnudebodyunderthesingle
whitesheetthatcoveredthem.Hesmokedacigarette,withanashtrayproppedonhischest,and
lookedworried.

Herhandpressedflatoverhisbreastbone,testingthehardmusclethere.“What’swrong?”

“Youbledalittle.”

Shenestledcloser.“Yes.Butitdidn’thurt.”

“Still,itmaybeunhealthyforthebaby,”hesaidquietly.“Iwasroughwithyou,atthelast.Ididn’t
meantobe,butmybodywastoohungrytolistentoreason.”

Sherecalledthefierce,roughbuffetingofitwithpleasure,seeingagainhisbodyarchedoverher,his
faceclenchedandwetwithsweatashecriedoutandconvulsed.Thesightofhimbroughtherown
pleasuretoapeak,andwhileitwaslessviolent,itwasjustassatisfying.

Hesmoothedoverherhair.“Ilikeitwhenyouwatchme,”hesaidgruffly,andhisfingerscontracted.
“Itmakesthepleasurealmostbeyondbearingtofeelyoureyes.”

Shepressedhereyesintohisthroat,becauseshecouldn’tlookathisface.“Ilike…towatchyou,”she
confessedinawhisper.“Itisveryintimate.”

“Wearemarried,”heremindedher.

“Yes,butIhavelearnedthingsaboutmyselfthatmakemealittleashamed.Iwhisperthingstoyouthat
makemeblushafterwards.”

“Andyouthinkthatit’sunnatural,betweenlovers?”Hesoundedamused.

“You’retheonlyloverIhaveeverhad,”sheremindedhim.

Heputouthiscigaretteandsettheashtrayonthefloorbeforeherolledoverandpriedherredface
outofhiding.“YouaretheonlyloverIwant,”hereturned,studyingherface.Herhairwaslooseand
splayedacrossthewhitepillow,itschestnutrichnessbarelyvisibleinthedarkenedcabinwhenthe
lightsofacityflashedpastandhighlighteditmomentarily.

Hislegeasedbetweenhersandhemovedher,gently,sothattheywerelyingsidebyside,perfectly
fittedtoeachother.Heputhisfingeroverherlipswhenshestartedtospeak.

“Slideyourlegovermine,sothatIcangetcloser,”hewhispered.

Sheobeyedhim,lovingtheroughnessofhislonglegagainsthers.Hemadenomovetowardgreater
intimacy,andsecondslater,herheadwaspillowedonhisshoulder,withthecoveroverbothofthem.

“Cal,wecannotsleepwithoutournightclotheson!”sheexclaimed.“Wearenaked!”

“Yes.Howgloriousitfeels,Nora,”hewhispered,runninghishandsalonghersilkyback.“How
exquisiteyourskinistotouch.”

“Butsomeonemightcomein,”sheworried.

“Ihavelockedthedoor,andtheblindsaredrawn.Sweetheart,there’snothingtoworryabout,I
promiseyou.Now,gotosleep.It’sbeenalongandtryingday,andyou’retired.SoamI.”

Shegaveuparguingandclosedhereyes.Itwassweet,shehadtoadmit.Sosweet…

WHENTHEMOVEMENTofthesunlightthroughthewindowblindspressedathereyelids,shewas
disoriented.Sheopenedhereyestoanunfamiliarplaceandthesoundofquietbreathing.

Herheadturnedandshestared,shocked,atastaggeringlyhandsomeCalBartonsprawlednude
besideherontopofthecovers.Hereyesavertedandthenhomedback,caressingthestronglinesof
hisbodyandlingeringonthesecretplaceatthejunctureofhispowerfullegs.Hisanatomyfascinated
her.Shehadn’tbeenabletolookathimfullytheirfirsttime,outofembarrassment.

Now,whenhewasasleep,shecouldindulgehercuriosity.

Howdifferenthisbodywasfromherown,howfrighteningassherecalledthedrivingstrengthofit
aboveher.Nowthatsheknewsomethingofthewaytwobodiesjoined,shebegantorealizewhata
shatteringthingrapemustbe.Calwasbeautifullymade,butheseemedterriblylargetohernaive
eyes,andeventhoughhewasslowandtenderandverycareful,shewasstillalittleafraidofhimuntil
herbodyhadabsorbedthatfirstgentlethrustofpossession.

Herhandreachedtowardhimandthen,whensherealizedwhatshewasdoing,shejerkeditback.A
deep,amusedlaughechoedfromtheheadofthebed.Hereyesdartedtowardthepillowandmetapair
oflaughinggrayones.

“Touchme,”hechallenged.“Goahead,chicken,Iwon’tbite.”

“Icouldn’t!”shewhispered.

“Whynot?I’monlyfleshandblood.Godknows,Itouchedyouineverywaypossiblelastnight.”

Shedrewthecoveroverherbreastandhidherembarrassedeyesfromhim.

“Comehere,youcoward.”Hepulledherdownontopofhimandcradledherbodytherewhilehe
laughinglyslidherstrugglinghanddowntotheobjectofhercuriosity.“Stopfightingme,”he
whispered.“Youknowyouwantto.Openyourhand.”

Hefelt…strange.Alien.Butafteraminute,shebegantorelaxandgiveintothecoaxingmotionofhis

fingers.Sheknewnothingaboutaman’sbody,buthetoldher,gentlyandwithoutembarrassment,
explainingittoherintheearlymorningsilenceofthecompartment.

“Marriageisverycomplicated,”shesaidfinally,whenheletherdrawherhandback.

“Oh,yes,”heagreed.“Butverypleasurable,too.”Hestretchedhugelyandmovedherasidesothathe
couldgettohisfeet.Shesatup,watchinghimwithfascination;withpossession.

Heturnedandsawhershygazeandsmiledather.“Yousee?Iamnotsoshockinganymore,amI?”

Shesmiledback.“Onlyalittle.”

“Youarebeautiful,”hereplied.Hetookthesheetfromherhandsanddrewheroutofbed,tostandin
frontofhim.Hestudiedherwithsolemnappreciation,fromheadtotoe.“Exquisite,”hesaidsoftly.
“Perfect.”

Shepressedagainsthim,onlytobeheldawaywithachokedlaugh.

“No,youdon’t,”hesaidbreathlessly,turningaway.“You’remuchtoofragileforthat,andIhaven’t
muchcontrol.”

“Butcan’tyoujustholdme?”sheasked,curious.

“Sure.AfterIgetmyclothesonandcalmdown,”hereplied,reachingforhisshorts.

Thatdidn’tmakealotofsenseatfirst,soheexplainedittoherwhilehedressed.Herhandsshookas
shegotbackintoherownthings.Heavens,marriagewasgoingtobecomplex!

Whentheyweredressed,heturnedtoher,buthiseyeswerecaughtbythefaintstainonthesheet.Her
gazefollowedhisandshechewedonherlowerlipworriedly.

“Perhapsitisnatural,”shesaid.

“Youmustseeadoctor,”herepliedfirmly.Hehelduphishand.“Nooneneedknowhowlongwe
havebeenmarried,orwhere.Ifyourauntasks,youmaytellherthatwemetinsecretandwere
marriedbeforeyoulefthere.”

“Butwhere,andbywhom…?”sheasked.

“ByavisitingjusticeofthepeacefromRichmond,ofcourse,”hesaid.Heproducedthemarriage
licensefromhispocket.Histhumbcoveredthestrategicspot.“Lookattheplacenamewherethe
marriagetookplace.”

“TylerJunction!”sheburstout.“But,how…?”

“Averysympatheticman,thejusticeofthepeace,andknowingthatwewereunlikelytomeetagain,
hewasmorethanhappytobendthelawalittletocomplywithmyrequest.”

Itwasallbecomingclear.Thekindnessandsympathyofthemanwhohadmarriedthemandhiswife,
thebriefceremony,thelackofquestions.“Oh,Cal.Youtoldhimaboutthebaby!”shesaidmiserably.

ChapterEleven

Calfoldedthelicenseandputitaway.“Ihadtotellthejusticeofthepeacewhywewereinsucha
hurrytomarry.Hewantedustowait,”heconfessed.

Sheletoutalongbreath.“Whatifhetellssomeone?”

“Icanassureyouthatheisadecentman,”hereplied.“Hewillnot.Norwillhiswife.”Hisvoice
softenedatthevulnerablelookinhereyes.“Icouldn’ttakeyoubacktoyouruncle’sranchin
disgrace,Nora.”

Sheliftedhereyes.“Youdidittoprotectme.”

Hismouthquirked.“Iseemtodolittleelselately.”

Sheshiftedalittleandpeeredupathim.“WhenIamcompletelyfit,Icouldprotectyou,”sheoffered.

Hiseyestwinkled.“Anexcellentsuggestion.”Hebentandkissedherforeheadgently.“Youwillseea
doctor,”herepeated.“Andwewillhavenomore…encountersuntilyouhave.”

Herfacefell.

“Forastraitlacedlady,youhaveanunusuallyexpressiveface.”

“Idon’tfeelverystraitlacedaftersuchanight,”sheconfessed.

Hesmiled,takingherhandsinhistoraisethemtohislips.“Allthesame,youare,”hesaid.

Shesmiled.“Iamtired,”shesaidgently.“Perhapssometeaandtoastwouldsettlemypoorstomach.”

Heputawarmarmaroundher.“Let’ssee.”

ITWASRAININGthedaytheyarrivedinTylerJunction,andabeamingChesterandHelenandMelly
wereallthreetheretomeetthematthestationinthesurrey.

“Why,whatawelcome!”Noraexclaimedwhenshe’dbeenhuggedandexclaimedover.

“Calwiredusaboutyoursecretmarriage,andtheveryhappyeventtocome,”Mellyburstoutgaily.
“Oh,Nora,howluckyyouare!Ahusbandandababy…andyouwillbeclosetous,sothatwecan
visit!”

Nora’sgaspwascoveredbyCal’sarmpullingherclose.“Iknewtheywouldwanttoknowthatwe
reconciledforourbaby’ssake.”

“Wewanttohearallaboutitlater,”Helensaidfirmly.

“Yes,wedo,”Chesteragreed.“Butmeanwhile,we’vearrangedalittlecelebrationpartyfor

tomorrownight.Thatwillgiveyoubothadaytosettleinatthecabinandrestup,andCalcanhelpme
workoutsomedetailsonthesenewpurchases.I’vebeenwaitingforhimtogetbackbeforeImade
anydecisions.”HegrinnedatCal.“He’sveryknowledgeableaboutthissortofmechanicalinvention.”

“Oh,I’veworkedonplacesthathadcombinesandtractors,”Calsaid,withoutaddingthatitwasthe
familyranchenterprisewherehelearned.

“Notalkaboutwork,ifyouplease,”Helensaidfirmly,linkingherarmthroughNora’s.“MellyandI
madenewcurtainsfortheforeman’scabinandhaditthoroughlycleaned.Wehopeyou’lllikewhat
we’vedone.”

“I’msureIwill,”Norasaid.Shedidn’twanttoadmithowterrifiedshewasoflivingundersuch
primitiveconditions,andbeinglessthanamemberofthefamily.ButMellyandHelenweren’t
treatingherlikeanoutsider,oraninferior.Andthebabyshockednoone,thankstoCal’squick
thinking.

Shewonderedatheraunt’skindnessandreadyacceptanceofhermarriage.AuntHelenhadbeenvery
vocalaboutherdisapprovalbefore.Thequestionshecouldn’taskwasansweredforheronthewayto
thesurrey.

“I’msurethatthishastymarriagebrokeyourpoormother ’sheart,”Helensaidsadly.“Shehadsuch
greathopesforyou,Nora,andsodidI.ButifyoufeelsostronglyaboutMr.Barton,wecanonly
hopethatyourjudgmentisnotfaulty.”

Norasmiled,butthesmiledidn’treachhereyes.“Mr.Bartonisakindman,”shesaid,“and
intelligent.”

“Ofcourseheis,”Helenreplied,“butheisaworkingman,Nora.Andbecauseofit,youmustnow
learntodothethingsthatservantshavedoneforyouallyourlife.”

Ithadn’toccurredtoherbeforethatherauntknewwhatshewastalkingabout.SheturnedtoHelen
andsawtherememberedpaininhereyes.

“Why…youunderstand,”shefaltered.

Helensmiledwistfully.“Yes,mydear,alltoowell.Imarriedagainstmyfamily’swillandfound
myselfdisinheritedandlivinginalinecabinwithChestertwenty-fiveyearsago.Inthosedays,this
waswildcountryindeed,andtherewerestillComancheraids.”

“Thisfareast?”Norawasaghast.

“Yes,thisfareast,”cametheamusedreply.“Imyselfhadtoshootarifleandprotectmyselfwhen
ChesterandhismendrovecattletotherailheadinKansas.”Shepushedbackhergrayinghair.“I
knowwhatitistobegentlebornandsuddenlycastintoalifeofdeprivation.IloveChester.ButifI
haditalltodooveragain…Idon’tknowwhatchoiceIwouldmake.Itisnotaneasylife.Ithoughtwe
weredoingwellwhenChesterannouncedlastyearthatacombinewasbuyingusoutbecausewewere
onthevergeofbankruptcy.”Sheshookherhead.“Andhereweare,atourages,atthemercyof

peoplewedon’tevenknow.”

“Butthingswillgowellforyou,”Noraassuredher.“UncleChesterisdoingafinejob.”

“WithyourMr.Barton’shelp,yes,”Helensaidgently.“Yourmothernodoubtseeshistoryrepeating
itself.ShetriedtotalkmeoutofrunningawaywithChester,butIwouldnotlisten.

ShehasalwaysconsideredthatshemadeabettermarriagethanIdid.Although,”sheaddedwithjusta
touchofhauteur,“frankly,Nora,yourfatherhadnomoneyuntilhemarriedyourmother,evenifhe
didhaveagoodfamilyname.”

Norarememberedherfather ’scrueltywithunpleasantnessevennow,andhermother ’slackof
compassion.“TheybothdespisemeformarryingCal,”shesaid,hervoicestrained.“Itwasnota
pleasantmomentwhentheyweretold,butEdwardSummervillewastryingtopressuremeinto
marryinghimandrestoringhisfamilyfortunes.IhadtoaskCaltocomeandtellthemthetruthabout
ourmarriage.”

Thatwasn’tquitethetruthatall,becausetheyhadn’tbeenmarriedthen.Butthecommentwasenough
toplacateHelen.“Thatman!”shesaidangrily.“Thatterribleman,andafterbeingthecauseofyour
infirmity…”Shefrowned.“Nora,youhavetoldCalaboutit?”

Noragrimaced.“No.”Shemetheraunt’saccusingeyes.“Icannot!It’senoughthathehasmeanda
babytoburdenhim.HowcanItellhim,now,thathehasanotherburdenaswell?”

“Oh,mydear,”Helensaidhelplessly.

“I’llbeallright,”theyoungerwomansaidwithmoreconfidencethanshefelt.“Imustbe,”sheadded.
“Besides,youhavebeeninmypositionandsurvivedit.SoshallI.”

Helenforcedasmile.“Certainlyyouwill.”

THERIDEBACKtotheranchwastiring.CalhelpedNoraintothesmallcabinthatwouldbetheir
home,andsheforcedherselftoacthappyandbright.Butshefeltlessthanconfidentwhenshesawthe
ancientwoodstoveintheseparatekitchen.Thiswasherhouseandshewouldhavetocleanitand
cookforCal,washandironhisclothes…

Sheturned,pale.“Youwerenotserious,”shebegan,“aboutmyhavingtokillaturkey?”

Helaughedgently.“Oh,Nora,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Ofcoursenot!”

Hepulledhertohim,andinhiseyestherewastendernessandsomethingelse.“Stopworrying.I
knowthatit’sabigchangeforyou.Butyou’llcope.”

“Yes,”sheagreed.“Iwill.”

“Tomorrow,though,”headdedfirmly,“youseeadoctor!”

“Allright.”

Therewaslittletodothefirstnight,becausetheywereinviteduptothemainhousefortheevening
meal.Norawasalmosttearfullygratefulforthesmallcourtesy.Shehadnoideahowtodothe
simplestthingsaroundahouse.Shewouldlearn,butitwouldn’thappenovernight.Andherworstfear
washavingtoproduceanediblemeal.

“Youmustloanmeacookbook,”shewhisperedtoMellyaftertheyhadeaten,whiletheotherswere
talking.“Andshowmehowtolightafire.”

“Calcanlightthefire,”Mellyassuredherwarmly,“andcookingisnotsodifficult,truly.Itismostly
amatterofpractice.”

Noragrimaced.“IshallpoisonhimthefirstdayIcook,IknowIshall!”

“No,youwon’t,”camethefirmreply.Shestaredathercousinwithamusementandawe.

“Imagine,gettingmarriedsoquicklyandsecretlybeforeyoulefttogohome.Andyoudidn’teven
tellme!”

Nora’seyesdropped.“Well,wewereveryawareofAuntHelen’sdisapproval,”sheevaded.

“She’llcomearound.Afterall,shedidit,too,youknow,”sheaddedwithagrin.

Noramethereyes.“AndyouandtheelusiveMr.Langhorn?”

Thesmilefaded.“Mr.LanghornisstillpursuingMrs.Terrell.Ihaven’tspokentohimsincethenight
oftheWomen’sClubaffair,andIdonotintendtospeaktohimeveragain,afterwhathesaidtome.
Themanisrudeandcrudeandutterlyunpleasant!”

AndMellylovedhim.Shedidn’tsayit.ShetouchedMelly’sshouldercomfortingly.“Iamsorry,”she
said.

Mellyshrugged.“Ishallgetoverhim.Iamteachingacraftsclassforchildren.Hissonattends.

BruceandIenjoyeachother ’scompany,butMrs.Terrellrefusestolethersoncometomyclass.

AndIthinkshehassaidsomethingtoMr.Langhorn,becauseBrucementionedonlyyesterdaythathe
isuncertainifhewillbeallowedtoattendmuchlonger.”

“Thatwouldbepetty!”

“Mr.Langhornispetty,”Mellysaidwithuncharacteristicvenom.“HeonlyallowedBrucetocomethe
firsteveningbecauseitlefthimfreetoescortthewidowTerrelltothetheater.”

“Whatsortofclassisit,Melly?”

“Iteachart—sculpting,mostly.Brucehaswonderfulhands,”sheaddedreflectively.“Hedidabustof
hisfatherthatwasremarkable.Hewon’tallowmetoshowittothevileman,however,forfearof

beingridiculed.Yousee,Mr.Langhornthinkssculptureisagoodpastimeforaboy,butisnofit
occupationforaman,”shemuttered.“HewantsBrucetobeacattleman.Brucedoesn’tlikecattle!”

Norawasdumbfounded.Shecouldseestormytimesaheadforthechild.Shewonderedbrieflyifher
ownchildwouldhaveartisticabilities,andifCalwouldwanttosuppressthem.Menhadoddideas
aboutthecorrectoccupationfortheirsons.Butagriculturewasnottheboomingbusinessithadonce
been,andhardertimesloomedahead.Norathoughtthatshemightpreferhersontogointobusiness.
Butthechildshouldbefreetodecideforhimself.

SheaskedCalaboutitlater,whentheywerealoneintheircabin.“Wouldyouinsistthatourchildwear
yourshoes?”

Heeyedhisdressboots.“Well,ifourchildisagirl,wemighthavetoshrinkthemagoodbit.”

Shelaughed.“YouknowwhatImean.”

Hegrinned.“Ifwehaveason,Iwouldlikehimtobeinvolvedinmybusiness,whateveritmightbe,”
hesaidsimply,withoutmentioningoilorLatigo.“Butachildshouldnotbeforcedtofollowexactly
hisfather ’sorevenhismother ’sfootsteps.”

Shesmiledwarmly.“There!YoudofeelasIdo!”

Hechuckled.“Youareunconventionalinafewways.”

“Onlyafew,Ifear,”shesaidwithawearysmile.“IfIweremoreunconventional,Icouldhavespared
youamarriagethatyoudidn’twant.”

Heputdowntheclockhewaswindingandtookherbytheshoulders.Hissilvereyeswereseriousas
theymetherwistfulblueones.“Iwantthechild,”hesaidbluntly.“MarriageisnottheordealIalways
thoughtit.Infact,”headded,runninghiseyesslowlyoverhertrimfigure,“ithasdefinitebenefits.”

“Suchas?”sheteased.

Hepulledhercloseandwrappedherupagainsthim.“SuchasgettingkisseswheneverIwantthem,”
hemurmuredagainsthereagermouth.

Hekissedheruntilitbecameuncomfortableandreluctantlyeasedherawaywithachuckle.“Myonly
complaintatthemomentisthatIcannotstripyounakedandthrowyoudownonthebedandravish
you.”

Herfacecoloredprettilyandshesighed.“Oh,Ishouldlikethatverymuch!”shesaidhonestly.

Heburstoutlaughing.Heliftedherandswungheraroundbeforehekissedhertenderlyandlether
go.“Neverlietome,”hesaidsuddenly,thesmilefading.“YourhonestyistheonevirtueItreasure
most.”

Sheavertedhereyesquicklybeforehecouldseethatshestillkeptsecretsfromhim.Butitwasakind

secret,shesaidtoherself,justifyingit.Itwasasecretforhisownsake.

“Andyouwillbeequallyhonestwithme,willyounot?”sheaskedgently,liftinghereyes.

Shesurprisedsomethinginhisfacethatshecouldn’tgrasp,andjustasquicklyitwasgone.

“OfcourseIwill,”heaffirmed.“IhavetocheckonthestockbeforeIturnin.Iwon’tbelong.”

Shelookedatthehugeironbedstead,sodifferentfromthepolishedwoodfour-postershehad
occupiedathome.Sheforcedasmile.“Wewill…sleeptogether?”

“Aswehavedonesincewemarried,”heagreed.Heliftedaneyebrow.“Doyouobject?”

Shesmiled.“Oh,no.Ilovesleepinginyourarms.Butitisdifficultforyou,isn’tit?”

Hisbroadshouldersroseandfell.“Itwon’tbeforever,”heremindedher.“Onlyuntiloursmallcake
isbakedandreadyforicing,”headded,staringwarmlyatherbelly.

“Whataverynicewaytoputit.”

“Beingwithchildsuitsyou,”hesaidquietly.“Youlookfragileandverypretty.”

Shecurtsiedpertly.

Hemadeafaceatherandwentoutthedoorsmiling.

BREAKFAST,TOPUTITMILDLY,wasacompletedisaster.Caldidlightthestoveforherbeforehe
wenttocheckonthestockinthebarnandcorral,somethinghedidatleasttwiceadaybecausesome
sickanimalswerecontainedthere.

Whilehewasgone,Norawhippedouttheoldcookbookshehadbeenlentandtrieddesperatelyto
makebiscuits.Thebaconwasnottoodifficult,exceptthatsheburnedonesidetryingtogetitcooked
enough.Shewassweatingandherhairwasallinherface,whichwasstreakedwithflourlikethe
blue-patterneddressshewaswearing.Itwasadressmeantforthefrontparlor,notthekitchen,andit
alreadyshowedthestrainoftheuseitwasbeingputto.

Shefriedtheeggsinthebacongrease,butsplatteredherselfwithpoppinggrease.Whileshewas
concentratingonthepainfulsplotchesonherarms,theeggsgrewdarkerandharder.Bythetimeshe
tookthemup,theywouldhavebouncedifshehaddroppedthem.

Itwasameal,ofsorts,sheconsoledherself.Edible.Just.Sheputitallonthetable,withthebutter
fromthesmallicebox,andthejarofgrapejellythathadbeenagiftfromHelen.

Cal’snosewrinkledinvoluntarilyattheburnedsmellofthecabinwhenhejoinedherinthesmall
kitchen.Hesaidgraceandtheypreparedtoeat.

“Ihavemademyfirstbiscuits,”Norasaidproudly.

Heliftedonewithoutcomment.

“Hereisthebutterandthejelly,”sheadded,pushingbothtowardhim.

Hetookhisknifeandtriedtoopenthebiscuit.Itprovedmoredifficultthanhehadimagined.

Norastoicallyputbutterontheoutsideofhersandtriedtobiteintoit.Shelaiditonherplatewithout
commentandpreparedtoeatheregg.Butthiswasimpossible.Thesightofitcoveredingreaseand
staringupathermadeherqueasy.Sheranforthebackporchandbarelymadeitintime.

“Now,now,”hecomforted,handingherhishandkerchief,whichhehadwetfromthepitcheronthe
washstandbehindher.“Thatwasmyfirstreaction,too,buttheeggsaren’tsobad.Thebaconwasa
littlecrunchy,butyou’llgetthehangofit.”

Shepressedtheclothtohermouthandlookedup.“Youhaven’tmentionedthebiscuits.”

Hegrinnedsheepishly.“Well,actually,I’mtryingtoforgetaboutthebiscuits.”

Shelaughed,too,andherfearsevaporatedwhenhepulledherclosetohissideandkissedher
unkempthair.

“You’regame,Nora,”hesaidproudly.“God,you’regame!”

“Iwantonlytopleaseyou.”Shelaidherheadagainsthisshoulderandstoodcontentinthecircleof
hisarm.“Ishalltryveryhardtobeagoodwife,Cal.YoumustforgivemeifI’mlessthanefficient,
butIhaveagreatdealtolearn.Thisis…newtome.”

Hefeltaterriblepangofguilt.Shewaspampered,andpregnant.Heshouldn’tsubjecthertothissort
oflife.Shedeservedbetter.

HewantedtotakehertoLatigoandintroducehertohisfamily.Hewantedtotakeheroutofthiscabin
andintothesortofhouseshehadarighttoexpect.Buthecouldn’tleaveChesterinthelurch.Andhe
couldn’tstopprospectingforoilwhenhe’dputalmosteverycenthehadintotheselasttwolotsand
therigstouseonthem.Toomuchwasridingonit.Ifhelosthisgamble,he’dbelivingonLatigo
charityfortherestofhislife,andNorawithhim.Thatwouldhurthispride.

KingwouldinheritLatigo.Althoughtherewouldbeplentyofmoneyleftovertodividewhentheir
parentswerenolongeralive,Caldidn’twantthefamilyfortune.Hewantedtomakehisown.

“You’reveryquiet,”sheremarked.

Hekissedherhairagain.“Iwasthinkingaboutsomething.Imustgoawaythisweekend.”

Shefrownedasshelookedupathim.“Where?”

Hesmiled.“It’smysecret,fornow.”Heputhisfingeroverhermouth.“It’sbusiness,Iassureyou,not
anotherwoman.”Hepulledherclose.“You’reasmuchwomanasIcanhandle,”hewhisperedather
ear,“andmore.”

Sheflushedwithpleasureandnuzzledherfaceagainsthisshirt.“I’llaskMellytodrivemeintothe
doctor,”shepromised.

“Goodgirl.”Hesmiledatherwan,paleface.“Takecare.”

“Iwill.”

Shewatchedhimgo,thankfulthathewaspatientandnotdemandingandsarcasticlikeherfather.It
bodedwellfortheirfuturethathedidnotexpecttoomuchofher.

THEDOCTORWASKINDandshelikedhimatonce.Shetoldhimaboutthefeverandtheslight
bleeding—althoughsheblushedprofuselyathavingtoadmithowithadoccurred—andherfearsfor
herhealth.

Afterheexaminedher,theysatinhisofficeandheworeasolemnexpression.

“Youmustnotexertyourself,”hesaidunexpectedly.“Thereisaweaknesswhichisnotuncommonin
awomanofyourbuild.Itneednotcauseyouanyproblemsifyouarecareful.Astothefever,”he
began,andhesitated.Hetookoffhisglasses.“Therearemanytheoriesabouthowitisprovoked.I
favorfatigueasacausativeagent.Youmusteatwell,getenoughrestandtakespecialcarenotto
becomeillfromanyothercause.Evenasimplecoldmightbringthefeveragain.”

“Coulditharmme?Coulditthreatenmychild,Imean?”sheaskeduneasily.

“Itispossible,”hesaid.“Iwouldlikeyoutocomebackinamonthtoseeme.”

“Yes.Yes,Ishall.”

“Ifyouhaveanydifficulties,pleasedonothesitatetosendforme.”

Sheshookhandswithhim.“Youareverykind.”

DON’TEXERTYOURSELF.Sheheardthewordsechoinhermindoverandoveragaininthedays
thatfollowed.Buthowcouldsheavoidit?Therewaswatertofetchfromthewellandheavypansto
carrybackandforthfromthestove.Therewasbendingandstoopingasshetriedtokeepthecabin
swept,andeventhestrainofgettingintoandoutofthebuggy.Beforetheweekwasover,shewas
exhausted.

“Nora,can’tyoumanagetofindmeatleastonecleanshirt?”Calgrumbledasheslungdirtyones
aroundthebedroom.“ForGod’ssake…!”

“Here,”shesaidstiffly,presentinghimwithherfirsteffort.SheandHelenhadwashedthedaybefore,
andNorahaddoneherbesttousetheheatedflatironstoproducesomethingwearable.

Butsheknewbeforeheunfoldeditthathewasgoingtohittheceiling.Hedid.

“What…!”Therewerescorchmarksalldownthesleevesandontheback.Itwasachambrayshirt.

Shedidn’thavethenervetomentionthewhiteoneshe’dburnedaholethrough.Shewincedathis
expression.

“Iwasnotemployedasapersonalmaid!”shesaidwithatremblingmouth.“Youmustmake
allowancesformybackground!”

Hebreathedslowly,tryingtoholdbackhistemper.Burnedbreakfast,burnedsupper,unsweptfloors,
andnowscorchedshirts.

Hismotherwasawonderfulcook,theirhomehadalwaysbeenimmaculate,andshedidherown
washingandironingasgoodorbetterthantheChineselaundryinElPaso.Norawasacomplete
failureatthesimplestchores.Shecouldn’tevenseemtoremembertofillthepitcherwithwaterso
thathecouldwashhisfaceandhandsbeforemeals.Heronlyvirtuetodatehadbeenherdelightful
presenceinhisbed,butherpregnancyevendeniedhimthatconsolation.Sleepingbesideherand
beingunabletotouchhermadehimasedgyasasunburnedsnake.

“Ineedadailywoman,”shesaidangrily.Shepushedbackwispsofunkempthair.Shewasnotatall
neatthesedays,hethoughtirritably,hardlythepictureofabandboxbeauty.Eventhatwouldnothave
rankledsohadshebeenabletocookanediblemeal.

“Icannotaffordadailywomanonmysalary,”helied.“Andyouspentyoursavings,Ibelieve,ona
newParishatatthemilliner ’sintownthedayyouwenttoseethedoctor?”

Shecolored.Ithadbeenanimpulse,thenewhat,somethingtocheerherup,butshewaswillingto
admitthatsheshouldneverhavespentsomuchonsomethingsounnecessary.“Iamsorry,”

shemurmured.“IhavealwaysspentwhatIpleased.”

“Thatisatanend,”hesaidcurtly.“Fromnowon,beforeyouspendoneredcent,youaskmeifwe
canaffordit.Isthatunderstood?”

Sheglaredathim.Howwasitpossibletoloveandhateonemansomuch?Herteethclosedsharply.
“WhenIwasaladyofmeans,youwouldnothavedaredspeaktomeso!”sheburstout.

“Wouldn’tI?”Hiseyesgaveherapointedappraisal.“Whateveryoumayhavebeenbeforewe
married,youarenowthewifeofaranchforeman,andIholdthepursestrings.”

Shestoodbreathingheavily,awareofherachingbackandsorefeetandhandsthatshowedthe
ravagesofunfamiliarlabors.Shewishedshehadthestrengthtolifttheironskilletonthewoodstove
aboveherhead.Shewouldhavelaidhisskullopenwithit.

Hemusthaveseenthelightofbattleinhereyes,becausehesmiledfaintly.Butaminutelater,he
shoulderedintotheburnedshirtwithvisibleresignationandreluctanceandwenttowork.

Thanksgivingcameandwent.CalgaveinwhenHelenpleadedforthemtojointhefamilyforthe
specialmeal,forwhichNoragavethanks.Butitwasonlyaone-dayrespite.Thenextdayshewas
backtofightingeggsoutofshellsthatcameapartinherhandsandtryingtocutmeatwithtoomany

bones.Shefeltterribleandlookedit,andherfragilehealthwasbeginningtodeteriorateunderthe
doublestrainofhertroubledmarriageandthephysicallaborshewasnotusedtoperforming.

Thebeginningsofacoldcaughtherunawares,butshemanagedtogetoutofbedandmakebreakfast
forCal.Itwasawastedeffort.Hegaveherlatestdisasteronecoldglareandstormedovertothe
bunkhousetoeatwithhismen,mutteringallthewayoutthedooraboutbeingstupidenoughtomarry
awomanwhocouldn’tboilwater.Sheclearedthefoodawaywithoutlookingatittooclosely.Her
ownappetitehadfadedtonothing,andshewasn’teatingproperlyorrestingproperlyorfeeling
particularlywell.Shestoppedtryingtocookatall,settlingforbreadandvegetablesandbitsofmeat
thatasympatheticandworriedMellysneakedintothecabin.

IfCalnoticed,heneversaidaword.Infact,hewouldhavebeenhard-pressedtonotice.Hehadstarted
sleepingatthebunkhouseaswellaseatingthere,because,hetoldeveryone,hedisturbedNora,and
sheneededherrest.

Itwasagoodenoughexcuse,butshedidn’tbelieveawordofit.Shethoughtthathewasreallyjust
avoidingtheargumentsthatseemedtoflareupovernothingthesedaysasNora’shealthsufferedand
hertemperreflectedherdissatisfactionanddiscomfort.Shehatedhermercurialtemper,butshe
couldn’thelpit.Shehadacoldandshewasafraidthatthefeverwasgoingtocatchheroffbalance.
WhatwouldshedowhenCalknewthetruth,knewhowshe’ddeceivedhim?Hewouldseeheraseven
moreofaburdenthanshewas.Hehardlylookedatherthesedays,asifthesightofherhurthiseyes.

Infact,shedidhurthiseyes.Shedidn’tknowhowdesperatelyfragileshelookedorhowbadlyher
newsituationreflectedonher.Calfeltguilty,moresobytheday.Hehadmovedtothebunkhouseto
spareherthecookingandchoresthatshewasunabletoperform;andtheargumentsthatdidherno
goodatall.

HehadtogotoBeaumontandcheckonPike’sprogressthisweekend.Hethoughtseriouslyabout
takingherontoElPasoafterwards.Hewasashamedofthewayhe’dtreatedher.Everydayheblamed
himselfmoreforsubjectinghertoalifeforwhichshewassoobviouslynotsuited.Hehadthoughtto
teachherhowtoappreciatethepersonandnotthesocialstation,buthenolongerhadsuchambitions.
Hehadbeenimpatientwithherlackofskillinthehouse,unreasonablyso.Thestrainofbeingnear
herandunabletotouchherhadworsenedhistemper,andherownwasnonetoogoodlately.Whenhe
camebackfromBeaumont,hewoulddowhathehadto,tospareheranyfurtherordeal.Hehad
causedherenoughheartache.

ChapterTwelve

Itdidn’tsurpriseNorathatCalwasanxioustogetawayFridayafternoon,onhismysteriousbusiness
aboutwhichhetoldhernothing.Shedidn’tbotherhimwithherminorachesandpainsorthecold,
muchlesswhatthedoctorhadsaid.Hehadbecomeremoteandalmostunapproachable,andlookedas
ifhehadagreatdealonhismind.Shetoldherselftorememberthatatfirsthehadbeenkind,
overlookingherburnedvegetablesandmeatandthedisastrousbiscuitsshehadcontinuedtoproduce
untilhelefttoliveinthebunkhouse.

HecameintothecabinlateFridayinasuddenlycoldhumor,stayingjustlongenoughtopackhisbag.
Hemadenocommentabouthisneatlyfoldedshirts,atwhichshehadachievedatleastsomelevelof
proficiencybyironinggunnyandfloursacksuntilshecoulddoitwithoutscorchingorburning
them,andonlythenputtingtheirontohisshirts.Infact,thesightofthemmadehimfeelguiltyall
overagain,becausehecouldimaginehowmuchtimeshe’dspentlearningtoironsowell.

“Thankyou,”hesaidstiffly.

Sheshrugged.Conversationwasdifficultenough,andshefeltunwell.Shestifledacoughbutgavein
toasneeze.

“Areyouallright?”heasked.

“Dust,”sheexplained,andpulledahandkerchieffromherapronpockettodabatherrednose.

“Itisonlydust.”

Helookedaroundhimsadlyatthethicknessofitonthefurniture.“Yes.”

Sheglaredathim.“Ihaveenoughtodowithoutwastingtimeonthefurniture.Thedustonlycomes
rightback.”

“Asyousay.”Hewasn’tdisposedtoargue.Shelookedthinnerthanever.“Areyoueating?”heasked.
“Youmusttry.Areyoucertainthatthedoctorsaidyouwereallright?”

“HesaidthatIwasfine,”shelied.“Idonothingreallystrenuous.”

Blissfullyunawareofwhatshehadtodoaroundthehouse,becausehewasoutallday,heonly
nodded,placated.“Takecareofyourself.IshouldbebackMondayafternoon.”

Hereyeswereonthesuitcase.“Youpackedyourgun,”shesaid.

Helookedsurprised.“Ialwayspackmygun,”hesaid.“Wearenotascivilizedasweliketobelieve.
Menarerobbedallthetime.”

Shefrowned.“Whatdoyouhavethatarobberwouldwant?”shesaidwithoutthinking.

Hiseyesweresuddenlycool.“Ibegyourpardon?”

Sheflushed.“Imean…”

“Youstillfeelthatyouhavemarriedbeneathyou,don’tyou?”heaskedcoolly.“Iamamanofno
meansandnotworthrobbing,isthatit?”

Shebitherlip.“Cal,youtwistmywords,”shesaid,hereyespleadingforunderstanding.“Iamyour
wife.Thisismylot,too,now,toliveasordinarypeopledo.Iamtryingtoadjust.TrulyIam.”

“Butyouhateit,”hesaidsuddenly.“Ihaveseenyoureyesfallwhenwegototown,asifyouare
ashamedtohaveanyoneseeyouwithme.Yougoaboutdoingchoresherewiththelookofa
martyredsaint,becauseyouwereraisedtobelievethatdecentwomendidnotworkinthehome.

Youareashamedofyourpositionhereandashamedtohavemeforahusband.”

Shegroundherteethtogether.“Please…!”

“Imagine—MissMarloweofRichmond,marriedtoapoorworkingcowboywithdirtyboots,”he
continued,hisvoicelikeawhipasheputallhisstifledresentmentsintowords.“Tocapitall,your
auntstoppedmeonmywayhereandaskedmeifIcouldn’taffordjustalittledailyhelpforyou.
Because,shesaid,aladywashardlysuitedtosuchtediousphysicallabor,andyouarehavingto
dependonMellyforfoodthatyoucaneat,”headdeddeliberately.

Shewentred.“ButIsaidnothingtoher!”Sheprotestedherinnocence.“Yes,Mellywaskindenough
tobringmeafewthings….Youmovedout!WhyshouldIcookonlyformyself!AndIdidnotaskmy
auntforadailymaid!”

Heletoutanexasperatedsigh.“Youcertainlyaskedme,andIrefused.Ifyoudidnotaskyourauntto
speaktome,perhapsshereadsminds,”hesaidirritably.“Youprofesstoloveme,Nora,butbothof
usknowthatyouwillneverbehappyhere.Youhavenohouseholdskillswhatsoever.Youhaven’tthe
patiencetoaccomplishanythinginthekitchen.Youwantsilkdressesandlinentablecloths,silverand
crystalandservantsandalltherightpeopletoinvitetoSundaydinner.Youwillneverbesatisfied
withwhatIhavetoofferyouhere.”

“Iwillbe!”shesaidangrily.

“Really?”Hiseyesnarrowedonherface.“Thenwhydidyouaskyouraunttowriteyourpeoplea
letterofapology?”hesaidfinally,voicingthethingthathadupsethimthemost.

Shegasped.“Ididnot!”shesaid,aghastatbeingaccusedofbowingdowntoherparents,aftertheir
crueltreatmentofher.Whateverhadherauntbeenthinking,totellCalsuchathing?Ifshethoughtto
makehimchangehiscoolnesstowardNorawithsuchaprod,ithadcertainlymisfired.

“Theyarewealthyandyouaretheironlychild,”hecontinuedwithanunpleasantsmile.“Well,letme
tellyousomething.Ifyoumakeitupwiththem,that’sallright,butdon’texpecttoaskthemfor
anything—notfordressesorfripperiesorcash.Becauseaslongasyouremainmywife,Iwon’t
allowyoutotakeonepennyfromyourfamily!”

Sheglaredathim.Defendingthechargewasforgottenintheheatofrenewedanger.“I’lldowhatI
please!Imaybeyourwife,butyoudon’townme!Icantakecareofmyselfperfectlywell,andIwas
doingsountilyouseducedmeintothis…this…lifeofabjectpoverty!Atleastamanofmyown
stationwouldnothaveexpectedmetocookandcleanandworklikeascullerymaid!”sheburstoutin
afeverishrush.Shefeltterriblywarm.Itwasprobablyalittlefeverwithhercold,shethought,butshe
feltsoillthatshehardlyknewwhatshewassaying.

Hedidn’tspeak.Hisfaceclosedupandhiseyesnarrowed.“Honestlaborisnodisgrace,”hesaidwith
coldpride.“Iworkwithmyhandsandfeelnodishonorforit,andmymothernevercomplained
abouthavingtoworkinthehouseorcookandcleanforherhusbandandthreesons.

Infact,shetookprideinit.Butifyourfamilynameandsocialpositionmeansomuchtoyou,then
makeitupwithyourfatherandgobacktoRichmond.Godforbidthatyoushouldhavetolivelikea
scullerymaid,Eleanor.NotforalltheworldwouldIdemeanyoufurther.”

Shecouldn’tfindwords.Washeaskinghertoleave?Throwingherout?

“Ihavetogo,”hesaidtersely.“IfyouarenotherewhenIreturn,nothingmoreneedbesaidbetween
us.Considermeatemporaryaberrationinyourlife,ifitpleasesyou.Godknows,Ineverwantedthis
marriageinthefirstplace,”headdedcuttingly,anduntruthfully.“Ionlywantedtosleepwithyou.”It
wasalie,butitdidservetosalvagealittleofhiswoundedpride.

Hepickeduphisbag,turningawayfromherstrickenfacequickly.Heraunthadmadehimfeel
terribleaboutNora’slot,andthatremarkaboutNoragoingbeggingtoherparentstochangeher
poorstatusmadehimsick.

Norafeltstiffalloverasshestaredathimwithfever-brighteyes.“Youneverspokeofyourfamilyto
me,oroftakingmetomeetthem…”

Heliftedcoldeyestohers.“Itwouldneveroccurtome!DoyouthinkIwouldtakeyoutomymother,
andallowyoutoshameherfordoingherownhouseworkandcooking—letyoulookdownyour
haughtynoseather?Ourmarriagewastheworstmistakeofmylife.Ihavenodesiretoadvertiseitto
mypeople!”

Shewassotakenabackthatshecouldn’tspeak.Hewas…ashamedofher!Theblooddrainedoutof
herface.Hewassoashamedofherthathecouldn’tbeartointroducehertohisfamily.Itwasthe
worstblowofall.

Hedidn’tlookatheragain.Heleftherontheporchofthecabintogetintothecarriagewiththeman
whowasdrivinghimtothestation.Norawatchedthemdowntheroadandwonderedwithoutmuch
interestifthemanhadoverheardtheargument.

Withacryofdistress,shewentinsideandthrewherselfacrossthefreshlymadebedtosobherheart
out.Ifonlyshefeltalittlebetter,ifonlyherfaceandthroatdidnotburnso.Sheturnedherfaceinto
thecoolpillowandthoughthowveryniceitfelt.Later,whenshegotup,shecouldworryaboutthe
ruinofhermarriageandwhatshecoulddo.Sheclosedhereyesjustforaminuteandlapsedintoa
feverishsleep.

BRUCELANGHORNWASTHELASTstudentleftinMelly’ssmallartclassinTylerJunctionthat
evening.Sheheldtheclassintheschool,withspecialpermissionoftheschoolboard,andusuallythe
children’sparentswererightontimetopickthemup.ButBrucewasstillwaitingforhisfather,andit
wasalmostdark.Ifshedidn’ttakeBrucehometohisfathernow,shewouldbecaughtontheroadin
thedark—aparticularlyundesirablesituationforaloneyoungwoman.Herfatherwouldbefurious.
Hemightevenmakehergiveuptheclass.Notforalltheworldwouldsheadmitthatoneofher
greatestjoyswastheglimpseshegotofMr.LanghornwhenhecametogetBruceeachevening.

ShetookBruceouttohisfather ’sranch,watchingthedarkeningskywithworriedeyes.

“Idon’tknowwheremydadcouldbe,”Brucesaidworriedly.“He’sjustneverlate.”

“Iknow,dear,”Mellysaidwithasmile.“It’sallright.Really.Idon’tminddroppingyoubyyour
home.”

Hegrimaced.“Ihopeshe’snotthere.”

“Mrs.Terrell?”

Theexpressioninhervoicetickedhim.“Shedoesn’tcomealone,”hesaidwithasidelongglance.
“Shecomeswithheraunt.It’sallproper.”

“That’snoneofmybusiness,”shesaidwithpretendedcalm.

“Sure.”

TherewasalightoninthehousewhenMellypulledthebuggyupatthefrontporch.Itwasgetting
darkandshewasworriedaboutthelongridehome.Notforalltheworldwouldsheadmittoherself
thatshewasalsoconcernedabouttheabsentMr.Langhorn,whowas,asBrucesaid,neverlate.Could
hebeill?

“Hurryinside,now,”shesaid,“andwaveifyourfatheristhereandeverythingisallright.Iwon’tget
down.”

“Allright.Thanksfortheride,MissTremayne!”

“Ofcourse.”

Sheheldthereinstightly,waitingtheeternityittookforBrucetogoinsideandfinallyreappear.

Herantothegate.“It’sokay,hefellasleepinhischair,”Brucesaid,chuckling.“They’refixing
fencesandrepairingoutbuildings.Heworkeduntilhedropped,Ireckon.”

Sherelaxed.“Goodnight,then,dear,”shesaidbrightly,sensingmovementinthehouseoutofthe
cornerofhereye.Notforworldsdidshewanttogetintoadiscussionofanysortwithhisdetestable
father.ShewasstillwoundedfromwhatMr.Langhornhadsaidtoheratthedance.

Sheflippedthereinsatthehorse’sflankandsethimintomotion.

Thedarknessswallowedherup.Therewasacrescentmoon,butitshoneverylittlelightontheroad.
ThankGodtheroadwentrightbytheranch,andthehorseknewthewayverywell.Sheshouldbeall
rightiftherewerenodesperadoslurking….

Thesuddensoundofahorse’shoovesontheroadbehindherwasloudenoughtobeheardabovethe
soundofherownhorse’smeasuredtrot.Thehorsebehindwasgalloping.Itwouldcatchher.

Herheartracedasshethoughtaboutarashofrecentassaultsonlonewomen,andshesnappedthe
reinsagain,harder,pushingthehorsefaster.

Therewasacurveintheroadaheadandshehadtoslowdownforit,whichgaveherpursuertimeto
catchupwiththebuggy.Apairoflong,denim-cladlegsindarkbootscameintoviewbesidethe
buggyandshecriedout.

Asshetriedtourgethepoorhorseintospeedagain,aleanhandcameoutandcaughtitsbridle,
bringingittoaslow,steadyhalt.

Sheknewnowwhoherpursuerwas,anditdidn’thelpherheartbeattodecrease.Hewasbareheaded
andangry;shecouldseeitintheeconomyofmovementasheswunghislonglegoverthesaddleand
droppedlithelytothegroundbesidethebuggy.

Hesweptbackhisthick,straighthairandglaredather,oneleanhandrestingontheframeofthe
buggy.

“Youknowbetterthantorunahorseatthatspeed!”hegrated.

“Naturallyyourconcernwouldbeforthehorseandnotmysafetyaloneinthedark,Mr.

Langhorn!”shesaidhotly.

“Whydidn’tyoustoplongenoughtospeaktome?”heasked.

“Because,obviously,Ihadnowishtospeaktoyou,”shetoldhim.“Brucesaidthatyouhadfallen
asleepinyourchair.AllIneededtoknowwasthatitwassafetoleavehimbeforeIcameaway.Andit
was.”

“IhadalongdayandIwasupmostofthenightwithasickcalf,”hesaid.

“Youradvancedagemustbecatchingupwithyou,”shesaidcattily.

“Damnyou!”

Shecaughtherbreath.“Mr.Langhorn!”

Hishandtightenedonthebuggy,andeveninthedarknessshecouldseetheglitterofhisdarkeyeson
her.“Ihavenomanners,didn’tyouknow?”hetaunted.“Iamadivorcedman,adisgraceintheeyes

ofthecommunity.Ofcourse,theyneglecttomentionthatmywifewaslittlemorethanaharlot,who
ignoredherownsonandsoldherbodytobuyopium.Shegaveherselftoanymanwhowouldpay—”

“Please!”

“Isittoosordidforyoursweetears,littleMissPurity?”hedrawled.“Don’tyouwanttoknowall
aboutthemanyouharborsuchasecretpassionfor?OrdidyouthinkIdidn’tknowhowyouworship
mefromafar?”

Shewantedtodigaholeandcrawlinit.Hemadeherfeelcheap.Notonlywashedeliberately
insulting,therewasafaintlyslurredqualityabouthisvoicethatmadehernervous.

“Imustgohome,”shepleaded.“Pleasemoveaway.”

“Thatisn’twhatthewidowasksmetodo,”hedrawled.“ShewoulddoanythingIwanted.”

“Thendo,please,goandpermitherto.Iwishtogohome.”

“SodoI,butIhaven’tgotahome,”hesaidwearily.“I’vegotahousethatIbreakmybacktokeepup,
aranchthattakesallmytime,asonwhogetsnoattentionatallbecauseIdon’tevenhavetimetobea
father.Helikesyou,”headdedangrily.“You’reallhetalksabout.MissTremayne,hispatronsaint!”

“Oh,Mr.Langhorn,youmust…!”

“Comeoutofthere,”hemuttered,liftinghisarmstodragherfromthecarriageandstandherbeside
himontheground.

“Thehorsewillrunaway,”shesaidquickly.

Thehorsehad,infact,nobreathtorunanywhere.Hewasstillbreathingheavilyandhadsuddenly
discoveredsomewaterstandinginatrackandsometallgrassbesideit.

Langhorn’ssteelyhandshadherfaceinthem,andhewastryingtoseeitthroughthedimness.

“Youhauntme,”hesaidunsteadily,“withyourbigbrowneyesandyourvirginalbodyandthatlong,
beautifuldarkhairthatIwanttowindaroundmychest….”

Hismouthhitherswiththeforceofathunderbolt.Shegaspedatitsimpact,shocked,becauseshehad
neverbeenkissedinsuchaway.Theshypecksofboysherownageweresuddenlyforgotteninthe
heatandinsistenceofanadultman’sheadlongpassion.

Hisarmsdraggedheragainstthelengthofhisleanbody,makingherawareofhissteelystrengthas
wellasthegrowingdesirethatwasblatantagainstherhips.

Frightened,shetriedtopullaway,buthisheadwasspinningfromthetasteandfeelofhermouth,and
hewouldn’tletgo.

Shefelthishandsinherhair,draggingoutthepinstoletthegloriouslengthofitfallinheavywaves

downtoherwaist.Andallthewhilehisdemandingmouthneverlefthersforasecond,neverletupits
fury.

“Stiff,”hemurmuredroughlyagainstherlipswhilehishandstwistedsensuouslyinherlonghair.
“Stiffasaboardagainstme,likeapieceofwood.”Hebitherlowerlip,makinghergasp.

“You’renomorethanachild,”hesaidwithdisgust,pausingtocatchhisbreath.“Youdon’tknowhow
tokiss,you’reafraidofpassion,you’reofnousewhatsoevertoaman!”

Sheswallowedandthenswallowedagain.Herkneeswereweakandhermouthtrembled,sorewhere
histeethhadbruisedthelowerlip.Sheputherfingertipstoit.“Iwanttogohome,”shechoked.

“Sure,whynot?”heaskedangrily.“Youcoweringlittlegirl!Nowdoyouseewhatyouwereasking
for?Youcan’tevenpretendthatyoulikeit!”

Shetriedtomoveawayagain,buthisarmsenvelopedheroncemore.

“Andnowyou’regoingtocry,aren’tyou?”hetaunted.

Sherestedherforeheadagainsthisbroadchest,lettingthehottearswashdownhercheeks.Shedidn’t
makeasound,andherclenchedfistsstayedrightathisshirtcollar,notmoving.

Hefelthertremble.Thewhiskeyhe’dconsumedhadstolenhisreason.Hehadn’tmeanttofrighten
her.Amancouldonlystandsomuch,andshe’dtormentedhimformonths.

Hisleanhandssmoothedherlong,silkyhairwithraptappreciation,enjoyingthefeelofitthrough
hisfingers.“Hairlikeanangel,”heremarkedquietly.“Sosoft.Likedarkcornsilk.”

“YouaregoingtomarrythewidowTerrell,”shesaidgruffly.“Youhavenoright—noright!—tolay
handsonme!”

“Iknow,”hesaidheavily.Hislipstouchedherdarkhair,herforehead.“Don’tcry.”

Shewipedatthetearswithherfists.Itshouldhavebeenlaughable,tostandbythedark,desertedroad
withthemanshelovedmorethanlifeandbegtobeletgo.Buthisopinionofhermadehisposition
clear.Hehatedhersilentadoration.Hehatedheryouthandinnocence.Hewantednothingfromher.
Sowhy,shewondered,shaken,wouldhenotreleaseher?

Hishandswereinherhairagain,asifitfascinatedhim.Hewrappeditaroundhisfingersandtookit
tohislips.

“Mr.Langhorn,”shebeganstiffly.

Hislipstouchedhereyes,closingthem.Hisbreath,whiskey-scented,waswarmagainstthechillof
theevening.“Ihaveafirstname.”

“WhichIdonotintendtouse,”shesaid,chokingonherpride.Hewasmakingherkneesgoweak
againwiththatsorcerer ’stouch.Thesilenttracingofhislipsonherfacemadeherfeelfunnyall

over,especiallywhenhistonguecameoutandslidsoftlyoverherlongeyelashes.

Thehandstanglinginherhairweremoving,slidingdownitslength.Theywereovertheruffled
bodiceofhershirtwaistdressnow,theknucklesaccidentallybrushingthetautriseofherbodyina
waythatmadeheractuallywanttoleanintothem.

Therewasaswellinginherlowerbody,anoddachethatseemedtothrobharderwitheverytouchof
hislips,everybrushofhisknucklesoverherbreasts.Theirtouchonhernipplesproducedasudden
hardnessthatshefelt.

Sheshouldprotest.Shethoughtto,whenhislipsmoveddowntofitthemselvessoftlytohers.

Notquitetouching,thentouching,thenliftingandbrushing,thentouchingagain,harderandharder…

Andwhiletheytouched,hishandturnedandhisthumbandforefingeractuallycaughthernippleand
presseditbetweenthem.Shefeltfireshootingthroughher,sawblindinglightsbehindherclosed
eyelids.Shemadeasound—asortofchokedcry—andherlipsopenedunderhis.

Hewhisperedsomething.Hishandcaughtinthethickhairathernapeandpulledherheadbackjust
enoughtogivehimtotalaccesstohermouth.Histongueworkedatherlipsandteethuntilheteased
hiswayintothesweet,tremblingdarknesspastthem.Hestabbedintohermouthandshecriedout
againstit;atthesametimehisleanhandwentcompletelyoverherbreastandswalloweditup.

Afterward,shecouldneverrememberwhopulledawayfirst.Shefeltswollenallover,andshecould
barleyspeakforthethicknessofhertongue.Herwholebodyfeltthatway,thickandsluggishand
throbbingwithsomeneedshedidn’tunderstand.

Hisarmssupportedher,becauseshecouldn’tquitestandup.Sheclutchedatthem,leaningherhead
againsttheroughthunderofhisheart.

Hewasbreathinglikeawildthingandhisfingersbitintoherupperarmhardenoughtohurt.He
suckedinairlikeamantryingtobreathesanity.

“Youshouldnothave…donethat,”shemanagedinarawwhisper.

Hischeeknuzzledagainstherhair.“Shhhh.”

“Mr.Langhorn…”

Helaughedshakily.“Arewenotpastthat?MynameisJacob.”

“Jacob,”shewhispered.Hereyesclosedandsheshiveredwithoverwroughtfeelings.

Heheldhergently,withoutdemands,hishandssmoothingupanddownherbackuntilshebeganto
calm.

Shepulledagainsthimfinallyandheletgo,watchinghermoveawaysothatanarm’slength
stretchedbetweenthem.

Hepulledcigarettepapersoutofhisshirtpocket,extractedone,replacedthepackandtuggedouthis
BullDurhamtobaccopouch.Heseemedinnohurrytoleavewhilehishorseandherbuggyhorse
grazedinthesemidarkness.Herolledhimselfacigarette,producedamatchandlitit.

Heletoutalongbreathofsmoke.Oneleanhandwentintohisjeanspocketandhestoodandjust
lookedather.Herhairwasdownaroundhershoulders,adark,wavycloudagainstthedarkpatternof
herdress.Itwasasilkyfabric.Heremembereditssoftnesswhenshehadpermittedhimtocaressher
breast.

Thememorymadehisbodytauten.Helaughedsoftlyathisownfolly.Twoneatwhiskeysandawild
ridethroughthedarkness,toupsetboththeirlives.Becausethatwaswhathehadaccomplished.
Neitherofthemwouldeverbeabletoforgethowitfelttokisseachother.

“Iamgoinghomenow,”shesaid.

“Awiseidea.Theremightbebadmenontheroadatnight.”

“Worsethanyou?”shechided.

Hechuckled.“Perhaps.DidI…bruiseyou?”heaskeddelicately,rememberingtheferventcaressof
hishandonthatsoftness.Hiseyesfelltoherdresstopunctuatethequestion.

Shefoldedherarmsacrossherbreasts.“Sir!”

Hesighedwistfully.“Howdiditfeel,Melly?”hemused.“You’vewantedmeforyears.Howdiditfeel
tohavemymouthonyours,tofeelmyhandsonthatsoftbody?”

Sheturnedawaytowardthebuggywithdark,miserableeyes.

Hestoppedheratthewheelwithaleanhandthatsnakedaroundherwaistandbroughtherroughly
backagainsthisbody.

“I’llbealongtomorrow,”hesaidatherear.“Bothofusneedtohavealongtalkwithyourparents.”

“Aboutwhat?”sheasked,aghast.Surelyhedidnotmeantotellthemwhathadhappenedhere!

“Aboutus,”hesaidsolemnly.“Doyoureallythinkeitherofuswillbeabletostop,nowthatwe’ve
hadatasteofeachother?”

ChapterThirteen

Mellyturnedaround,herbigbrowneyesshockedandunguardedastheysoughthis.“What…?”

Hetouchedhermouthwithalongforefinger.“Iwantyou,toputitbluntly,”hesaid.“AndI’mgoing
tomakeyouwantme.”

“Jacob!”shecriedout.

Hechuckled.“Bruceadoresyou,”hesaid.Hisvoicesoftened.“SodoI.”

“But…thewidowTerrell,”sheprotestedblankly,

“Ablind,nothingmore.Iamtoooldforyou,Melly,”hesaidseriously.“Oryouaretooyoungfor
me.ButIcan’tfightitanylonger.IttooktheheartoutofmetosaywhatIdidtoyouattheWomen’s
Clubdance.Ican’thurtyouagain,evenifitisfornoblemotives.ThewidowTerrellhasbeena
friend.Onlyafriend,”heemphasized.“Therehasnotbeentheslightestimpropriety.”

“Yousaid…wewilltalktomyparents?”

“Yes.Somehow—”hesighed“—wemustconvincethemtogivemepermissiontocourtyou.”

Herearsdidn’tregisterthat.Surelyshewasn’thearinghimproperly.Sheturnedaroundtolookat
himdirectly.

“Melly,”hesaidgently,“Iwanttomarryyou.”

Happinesswashedoverherinsuchawavethatshetrembled.Hereyesbrightened,brimmedover.

Hedrewhertohimhungrilyandheldher.“WhatdidyouthinkImeant?”hegrowledatherear.

“Regardlessofwhatsomeofyouseemtothinkaboutme,Iamnotwithoutmorals.”

“Iknowthat.I’msohappy.”Sheclungcloser.“Ithoughtyouhatedme.”

Hesighed.“Itriedtostopthisfromhappening,toprotectyou.Melly,you’reonlyeighteenyearsold.
Youhaven’tevenlived.”

“Ineverwould,ifyouhadmarriedthewidow.Withoutyou,Iwouldneverhavelovedagain.

Neverhavemarriedorhadchildren.”

Hisarmtightened.“Doyoulikechildren?Youmust,becauseBrucethinksyou’reswell.”

“Ilovechildren,”shereplied.

“Thenwemighthaveoneortwoofourown,”hemused.“Ifancyalittlegirlwithhairlikeyours.”

“Oh,Jacob!”shecried,soclosetoheaventhatshefeltasifshecouldfloat.

Hechuckledandbenttokissher.“Butforthemoment,Ithinkwemightgoourseparateways.Iam
tiredtodeathandIhadaneatwhiskeytohelpmerelax—notthemostintelligentofcombinationsfor
clearthinking.”

Shelookedworried,andhelaughedagain.“Iassureyou,”hesaid,“thatIamcompetenttoknowwhat
I’vesaid.ButIneedtolookitwhenweconfrontyourparents.”

“Tomorrow?”sheasked.

Henodded.Helookedmomentarilyworried.“Theydonotapproveofme,Iknow.Andwhentheir
owndaughterisinvolved…Ihopethatitwillgowell.”

“Andifitdoesnot?”sheasked.

Hesmiledwistfully.“YourcousinNoraseemedtofindherownsolutiontothedisapprovalshe
faced.”

“Yes,sheandCalmarriedinsecret.”Hereyesbrightened.“Wouldwe?”

“Onlyasalastresort,”hesaid.Hetouchedhermouthgently.“Sodon’tworry.Allright?”

Shesmiledandnodded.Heputherinthebuggyandswunguponhisownmount,bareback.

“Sothatishowyougotheresoquickly!”sheexclaimed,nothavingnoticedbeforethathishorse
wasn’tsaddled.

Hechuckled.“Iridequiteaswellwithoutasaddle,asithappens,”hetoldher.“Iwillfollowyou
home.Notcloselyenoughtobeseen,”headdedwhenshelookedworried.

ITDIDN’TTAKELONGatalltogetthere,andwhenshereachedhome,itwastofindthatnoone
tookanynoticeofherlatearrival.Thewholehouseholdwasinturmoil,andhermotherwasintears.

“Why…whathashappened?”Mellyburstout.

“It’sNora,”Helensobbed.“Oh,Melly,sheisinthethroesofthemostterribleattackoffever.

Andworse,shehaslostherbaby.”

“Oh,no!”Mellyexclaimed.“PoorNora!AndCal…”

“Calhasgonefortheweekend.Wehavenoideahowtocontacthim,”hermotherrepliedmiserably.
“HewillnotreturnuntilMondayattheearliest,andsheissoill.Soveryill.”Shesaidnomore,but
Mellyunderstood.

TheywentintotheguestbedroomwhereNorahadbeenbroughtwhenHelenfoundherravingwith
sicknessearlierintheafternoon.Feverishanddrowninginsweat,shewasbeingtendedbythe

solemn,wearydoctor.Hehadbeensummonedlongbeforesupperandhadhadnotimeevenforacup
oftea.

“Canwegetyousomething,doctor?”Helenaskedgently.

“Iwouldbegladofacupofcoffeeandsomebiscuits,”hesaidgratefully.“Sheneedsmorecool
water,andhersheetswillhavetobechanged,aswellashergown.”Heshookhishead.“Inallmy
longyears,Ihaveneverseenafeverquitesobad.Hasn’tshebeenresting,asIwarnedhertowhen
shecametoseemelast?”

ThiswasnewstoHelenandMelly,whoexchangedshockedglances.

“Isee,”thedoctormurmuredcoldly.“Shetoldnoone,Igather,notevenhererranthusband.Iwarned
herthatanyliftingwouldbedangerous,thatsheshouldnotexertherself.Didnoonerealizethatshe
hadthebeginningsofacold,andthatit,addedwithherweakenedcondition,almostguaranteedabout
ofthefever?”

“Wedidn’tknow,”Helensaidsadly.“Shehasbeenhealthyasfarasweknew,butsincehermarriage,
shehaskepttoherself.Wehavehardlyseenherthesepastfewdays,exceptwhenMellycarriedher
thingstotemptherappetite.Shehasbeentryingtolearntocook….”

“Atamostinopportunetime,Iassureyou,”thedoctorsaidirritably.Theylookedsoguiltythathe
relented.“Nothingwouldhavesparedthechild,Ifear.Butthefever…”Heshookhishead.

“Willshedie?”Mellyaskedtentatively.

“Icannotsay.Itisaverybadcase.”

“Whatcanwedo?”Helenaskedanxiously.

Thedoctorlookedupatheroverhisglasses.“Pray.”

THEYDID,PROFUSELY,forthenexttwodays.Norawasinpainatfirstandshecriedoutwhenthey
movedher,tospongeherdownandhelpkeepthehighfeveratbay.Itexhaustedeveryone,including
Melly,andtherewasnoquestionofJacobspeakingtoherparents.Mellysentwordtohimaboutwhat
washappeningandwentbacktohervigilatNora’sside,herownproblemstemporarilyforgotten.

Mondaycame,andstillthefeverraged.

AWEARYCALBARTONclimbedoffthetrainandhiredacarriageattheliverystabletotakehim
outtotheranch.HeandPikehadhitadryhole,thesecondsincehe’dstartedlookingforoil.

Theyhadonelasttract,inadifferentlocation,andPikewassinkingthefirstpartoftheshafttoday.

Calhadwantedtostay,towait,toseeifthislasteffortwouldpaydividends.Everythingwasridingon
it.Hehadneverbeenagamblingman,andhewasgamblingeverythingononetractoflandandhis
instinctsandageologist’scertaintyofsuccess.Butdespitethatworry,hisargumentwithNoraplayed

onhisminduntilitwasallhecouldthinkabout.Somehowtheyhadtoreconciletheirdifferences,for
thesakeoftheforthcomingchild.Ifonlyheknewhow.

Whenhearrivedattheranchandwenttotheircabin,itwastofinditempty.Hisfirstthoughtwasthat
NorahadgonebacktoVirginia.Itwaswhathehadinvitedhertodo,althoughGodknewhehadn’t
reallymeantit.HewasupsetatwhatHelenhadsaidtohim.Buthewishedhecouldtakebackevery
wordhe’dsaid.

Hisfacetightwithmisery,hewalkedintothebedroom,expectingtoseehercasespacked.Butthere
theywere.Heopenedthechifforobewithshakinghands,andherclotheswerethere.Heclosedhis
eyesandthankedGod.Shemustbevisitingherauntandcousinatthebighouse.Andhe’dthought
she’ddesertedhim!

Witharelievedsmile,hewentbackintothelivingroomandsatdownheavilyinhisrockingchair.He
leanedbackwearily,wishingthepastfewweeksundone.IfNorahadgone,hewouldbetotallyalone.
Hehadn’trealizedhowmuchhewouldmissburnedmeatandhardbiscuitsandruinedshirtswhilehe
wasaway,buthehad.Nowhesmiledwistfullyatthememoryofhowhardshe’dtriedtomakeagoof
thehousework.Duringhisabsencehe’dhadplentyoftimetoconsiderthedifficultyshewouldhave
faced,awomanwithhermoniedbackgroundtryingtolivelikeafieldhand.Ithadn’tbeenfairofhim
toputherinthisposition.He’ddecidedbeforeheboardedthetrainforTylerJunctionthathemust
makeamendsandforgethisstupidideasoftryingtochangeher.Rememberingthepainfulthings
he’dsaidtoher,heknewitwasn’tgoingtobeeasytomakeupforthem.

Buthopefullyitwasn’ttoolate.HecouldtakeherhometoLatigo,andshewouldn’thavetosuffer
thisdeprivationanymore.TheTremayneranchwasasgoodashecouldmakeit,andChesterwason
therightroad.EitherheandPikewouldstrikeoilortheywouldn’t.Iftheydidn’t,Caltoldhimself,he
hadastrongbackandagoodbrain.HewouldswallowhisprideandgobacktoLatigotoworkonhis
ownfamily’sranch.IfNoralovedhimenough,shewouldadjust.Therest…well,therestwouldfall
intoplacesomehow.Themoreheworkedattheproblem,thesimpleritseemedtobetosolve.

Thelightsteponthefrontporchcaughthisattention.Hestoodup,smiling,hisheartracingashe
waitedforNoratoopenthedoorandwalkin.Butthedoordidn’topen.Itwasknockedon.

HewenttoansweritandfoundaworriedMellyonthedoorstep.

“IthoughtIheardyoudriveup,”shesaid.“You’dbettercomeuptothehouse.Whilethere’sstill
time.”

Becauseofthelookinhereyeswhensheaddedthatlastremark,hedidn’twastetimeasking
questions.Nora’sabsenceandMelly’spale,wornfacetoldastoryhedidn’twanttohear.He
quickenedhisstridewithaheartbeatthatthreatenedtoshatterhisribs.

INTHEGUESTBEDROOM,Noralaybathedinsweatwiththedoctorstillatherside.Hehadn’tleft
theranchsincehewasfirstcalled.HeglaredatCalBarton.

“Theerranthusband,Ipresume?”heaskedicily.“Seeyourhandiwork,sir!”

Cal’sheartstoppedinhischest.Noralookedalmostdead.Shewasthecolorofthesheetandthinasa
rail.Herstomach…

Thedoctorsawhislookofhorrorandwhereitwasplaced.“Shelostthebabytwodaysago.

Nowwe’reonlyconcernedwithsavingherlife.Didn’tyouknowhowdangerousitwastoletherlift
heavypailsofwaterandbecomefatiguedinthiscondition,especiallywhenitwascomplicatedbya
cold?”

“Shesaidthatyoutoldhershewasfine,”Calsaid.Hisheartwasracingwithfearashelookedat
Nora,sostillandsick.“Shesneezed,butshesaiditwasthedust…!”

“Shecaughtcold.Thatwasenough,aswornasshewas,tobringthefeverback.Ifearthatthisbout
maywellendinherdeath.Ihaveneverseensuchabadcaseofit.”

“Fever?”Calmovedtothesideofthebedandlookeddownathiswifewithwide,stunnedeyes.

Hisheartfrozeinhischest.“Whatfever?”hedemandedhoarsely.

“Whatsortofmarriagedoyouhave?”thedoctordemandedangrily.“Shehashadfeverforovera
yearsporadically.Herownphysician,althoughIdonotconcurwithhisprognosis,toldherthatit
mightonedayprovefatal.”

ThatwasablowthathitCalrightwherehelived.Hetookasteadyingbreath.“Shenevertoldme,”he
managed.

“Shenevertoldanyone,”Helensaidsadly,dabbingathereyes.“Shesaidthatshewouldneverbeable
tomarry,toputthatemotionalandfinancialburdenofillnessonaman,becausethefeverwas
incurable.Oh,botherSummerville!Ifhehadnotmadeunwantedadvancesandtornherclothing,if
themosquitoeshadnotgottentoherskininAfrica,howdifferentitmighthavebeen!”

“Summerville?”Calleanedagainstthewall,staringblanklyatHelen.“Summervillecausedthis?”

“Yes,”Helensaid.Tearssprunganew.“Iwassoafraidwhenyoubroughtherbackthatshewouldnot
bestrongenoughtobearupunderbeingwithchildandlearningacompletelynewmannerofliving.
Thisisahardlifeforawoman,andshewassofragile.Ithoughtyouknew.Ishouldhavespoken.I
shouldhavesaidsomething…!”

Hervoicebrokeandsheturnedaway.Calwasjustbeginningtorealizewhathe’ddonetoNora.

Shewassickwithfeverandshehadnevertoldhim.Obviouslyshehadn’twantedtoburdenapoor
manwithanincurableillnessthatwouldmeanconstantmedicaltreatment,evenifitdidn’tprovefatal.
Howtragicallyironicthathehadseenherhesitationaboutworkinginthecabinascontemptofher
surroundings,whenshehadactuallybeentakingaveryslowpaceonlytoprotectherhealth.Hiseyes
closedwithpain.

IfnotforSummerville,hewouldprobablyneverhaveknownaboutthebaby,ever.She’dneverhave

cabledhimandhe’dneverhavebeendriventomarryher,bringherhereinsteadoftoluxurious
Latigo.Instead,he’dsubjectedhertoarugged,rigorouslifethathadn’tbeenatallnecessary.Inhis
arrogance,he’dmeanttoteachheralessoninhumility.Buthewastheonegettingthelesson.Ithad
costhimhischildalready,andmightyetcosthimhiswife.

“Oh,mydear,”hesaidunderhisbreath,shakentohisverysoulashelookeddownatNora’stortured
body.Hiseyesliftedtothedoctor ’s.“Willshelive?Cannothingelsebedone?Man,youmustsave
her!”

ThedoctorhadalreadyrealizedthatCalwasnotatfault.Herelented.Compassionmovedhim,butits
oppositeoftenmadeamadmanofhim.Hehadnopatiencewithpeoplewhoputtheirowninterests
beforethoseofasickperson.

“I’vedoneallIcan,”thedoctorsaidhonestly.“Quinine,baths,bleeding,everythingIcouldthinkof.
Ifthefeverbreaks,shehasachance.Otherwise…”Hespreadhishands.“Ihavetreatedcasesof
malarialfevermanytimes,butthereisnocure.Further,sheisweakenedbythelossofherchildand
thecold,yousee.”

CalmovedtothebedsideandtookNora’sthin,hothandinhis.Heclaspeditfirmly,hopingtogive
hersomeofhisstrength.Shemustlive.Shemust!Hesaiditaloud,tormentinthesilvereyesthatslid
overherwithequalpartsofguiltandhunger.Shewaspartofhim.Whyhadn’therealizeditbefore,
whentherewasstilltimetotellher?Ifshedied,herlastmemoryofhimwouldbeofhisharshvoice
tellingherthathewastooashamedofhertointroducehertohisfamily,thattheirmarriagehadbeen
amistake.Nowhehadtobearthebruntofhisowncrueltyandwatchhersuffer.Hehadfailedher,in
everyway.

ALLTHATLONGNIGHT,hesatbythebedside,withthedoctoracrossthebedfromhim.

Theycooledherwithwetcloths,changedthelinen,changedhergown,whilesheshiveredandwept
andrambledincoherently.

MellyandHelenpeekedinfrequently,havingforgonesleepforsolongthattheywereaccustomedto
catnaps.Chesterwentalonetosupervisetheworkontheranchthenextmorning,becauseCalhadno
intentionofleavinghiswife.

Thedoctorbroughthimbackacupofcoffeesoonafterdaylight.

“Whenwillweknow?”heaskedtheolderman.

“IamnotGod,”thedoctorrepliedfrankly.

Calworriedhishairwhilehestaredattheslight,rackedfigureinthebed.“Itriedtobe,”hesaidin
anguish.“Shewassohaughty,atfirst.Laughingatmeandmymen,teasingme,lookingdownher
prettynoseatmebecauseofthewayIdressed,theworkIdid.”Hegrimaced.“Inmyarrogance,I
thoughttopayherbackforallthosecondescendingacts—evenbringingherhere,whereshehadto
dophysicallaborforthefirsttimeinherpamperedlife.”Heranahandoverhispaleface.“Inever
reallythoughtitwouldharmher.Myownmotherisrobust.Evenwhenshehadmodernconveniences,

shestillpreferredtheold-fashionedwayofdoingthings.Sheneverhadservants,excepttohelpwith
theheavylifting.”Hisbroadshouldersroseandfellhelplessly.

“IforgotthatNorahadneverhadtoperformtheslightesttaskathome.Godforgiveme,itnevereven
occurredtomethatshemightputthechildatriskwithsuchordinarychores.”Hesippedcoffee
quietly.“Shedidn’ttellmeaboutthefever,”headdeddully.

Thedoctorsatbackinhischairandlookedathispatient.“Sheisaremarkablewoman,”hesaid,his
voiceverysolemn.“Shecametoseemejustafewdaysago,andspenttenminutesdescribingtome
theproperwaytoironashirtwithoutscorchingit.”Hechuckled,andCalactuallywinced.“Shewas
veryproudoftheaccomplishment.Shesaidnothingaboutdoinganylifting,aboutanystrainor
discomfort.Itdidn’toccurtomethatshewaskeepingherfragilityasecretfromallthepeoplearound
her.”

“IthoughtIknewher,”Calsaidheavily.“She’sacomplexwoman.AndIhaven’tbeentheideal
husband.”

“Marriageisamatterofcompromises,”thedoctoradvised,smilingfaintly.“MywifeandIhavebeen
marriedforthirty-sixyears,andwehaveneverhadaseriousdisagreement.”

“Youareafortunateman,”Calsaid.

Thedoctornodded.“Mywifeissomethingofadiplomat,”hechuckled.

“Minehasanunexpectedtemper,”theyoungermanmused,lookingatherwitheyesthatshowedtheir
wounding.“Allthewhileshewastryingtolearntobeafrontierwife,sheneverbackedawayfroma
fight.Ihadnorealdesiretomarry,”heconfessed,“butoncethedeedwasdone,sheseemedto…fit
intomylife.I’mlonelywithouthernow.”

Theadmissionwasfullofwonder.Thedoctor ’slipspursedandhelookedawayfromthethoughtful,
introspectivelookontheyoungerman’sleanface.“Youmightconsidertellingherso,whensheis
recovered.”

Cal’seyes,unguarded,metthedoctor ’s.“Willshe…recover?”

“Wewillknowsoon.”

Soon.Thethoughtsustainedhimthroughtheafternoonandintothenight.Timeseemedtorun
together.Hewasawareofeating,ofcomfortingvoicesaroundhimwhileheheldNora’sthinhand
andworriedhimselfsickoverhercondition.Shetossedandturned,sweatedandcriedout,whilethe
feverrackedabodythathadneverseemedsobrittleanddelicate.

Thedoctorwentoutwiththeotherstoeat,leavingCalbrieflyalonewithNorainthesilent,cool
bedroom.HehadlitafireinthefireplacetotakesomeofthenipoutoftheDecemberair,sothatshe
wouldn’tgetchilledagain.

Shehadn’ttoldhimaboutthefever.Heshouldhaverealizedsoonerthatshewasawomanwhokept

secrets,evenwhentellingthemwouldhavebeentoheradvantage.Heshouldhaverealizeditwhenhe
learnedaboutthebaby.Thenhecouldhavesparedhertherigorsofalifetowhichshewasunsuited.
Hecouldhavesparedher…this.Perhapsthenthebabymighthavesurvived.

Thebaby.Therewouldbenochildnow,andthatwouldhurthermostofallif—when,hecorrected
forcefully—sherecovered.Hethoughtaboutthegriefitwouldbringherandhegroaned.Helooked
atherslenderbody,lyingsostillnowinthebed,andthepressureofseeingherneardeathforsucha
longtimefinallybrokehisstrongspirit.Hefelttheheatandwetnessinhiseyesand,foraninstant,
gaveintoit.Helaidhischeekgentlyagainsthersoftbreast,overthedampclothofhergown,and
gavewaytothepainatlast.

NORAHEARDADEEP,HARSHSOUND.Herbodyached,sore,asifithadbeenbeaten.

Therewasapressureonherchest,awetnessthatwaswarm,notlikethechilledwetnesselsewhere.
Herblueeyesopenedandshelookedattheceiling.Itwasdarkjustnearthefireplacewheresmuthad
stainedthethinwhiteboards.

Hereyesloweredtoadarkheadlyingonherchest.Shefrowned.Cal?Whywashehere?Why,this
wasn’thercabin.Thiswasthebighouse,andshewassoaked.Thensherealized,allatonce,whathad
happened.Sherememberedaterribleargument,hurtfulwords.Sherememberedfeelingillandthen
thefever…thefever…

Herdrylipspartedandshepushedattheheadonherbreasts.“Mybaby,”shemanagedinastrained,
hoarse,unfamiliarvoice.

Calstiffened.Hisheadcameupandhispaleeyesglitteredwildlyforamoment.“Nora?”

Shepushedathisshoulders.Hermemorywascomingbacknowinfullforce.Sherememberedevery
single,terribledetailoftheirlastmeeting,includingthethingshehadsaidtoher,theaccusationshe
hadmade.

Theweaknessleftbyherordealmadehermiseryevenworse.Herarmwentacrosshereyestohide
them.“Oh,whyamIstillalive?”shewhisperedbrokenly.“Whydidn’tIdie!”

Hewasshatteredwhenthewordsreachedhim.“Nora,please,”hesaidhesitantly.

“I’velostmybaby,haven’tI?”shewhispered,andthenwaited,stiffly,dreadingtheanswer,although
sheknewit.Sheknew,deepinherheart,thatshewasasemptyasherlifewouldbefromnowon.

“Yes,”Calsaidreluctantly.

Thetearswashedpastherclosedeyelidsinaveritableflood.Thesobsweresilentatfirst,andmore
painfultoCalbecauseoftheirsilence.

Hetouchedhercoarsehairtenderly,butshejerkedherheadaway,asifshefoundhisnearness
actuallydistasteful.

Withalongsigh,heunfoldedhislengthandstoodup,lost.Shewouldn’tevenlookathim.Hefelta
senseoflossmoresweepingthananythinghehadeverknown.Hispaleeyesglitteredoverherfrail
bodywithpainfulwonder.Howincrediblethathehadn’tknownuntilnowthathewasinlovewithher.

Whilehewasstillabsorbingtheshock,thedooropenedandthedoctorcamein.HesawNora’seyes
opentoseektheidentityofthenewcomer,andhiswholefacebrightened.

“You’vecomethroughit!”hesaidwithdelight.Hehadhadlittlepartinherrecovery—ithadbeen
moreamatterofkeepingthefeveratbayandkeepingherquiet—buthefeltsatisfactionjustthesame.
“ThankGod.”

“Ihavelostmychild,”shewhisperedpiteously,andbegantoweep.

Thedoctorgrimaced.HeglancedatCal,whosetormentedfacetolditsownstory.“Goandhave
somethingtoeat,myboy,”hesaidgently.“Sheneedsasedativeandplentyofrestnow.Shewill
recover.”

Recoverandleavehim,Calwasthinkingashegaveheronelastlongingglance,whichsherefusedto
returnorevenacknowledge.Shewouldgohomenowforcertain.Hedoubtedifanyconfessionsof
loveorpromisesofhappiertimeswouldconsoleher.Shewouldblamehimforitall,forthelossof
herchild,fortheboutoffever,forsomuch….Andshewouldberighttoblamehim.Itwashisfault.

Hewentintothehallandpulledthedoorclosedbehindhim.Helencameouttojoinhim.Shewas
askingsomethingaboutfood,ifhewantedtoeat.Hewalkedpastherwithoutreallyhearingher.Nora
wasalive.Shewouldlive.Hehadtobecontentwiththat.Hekeptwalking,amaninanightmare,
oblivioustothewholeworld.

Helen,fearingtheworst,quicklyopenedthedoorandwalkedin.

“Hasshedied…?”sheasked,becausethatwashowCalhadlooked;likeamanwhohadlost
everything.

ButNorawasawakeandaware.Shelookedatherauntandmanagedaweaksmile.“Iamalive,”

shewhisperedhuskily.“Just.”

“Andshewillbeverywellinnotimeatall,”thedoctorassuredthem.Heheldaglassofwaterin
whichasedativehadbeendissolvedandcoaxeditpastNora’sdrylips.

“Oh,thankGod,”Helenwhisperedfervently,comingtothebedside.“WhenIsawCal’sface,Ithought
—”Shebitdownonthewordswhenshesawtheclosedlooktheyprompted.“I’msogladthatyou
haverecovered.Wehaveallwatchedandwaitedtogether.”

“Whendidhereturn?”Noraasked.

Helenknewwhowasbeingdiscussed.“Lastevening,”shesaid.“Hesatbesideyouallthelongnight,
andalloftoday.Hewasdistraught….”

“Hasanyreplycomefromthecableyousenttomyparents?”Noraasked.

Helenflushed.“Oh,Nora,Iamsorry,”shewhispered.“ImeantonlytoshowCalthatyouneednot
stayhereifyouonlyapproachedyourparents.Imeantwell.”

“Ofcourseyoudid,”Norasaidwearily.“Youdidcablethem,however,didn’tyou?”

Helenwinced.“Yes.”

“Andtherewasareply?”

Shehesitated.Onehadcome,butshehadn’topenedit.Shedidn’twanttogiveittothegirlnow,in
caseitservedtoworsenherdroopingspirits.

“Pleasereadit,”Norasaidgently,althoughsheknewwhatitwouldcontain.Sheknewherfathervery
well.

Shecouldn’tknowhowshelookedtothetwopeopleatherbedside,paleanddelicateanddrained
almostoflife,butstillbrimmingwithspiritandinnerstrengthdespiteit.

HelenwonderedifNoraevenrealizedwhatachangeshehadmade,fromtheratherintroverted
would-beadventuresswhohadfirstcometoTylerJunctioninAugusttothisstrong,fearlesswoman
whonolongerbackedawayfromunpleasantness.

Thedoctornodded,andHelenwenttofetchthetelegram.

Noratookitinunsteadyhands,proppedagainstthewhitelinenofthepillowcasesasshestruggled
withtheyellowpaper.

Whenshefinallyhaditopen,sheknewthatshehadbeenwisenottogetherhopestoohigh.The
telegramwasbrutal.“Wehavenodaughter,”itread.Itwassignedwithherfather ’sinitials.

Noraletitfallfromherfingerswithalong,wearysigh,likeadeadleaffromawinterlimb.Shewas
trulyalonenow,althoughitwasnolessthanshehadexpected.Hadherauntnotinterfered,shewould
neverhaveloweredherpridesomuchastobegforgivenessofherfather.Itwashewhoshouldhave
askedherpardon,notthereverse.

Shesighedheavily.Shewouldlive.Butherlifewouldneverbethesame.

ChapterFourteen

CalBartonsatquietlyinthesmallcountrysaloonafewmilesfromTylerJunction.Theonesaloon
intownhadcloseddown.Probablytheproprietorhadbeenafraidofthatax-womancomingtocall,
hethoughtwithbitterhumor.Whateverthereason,mostmencameoutheretogetadrinkwhenthey
wantedone.Alcoholwasexplicitlynotallowedontheranch,althoughSaturdaynightsbroughttheir
shareofinebriatedranchhands.

Afterthesecondwhiskey,hebegantofeelalittlebetter.HehadtriedtoseeNora,butshehadsent
wordbyherauntthatsherefusedtolethimbackintoherroomnowthatshewasconsciousagain.She
addedthatsheconsideredtheirmarriageatanend,thatshewasgoinghometoVirginiaandthatshe
didnotwanttoseehimagainaslongasshelived.

Hehadbeenexpectingit,butthetersemessagehurtjustthesame.Howtragictoknowthathismisery
hadcomefromhisownactions.Ifhehadbeenmorepatient,andlessjudgmental,Noramighthave
settledquitehappilyeveninsuchadismalplace.AndifhehadtakenhertoElPasointhefirstplace,
shemightstillhavetheirchildinherbody.

Butlookingbackwouldnothelpnow.Heknewthathismarriagewasover.Hedidn’tblameNorafor
notwantingtoseehim.Heblamedhimselfasmuchasshedidforthewaythingshadturnedout.He
hadseducedher,notthereverse.

Everythingthathadhappenedwashisfault.Thebabywashisfaultmostofall.Hewonderednow
whetheritwouldhavebeenaboyoragirl,andmournedit.Hismotherwouldmournforhim,when
sheknew.Hegrimaced.Hismotherdidn’tknowhewasmarried.Noneofhispeopledid.Andbefore
theyknewit,hewouldbeadivorcedman.Nora’sparentswouldsurelyforgivehernow,andshe
wouldgohometoVirginiaandfindamanwhowouldtreatherasshedeserved.Hedecidedthat
playingGodwasn’tveryprofitableafterall,andhewasnevergoingtodoitagain.

Henevergotrowdywhenhedrank.Hesimplydulledhissenses,paidhisbarbill,gotupandleft.
Once,whenhewasmuchyounger,he’dpassedout,whenheandKingweredrinkingoneweekendin
KansasCity.Kingcouldalwaysholdhisliquor.Itwashewho’dcartedCalintothehotelina
fireman’sliftandrightupthestepstohisroom.Kingwasmarriednow,heremembered,apparently
toawomanwhowashisequalintemperament.Hehopedhisbrotherwashappierthanhewasatthe
moment.Hedreadedtellinghisfamilywhatafoolhe’dbeen,butonedaysoon,hewouldhavetogo
home.

Hetotteredouttohishorseandmanagedtogetintothesaddle.Goodthingtheanimalknewtheway
backhome,hethoughtdimly,orhe’dnevermakeitthere.Heclosedhiseyeswiththereinstightin
onehand.

“Easy,there,fellow!”Asympatheticvoicewokehim.

Hesatup,blinkinghiseyes.Thisdidn’tlookliketheranch.Hefrowned.“WhereamI?”

“Dalton’sStable.You’reinTylerJunction.”Theoldmangrinned.“Tiedoneon,didyou?”

“Lookslikeit.”Calgotdownoutofthesaddle,groaning.

“You’dbettergoovertothehotelandgetyourselfaroom,youngfellow.You’reinnoconditionto
makethatridehomenow.I’lltakecareofyourhorseforyou.”

“Thanks.Name’sCul…Barton,”heamendedfirmly,barelyabletorememberthathewasusinghis
middlenameforhislastone.Heleftthehorsewiththemanandstartedtowardthehotel,butthedepot
seemedcloser.Muchcloser.

Hewalkedinsidetothewindow.“Beaumont,”hesaidflatly.“Oneway.”

“Why,you’rejustinluck,”theagentsaid,glancingtowardaloudhissingnoiseoutside.“Thelast
trainisjustpullingout.Noluggage?”

“Noluggage.Nowife.Nonothing,”Calmurmuredunsteadily.Hepaidforhisticketandwentoutthe
door.Theagentstaredafterhim,shakinghishead.

CALWOKEUPINBEAUMONTwithasplittinghead.HegotarideouttotherigwherePikewasjust
unfasteningthelastscrewinapartthathadunexpectedlygivenway.

“Damn,thishadtohappennow,”Pikemuttered.“We’vegotnospare,andthesupplierdoesn’thave
thepartinstock.Hesaysit’llbeJanuarybeforewecangetone!”

“January?”

Pikethrewuphishands.“There’snohelpforit.”

“SendtoSt.Louis,orNewYork,orPittsburgh.”

“Nohelpthere.Youmaynothavenoticed,butthereareseveralpeoplesettinguprigsaroundhere,”
Pikeremindedhim,andindicatedtheflat,sparselandscapedottedwithtallderricksoutsidelittle
Beaumont.

“Inoticed,allright.Maybewe’reallcrazy,”Calsaidheavily.“Itlooksliketheonlythingwe’regoing
tofindiswater.”

“Maybethatgeologistwasrightafterall,”Pikereplied.Hehadsmalleyes,beadyeyes,andtheyfixed
ontheotherman.“Whatifwebringherin?”

“We’llberich,”Calsaid.

“Wecouldsplitupthestock,”themanventured.“Youknow,tohelpdefraythecostsowecouldget
somemoremoneytoworkwith.Sellshares.”

“We’renotthatdesperateyet,”Calremindedhim.Pikedidn’tknowanythingaboutCal’sbackground,
muchlessthathewasrich.He’dbeencarefulnottotalkabouthimself.Pikewasagooddrillrigger,
buthehadashiftylookthatCallikedlessthemorehewasaroundtheman.Hewouldhavereplaced
him,buthe’dbeentooinvolvedwithNora.

Nora.Hegroanedinwardly.Hehadn’tevensaidgoodbyeortriedtotalktoherbeforehejumpedon
thetrain.She’dprobablythinkhe’ddesertedher,whichwasnotthetruth.He’donlybeenhurtingand
drinking,andhe’ddoneanimpulsivething.Butdiditreallymatter?Shewasprobablyonherway
homeevennow,andwantingnothingelsetodowiththemanwho’druinedherlife.Hewouldnever
forgetthewayshe’dflinchedawayfromhimwhenhe’dtouchedherhair.Herexpressionwouldhaunt
himforever.

She’dbeensofragile,sufferingfromarecurringillness,andhehadn’tevenknownaboutit.

She’dtoldhimnothing.HeturnedawayfromPike,hardlyhearingtheothermanashetalked.

PerhapsifNorahadbeencompletelyhonestwithhimfromthestart,andhewithher,thingswould
havebeenverydifferent.Andifhehadn’ttriedtoplayjudgeandjury,hemightnotbealonenow.

“Whereareyougoing?”Pikeasked.

Calhesitated.Hethoughtaboutitforonlyaninstantbeforeheknew.Hisheadlifted.“I’mgoing
home,”hesaidsuddenly.“SendtoCorsicanaforthatpartweneed,”headdedonasuddeninspiration.
HegavePikethenameofthemanhe’dworkedforafterheleftthearmy,amanwho’dmadeapilein
oil.Heranseveralrigs,andiftherewasasparepartavailableanywhere,he’dknowaboutit.
Furthermore,he’dsenditrighton,outofloyaltytoCal.

NORASTAYEDINBEDforseveraldays,justlongenoughtogetherstrengthback.Thenshesatin
theparlorwithherauntandcousinandforcedherselftofacethefactssquarely.Shehadnoparentsto
takecareofher.Herhusbandhadapparentlywrittenheroff,vanishingwithoutawordoratrace.She
hadnomoneyandnomeansofearningany.Butatleastshewasthroughthislatestboutoffever,and
despitehersadnessatlosingthebaby,shewasgettingstrongerbytheday.

“Imustfindwork,”Noratoldtheothertwowomen.

Melly,whowasstillstrugglingwithherownpersonalproblemofconfrontingherparentswithan
increasinglyimpatientJacob,leanedforward.“There’sateachingpositionavailableattheschool,”
shebegan.

“Melly,Icannotbecomeateacher,”Norasaiddully.“Thethoughtofbeingaroundchildrenmakesme
sad,justnow.”

“Forgiveme,”Mellysaidquickly.“Ididn’tthink.”

Norawavedherapologyaway.“Intime,Imightconsiderit.Forthemoment,IhavenoideawhatI
shalldo.”

“Youknowthatyouarewelcometostaywithus,”Helensaid.

ButNorashookherhead.“Notasaguest,”shesaidfirmly.“IfIstayhere,itmustbeasaworking
woman.”Itwashardtogetthewordsout,aterribleblowtoherpride.“Ifyouwillbearwithme,while

Ilearntherudimentsofhousework—”herlowerliptrembled,butshesatstraighterandlookedher
auntrightintheeye“—IthinkIshallcopequitewell.”

Helen’seyescrinkledwithsorrow.“Oh,Nora,”shesaidmiserably.

“Itisnotsoterrible!”Noraassuredher.“Infact,Icaniron,youknow,”shesaidwithasmile.“I
learnedwhileI…BeforeIwasill,”shecorrected.“Iamquiteproficientwithaniron.Andifyouwill
teachmehowtogetthepansthepropertemperature,IthinkImaymastercookingoneday.”

“CertainlyIshall,”Helensaideagerly.“Youwillbeanexcellentpupil.But,Nora,itissuchadrastic
changeforyou,forawomanofyourstationandbreeding.Oh,howcanCynthiaallowyourfatherto
besorigid!”

BecauseherfatherknewatruththatHelendidn’t,Norathoughtgrimly.HeknewthatNorahadbeen
pregnantandunmarriedbeforeCalcametoherrescue.ShefoughtCaloutofhermind.Ifshethought
abouthim,shewouldgomad.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Iwouldnotgobacktomyparentsnow.”Shefeltanewmaturity,anewconfidence.
Herordealhadtemperedher,likesteelinfire.“Itwon’thurtmetolearnhowtodothings.Imuststart
tomorrow.”

“Areyouwellenough?”Helenaskedgently.

“Imustbe.Now,astowhereIshallstay.”Shehesitated.“Theforeman’scabin…?”

HelenandMellyexchangedmiserableglances.

“Whatisit?”Noraasked.“Please.Don’ttrytoprotectme.IhavelearnedthatI’mstrongwhenImust
be.Whatisit?”

“CalBartonhasresigned,”Helensaiddully.“HesentacabletoChester.Itarrivedthismorning,from
Beaumont.”

“Beaumont?Isthatwhereheis?”Noraaskedwithhelplessinterest.

“That’swherehewaswhenhesentit,”Helensaid.“Hesaidthathewouldnotbetherepasttoday.We
don’tknowwhereheisgoing.Hewouldn’tsay.”

“Obviouslyhehasleftme,”Norasaidwithoutinflection.“Well,itisjustaswellthatIdidn’thaveto
sendhimpackingmyself.”

“Heneverleftyouwhenyouweresoill,”Mellysaidinasubduedtone.“Itwashisbaby,too,Nora.”

“Melly!”Helenchided.

Norabitdownhardonherlowerlip.Shelookedawaywhileshefoughtdownthepain.Shecouldnot
beartothinkaboutit,aboutanyofit.“Iknowyoumeanwell,Melly,”shemanagedtightly,“but
please,nomore.”

“Forgiveme,”Mellysaidguiltily.

Norashrugged.Shetwistedherskirtinherhands.“Imustliedownforalittlebit.Tomorrow
morningIwillbeginmyduties.”Sheheldupherhandatheraunt’sprotest,lookingattheolder
womanwithtiredeyes.“Idon’twanttoembarrassyoubylookingforworkinthetown.Youmust
appeaseme.Icannotstayhereandeatyourfoodandnotworkformykeep.Itisunthinkable.Despite
myfather ’sclaim,IamstillaMarlowe.Iwillnotacceptcharity,howeverwell-meant.”

Helengotupandhuggedherwarmly.“Youarestillourniece,anditwouldnotbecharity,”she
remindedher.“ButIwilldoasyouask.”

Noranodded.ImpulsivelyshehuggedMelly,too,whostilllookedguilty.“SomedayIwillbeableto
talkaboutitwithoutbecomingupset,”sheexplainedalittleshakily.

Shelefttheroom,andMellysatbackdownwithhermother.“Sheissuffering.ButIfearthatMr.
Bartonis,also.”

“Chesterwillbelostwithouthim,”Helensaidsadly.“Whataterribleturnofevents.Somuch
sorrow.”

“Didn’tyouoftentellmethatasorrowisalwaysrewardedbyajoy?”Mellyteased.

Helensmiled.“SoIdid.”

Mellystudiedtheprintofherskirtquietlywhilehermotherwatchedher.

“Youknow,”shetoldthegirl,“IhavenoticedthatMr.Langhornisjoiningcivicclubslately.

AndheandBrucewereatservicesthisSunday.”

Mellyflushed.ShewonderedifhermotherhadnoticedthebriefminutesheandJacobhadspent
togetherwhilesheexplainedwhathadbeengoingonattheranch.

Helenpickedupherembroiderywithaquickglanceatherdaughter.“Ihadthoughtwemightinvite
him,andhisson,toSundaydinnernextweek.Yourfatheragreeswithmethatheisnottherouéwe
firstthoughthim.Infact,yourfatherisfeelingverykindlytowardMr.Langhornsincehehasoffered
himoneofhisfinebreedingbullsataverygoodprice.”

Mellywasastonishedandcouldn’thideit.Herfacelitup,andherbrowneyes.

Helenlaidtheembroiderydown.“Honestly,youaremychild.DidyouthinkIwouldnotseethe
sparkswhenyouandMr.Langhornweretogether?Ablindwomancouldseethatheadoresyou.

And,Ithink,thereverseisalsotrue.Whydidn’tyoutellme?”

Mellyrantohermotherandkneltatherside,huggingherwithbroken,incoherentwordsof
explanationandjoy.

“Jacobwasafraidthatyouwouldnotallowhimtocourtmeatall,thatyouandFatherwouldbe
againstsuchamatchbecauseofhisreputation.Butheisnotabadman,andhiswifewasaterrible
woman.”

“Yes,Iknow.Chesterhearditfromarelativeofhers,notlongago,”shesaidgently.“YourMr.

Langhorniswelcomehere,Melly.NotforalltheworldwouldIputyouinthepositionthatNorawas
placedin,havingtorunawayinsecrettomarry.Ithastaughtmeasadlesson.”

“I,too,amsadaboutNora.Herlifehasnotbeenahappyonethispastyear.”

Helensmoothedbackherdaughter ’sdarkhairwithalovinghand.“Norhasyours.ButIseehappier
timesaheadforusall,mydear.AndChristmasiscomingfast.”

Mellygrimaced.“ItwillnotbeahappyChristmasforourpoorNora.OrforMr.Barton.”She
frowned.“Iwonderwherehehasgone.”

CALBARTONHADGONETOELPASO.Morespecifically,hehadgonetoLatigo.

Aprettyyoungwomanwithgoldenhairandbigbrowneyeslookedathimthroughthescreendoor
whenhecameupontotheporch.Shesteppedoutside,andthatwaswhenhesawthebundleshewas
carrying.Hestoppeddead,hislean,darkfacebrieflytormentedasherealizedthatshehadababyin
herarms.

AmeliaHowardCulhanestaredatthelithe,silver-eyedstrangercuriously.Herfather-in-law,Brant,
mother-in-law,Enid,andbrother-in-lawAlanallhaddarkeyesandhair.ButKing’seyesweresilvery
gray,severalshadeslighterthanthisman’s.Andhehadthesamelithe,rodeocowboyphysique,with
longlegsandwideshouldersandnarrowhips.Heevenhadthefaintarrogancesheassociatedwith
herhusband.

“Why,youmustbeCallaway!”shesaidsuddenlyassherememberedthedescriptionofhimshehad
heardearlyinhermarriage.“I’mAmelia,King’swife.Andthisisourson,Russell,”shesaid
proudly,smilingatthetinythingintheblanket.“Docomein.”

Hetookoffhishat,belatedly,andranahandthroughhisthick,darkhairashefollowedherintothe
house.Hisbagwasstillinthecarriagehe’dhired.He’dturnedthatovertothestableboy,with
instructionstobringthebaguptothehouseandleaveitontheporchforhim.Itfeltstrangetobeat
homeagainaftersuchalongabsence.

“Enid!”Ameliacalled.“Lookwho’scometoseeyou!”

Asmall,dark-eyedwomancameoutofthekitchenandstoppedinhertracksasshesawthe
newcomer.

“Oh,mydear,”shesaidsoftly,andopenedherarms.

Calliftedherbodilyoffthefloorandhuggedherwarmly.Hislittlemother.He’dmissedhisfamily

somuch.Andnowheneededthemmorethaneverbefore.

“It’sgoodtobehome,”hesaid,puttingherdownwithawansmile.

“You’vebeenawayforyears,itseems,”shechided,“andhardlyeveraletter!Canyoustayuntilafter
theNewYear?”

Heshrugged.“Imightaswell,”hesaid.“We’rewaitingforamajorpartonthedrill,andwecan’tget
oneuntilthefirstoftheyear.”

“Whynotuseapartoffanotherone?”shesuggestedsagely.

“Becausethisisanewtypeofdrill.Theoldoneswon’tfitit,more’sthepity.Mypartnerisstaying
theretoprotectourinterestsuntilwecanstartagain.Hopefullyitwillonlybeadelayoftwoorthree
weeks.Imustlearntobepatient.”

“BrantandAlanandKingwillbegladtoseeyou,”shesaid.“Theycouldneverunderstandwhyyou
wouldn’tsettlehereandbepartoftheranchbusiness.”

Hegrinned.“LatigoisKing’s.Weallknowthat.”Heglancedatthewomanstandingbesidehismother
andfrownedslightly.“King,marriedandafather,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Icouldn’tbelieveit
whenAlantoldmehe’dmarried.”

“NeithercouldI,”Ameliaoffered,tongueincheek.“Wehadaveryroughbeginning.ButRussellhas
beenourgreatestjoy.Heisonlytwoweeksold,”sheadded.

Caldidn’ttouchthechild.Hetriedto,buthisfacewasrigidandheforcedasmile.“I’mnogoodwith
children.”Heshrugged.“Buthe’ssweet.”

“He’stheimageofhisfather,”Ameliasaiddreamily.

“Kingwasneverababy,”Calcorrected.“Hewasbornthrowingordersaroundandbreakinghorses.”

“SoI’veheard,”Ameliarepliedwithtwinklingeyes.

“Comeandhavesomecakewithus,”Enidinvited,pushingbackhersweaty,gray-streakedhair.

“I’vejustbeencleaningthestove.”

Areminderthatshedidherownhousework,andithurt.ItbroughtbackthoughtsofNorathatwere
painful.

Theytalkedalittleuntilthecoffeeboiledandthecakewasslicedontoachinaplate.Thenthebaby
cried,andAmeliaannouncedthatheneededchangingandwentdownthehallwithhim.

Enidsatdownwithhersonandthetrayofcoffeeandcakethathe’dcarriedintotheparlorforher.

“Now,”shesaidtoCal.“Tellmewhyyou’vecomehome,inmourningandwearingaweddingband.”

Hecaughthisbreathaudibly.He’dforgottentheband,whichwasoneofasethe’dpurchasedinSt.
Louiswhenthetrainstoppedthere,figuringthataringwouldmakeNoralessconsciousofher
condition.

Helookedattheringlongandhard.

“You’vemarried,”Enidprompted.

Helookeddown,shamefaced.“Yes.”Hecouldn’tbringhimselftotellherthewholesadtale.

“She…lostourbabythisweek.”

“Andyouleftheralone?”

“Shedidn’twantmewithher,”hesaid.“Ithasbeendifficult.She’saneasternwoman,asocialite.She
neverwantedtomarrymeinthefirstplace,butI…compromisedher.Itookherbacktotheranch
whereIwasworkingasforemanandinstalledherinthecabin.Shehadnevercookedorcleaned.”

Enidwasgettingasadpicture.“And…?”

“Theliftingwastoomuchforher,”hesaidcoldly,notsparinghimself.“Beyondthat,shecontracteda
feverinAfrica.Itrecurs.Shebecameveryillandlostthebaby.”

“Thereissomuchmore,”Enidsaidsolemnly.“Isn’tthere?”

Hesmiledwanly.“IdiscoveredtoolatethatIloveher.”

“Andshe?”

“Oh,shehatesme,”hesaidpleasantly.“Icannotblameher.Idraggedherintoalifeofdrudgeryto
teachherhumility.ButitwasIwholearnedthelesson.”

“Asocialitelivinginaforeman’scabin,”Enidsaidheavily.“Howcouldyounotbringherhere,
properly,toyourhome?”

“Icouldnotbecauseshethinksshe’smarriedtoaranchforemannamedCallawayBarton,”hesaid
withamockingsmile.“Becauseofthecombinebusiness,Icouldn’ttellherunclewhoIwas,much
lesscouldItellher.Shethoughtmeapoor,dirtycowboyandbemoanedthefatethatshackledherto
me.”

“Oh,Cal,”hismothersaid,shakingherhead.“Youhavemadeamessofit.”

“IndeedIhave.Shewouldnotevenspeaktome.IhadtoomuchtodrinkandwenttoBeaumont.

Fromthere,Ihadnowhereelsetogo.Excepthere.”

“Istherenochanceforthetwoofyou?”Enidasked.

Hisbroadshouldersroseandfell.“ShewillhavegonebacktoherparentsinVirginiabynow.

Herfatheristhemostappallingsnob,andhermotherdoeswhatsheistold.”Helookedupwith
twinklingeyes.“Unlikethewomeninthisfamily.”

“Oh,Ineverdidwhatyourfathertoldmeto,”Enidagreed.“Eventuallyherealizeditandstopped
tryingtobossme.Ameliaisjustthesame,”sheaddedwithglee.“It’satreattowatchKingtrytoget
hiswaywithher.”

“Sheseemsverygentle,”hebegan.

“Looks,”Enidsaid,“canbedeceptive.”

Thesoundofhorsesoutsidebroughtthembothtothefrontporch,whereatall,lithemanwithdark
hairandsilver-grayeyesdismountedbesideaslighter,olderone.

“King!Father!”Calgreeted,goingforwardtohugthem.

King’seyes,sopaleagraythattheyseemedalmosttransparent,smiledintohisbrother ’s.“I’mglad
youcamehomeatlast,”hesaid.“Howgoestheoilbusiness?”

“Slowly,”Calreplied.

“Good.YoucanstayforChristmas.”BrantCulhanechuckled,daringhissontorefuse.

“Imightaswell,”Calsaid.“Ihaveverylittleelsetodo.I’vequittheTremayneranch.”

“Youaccomplishedthechanges,then?”Brantaskedsolemnly.

“Asmanyaspossible.Nowit’samatteroftime.Chesterseemstobeontherighttrack.AtleastIthink
heis.Itwasagoodidea,toletmegoasaforemanandeasehimintothechanges,ratherthansend
orderstothateffect,”Calreplied.“Italsogavemetheopportunitytobeashortdistancefrom
Beaumontandthedrillingrig.PikecanhandlethingsuntilIreturn.”

“Ishetrustworthy?”Kingaskedastheywentintothehouse.

“ThatIdon’tknow,”Calmurmured.“There’ssomethingabouthimthatmakesmyneckhairbristle.
I’llwatchhim.Buthischaracterhardlymattersifwe’resittingonanotherdryhole.”

“Thereyouare!”Amelialaughed,comingforwardwiththebabytogreetKing.

Thechangeintheoldermanwasastonishing.Thehard,ruthlesslookfellawayfromhim.Hesmiled
atAmelia,andtherewassucharadianceabouthimthatCalwasshocked.Inalltheirlivestogether,
he’dneverseenthatsortofexpressiononhisolderbrother ’sface.

“Hello,imp,”Kingmurmured,andbenttokissAmeliawithtenderaffection.Hisleanhandtouched
thetinyheadinherarms.“How’smyRusty?”

“Don’tcallhimthat!”Ameliagroaned.

“He’smyson,IcancallhimRustyifIlike,”heremindedherteasingly.“Besides,he’sgoingtohave
redhighlightsinhishair,ifitisn’tredaltogether.Yourmotherwasaredhead,youoncetoldme.”

“Yes,shewas,”Ameliahadtoconfess.SheadoredKingwithhereyes.“Youlooktired,mydarling.”

Hesmoothedbackherhair.“Sodoyou,littleone,”hesaiddeeply.“Youhadnosleeplastnightatall.
Hewasfussy.”

“Andyousatupwithme,”sheremindedhimwarmly.“ButIdidn’thavetogooutandworkallday.
Youdid.”Shecaughthishandwithherfreeone.“ComealongandI’llpourcoffeeandcakeintoyou.
Itwillrefreshyounoend.Enid’smadealemoncake…!”

“Theygoonlikethatallthetime,”Brantchuckled,watchingthemwalkaway.Heshookhishead.
“Neversawanythinglikeit.”

NeitherhadCal.Hefeltmoreemptythanheeverhad,becausenowhecouldseewhatitwouldhave
beenlikeifheandNorahadbeenclose,ifthey’dhadtheirbabyandweremarriedbecausetheyloved
eachother.Helovedher,butshe’dneverlovedhim.Ifshehad,hissupposedprofessionasaworking
manwouldnothavematteredtoher.Ithurthimtoknowthat.

Branttalkedabouttheranchastheyjoinedtheothers.

“AlanwentbacktoseethatgirloutsideBatonRouge,”hesaidamusedly.“Lookslikeitmaybe
seriousthistime.”

“Yes,andhe’stalkingaboutacareerinbanking,inBatonRouge.Idon’tthinkhe’sgoingtosettle
here,”Enidsaidoverhershoulderasshepouredcoffeeintomorecups.

“Ineverthoughthewould,”Calremarked.Hesatdownagainandsippedtherichblackliquid.

Heglancedathisbrotherwithwarmeyes.“We’veallknownforeverthatLatigowouldonlybelongto
King.Hisheartliveshere.”

“Inmorewaysthanone,”Kingrepliedquietly,withpossessiveeyesonhiswifeandchildashelifted
hiscuptohislips.

Enidpickedupherowncup.“Calismarried.”

“King!”Ameliaexclaimed,grabbingatanapkintomopupthescaldingcoffeethathadlandedonhis
jeans.

Kingwasstaringathisbrother,oblivioustothecoffee.“Whatthehelldidyousay!”heburstout.

“Married,andyouneverbroughtyourwifetous?”

Calgloweredinhismother ’sdirection.“Icouldn’tbringherhere,”hesaidbeforethequestionhad

completelyescapedKing’stightlips.“Iwasplayingatbeingaranchforeman,andshetookitforthe
realthing.She’saricheasternerwhohadaproblemwithherattitudetowardlesserbeings.”He
shifteduncomfortablyandavertedhiseyes.

“Hewasteachingheralessonbylettingherliveasaranchforeman’swife,”Enidcontinued.

“Shetaughthimoneinsteadandwenthome.Hegotdrunk.”

“Thankyou,Mother,”Calmuttered.

“You’rewelcome,mydear,”shesaidsweetly.

Kingknewtherewasmorethanthat,butCallookedshatteredenough.“Regardlessofthe
circumstances,it’snicetohaveyouhome,”hesaidfirmly.

Enidknewshewasbeingcensured,withoutawordbeingspokenbyhertaciturnson.Shegrinnedat
him.“Noneed,King,dear,I’mfinished.”

Hechuckled.“Harridan,”heaccused.

Shenodded.“Livingwithyourfathercausedit.”

“That’sright,”Brantsighed,“blameitonme.”

Calfeltsecureagain,welcomeandsafe.Hesatbackinhischairwithaquietsigh.Butthesmileonhis
facewasn’tarealone.

ChapterFifteen

BythetimeChristmasDaycamearound,onaTuesdaythisyear,therewasabigchangeatthe
Tremayneranchhouse.Norahadforsakenherstylisheasterndressesforplainerclothing,andshe
wasdoingmostofthecookingandallthehousework.NotthatHelenandMellyandChestertreated
herlikeadomestic;shewasstilloneofthefamilyandjoinedthematthetableandintheparlor.But
inallotherrespects,shelivedbefittinghernewstatusinlife.

Shehadbecomeadeptatironing.Herhandswereequallynimbleatmilkingcowsandchurningthe
milktobutter.Shecouldkillachicken,andcleanit—thathadbeenashatteringexperience,butwith
Helen’sguidance,sheconqueredhersqueamishnessanddidwhatshehadto.Shenolongerhad
qualmsaboutgettingdirty,somethingshehadoncehadahorrorof.Shehelpedplanaspring
weddingforJacobandMelly,andshewasslowlylearninghowtosew.

Acquiringtheseskillshadworkedanotherchangeinher.Shewaslessnervousandhigh-strung.

Shefeltdifferent,freeoftheshacklesofherparents’attitudesandrigidsocialclassmentality.

Helenhadchangedherattitudeaswell.ShefeltbadaboutherpreviousprejudiceagainstJacob
Langhorn,andheandhissonwerenowwelcomeattheranch.

MellywasgivingNoraridinglessons.Shestillwasn’tgoodatit,butshecouldstayontheanimal’s
back.OftenshethoughtofCalandwonderedwherehewas,howhewas.Hehadnottriedtocontact
heraftershehadsenthimaway.Ofcourse,shehadtoldhimshewasgoingbacktoVirginiasohe
wouldnotknowshewasstillwithherauntanduncle.Sheworriedaboutwherehewas,andhowhe
wasmakinghisliving.

Shefeltsomeguiltovercostinghimajobhehadenjoyed.Shewonderedifheblamedherbecause
shehadn’ttoldhimthetruthabouthercondition.MellyhadremarkedthatCalwasshatteredwhenher
mothergavehimhercoldmessage.Heronlythoughthadbeenforherownpain.Shewassorrynow
thatshe’drefusedtoseehim.AsMellyhadsaid,itwasCal’sbaby,too.

Hewouldhavefeltsadaboutthatlossandprobablyguilty,cominghometofindNorainthatterrible
conditionaftertheirargument.

Hewasnotaheartlessman,assheknewsowell.Possiblyhehadnotmeantmanyofthethingshe
said.HeraunthadcaughthimontherawwithhercommentsaboutNora’slackofhelpandwithher
well-meantinterferenceincablingNora’sparents.ButNoramissedherhusbandmorethanshe
thoughtsheevermight.Herlifehadneverbeensoempty.Allthewealthandstatusintheworldmeant
nothingnow.Ifherparentshadstillwantedher,shedoubtedshewouldhavegonebacktothem.Inher
heartshecouldn’tstophopingthatCalmightcomebackoneday.

Finallydriventodesperationbythelackofnews,sheaskedherauntabouthim.“Haveyouheard
fromCal?”NorawonderedastheylaidoutChristmasdinner.

Theapparentnonchalanceofthatquestiondidn’tfoolHelen.“Why,yes,”shesaid.

Nora’shandsshook.Sheputtheplatesdowncarefully.“Howishe?”

“He’swithhisfamily,”Helentoldherquietly,pausingtosetthedressinginitsprettychinabowlon
thetable.“Hesaidthathehopedyouhadrecoveredandthatyouwereregainingyourstrength.”

Nora’seyesbrightened.Forthefirsttimesinceherordeal,shelookedalive.“Didhe?”

“Mydear,”Helensaidgently.“Doyoumisshimsomuch?”

Norabitherlipandavertedhereyes.“Iwasnotfairtohim.Heknewnothingofmycondition,andI
hadbeentooproudtotellhim.Wehadaviciousquarrelbeforeheleft.Irememberedtoowellsome
ofthecruelthingshesaidtome,andIrefusedtolistenwhenhetriedtospeaktome.Iwashurt.”

“Ofcourseyouwere.”

Shestraightenedthetablecloth.“There’ssomethingyoudon’tknow,”shesaid.“Therealreasonwe
weremarried.”

“Becauseofthebaby?”

Nora’seyescameup,startledbutresigned,asecondlater.“Yes.”

“AsIthought.”

“Hedidn’tloveme,”shesaiddully.“Hetoldmeso,beforeheleft.Hesaidthatourmarriagewasa
mistake.Hewasashamedofme.Soashamedthathehadnoteventoldhisfamilyaboutme.”

Hereyesclosedassherememberedhowhehadsaidit,thecoldnessofhisdeepvoiceoutliningher
faultsforher.“Perhapshewasright.Ifeltverysuperiortootherpeople.”Shesmiledwanlyasshe
lookedup.“Ihavelearnedapainfullesson.Decencycannotbemeasuredindollars.”

Helen’seyessparkled.“IhadtolearnthesamelessonwhenIcameheretolivewithChester.I,too,
camefromthestockofEuropeanroyalty,andIbehavedasifIhad.It’sonlyrecentlythatI’velearned
toacceptpeoplewithoutlookingfirstattheirclothingandsocialstatus.”

“Myfatherwillalwaysjudgepeoplethatway,”Norasaidsadly.“Andmymotherwillneverquestion
anythinghedoes.Imissmyparents.ButImissCal,oh,somuchmore.”

“Itissadthatyoucouldnotwritetohim,”Helenreplied,tryingnottorememberherpartintheir
problems.Shehadmeantwell,butherinterferencehadbeencostlytoherniece.

Noralookedather,thinking.“ButperhapsIcouldwritetohim….”

“Imeantthathisletterhadnoreturnaddressatall,”Helenrepliedwithasadsmile.“Andapostmark
thatwasnotevenlegible.”

“Oh.”Noraliftedasaucerandpolisheditwiththecleanclothinherapronuntilitshone.Herheart
feltheavyinherchestassherealizedthatshemightneverseeCalagain.“Doyouthinkhemight

writeagain?”sheventured.

“Hedidsendthenameofhisattorney,”Helensaidreluctantly.“Yousee…hethoughtyoumightneed
it—todivorcehim.”

NORADIDN’TEAT.Shecouldn’tmanageasinglebiteofthedeliciousturkeyanddressingand
cranberrysauce,withallthetrimmings.Shetriedtosmileandpretendedtobegay,sothatshe
wouldn’tupsetthehugefamilygatheringthatevenincludedJacobandBruceLanghorn.Butherheart
wasn’tinafestivemood.Itwasworsethanshe’deverthoughtitcouldget.Calwantedtogetridof
her.Hewantedhertodivorcehim.Hehadmeantitwhenhesaidtheirmarriagewasamistake.Hehad
neverlovedher,andnowtherewasnochancethatheeverwould.

Shelistenedabsentlytothediscussionofnewsaftertheyate,saddenedbythereportsoutofGalveston
thattyphoidandmalarialfeverswererampantthere.Thecitystillhadnotrecoveredfromthe
devastatingfloodinSeptember.

AmorehumorousnotewasstruckbyanewsitemoutofMontana,aboutadozencowboysallegedly
beingchasedfortwentymilesbytwooutlaws.Theincidentwasreportedtongueincheek,andthe
writerbewailedthepassingofthebrave“knightsoftheplain”ofdayspast.

ChesterhadreadtheitemtothemoutofanElPasonewspaperthathadcomeforCalBarton,whowas
nolongerinresidence.

“Interesting,this,”hemused,havingturnedtothepersonalnotespage.“Thepapernotesthatallthree
sonsoftheCulhanefamilyaretogetherwiththeirparentsatChristmasforthefirsttimeinseveral
years.”Helookedup.“That’stheoldWestTexasranchingfamilyImentionedtoyou,theonethat
headsthecombinethatownsthisranch.Theeldestson,King,andhiswifehadaboyoftheirownjust
recently.”

“WhydidCalsubscribetoanElPasopaper?”Noraaskedwithidlecuriosity.

“Well,heandIdidwanttokeeptabsontheCulhanes,ifyoumustknow,”Chestersaidsheepishly.“It
neverhurtstoknowwhatthey’reupto,andwhatevertheydomakesnewsinElPaso.”

“Therehasbeennofurthercontactfromthem,”Helenventured.“Theymustbesatisfiedwiththe
changesMr.Bartonhelpedyoumake.”

“Apparentlyso,”Chestersaid,smiling,“whichmakesthisChristmastrulyablessedoneforme.”

HeglancedatHelen.“Youhaven’tgivenEleanorherletter.”

Helengrimaced.“Chester…”

“Goon,”heinstructedfirmly.

Nora’sfacebrightened.Why,Calhadwrittentoher!Hemustnothavemeantitafterall,aboutthe
divorce.

Helengotuptoproducealetterfromatableintheparlorandcamebackwithit,butshewasslowin
handingittoherniece.

Nora’sfacewasfullofhopeuntilshesawthepostmark.Hersmilefaded.

“Openit,”Chesteradvisedgently.

Noralookedathimfearfully.

“Ihadyourauntwriteagainandtellthemofyourterribleillness,”hesaidquietly.“Theyarenot
heartless,Nora.”

Norahesitatedonlyforamomentbeforesheopenedtheenvelope.ItwasaChristmascard,gaily
decorated,veryexpensive.Sheopeneditandrecognizedhermother ’shandwritingimmediately.

“Wearesorrytohearthatyouhavebeensoill,”hermotherwrote.“Ifyouwouldliketocomehome,
yourfatheriswillingtoacceptyourapology.Dowritehim,dear.LovefromMotherandFather.”

Norabreathednormallyforamoment.Thensheslowlygotupandwalkedtothestoveinthekitchen,
openedtheeyeandtossedthecardin.Sheslammedthecoverbackonandputthelifterbackonits
peg.

“I…see,”Chestermurmured.

Norarejoinedtheothers,sittingdownveryprimlyinherchair.“Myfatherwishesmetoapologize,”
sheexplained.“Ididn’tmentionbeforethatheslappedmewhenwetoldhimweweregoingtobe
married.Hetookexceptiontomychoiceofhusbands.”

Chesterscowled.“Mydear!Ihadnoidea,orIwouldneverhave…!”

Sheheldupherhandwithafaintsmile.“Ihavekeptfartoomanysecrets.”

“Toslapawomaninyourcondition!”Chesterwasoutraged.“AndwhatdidCaldo?”

“Heknockedmyfatherontotheflooranddaredhimtotouchmeagain,”Norarecalledwistfully.

“Iwasquitetakenabackatfirst.Sowasmyfather.”

“GoodforCal,”Mellymuttered,andhershockedmothernoddedherownassent.

“Myfatherhadneverbeenspokentoinsuchaway,”Noracontinued.“Iexpectitstillfestersinside
himthathewasbestedbyamanofsuchlowsocialstatus.”Nora’seyestwinkled.“Ifyoucouldbut
haveseenit!Calwaswearingapistolathisside,andthatfringedbuckskinjacketwithhisbootsand
thattatteredoldblackhat.”Shelaughedsoftly,hereyesbrightwithloveassherememberedhowCal
hadlookedthatday,sohandsomethatherheartachedwiththememory.

“Mymotheraskedifhewasadesperado!”

Theyalllaughedatthat,andNorabegantorelaxandthrowoffthepainthecardhadbrought.

“Surelyyouwon’tapologize,willyou?”Helenaskedsuddenly.

“Apologize!Forwhat?”Noraasked.“Forlosingmychild,andmyhusband,andalmostmylife?”She
shookherhead.“Myfathercannotchange,butIhave.Idonotwishtoapologize,nordoIwishtogo
backtoVirginia.Why,Ihaveajob,afterall!”

Theylaughedevenlouderatthesmug,mischievouslookonherface.Shedidn’taddthatshehadone
otherreasonfornotwantingtogobackEast.IfCalBartonevercamebackthisway,shewasgoingto
stillbehere,waitingforhim.Hewasgoingtobeatrialtoherallherlifeifhedid,butshelovedhim
withallherheart,anditdidn’tmatterifhisbootswerefilthyandhehadtoworkcattleforever.She
onlywishedthathewouldcomeback,sothatshecouldtellhimso.

CALMOONEDAROUNDATLATIGOfortwomoredays,wishingthathecouldhaveputareturn
addressontheletterhewrotetotheTremaynes.Hisfamilyattorney,oldWalpole,hadn’thearda
wordfromNoraorherparents.Thatmightbegoodorbad.Shecouldbeillagain.Thefeverhada
tendencytorecur,thedoctorsaid.Itworriedhimthatshemightbesickevennow,andhewouldn’t
know.

“It’stimeIleft,”hetoldhisfamilyatthemiddaymealthenextday.Therehadbeenaquiet
celebration,inwhichhehardlyfigured.Hefeltlikeanoutsider,withhisheartbackinTylerJunction.

“Backtotheoilfields,Iguess?”Alanaskedwithagrin.He’dcomehomefromBatonRougevery
secretiveandpoisedtoreturn.“I’llgoalongwithyouandcatchatrainfromBeaumontontoBaton
Rouge.”

“Shemustbesomelady,”Kingmused.

“Sheis,”Alansaid.“I’llbringherhomewithmeinthespring.”

Thattookeveryone’smindoffCal’sannouncementandsparedhimtheinevitablequestions.Butthey
cameanyway,fromKing,later.

Theoldermanproppedhisbootonthelowerrungofthecorralwhiletheywatchedthewrangler
breakanewhorse.Hesmokedhiscigarettequietlyforaminutebeforehespoke.

“You’vehurther,haven’tyou?”Kingasked.

Calglancedathim,notsurprisedbyhisperception.HeandKingweremuchalike,notonlyinbuild,
butintemperament.Ithadledtosometerriblefistfightsintheiryouth,butnowcreatedaspecialbond
betweenthem.

“Yes,”headmitted.“Isaidsomeunforgivablethings.”

“Andyou’reafraidtogoback,becauseshemightnotwantyou.”

Calchuckledwithouthumor.“IsupposeIam.”

Kingflickedanashfromhiscigarette.“IknowmorethanI’llevertellyouaboutbeinginthewrong
withawoman.I’veplayedhellmyselfand,fortunately,beenforgiven.IalmostlostAmelia.It
changedme.”

Calrolledhimselfacigarettewhilehechosehiswords.“Thishaschangedme,”hesaidfinallywhen
he’dfinishedandlitit.“IneverthoughtIwantedmarriageorchildrenbefore.ButI’dgiveanythingto
haveasecondchance.”

“Gotoher,”Kingadvisedquietly.“Findouthowshefeels.”

Calsmiledruefullyathisbrother.“Herfatherwillprobablymeetmeatthedoorwiththelocal
constable.Ihithimprettyhard.”

“Thistime,”Kingsaid,“dresslikeagentleman.Andactlikeone!”

“Ithoughtthatclothesandbackgroundwouldn’tmatter,ifshelovedme.”

KingscowledasherememberedthewayithadbeenwithAmelia,beforetheymarried.Shehadclung
tohim,adoredhim.Itwouldn’thavematteredtoherifhe’dbeenasheepherder,shelovedhimso
much.Shestilldid.

HissilencebroughtCal’seyestohim,narrowedinthought.“Itwouldn’thavemattered.Wouldit?”he
pressed.

Kingavertedhiseyes.“Goandseeherbeforeyoumakechoices.It’salwaysbettertoknowforsure.”

Calfinishedhiscigaretteanddroppedittotheground.Hepresseditintothedirtundertheheelofhis
boot.“Yougotlucky,”hesaidabruptly.

King’seyeswerewistful.“Notatonce,”hesaid.“Itwasarockypath,andforawhile,shehatedme.
Thosewereharddays.”Helaughedsoftly.“Butnow…NowIdon’tenvyanymanalive.

God,howIloveher!”

TheemotioninthatdeepvoicemadeCalenvious.AblindmancouldseethatAmeliaworshippedher
husbandequally.Hehopedthattheywouldhaveyearsandyearstogether.

“I’llbuyatickettoVirginia,”Calsaidpresently.Hearchedaneyebrowathisbrother.“Oneway.”

“I’dbuytwo,forthereturntrip,”Kingmurmureddryly.“Andcarryherkickingandscreamingtothe
train.Sowouldyouhave,beforethisthinglaidyoulow.”

Calburstoutlaughing.HeandKingweresomuchalike.ThetwoofthemswampedpoorAlan.

Itwasjustaswellthathehadatotallydifferentcareerinmindthanthrowinginwitheitherofhis
brothers.Alone,hestoodabetterchanceofbeingself-reliant.

Kingclappedhisbrotheronthebackandturnedhimtowardthehouse.“I’llrideintotownwithyou
andbringyourhorseback.”

“ItsoundsasifI’mleaving,”heremarked.

Kingnodded.“Sinceyou’llbegoingthroughTylerJunctionanyway,stopandseehowTremayne’s
doing.Tellhimyouheardwe’repleasedwithhisprogress.Thatshouldreassurehim.”

“It’sallvaguelydeceitful,youknow,”Calremarked.

Kingshrugged.“Allforagoodcause.”

“Isupposeso.”Calrelented,butreluctantly.Hewasn’tbestpleasedwiththeideaofseeingthe
Tremaynesagainafterthewaythey’dpartedcompany.AndthememoriesofNorainthathousewere
goingtotearhimapart.Forhimself,he’djustassoonsendthematelegramasgooutthereand
deliveramessageinperson.

BUTINTHEEND,heleftAlanonthetrainasitpulledoutofTylerJunctionenroutetoLouisiana,
hiredahorseandrodeouttotheTremayneranch.

Itwascold,asDecemberoftenwas,eveninEastTexas.Hesawthefieldsspreadingoutbareand
lifelessbeforehim,butthecattlehadfeed,thankstothatnewcombineandthetractorsTremaynehad
boughtatCal’sinsistence.Everywherehecouldseethebenefitsoftheimprovements,andhethought
thathisfatherandbrotherweregoingtobepleased.

He’dcabledPikeinBeaumontandheardthattheparthadcomeinearly.Pikealreadyhadthederrick
putupandtheyweredrilling.Theyhadaproblemwithmudseepingintotheshaft,butthey’dbeen
givensomeadvicebyanotherwildcatterandhadsolveditwithavalve.Someoilandgaspocketshad
beenfoundinGladysCity,buttherewasthepossibilityofarealstrikeonSpindletopHill,where
someseriousdrillingwasbeingconducteddespitetheadviceofonewell-knowngeologist.Pike,like
Cal,refusedtolistentohim.CalhadgoodfriendsatthelargeoilfieldinCorsicana,andtheyhad
investedinhisseveral-hundred-acretractofland.Herefusedtobelievethattheyweregoingtofind
anymoredryholes.Thistime,hetoldhimself,theywouldfindoil.Heknewtheywould.Heplanned
toswingbyBeaumontonhiswaytoVirginiaandcheckthatdrillandthenewvalvebeforeheleft
Texas.He’dworkedwiththemeninCorsicanalongenoughtounderstanddrilling,althoughheand
Pikehadacontractorwhoknewthebusinessbetterthaneitherofthem.

TheTremaynehousewasquietwhenherodeupandlefthishorsewiththestableboy.Hewalkedonto
theporchandknocked.

TosaythatChesterwasshockedtoseehimwasanunderstatement.Callookeddifferentinhisdark
suitandstringtieanddressyblackStetsonandboots.Helookedlikeabusinessmanmorethanthe
ranchforemanwho’dleftseveralweeksbefore.Cal’shandwasshakenprofuselyandhewasgreeted
likealost-lostson.

“We’rejustsittingdowntodinner!Comein,comein,andjoinus.Howhaveyoubeen?”Chester
enthused.

“I’vebeenwell.Thingslookgoodhere,”headded.“Veryprofitable.”

“You’dthinksoifyousawthebalancesheets.Sureyoudon’twantyouroldjobback?”theolderman
coaxedastheyenteredthelivingroom,whereHelensataloneatthedinnertable.“Ihaven’thired
anyoneelse.”

“No,Ihaveotherironsinthefirenow,”Calsaidinasubduedtone.Hesweptoffhishatandsmiledat
Helenashegreetedher.

Shewasstaringasifshe’dseenaghost.ShemadeagesturetoChester,butheignoreditandtoldCal
tositdown.

Aminutelater,oblivioustotheirguest,aharriedNora,inastainedapronandafadeddress,sweptin
thedoorsidewayswithahugeplatterofbeefinonehandandaplateofbiscuitsintheother.Sheset
thecontainersonthetablewithanapologywhenonealmostspilled,andonlythenlookedupandsaw
Calacrossthetable.

Shewentalternatelywhiteandred,andthenbegantotrembleasherheartraceduncontrollably.

Cal’sjawclampedshut.Hegotslowlytohisfeet,madeawarebythewayshewasdressedandwhat
shewasdoingthatshe’dbeenreducedtothestatusofaservanthere.Hewasallbuttremblingwith
rageashelookedatChester.

“Wouldyoucaretoexplainthis?”heaskedcurtly,withanarroganceandauthoritythatmade
everyonesuddenlynervous.

“Whydon’tyouaskme?”Norabrokein,straighteningasshestruggledtoregainhercomposure.

Shesmoothedherstainedapronandstaredathimlevelly.“I’mworkingtoearnmykeep.Ididn’twant
togohome.”

Thatbitofwelcomenewsdidn’tstifleCal’soutrageatherchangedstatus.“You’restillmywife,”Cal
saidfuriously.

Hereyebrowsarched.“Iam?Imaginethat,andhereIthoughtyou’dvanishedoffthefaceofthe
earth!”

“Youhadtheaddressofmyattorney,”hesaidcoldly.

“I’vebeentoobusytouseit,”shelied.Herchincameup.“Whyareyouhere?”

“Nottoseeyou,”hesaidwithacoolsmile.“IstoppedtoaskChesterabouthisprogress.Andtotell
himthatthecombinethinkshe’sdoingafinejob.I,uh,sawoneofitsrepresentativesinmytravels.”

Chesterbeamed.“Howfortuitous!”

Norabrushedoffherapron.“Ifyou’llsitdown,”sheinvitedhererstwhilehusbandcoolly,“I’llfinish
serving.”

Shewentbackintothekitchen.Calgotupandfollowedher,withoutaqueryoranapology.

Shewasputtingbiscuitsintoabigbowl,butsheturnedasheenteredtheroomandclosedthedoor
behindhim.“I’mbusy,”shesaidbluntly.

Heleanedagainstthecountertostudyher.Shewasstillthin,butshelookedremarkablyfit.Shewas
justasprettyasshehadbeen.Hiseyesfedonthesightofher,andhefeltatpeaceforthefirsttime
sincehe’dwalkedoutofthishousethenightshestartedtorecover.

“Hasthefeverbeenkeptatbay?”heasked.

Shenoddedcurtly,andkeptputtingbiscuitsinthebowl.“I’mmuchbetter.Ididn’twanttogohome
andIdidn’twanttoembarrassmypeoplebygettingajobwithsomeoneelse.Idothehouseworkand
thecooking,andIstayinthehousewiththem.Mellyisgettingmarriedinthespring.She’sgoneto
townwithMr.Langhornandhissontoshop.”

“GoodforMelly.”Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“I’mgoingtoBeaumont,”hesaid,neglecting
toaddthathe’dplannedtogoontoVirginiainsearchofher.Shewasn’tveryreceptive.Notthathe’d
expectedanythingelse.Therewereopenwoundsinherheartthathe’dputthere.

“Areyou?Why?”sheasked.

“Ihavesomeleasesonaprospectiveoilfield,”hesaidhonestly.“It’swhereIwentonweekends.

Ihaveapartner.We’redrillingourthirdhole.Thefirsttwoweredry.We’rehopingtohitoilthis
time.”

Shefrowned.“TheBeaumontpaperhasmentionedsomeminorsuccessesthere,butoneofthebetter-
knowngeologistssaysthereisnomajoroilfieldthere,”shesaid.

“AndItellyouthereis,”hesaideasily.“IworkedintheoilfieldsinCorsicanabeforeIstarted
lookinginBeaumontoverayearago.Ihaveleasesonseveralhundredacresofland,andacrewhard
atworkevennow.”

Shewassurprised.Shehadknownlessabouthimthansherealized.Shedidn’twanttoaskhowhewas
affordingthisexpensiveventure.Presumablyhispartnerwasrich.

Shewenttofetchthebutterfromthesmallicebox,whereitwaswrappedinaclothnexttothehuge
blockoficetheyhaddeliveredfromtheplantintown.

“Areyoustayingtodinner?”sheaskedpolitely.

Henodded.“Ifit’sconvenient.”

“Youmustaskmyaunt,notme.Ionlyworkforher.”

Hischeekboneswentruddy.“You’remywife,byGod,”hesaidcurtly.“Idon’twantyouworkingas

anunpaiddomestic!”

Sheturnedtohim,herprettyfacecomposed,herblueeyeseloquent.“Iamnotunpaid.Iworkformy
keep.Youwalkedoutandleftme,”sheremindedhimcalmly.

Hisjawtautened.“I’mverywellawareoftheconditionyouwereinwhenIleft.AndIwillremindyou
thatyoutoldmetoleave,”headdedcurtly.“Yougavemenoopportunitytotellyouanything.”

“Youdidn’ttry!”shereturnedhotly.

Heleanedbackagainstthepantrydoor.“Iwastooupset.Youhadtoldmenothingaboutyourhealth,
exceptthatyouwerecarryingmychild.Icamebacktofindthatyouhadmiscarriedandwereat
death’sdoor.HowdoyouthinkIfelt?”

Shegrimaced.“Icanimaginethatyouwereshocked.”

“Devastated,”hecorrected.“IknewthatIhaddoneyounoservicebybringingyouhere,toalifeof
drudgeryandhardlabor.Youweretoofragileforit.Iwaseatenupwithguilt.Leavingseemedthe
kindestthingtodo.Ididn’tblameyoufornotwantingtoseeme,Nora.”

Shesawthepaininhisface,andhereyessoftened.“Yougavemethebestlifeyoucouldmanage,”she
saidgently,andwonderedatthewayhewinced.“Whatmademeangriestwasmyowninabilitytodo
thesimplestthings.Icouldn’tcookorclean.”Shelaughedsoftly.“IfindthatIdobothverywellnow.
I’mnolongerhelpless.I’vegrownstrongfrommytroubles.”

“Youshouldneverhavehadtobearsomany,”hesaidsadly.“Afteryourefusedtospeaktome,Iwent
outtoatavernandgotroyallydrunk.Onthewayback,itoccurredtomethattherewouldbelittle
purposeservedinstayingaroundtheranch.Youwouldrecovermorerapidlywithoutme,Iimagined,
soIgotonthenexttraintoBeaumont.Ithoughtthatyouwouldimmediatelyreturntoyourfamilyin
Virginiaanddivorceme.”

Asshehadguessed.Nowonderhehadn’ttriedtocontacther.Shesighed.“Myfatherwouldallowme
tocomehomeifIapologized,”shetoldhimruefully.“SinceIdidnotthinkthatIhadanythingto
apologizefor,hereIstillam.”

Hisfacehardened.“Anyapologiesowedwereonhisside,notyours.Yourfatherisadisgracetohis
sex.”

Hereyebrowslifted.“Indeed,”shesaid.“Andheworkssohardatit.”

Ittookhimaminutetorecognizethedryhumor.Whenhedid,afaintsmileturnedupthecornersof
hisdisciplinedmouth.“Sohedoes.”

Shecoveredthebiscuitsintheirbowlsothattheywouldstaywarm.Shefeltequallywarm,havingCal
closeagain,beingabletolookathim.Lifehadbecomebeautifuloncemore.“Ishouldhavetoldyou
aboutthefever,”shesaidapologetically.Hereyesliftedtohis.“IfIhaddoneso,ifIhadbeenhonest
fromthestart,youwouldhavebeensparedsomuchsorrow.”

“Neitherofushasbeenparticularlycandidwiththeother,Nora,”hesaidquietly.

Shestaredathiseyesandsawthenewlinesaroundthem,andinhisleanface.Hewasthinner.

Hehadaged,somehow.Yes,hehadsuffered,too.

“Whydidyouhidethetruestateofyourhealth?”heasked.

“AtfirstbecauseIdidn’tknowyouwellenoughtosharesuchanintimateconfidence.Andafterward,
becauseitseemedsoharsh,totellanewbridegroomwithapregnantwifethatshehadadisease
which,ifitdidnotkillher,wouldcertainlyplagueherallherlife.”Sheliftedherfacesadly.“You
couldbarelykeepusbothonwhatyouearned,andtherewasalreadythebabytoprovideforwhenit
came,”shesaidpainfully.“Ihopedtospareyou…anymoreburdens.”

Hiseyesclosed.Heturnedawayfromher,tohidetheanguishthosewordsproduced.

“Yourparents…theyknewyouwereillandstillwouldnotrelentafteryoulostthebaby?”heasked
withquietguilt.

“Theyknew.Iamanoutcast.”Shesmiledsuddenly.“ButIcanironashirt!”sheannouncedbrightly.
“AndIcancookbiscuitsthatdonotbounce,andsteakthatmeltsinthemouth!”

Herradiancecaughthimunawares.Hesearchedherbrightblueeyeshungrily.“Itwasnotthethings
youcouldn’tdothatbotheredme,”hesaidhuskily.“Itwasthefactthatifyouhadtrulycaredforme,
itwouldnothavematteredtoyouhowImademylivingorwhatIhad,”heconcluded.Hiseyes
averted.“Butyouwerecontemptuous,ofmystationinlife,ofmywork,eventhewayIdressed.Iwas
cruelbecauseithurtmethatyousaidyouhadmarriedbeneathyou.”

Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Hemadeaccusationsthatweretruthful.Shehadsaidthosethings,and
feltthem.Butnow…lookingathim,herheartmeltedinherchest.Shelovedhim,wantedhim,needed
him.Shedidn’tcareifhewasapauper,ifshehadtoworkasalaundressoracookjusttostaywith
him.Thediscoverywasnotevenshocking.Shelovedhimsomuchthatnothingelseseemedtomatter.
Butthedifficultywasintryingtoexpressit,afterallthepainfulthingsthathadhappened.Shehadno
ideahowtobegin.

ChapterSixteen

Theopeningofthedoorcapturedtheirattention.Helenwalkedintothekitchen,glancingfromoneto
theotherandnotunawareofthesilenceandtensionbetweenthem.

“Thedinner?”shepromptedgently.

Nora’sblankeyesbegantofocus.“Dinner?Dinner!”shegasped.“Oh,AuntHelen,Iamsorry!

Weweretalkingandeverythingslippedmymind.”

Helenonlylaughed.“IsupposeI’mgoingtohavetostartcookingagainprettysoon,”shemurmured.
“UnlessImissmyguess,youwon’tbeheremuchlonger?”ShelookedatCal,whowasfrowning
slightly.“SurelyyouplantotakeNorawithyouwhenyougo?”

Calhadn’t,becausehedidn’tthinkshewouldagreetogo.Buthelookedather,andhissilver-gray
eyesaskedaquestionhedidn’tdareputintowords.

“Anoilcampisaroughplace,”hesaidslowly.“It’sdirtyandprimitive,withfewamenitiesandlittle
privacy.You’refragile,andtheweatheriscoldandunrelenting.”Hefeltthetruthofhislogicacutely.
Hesmiledsadly.“Itwouldn’tbewisetotakeyouthere.”

Norafeltherlasthopeslippingaway.“ButI’mstrong,”sheprotested,shockinghim.“Thedoctor
saysthatevenifthefeverrecurs,itwon’tkillme.AndIcancook!”

Hehesitated.

“Eatfirst,thenyoucantalkaboutit,”Helensaidwisely.

Theyagreed.Noraputeverythingonthetable,andtheyatewithonlydesultoryconversation.

Afterward,Noraclearedandwashedthedishes,andthensheandCalsatdownaloneintheparlorto
talk.

Herolledacigaretteandlitit.Hisdarksuitjacketlayonthesofabesidehim,leavinghimcladonlyin
darkpants,awhiteshirtandablack-and-whitefloralprintvest.HelookeddifferentinasuittoNora,
whohadneverseenhimdressedinanythingexceptdenimandbuckskin.Itdidn’toccurtohertoask
whyhelookedsoprosperouswhenhehadnojob.Nora’seyesdartedawayfromhim,becauseshe
wasrememberinghowitfelttolieagainsthimandbeheldandwanted.

“Itreallyisimpracticaltoconsidertakingyouwithme,”hesaidresignedlywhenhewassmokinghis
cigarette.“You’rebetteroffhere.Infact,”headdedwithsolemnreluctance,lookingather,“ifyou
apologizedtoyourfather—”

“Never!”shesaidfirmly.“Itishewhoshouldapologize,forinsultingmyhusband!”

Hiseyebrowslifted.Hesmileddelightedly.“Youhavechanged.”

“Ihavehadto,”shesaidsimply.“ShallItellyouthetruthaboutmyself?Iwasneveranadventuress.I
wenttoAfricaandstayedinamagnificenthomewhilemycousinswentouttohunt.ForonenightI
wasallowedincamp,andduringthatnightEdwardSummervillebecamedisgustinglyamorousand
toremyclothing.Asaresult,IwasbittenseverelybymosquitoesandIacquiredthefeverthatwill
plaguemefortherestofmylife.”

“Amalarialfever,”hesaid.

Shenodded.“Butnotafatalone,orsoIamnowtold.Ihadthoughtitmightbe,whichiswhyIdidnot
tellyou.Ifearedforourchild.”Thememorymadehersad.Sheavertedherface.

“Iamsorryaboutthebaby,”hesaidheavily.“Icouldhavesparedyouthehousework,Nora,simply
byhiringadailywoman….”

“Howwouldyouhaveaffordedone?”sheasked,missingtherenewedflareofguiltinhisface.

“Cal,itdoesnogoodtolookback.IhavealwaysfeltthattheAlmightydecidesmattersoflifeand
death.I,too,amsorryaboutmybaby.Butmanypeoplefacesuchlossesandgoon.Somustwe.”

Heleanedbackagainstthesofaandstudiedherwithpale,quieteyes.“Therearestillthingsaboutme
thatyoudonotknow,”hesaid,wonderinghowhewasgoingtotellherhisownsecretswithout
makingherhatehimevenmore.

Shestraightenedherskirt.“IwouldliketogowithyoutoBeaumont.”

“It’sasmallcabin,andmydrillingcrewlivesintentsaroundit.Wewouldnotbealoneoutthere,but
thereisalsoonlyonebed,”headdedstiffly.

Shecoloredalittle.“Isee.”

Hestareddownathiscigarettethoughtfully.“Ofcourse,youcouldstayinBeaumontatahotel.”

Shestraightenedherskirtagain.“Yes.”

Hiseyeslifted.“Evenso,itwouldbeharderforyouthanitishere,”hesaid.“AndIwouldbeoutat
therigwithmycrew.Idon’tliketheideaofhavingyousofarawayfromme,especiallyatnight.
Nora,it’sabadidea.”

Herblueeyesclungtohis.“Doyounotwantmetogowithyou?”

Hisfacetautened.Hetookadrawfromhiscigaretteandglowered.“Ifyouwantthetruth,thereis
nothingIdesiremore.”

Theworryleftherface.Shelookedamazed.“Truly?”

“Whatifyoubecomeill?”heaskedseriously.

“Whatifyoudo?”shecountered.“Youdon’thavefever,butyoucouldgodownwithacoldoreven

pneumonia,andwhowouldtakecareofyou?”

Hislipspartedonagushofbreath.“Youwould…takecareofme?”

“Butofcourse,”shesaidguilelessly.“AndifIgo,Cal,IwillnotstayinBeaumont,”sheaddedfirmly.
“Regardlessofthehardships,Iwillgowithyou,tothedrillingsite.Idon’twishustobeseparated
again.Iamyourwife.”

Hiswife.Hiseyesslidoverherbodycovetouslyandbackuptoherlovelyface.Hisheartbeganto
race.Heshouldtellhertherestofit,abouthisfamily,hisbackground.Butifhedid,shewouldhate
himalloveragain.Shewouldknowthatshehadsufferedunnecessarilyandblamehim.

Butifhewaitedtotellher,justalittlewhile,ifhetookhertoBeaumontandhewaskindtoher,then
shemightbegintolovehim.Andifshedid,whenhetoldherthetruth…

Heleanedforward,thesmokingcigaretteinhishandforgotten,andpinnedherwithnarrowedpale
eyes.“IfItakeyouwithme,youmusttellmeifitbecomestoomuchforyou.Yourhealthmustcome
first.Noshowsofpride,Nora.Neveragain.”

“Verywell,”shesaid.

Hewatchedherforaminutewithgrowingneedbeforehespoke.“Andifyougowithme—”he
hesitated,holdinghereyes“—yousleepwithme,Nora,”hesaidhuskily.

Hercheekscoloredprettily,buthereyesdidn’tfall.Theyslidoverhisface,downtohismouthand
lower,tohischest.“Verywell,”shewhisperedshyly.

Hishighcheekbonesflushed.Hiswholebodywentrigidatthesoftreply.Heremembered,asshe
must,thepleasuretheycouldgivetoeachother.Shedidn’tevenpretendnottowanthim,thankGod.

“Thenpackyourthings,Nora,”hesaidtightly.“Iwanttoleavebeforedark.”

Hersmilechangedherface.“I’llgoatonceandtellAuntHelen!”shesaid,rising.

Herose,too,andstoodtoweringoverherwithasolemnfaceandglitteringeyes.

“Itwillnotbeeasy,”hesaid.“Eventhecabinherewilllooklikealuxuryinhindsight.Thereare
roughmenandfewwomen.Infact,beforeIleft,abordellowastryingtosetupontheoutskirtsofthe
camp,wheretheoilcrewsareworking,”headdedfrankly.

Herblueeyeswidened.“Why,howexciting,”shesaid.“Ihaveneverseenoneofthosewomen.”

“Nora!”

“Youneedn’tlooksooutraged,”shesaidpertly.“Womenarecuriousaboutsuchthings,youknow.”

“Nodecentwomanshouldbe.”

Sheliftedherchinandglaredathim.“Howsuperioryousound,Mr.Barton,”shetaunted.She
frownedasathoughtoccurredtoher.“Thatbordello…?”

“Ihavenoneedofboughtwomen,”hesaidshortly.“Youinsultme.”

“Youhavedonelittleelsebutinsultmesincewemet,”shepointedout.“Anditisquitenoticeablethat
youwerenotinnocentwhenwemarried,orbefore!”

Hischestshookwithlaughterhewastryingtosuppress.“Youlooklikeanangrylittlehenwith
ruffledfeathers,”hemused.

Shepushedattheruinsofherhighcoiffure.“Iamnotachicken,”sheinformedhim.Herbrowslifted.
“DidAuntHelenmentionthatIcanprepareachicken?Iamstillabitsqueamishaboutit,”

sheaddedconspiratorially,“butatleastInolongerquailattheprospect.”

Thepronouncementdidn’tgettheresultshehadexpected.Helookedasifeachnewmasteredchore
sherecountedwaspainfultohim.Hemovedforwardandgentlytookherbytheshoulders.

Hisfingerslingeredonthewarmsoftnessoftheskinthathecouldfeelthroughthecottondress.

“Thatwillnolongerbenecessary,”hesaidquietly.“Wewillhavetobuyourmeals—”

“Wewillnot!”sheassuredhim.“NotwhenIhavespentanentiredayhavingthebunkhousecook
showmehowtoprepareamealoveracampfire!”

Hissurprisewasvisible,andhisbreathcaught.

“Yousee,youstillthinkIamadeadloss,”shefumed.“Well,letmetellyou,IamnohelplessNellie!I
can—”

Smiling,hebentandstoppedthetiradewithawarm,hungrykissinwhichtendernessandlongweeks
ofabstinenceweremingled.

TheshockofpleasuresentNorapressingcloseagainsthislong,powerfulbody,herarmsmeetingat
hisbackassheopenedhermouthdeliberatelyandpushedupward.

Hegroaned,caughtoffguard.Shefelthisthighstrembleagainstherashisarmscontractedandhis
mouthbecamebruisinginitsquest.

Hemovedheragainsthim,lovingtheresponseshegavehim,lovingthetasteandtouchandfeelof
her.Hertongueshylyeasedintohismouth,andatherbellyshefelt,withsomethingoddlylikepride,
theincredibleswiftnesswithwhichhisbodyreacted.

Hetorehismouthfromhersandpushedherback,holdingheratarm’slengthwitheyessodilated,
theyseemedblack.

“Wearemarried,”shewhispered,protestingbreathlessly.

“Rememberwhereweare,ifyouplease,”hesaidangrily,althoughthedampnessofhisforeheadand
thefuriousbeatofhisheart,visibleunderhisshirtandvest,beliedhisremoteness.

Shesmiledtenderly,hereyesdrowsywithpleasure.“Imissedyou,”shesaiddreamily.

Hedrewinalong,steadyingbreath.“AndI,you,”hesaidafteraminute.“Areyousure,Nora?”

headded.“Icouldnotbeartobetheinstrumentofanyfurtherrisktoyourhealth.”

“Myplaceiswithyou,”shesaidsimply.

Henodded.Hiseyesfelltohermouthandlingeredthere.Shethoughtabsentlythathelookedlikea
differentmaninthatsuit.Therewasanewauthorityabouthim,asternnessthatwasatvariancewith
theeasygoingmanshehadmetwhenshefirstcamehere.

“Youarelikeastranger,”shesaid,puzzled.

Hetracedherfacewithtenderfingers.“Iamastranger,”hesaid.“Inmorewaysthanyourealize.You
knowmeonlyasalover.”

Hercheeksbecamerosyashergazedroppedtohisfirmmouth.“Itistheonlywayinwhichyou
wouldpermitmetoknowyou,”sheventured.Herhandstoyedwithapearlbuttononhisvest.

“AndIhavebeenequallyreticentintalkingaboutmyself.Shallweagreetotalktoeachothermorein
future?”

“Nightsarelonginthecamp,”hemused.“Andwewillhavelittleprivacyinwhichtodomuchelse,”
headdedwitharuefulsmile.

“ButyousaidthatImustsleepwithyou,”sheblurtedout.

“Andyoumust,”heagreed.“But,sadly,thatisallitmaybebetweenus.Therearetents,verycloseto
thecabin,wheremycrewstay.”Hepursedhislips,lookingdownatherwithamusementanddelight.
“Andyouareverynoisywhenwemakelove,”hewhispered.

Shehidherfaceagainsthisvest.Hehelditthere,chucklingtenderlyaboveherdisorderedhair.

“Whatadelightyouaretome,”hesaidhuskily.Hishandsmoothedhernape.“Nora,thereis
somethingelsetoconsideraswell,”headded.“Forgivemeforbeingblunt,butIdonotwishtomake
youpregnantagainsosoon.Yourbodywillneedtimetorecoverfromitsordeal.”Hefelthershiver,
andhisarmcontractedaroundhershoulders.“Whenyouconsiderthatourchildwasconceivedthe
firsttimewewereevertogether…”

“Yes,Iknow.”Shedrewinafaintbreath.“Doyou…wantachildwithme?”sheaskedhesitantly.
“Someday?”

“Whatsortofaquestionisthat?”Hetiltedherworriedfaceuptohis.Therewascensureinhispale
eyes.“WhyshouldInotwantachild?”

Herlipscurledinward.“YousaidthatIwasnotthesortofwomanyoushouldhavemarried,”

shebegan.

Histhumbpressedsoftlyoverhermouth.“Isaidmanycruelthings.Sodidyou.Thatisover.Weare
married,andIlookforwardtoalongandhappylifewithyou.Childrenwillcertainlybepartofit,
whenyouarehealthyagain.”

“Oh.Isee.”

“Donotsoundsodispirited,”hecoaxed.“Itwillnotbeforever.”

Shenodded,butshewouldn’tmeethiseyes.

Hesenseddisappointmentandsomethingbeneathit.Hebentandkissedherlightly,feelingher
immediateresponse.Hercaughtbreathwentintohismouthandsheshivered.Andthenheunderstood.

“Iwantyou,too,”hewhisperedsoftly.

Shewinced.“Itwillbesolong,”shesaidinvoluntarily,andflushed.“Forgiveme.Isoundwanton.”

“Youdonot,”heargued.“Yousoundlikeaverynormalwoman,newlymarried,whoenjoysthe
embracesofherhusband.”Hesmiled.“Now,braceup.YoulooklikethesinkingoftheMaine.”

Shepeeredupathim.“Ifeelit,”shemuttered.

“YouhaveforgottensomethingItoldyouearlyinourmarriage,”hesaid.

“What?”

Hedrewhislipslightlyoverherear.“Thattherearewaystopleasureeachotherthatdonotinvolve
thepossibilityofcreatingachild,”hewhispered.“Attheriskofdarkeningmyreputationevenmore,
ImusttellyouthatIhaveconsiderableskillinthatdirection.”

“CalBarton!”shegroundout,shocked.

Helaughed,lettinghertwistoutofhisarmswithafacethatlookedsunburned.

“Roué!”sheaccused,straighteningherapron.

Heliftedanamusedeyebrow.“Andworse,”heconfessed.“Youwillgetusedtoit.”

“IsupposeImust,butIhopethatyouarereformed.Nowthatyouarearespectablemarriedman,”she
emphasized.

“Wemustbothhopeso.Now,willyougetyourthingstogether,please,andIwillaskChesterifhe
cantakeustothedepot.Ihiredahorsetocomeouthere,andhewillhavetobereturnedaswell.I

thinkitabitprematuretoexpectyoutoridedoublewithme.”

“IwishthatIcouldride,”sheconfessed.“Melaniestartedtogivemelessons,butI’mafraidIdidn’t
getveryfar.”

Hisfacechanged.“Ridingwillbesomethingofarequirementforyou,”hesaidenigmatically.“Itis
onethingyouwillhavetoknow.”

“Why?WecanhireacarriageinBeaumont,canwenot?”sheaskedwithsomeconfusion.

HewasthinkingaboutLatigoandanytimetheyspentthere.Summersandholidayswithhisfamily
wouldbeexpected,andshewouldloveitthere.Heknewit.Butfirsthehadtofindsomewaytotell
her.

“Nevermindthatfornow,”hesaid.

“Yourideverywellindeed,”shesaid.“ItwasoneofthefirstthingsInoticedaboutyou.”

Hispaleeyesnarrowedastheyslidoverher.“InoticedeverythingaboutyouthefirsttimeIsawyou,”
hesaid.“Youwereexquisite,standingthereinyourfashionablesuitandthatsillylittleFrenchhat.”

Shewasverystill.“HowdidyouknowthatthehatwasFrench?”

Hismotherhadonesimilartoit.Hewashardlylikelytoadmitit.Hepursedhislips.“Perhapsyou
toldme.”

Hereyesdarkened.“Perhapsanotherwomandid.”

Hiseyebrowsshotupandhegrinned.“Jealous?”

Shewhirled,herskirtsflying,andwenttoopenthedoor.

“Nora?”

Herheadturned.“What?”shedemanded.

Helovedthattemper.Itwasgoingtobeasourceofdelighttohimalltheirlives.Itmadeherblueeyes
sparklelikesapphires,andmadeherfaceradiantwithcolor.“Ihaven’tlookedatanotherwoman,in
eventhemostinnocentway,sincethefirsttimemyeyestouchedyou.”

Thewayhesaiditmadehertoescurlinhershoes.Hehadadeep,slowwayofspeakingtoherthat
wasexquisitelytender.

“ButitpleasesmethatyouwouldmindifIhad,”headded.

Thedoorknobwascoldunderherfingers.Shecaresseditslowly.“Iwouldnothaveblamedyou,”she
confessedtightly.

“Iwouldhaveblamedmyself,though.”Hejoinedheratthedoor.Hisbig,leanhandcoveredhers
warmly.“Thatwillneverbecomeanoptiontome,”hesaid.“Ifweargue,andwewillfromtimeto
time,Iwillneverconsidershamingyouinsuchaway.Iamthatmuchlikemymarriedolderbrother,
whodotesonhiswifeandson.Ithinkyouwilllikethem,andtherestofmyfamily,whenItakeyou
hometothem.”

Sheshiftedhereyestohishandsomefaceandcaresseditwithagazethatmadehiskneesfeelweak.

“Youarenot…ashamedofmeanymore?”

“Oh,myGod,forgiveme,”hewhisperedwithrawpain.Hisarmsswallowedherup,crushedher,
rivetedhertohim.Hebentoverherwithsuchawaveoflovethatitalmostbuckledhisknees.

Sheclungtohim,afaintsobescapingherlips.“Iwassowrong,”shechoked.“Wrongaboutyou,
aboutsomanythings!Myfatherwassuchasnob,andIneverrealizedhowmuchIwaslikehimuntilI
camehere.NowIcannotbeartogobackandwatchhimdenigratepeoplebecausetheyhavelessthan
hedoes.”

Hebentandkissedherhungrily,moaningsoftlyassheansweredhiskissandheldontight.

“Thisissosweet,”shewhisperedwhentheywerebothbreathlessandhercheekwasrestingonhis
chest.“Wemustkisseachotherveryoftenfromnowon.”

“Notinpublic.”Hegroaned.

Shelaughed,becauseshecouldfeelwhy.Itnolongerembarrassedher.Well…notasmuchasithad.
Herhipstuggedbackfromhimjustenoughfordecorum.

“Coward,”hesaidsilkily,laughingdownatherflamingface.

“Oh,onthecontrary,Ihavebecomeverybrave,”sheteased.“Evenmyfatherwouldbeamazedatthe
changeinme,becauseIwouldnotlethimordermearoundnow.HewasgoodtomewhenIwas
younger,youknow,evenifhewasverystern.”Shepursedherlips,andhereyestwinkled.

“Allthesame,Iamverygladthatyouhithim.”

“Atleastyoudidn’taskmetoshoothim,”hesaid,andburstoutlaughingwhenherememberedthe
incident.“IthoughtSummervillewasgoingtocroakrightonthespot!”

“Hewouldhavelookedrathernicestuffedandmountedlikeoneofthepooranimalsheshotin
Africa,”sherecalled.Shebecamesolemn.“Hewasnotevensorry.Hewantedtomarrymeformy
father ’sfortune,andhestoopedtolowmeans.ItwasterriblewhenhecametoEnglandandpestered
me.IwasmourningyouandIwantednopartofhim.”

“Wehavespentaninordinateamountoftimemourningeachother,”heobserved,watchingher.

“Infuture,Idonotplantospendevenadayseparatedfromyou.”

Shesmiledtenderly.“Whatalovelythought,”shesaidasshestaredathimpossessively.

“Mmmmm,”hemurmured,equallyfascinatedwithlookingather.

Therewasaknockatthedoor.Theymovedbackandopenedit,andChesterstoodthere.

“IwonderedifyouwouldlikeHelenandmetodriveyoutothestation,”heaskedwithagrin.

“Howkindofyoutooffer,”Calsaid,smiling.“Noraisonherwaytopack.”

“It’stheleastIcando,myboy.Wouldyouliketoseethenewhaybalerwhileshe’spacking?”

headded.

“IndeedIwould!”

HebadeNoraafondfarewellforthemomentandwentoutwithChester.

“Idon’tsupposeyoumightbepersuadedtoreturn?”Chesteraskedastheynearedthebarn.

“No.I’msorry.Ienjoyedmytimehere,butI’vetieduptoomuchmoneyinBeaumonttodividemy
loyaltiesnow.I’mprospectingforoil,”heconfessedruefully.“ThisisthethirdwellI’vesunkand
I’mhopingitwillchangemyluck.”

“Isn’toilprospectingagamble?”Chesteraskedseriously,althoughtheyoungerman’s
resourcefulnessimpressedhim.

“Yes,”Calrepliedflatly.“ButifI’velearnednothingelseinmylife,it’sthatfewfortunesaregained
withoutsomerisk.Iwanttomakemyownwayintheworldandnotbedependentonanyoneelsefor
mykeep.”

Chestermisinterpretedthat.“Well,youknow,youwereprettyindependenthere,andI’dtrynotto
interfere…”

Hechuckledandclappedtheoldermanonthebackaffectionately.“Iknowthat.Itwasn’twhatImeant.
Youknow,youreallyshouldconsideraninvestmentinthatfieldwhilethere’sstilltime.”

“I’vereadaboutitintheBeaumontpaper,”Chesterconfessed.“Andiftherereallyisastrike,the
priceonthatlandwillgosky-highovernight.Butit’ssucharisk.”

“Lifeisarisk,”Caltoldhim.“I’mgoingtogiveyoutwopercentofmystock.”Hehelduphishand
whenChesterprotested.Helookedathimfully.“IfIhit,thatwillamounttoahellofalotofmoney.
Youcanbuythisplacebackfromthecombineandrunitthewayyouwantto.Nowthatyou’reonthe
righttrackwithsomemodernization,youshouldhavenotroublekeepingitsolvent.”

Chesterwasflabbergasted.“Butwhywouldyoudothatforme?”

Hecouldn’ttellthetruth,thatitwasforNora’ssake,becausethey’dbeensokindtoher.Notonlythat,

he’dnourishedarealaffectionforthefamilysincehe’dbeenworkingforthem.

HeputanarmaroundChester.“Listen.Wouldn’titjustmakeyoufeellikeakingtoownpartofa
hugeoiloperationandtellyourbrother-in-lawinVirginiahowyougotit?”

Chesterwhistled.“Tut,tut,I’drubitinuntilhewaschased!”

Calgrinnedathim.“SowouldNora,”headded.

“Isee!”Heburstoutlaughing.“Allright,then,I’llacceptyourkindoffer.Butifyoudohititbig,my
boy,youreallymusttakeNorabacktoVirginiatovisitherfamily.Preferablyinagoldencoach.”

“Ihavesomethingabitmoregrandinmindthanthatalone,”Calreplied.Hispaleeyeswere
glittering,andChesterthought,notforthefirsttime,thathewasgladhehadnevermadeanenemyof
theman.Calhadcoldsteeljustunderthatcharacteristicallywarmgoodnatureofhis.

Hefeltabitsorryforhisbrother-in-law.AndhesincerelyhopedthatCalwasgoingtobringinthat
well.

Hewouldlovegettingricher.Butwhathewouldenjoymostwouldbeseeinghisbrother-in-law
blusterwhenthemanhe’dalwayslookeddownonturnedupprosperous,withanelegantlydressed
Helenonhisarm.Hedidn’tthinkHelenwouldmindifhersistersawherthatway,either.Theone
timethetwoofthemhadvisitedtheMarlowes,ithadbeenveryuncomfortable.

Nora’sfatherhadconsideredhimselfsofarabovetheTremaynesthathespoketothemlikeservants
duringtheirbriefstay.Cynthiahadn’tsaidawordaboutthetreatmenthersisterreceived,although
herfacewassad.Chesterhadcomehomefurious,andHelenhadn’tsmiledforaweek.Thetwo
sistershadcomefromthesamewealthybackground,butlikepoorNora,Helenhadbeendisinherited
whenherparentsdisapprovedofhermarriagetoChester.

Chesterhadsecretlyfeltinferioreversincehe’dmarriedHelen.PerhapsCalunderstoodthatfeeling,
anditwaswhyhe’dmadehisshockingoffer.Whateverhisreason,theofferdelightedChester.He
onlywishedhehadsomethingtoofferCalinreturnforthatstock.He’dhavetoseeifhecouldn’t
manageagoodThoroughbredhorsefortheboy.Heknewabreederwhoowedhimafavor,andCal
hadsomethingofamaniaaboutgoodhorses.

ChapterSeventeen

Beaumontwasagrowingtownwithafewthousandinhabitants.Aquarterofthepopulationwasmade
upofblackpeople,andtherewereseveralJewishbusinessesthere.TherewerealsoItalianandDutch
immigrantsandevenafewcowboys.Itwasafriendlycity,butitlackedmanyofthemodern
industrialassetsthatwouldberequiredifabigoilfielddidlienearitsborders,somethingthat
worriedCalandotherinvestors.

ThehugeGladysCitydevelopmenthadatfirstbeentheobjectofscorn,andstillwasnotconsidereda
seriouspropositionbysomepeople.Calhadbeenscoffedatbylocalbusinessmenforsinkingmoney
intosuchapipedream,andevenwhiletheyworkedtobuildhisderricks,localcontractorslaughedat
himbehindhisback.Butliketheotheroilseekers,hebelievedinthedevelopmentandhadgreat
respectforit,anditsfounder.

IthadbeentoCal’sadvantagethatnoonelocallyknewofhisbackground.Itpreventedanyonetaking
advantageofthefactthathehadmoney.

Hiswasn’ttheonlyoutfitworkingatdraggingoiloutofthegroundhere.CaptainLucas,abrilliant
gentlemanwithaSlavicbackground,hadarignearbyandhadcomeupwithsomeamazing
techniquestocombatthedrillingproblemsthatwerepeculiartothiscoastalareaofTexas.He,like
Cal,hadcontactsinCorsicanatowhomhecouldturnfordrillingequipmentandadvice.The
innovationsthatheandhismenusedinpenetratingthepressurizedsaltdome,whichalsocontained
quicksandandlargerock,weretorevolutionizetheoilbusiness.TherewasevenarumorthatJ.D.
RockefellerandhispeopleatgiantStandardOilhadtheireyesonBeaumont.

Everyonewaswaiting.Waiting.

Meanwhile,thereweredryholesandprematurereportsoffailureandwildstoriesofoutlandish
strikesputaboutbyout-of-townreporters.

CalrelatedthistoNora,wholistenedwithfascinationwhiletheyspenttheirfirstnightinBeaumontin
ahotel.HehadgoneouttotherigtocheckontheprogressofPikeandthecrewandhadcomeback
dispiritedandtired.

“What’swrong?”sheaskedwhenhetookoffhismuddybootsandhisjacket.

“Anothersnag,”hesaidwearily.“CaptainLucashasovercomehisquicksandproblem,butours
plaguesusstill.Wehadtosendforyetanotherfish-baitbitfromCorsicana.”Helaybackinthechair
withagroan.“Ihavesomanypeoplewaiting,hoping,forsuccess.”Hiseyesslidoverherbody.“I’m
impatient.CaptainLucashasbeendrillingsinceOctober.Hehitagaspocket,butnooil.Notyet,at
least.You’resothin,Nora,”headdedunexpectedly.“Youmusttrytoeatmore,toregainyour
strength.”

“Ihavehadverylittleappetite,”shetoldhim.Shesmiled.“Butnowthatyou’reback,Iamhungrier.”

Hechuckled.“Inamomentwemustgodownstairsfortheeveningmeal.”Heheldouthishand.

“Butnotyet.”

Shegavehimherslenderfingersandwaspulleddownontohislap.Hebentandkissedher,andfora
longtime,notawordwasspoken.

Hishandsmoothedoverherbodicepossessively,whileshecurledupinhisarmsandlaywaitingfor
hismouthtoreturntohers.

“Idon’tliketodivertyou,”shewhispered,smiling,“butsupperwillbecomecolddownstairs,and
thereisanappleduff,whichourlandladyremarkedthatshemadefromapplesshehadhoardedinthe
fruitcellar.”

Hesmiledback.“Andyoulikeappleduff?”

“Iadoreit.Iadoreyou,too,butappleduffisirresistibleatthemoment.”

“Inthatcase,letmechangemybootsforapairofcleanshoesandwewillgodown.”

Helethergowhilehewentinhisstockingfeettohissuitcaseandaminutelaterdonnedapairofvery
expensive-lookingleathershoes.Shedidn’tcommentwhileshefetchedherprettyblackshawlto
drapeoverherniceblackdress,butshewonderedaboutthoseshoes.Calwasstillmuchlikea
strangertoher.

ALLTHETALKDOWNSTAIRSwasoftheSpindletopHill,whereCaptainLucaswasdrilling.

“Didyouseethesky?”oneboarderaskedexcitedly.“Lituplikeafuneralpyre,itwas,overthatway.”
Hepointed,asifhisaudiencecouldseethroughthewall.

“Yes,wedid,”anelderlywomanagreed.“ItisSaintElmo’sfire,”sheadded.“Sailorsbelievethat
whentheyseeit,theirshipswillcomesafelyintotheharbor.”

“ThisisnotSaintElmo’sfire,”theboardersaidindignantly.“ItcomesfromwhereCaptainLucasis
drilling.”

“He’shitanothergaspocket,likely,”anothercommented.“Onedayhe’llblowhimselfrightoffthat
hill.Orcatchthewholethingafire.”

“Theysaythere’soiloutthere,”theboardersaid.

“I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit.Passthepotatoes,please,”theelderlywomanreturned.

NoraandCalexchangedcomplicatedglances.Hedidn’tmentionthathehadaninvestmentintheoil
field.Neitherdidhetaketheelderlylady’swordforthelackofoilthere.Heneededanoptimistic
outlook.

Later,whileNoragotreadyforbed,hewentdowntothenearestsaloontomeethisdrillcrew,ashe’d
arrangedearlierintheday.

“Oh,it’sbeenaslowprocess,tryingtosinkashaftinthatunholyspot,”MickWheeler,theengineer
fromCorsicana,said,rubbinghisbaldhead.Theotherfourmen,andPike,whohadjoinedthem,
noddedtheiragreement.“Liketheothergroupthat’sdrillingnearus,wehadaproblemgettingthe
pipeouttothesiterightoff.Thenwehadtoborrowarigtounloaditfromthetrain.Oncewegotthe
pipein,wehitquicksandanditpiledinandcollapsedthesidewallsofthewell.”

“Justlikethefirsttwowells,”Pikecommented,“buttheywereinotherareas,notonthehill.The
problemofthequicksandandgraveltooktwoweeks,andoncewegotpastthat,wehadablowout
fromagaspocket.”

“Aye,”Mickagreed.“We’vehadtokeepthosecirculatingpumpsgoingaroundtheclock,whichhas
meanttryingtofindmoremenforthecrew.Wehaveplentywhostandaroundandwatch,butnobody
willhireon.”

“They’reprobablyafraidofbeinglaughedat,”Calsaidheavily,fingeringhisbeer.“Oilprospecting
seemstobethefavoritejokeinthistown.”

“Theywon’tlaughlongoncewestrikeoil,”Micksaidcurtly.

Pikelookednotonlyworried,butnervous.Heseemeduncomfortable,watchingthedooreverytimea
newcustomerentered.“Weshouldgetbackouttothesite,”hesaid.“Idon’tlikeleavingit
unattended.”

“There’sasentimentwithwhichIagree.”Micknodded.“Eventhoughallwe’vegotrightnowisagas
pocket,whoknowswhatwemayhitwhenwegetdownfarther.Lucashitrockwhenhewasateight
hundredandeightyfeet.We’reateighthundredfeetnow.”

“We’llhitrock,too,”oneofthecrewmuttered,“andberightbackwherewestarted.”

“No,wewon’t,”Calsaidshortly.“Ifwehitrock,we’redamnedwellgoingthroughit!Lucasdid,
whichmeansithastobepossible.”

“Buthow,man?”Pikeexclaimed.“Shortofbeggingthecaptainforhissecret,whichIwon’tforone
minuteconsider….”

“CableSamDragooutinCorsicana,”CaltoldPike.“Idon’tcarewhatitcosts,”headdedwhenthe
othermanprotested.Hehandedhimatwenty-dollargoldpiece.“Useitallifyouhaveto.

Tellhimwhatproblemswemayrunintoandaskhimforadvice.Tellhimtocomeouthereifhehas
to.I’mnotstoppingforrock.Lucasgotthroughitsomehow.Iwanttoknowhow.”

“Youcouldaskhim.”Mickgrinned.

“Icould.Butfairisfair.Idon’texpecthimtohelpmebeathimtotheprize,”Calsaid.“It’saquestion
ofethics.Besides,he’salreadyhelpeduswiththevalve.That’senoughtoask.”

“You’reright,ofcourse,”Mickagreed.

Pikedidn’taddhisagreement.Hestilllookedworriedandoutofsorts.“I’llwireDragointhe
morning.Comeon,men.”

Hewasinanunholyrushtogetgoing.MickswallowedhisbeerwithawinkatCalandawhispered,
“Maybeit’sawoman,”beforehejoinedtheolderman.

Watchingthemleave,CalpuzzledaboutPike’sunease.No,Pikewasn’tthesorttolikewomen.

Hewasalonerbynature,andtherewassomethingshiftyabouthim.He’dbetterkeepaneyeonthe
man.Iftherewasanythinggoingon,he’dputMickinchargeandtakehischances.IfPikehadn’t
alreadyfoundoiltwiceinotherareasofthecountry,includingCorsicana,hemighthavebeenless
willingtotaketherisk.

WHENHEGOTBACKUPSTAIRS,Norawastuckedupinbedasleep.Hestoodbesidethebed,
staringdownatherbeautifulthickhairspreadalloverthepillowandherlonglashespressedagainst
thepaleskinofhercheeks.Shelookedthinandnotatallhealthy.Hewonderedifhe’ddonetheright
thing,bringingherhere.Onlytimewouldtell.Tomorrowthey’dgoouttothesite,andshe’dhaveto
manage.Hedreadedsubjectinghertothoseconditions,buthelikedevenlessleavingherintown
alone.Anycitywasadangerousplaceforawomanonherown.

Evenwiththeprimitivesurroundings,she’dbebetteroffwherehecouldlookafterher,andmake
sureshewastakingcareofherselfaswell.

Hesmiledashewatchedhersleep.Shewashis.He’dneverfeltthekindofpossessivenesshedidright
now.HethankedGodforherfather ’sinflexibility.Becauseofit,hehadasecondchance.Hewasn’t
goingtowasteit.

THEYHIREDABUGGYandrodeouttotherigthenextmorningwiththeircasestiedontheback.

ThecountryfourmilessouthofBeaumontwasflatexceptforthehillwherethedrillingwasgoing
on.

“PatilloHigginsistheforcebehindthiswholething,”Calexplainedastheydrovetowardoneofthe
derricksinthedistance.“He’dalmostgivenup,though,whenCaptainLucastookhimuponthelease.
Noweverythingisridingonthatwellcomingin.”Heshookhishead.“Forhissake,andours,Ihope
itdoes.”

Norawatchedhimfromunderherlashes,morecuriousabouthimeveryday.Shehadoversleptthis
morning,andwhensheopenedhereyes,itwastofindhimdressedandonhiswaydowntoseethe
liverymanabouthiringabuggy.Shedressedinhisabsenceandpacked,andwasreadytogoright
aftertheyhadbreakfastwiththeotherboarders.

Secretlyshehadhopedthathemightwakeherveryearlyandteachhersomeofthosesecretshe’d
hintedat.Buthismindseemedverymuchonhisoilwell.Sheresignedherselftoplayingsecond
fiddleuntilheeitherfoundoilorgaveuplooking.Shehadahunchthathewouldnevergiveup.It
seemedtobeinhisblood.Shewonderedifhispeoplewereinvolvedintheoilbusiness.She’dhaveto
askhim,whentherewastime.

ShewasintroducedtoPike,andshedislikedhimonsight.Hewasn’tfamiliarorrude,butshesensed
alackofhonestyabouthim.Itwasinthewayheshiftedhisgazewhenhespoketoher,eveninthe
wayhespoketoCal.

Calledherintothesmall,rudecabinandshowedheraround.Therewasn’tmuchtoshow;onlyone
room,afewoldcane-backchairs,anironbedsteadwithasaggymattressandwornsheets,anda
fireplacewithaDutchovenhanginginit.Onaricketystandwereachippedblue-patternedceramic
basinandpitcher,andunderneath,whatmusthavepassedforatowel.Norathoughtimmediatelythat
shewouldnotgetabathshortoftown.

“Iknow,itisn’tmuch,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.Itwasfreezingcold,toboot.Hewenttogetan
armloadofwoodfromtheporchtostackbesidethefireplace.Asmallbottleofkerosenestoodatthe
hearthwherethepokerrested.Hearrangedthewoodandpickedupthebottle.

“No!”sheexclaimed.“Cal,you’llsettheplaceablaze!”

Heturned,chuckling.“Idon’tliketakingtenminutestogetafirestarted.Ifyou’reshaky,gostand
outside.”

“Oh,Cal.”Shegroaned.

Hearrangedthefewknottedsticksoffatpine,dousedthemwithkerosene,stoodback,struckamatch
andtosseditin.Thewoodblazedupexplosively,butafteraminute,thefatpineknotswereburning.It
wouldn’ttakelongforthemtocatchtheseasonedoaklogs,andtheywouldburnforalong,long
time.

“Greenhorn,”heaccusedaffectionately.“Don’ttheyhavefireplacesbackEast,then?”

Shegloweredathim.“Yes,andwehavepaperwithwhichtostartfires!”

“You’llfindthatwehavequiteanotheruseforourmail-ordercatalogsoutWest,”hesaid,tonguein
cheek.“Alongwithourcorncobs.The,uh,privyisoutthatway.”Heopenedthebackdoorofthe
cabinandnoddedtowardasmallwoodstructurethatstoodwithabagofquicklimebesideit.

Sheliftedherchinandmanagednottoblush.“Andchamberpots?”

“Chamberpot,”hesaidsheepishly.“Foraman,I’mafraid.Wedon’thaveatalloneforyou.”

Thatwouldmeanthelongwalktotheouthouseatnightwithalamp.Hernextpurchase,shedecided,
wouldbeachamberpotforherself.

“Icanseeyourmindworking,”Calsaidwithresignation.“Ihavetosendoneofthemenintogetthe
food.Iorderedsuppliesyesterdayandforgottostopforthemonthewayoutoftown.

You’llhavenothingtocookifIdon’t.I’llhavehimpickupthenecessaryitem.”

“That’sverythoughtfulofyou.”

“Veryselfish,”hechuckled.“Idon’twanttohavetogetupandlightyououttheback.”

“Youwoulddothat?”

Hemovedforwardandtookbothherhandsinhis.“Thesearegoodmen,buttherearefewwomento
beseen.Iwouldnothaveanyunpleasantness,ifitcanbeavoided.”

“IdonotlikeMr.Pike,”shesaidatonce.

“Inoticedthat.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Why?”

Hewasn’tbelittlingherremark.Shewonderedifhehadreservationsofhisown.“It’snothing
particular.Justintuition.”

“Youwon’thavethatmuchcontactwithhim,”hesaidgently.

Sheturnedandlookedaround.“Canweaffordsomenewtickingforthemattress?”sheasked
plaintively.“Itlooksasifamuddyarmyhassleptonit.”

“Iorderedanewmattress,”hesaid,toherdelight,“andnewsheets.”

“Thatisanextravagance,”shesaidguiltily.“Icouldhavewashed—”

“Withwhat?”heaskedpolitely.“Wehavenopottoboilclothesin,notubstorinsethemin,nolinesto
hangthemon—fortherearenotreeshere.”

Shewashorrified.Hesoothedher.“Thereisalaundryintown,”heassuredher.“Youwillnothaveto
wearsoiledclothing.”

Shelookedworriedjustthesame.“Itwillbeexpensive,”shesaidslowly,hesitanttooffendhim.

“Yourconcernformypocketdoesyoucredit,”hesaidwithasmile.“Butwecanmanage.Ihave
creditintown,youknow.”

“Oh!”Shebrightened.“Thatmakesitbetter.”

Whatsheprobablymeantwasthatitmadeitunderstandablethathewasabletoaffordthings.

Shehadn’taskedhimabouthissourceofincome,butheknewshewonderedjustthesame.Soonhe
wasgoingtohavetotellherthetruth.

THEYSETTLEDINONTHESITE.Afterthefirstfewdays,Norafeltmorecomfortablecookingon
anopenfire.Shewasgoodwithstews,andevenwithbiscuitsonceshemasteredtheartofcooking
themonthefire.Acakewasimpossible,soshehadCalbuyoneatthebakeryintown.Theyshared
someofitwiththemen,whoseowncookingseemedtoleavemuchtobedesired,consideringtheir
thinness.

Theconditionswererough,andNorahadallshecoulddotokeepwarmatfirst.Butthecabinwas

fairlytight,andshewascarefultospendmostofhertimeinside.Shemendedthecurtainsanddid
whatshecouldtokeepthelivingareaspotless.Hesurprisedherwithlittlethingsforthecabin,likea
newdecoratedglasskerosenelampandachairwithacrochetedcushion.Histhoughtfulnessdelighted
her.

AtnightshecurledclosetoCalandsleptcomfortablyandsecureinhisarms.Heheldher,buthe
neverencouragedherfurtherthanthat.Hedidn’tkissherthesedays,andwhenherhandstrayedtohis
barechestunderthecovers,hemoveditaway.Sheknewwhathewastryingtodo.Hedidn’twantto
riskgettingherpregnant.Unfortunately,hedidn’tseemtowanttodoanythingshortofit,either.

“Yousaidthatwewouldexploreotherwaysofpleasingeachother,”shewhispereddaringlyone
night.

“Andwewill,”hesaidgently,kissinghereyesclosed.“Butnotwithmymencampingontheporch.”
Hechuckled.“Therainscameunexpectedlyandsoakedtheground.Theywouldneverbeabletosleep
inthemud,Nora,andwithoutthem,therewillbenooil.”

“Iknow,”shegroaned.“Itisjust…”

“Gotosleep.Trynottodwellonit.Iknowthatyouareboredhere.Perhapswemightgetsome
magazines.Wouldyoulikethat?”

Shesmiled.“Yes.ButIwouldlikesomecoloredthreadandsomecrochetinghooks,please.Andsome
yarnandknittingneedles.Icandohandiwork,ifIhavethematerials.Imightmakeyouasweater.”

“Ineverwearthem,”hemurmured.

“ThenIshallknityousomesocks,”shesaid,nottobeoutdone.

Hewrappedherupagainsthim.“Sockswouldbefine.Gotosleep.”

Sheclosedhereyes.But,asusual,sleepwasalongtimecoming.

Thenextday,allhellbrokelooseonthehill.CaptainLucas’swellexplodedintotheskylateinthe
morningofJanuary10,1901,andallthedoomsayersshutupforgood.

“Hedidit!”Calcriedfromtheporch,becausehecouldseetheplumeofoilrisingmajesticallyinto
thesky.“ByGod,hedidit,Nora—comeandlook!Hedidit!There’soilthere!Acresandacresand
acresofoil!”

Shecameandstoodbesidehim,watchingthehugeblackgusheragainstthegraysky,withherarm
aroundhisleanwaist.

“Andwe’rerightnextdoor,”hesaid,wavingtohiscrew.Theywerejumpingupanddownand
dancingontheirownrig.Itwasonlyamatteroftimenow,andtheyallknewit.Ifoilcouldbestruck
oneplaceonthehill,itcouldbestruckallaround.ThelandCalownedwasmoneyinthebank.

Pike’ssmalleyesgleamednowwithexcitement.HegothisreplybackfromCorsicana,andthemen
followedtheinstructionsDragohadsent.Astimepassed,theywentdownanddownanddown.

Then,thefirstweekofMarch,therewasasuddenexplosioninsidethederrick.Norahadbeen
washingouthersmallsinsidethehouse.Shecameontotheporchandstoodwatching,herhand
shadinghereyesfromthesun.

CalyelledsomethingatPike,whostartedbackingaway.Allatonce,mudbegantospurtupthe
derrick.Pikesliddowntheladder,followedatoncebyCal,whowasyellingatMickandtheothersto
getoutoftheway.

Themenfellback,coveredwithmud,andstillthestickybrownmuckflewupandup.Then,allat
once,whatseemedtonsoffour-inchpipejoinedthemudandstartedupthroughthederrick.

Thecrownblockwent,andthepipestartedshootingupandlandingstuckintheground.

“Oh,no!”Norawhisperedinanguish.SheknewthatCalhadinvestedheavilyinthisventure,andnow
itseemedthathewasgoingtoloseeverything.Weeksofwatchingwithhim,hopingwithhim,were
crumbling,justasthepipeandderrickthathadbeensoexpensivewerenowfallingliketenpins.At
least,thankGod,Calhadgottenoutofthewayintime.Ifhe’dbeencloser…Itdidn’tbearthinking
about!Thatfallingpipe,insuchhugeamounts,wouldsurelyhavekilledhim!

Whenitstopped,finally,Calbegancursing.HewassoeloquentthatNoracoveredherears,andhe
wasn’ttheonlymanontheplaceexpressinghisfeelingsaboutmud,derricks,pipeandprospective
oilingraphicterms.

Themenstompedbackuptothederrick,seeingimpossiblefigurestoreplaceit.CaptainLucas’s
strikehadboostedpricesbeyondbelief,foreverythingfromlandtolumber.

Calsquatteddowntolookatapieceofpipewithfurioussilvereyes.

“MyGod,”hesaidheavily.“Itwilltakethousandstoreplaceallthis.Andthenwe’llhavetostart
again,fromscratch!”

“Hellofashame,boss,”Pikesaid.Helookednervous.Reallynervous.“Whatahellofashame!”

Mickwasmorevocalasheswungtowardtheremainsofthederrick.Hemutteredallthewayuptoit
andturnedtocallhiscrewtostartpickingupthestrewnmaterials.

He’sjustopenedhismouthwhentherewasanominousrumble.

“Getthehelloutofthere,Mick!”Calshouted.

TheIrishmanmadeitinthenickoftime,asmoremudcamespewingoutinaflood.Butthistimeit
didn’tendwithmud.Themudwasfollowedbyacolumnofgas.Andthatwasfollowedwithin
seconds…byathick,green,solidflow…ofoil!

“Oil!”Mickscreamed.Hisvoicedidn’tevensoundhuman.Heheldouthisarms,anditcoveredhim,
oozeddownhisclothingintohisshoes.“Oil,oil…!”

Calhadbeenholdinghisbreath.NowhethrewdownhishatandranintotheflowwithMick.

Thetwoofthemgrabbedeachotherinbearhugsandthenbegantodanceliketwocrazypeople.

EvenreservedPikejoinedin,alongwiththeothermen.Noralaughedandcriedallatonceasshe
realizedwhathadhappened.Cal’sgamblehadpaidoff.Theyweregoingtobevery,veryrich.

Calsawherstandingontheporchandranuptograbherinagreasybearhug,liftingherclearofthe
woodenflooring.

“We’vedoneit,”helaughed.“We’vedoneit,we’vedoneit,Nora—we’resetforlife!”

“Yes,Iknow,”shelaughed.Sherubbedatthethickoilonhisface,buthepulledhercloseandkissed
her.Shedidn’tseemtomindthetasteofit,orthegrimeofhisbody,sohekissedheragain.Andfora
fewgloriousseconds,theywerealoneinaworldoftheirown.

Thenthelandscapeexplodedwithpeople,inbuggies,onhorseback,onfootfromthecamparound
them.Peoplecametoexclaimoverthewell,tocongratulatethem,tooffersuggestions.

WhileCalandNoraansweredthegreetings,Pikewastalkingtoastrangerinasuitandlooking
nervouslytowardtheporch,whereCalwasstanding.Nora’seyesnarrowed.Somethingvery
suspiciouswasgoingon.ShehopedthatPikehadn’tdoneanythinginCal’sabsencethatwouldputa
damperonthisglorioustriumph.ShewasgoingtohavetotalktohimaboutPike.

Shetried,whenthebulkofthewell-wishershadgonehome,amongthemCaptainLucashimself.

“Listen,Cal,”shebeganwhilehewastryingtowashsomeoftheoilfromhisface.“AboutPike…”

“WhataboutPike,dearest?”hemurmuredintohistowel.“He’sasdeliriousastherestofus.”

“Didyouseehimtalkingtothatmaninthesuit?”

“Hmmm,”heagreed,wipingathiseyes.“Thatwasoneofthenewlawyersintown.Imethimearlier.
HeandPikearefriends,that’sall.”

Norahadanunpleasantfeelingthatfriendshipwasnotwhathaddrawnthosetwomentogether.

ButnotforalltheworldcouldshedoanythingtodampenCal’sspirits.

“Thiswon’tdoatall,”hemutteredwhenhesawtheresidueofoilthatcoveredhim.“NotthatI’m
complaining.”Hechuckledwhenhesawthesmudgeshe’dleftalloverher.“Butwe’llnevergetclean
inabasin.Comeon.We’llcheckintoahotelandhaveproperbathsintown.AndthenyouandIand
thiscrewaregoingtocelebrate.Infact,”headded,swinginghergentlyaround,

“we’regoingtobuyallthechampagneinthesaloonanddrinkourselvesrighttoheaven.”

“Idon’tdrink,”shefaltered.

“Youwilltonight,”heassuredher,withagrinthatmadeherheadwhirl.“Becausewehavejusthitone
ofthebiggestoilstrikesinhistory.AndthereisnowayI’mgoingtocelebratethatwithoutmywife!”

ChapterEighteen

Thecelebrationwasloud,butnobodyinthesaloonseemedtomind,evenwhenglasseswerebroken.
CalpouredchampagneandurgeditonNora,whofeltconspicuousastheonlywomanintheplace.
Well,exceptfortwowomenwhohadcomeinwiththemen.Theyweredressedinlow-cutmuslin
dresses,andtheyhadeyesashardastheirhandslookedsoft.TheygrinnedatNora,whogrinnedback
eventhroughherblushes.

“Youwantedtoknowwhattheylookedlike,”Calwhisperedinherear.“Nowyoudo.”

Shehitathim.

“Drinkup,”hechallenged.Hewasrelaxedandgettingmoresobytheminute,hiseyesglitterywith
pleasureashewatchedhisshywife.Overtwomonthsofholdingherwithoutanythingmoreardent
hadtakenitstollonhim.Ifhehadn’thadthearduousquestforoiltooccupyhim,hethought,he
mighthavebeenclimbingwallsortreeingthetownbynow.HewantedNoradesperately,butdespite
thegainsinhealthshehadmade,hedidn’twanttoputheratriskjustyet.He’dmadesurethatshe
didn’thavetodolaundryorhaulwaterfromthewellonthepropertyordoanythingexceptthevery
lightestofchores.She’dspentmostofhertimeknittingandtryingnewrecipes.Hewastruly
astoundedatthedifferencebetweenthewomanhe’dmarriedandtheNorawholivedwithhimnow.
Buttherewerethingsthathadn’tchanged,likeherimpishsenseofhumorandgallantspirit.Hefound
himselfmoreinlovewithhereveryday.

Heoftenwonderedaboutherownfeelings,butshe’dbecomeadeptathidingthemmostofthetime.
He’dbeenunkindtoher.Hedidn’tliketothinkthathemighthavekilledanydeeperfeelingsthat
she’dharboredbeforeshelostthebaby.

Whenhewasn’tworking,they’dspenttimetalkingaboutgeneralsubjects,likethecontinuously
changingsituationinSouthAfricawiththeBoerWar,andthedeathofQueenVictoriaandthe
coronationofKingEdward.Shementionedthatshehadbeenintroducedtothemonarch,andthatshe
thoughtVictoria’sdeathhadalottodowiththeworrythatstemmedfromtheBoxerRebellionin
ChinaandtheBoeruprising.Oncehewouldhavebristledatthereferencetohersuperiorsocial
status.Nowheonlysmiledindulgently.

IthadamazedherhowmuchtimeCalhadtospendonthatrig.Someonehadtowatchitallthetime,
nightandday,andhetooknotonlyhisownshift,butsometimesstayedevenlongertohelpthemen.
Thereweretimes,Noratoldhim,whenshethoughtshehadmarriedaghost.Thatamusedhim,but
sheknewthatwhathewasdoingwasfortheirfutureandshenevercomplained.

Hefoundherquitecomplex,nowthatshewasrelaxedwithhim,andheenjoyedtheirtalksand
debates.ShewasequallycomfortablediscussingthepoliticalsituationwithMcKinley’sreelectionand
thepriceofeggsintown.

Whenhewasfree,onSundays,theywenttoaMethodistchurchinBeaumontandhadthemiddaymeal
intheboardinghousewheretheystayedinfrequentlytohaveabathandrest.

ShehadaskedifhisfamilywasMethodist,andheassuredherthattheywere.Butshenoticedthathe
didnotliketospeakofhisfamilyandthathebecameirritatedifsheaskedquestionsaboutthem.He
hatedbeingthatway.Itwasjustthathisguiltwasever-present.Eventhoughtheyhadgrowncloser
together,heworriedabouthereventualreaction,becauseonedayshewouldhavetoknowwhohe
wasandwhohispeoplewere.

Meanwhile,hediscoveredthatshehadsufferedfrequentmishapsasachild,andthatdespitebeing
pampered,shehadanadventurousspirit.Hespokelittleofhisownchildhood,excepttorecallthatit
hadbeenboisterousandheandhisbrothershadbeenhappy.Hewantedtotellhereverything,
includinghowcloseheandKinghadbeenandthemisadventurestheyhadshared.

Oneday,hepromisedhimself,hewould.

“Youareverydeepinthought,”shesaid.

Drawnoutofhiscontemplation,hesmiledatheracrossthetable.“Andyouareverypretty,”hesaid,
watchingherbrightenatthecompliment.“Anduncomfortable?”heprobeddelicately.

Shewassittingstiffly,glancingaroundasifshewereafraidsomeonemightseeherhere,inasaloon.

“Cal,Ihavelivedsuchastuffylife,”sheconfessed,laughing.“Youmustmakeafewallowancesfor
me.”

“You’redoingfine,”hesaidenthusiastically.“Exceptthatyouaren’tdrinkingthatchampagne.

It’sthebesttheyhad.French,andofanexcellentvintage.”

Oftenhecameoutwithremarkslikethat.HeknewthingsthatshouldhavebeenGreektoaworking
cowboy,likethefactthatherhatscamefromParisandwhatvintageagoodwine,orchampagne,was.
HespokequiteintelligentlyaboutpoliticsintheStatesandevenoverseas,andhewasperfectlyat
homeinthebestrestaurantinBeaumont,withtablemannersandcharmthatwouldhavebefitted
royalty.HeamazedNorawithhisgifts.Shehadhadnoopportunitybeforetoseehowversatilehe
was,orhoweducated.

“Ishouldn’tknowthat,shouldI?”hemurmured,alittlelessreservedthanusual.Helaughedather
expression.“Well,Iwasn’talwaysacowboy,”hetoldher.“I’veworkedinoilfieldsandI’vespent
timeinNewYork.I’veevenbeenoverseas,overmostofEurope,infact,andnotjustwhenIwasan
armyofficerinCuba.”

Anofficer!Shehadn’tknownthat.

“Anofficer?”sheventured,hopingtodrawhimout.

“IthoughtIwasgoingtobeacareerman.IenlistedtenyearsbeforetheSpanish-AmericanWar,two
yearsafterIwentofftocollege,whenIwasyoungandfullofvinegar.Irosetotherankofcolonel
andmusteredoutafterthewarwasover.”

Shewastooimpressedtobeabletohideit.Therevelationwasshockingtoawomanwho’daccepted
thatherhusbandwasanuneducatedcowboy.

Hesmiledatherlazily.“Wouldyouhavelikedbeingthewifeofacareerofficer,Iwonder?Itwould
havesuitedyou,givingafternoonteasandentertainingdignitariesfromWashington.”

Sheflushed.“Iliketheoilbusinessjustasmuch,”shesaidstoutly.“AndIevenenjoyedranching,just
atthelast.”

“Youliebeautifully,”heaccusedsoftly.

Herhandliftedtheglasstoherlipsandshesippedit.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshe’dtasted
champagne.She’dforgottenhowsmoothandfragrantagoodvintagewas.Hereyesclosedandshe
murmuredwithdelight.

“Anexcellentbouquet,isitnot?”heaskedashefinishedhisglassful.“Ihavenothadbettersince
Paris.”

Shewaslearningalotabouthermysterioushusband.Hewastraveledandhehadbeenanofficer,so
perhapshewasinlongenoughtohavebeengivenapension.Thatwouldexplainwherehegotthe
moneytofinancehisoilwell.Butifhehadgonetocollege,wherehadthatmoneycomefrom?

Shelookedaround,frowningwhenshesawhiscrew.“WhereisMr.Pike?”sheaskedcuriously,
becauseshedidn’tseehimwiththecelebrants.

“Godknows.He’sprobablypassedoutandgonetohisroom.”Hechuckled.“He’dbettergetbackon
hisfeetquick.Itwilltakeallofustocapthedamnedthing.”

“Ihadforgottenthatitwouldbenecessary.”

“Yes,well,youcan’tpipeoilthat’sshootingupintothesky,”hemused.

“Ididrealizethat,”shelaughed.Shelethimfillherglassagain,andshebegantobemoreandmore
relaxedasshedrankit.

Calgotquieterbytheminute.Hedidn’tseemtobeaviolentmaninhiscups,buthelookedatherina
dark,broodingwaythatwasveryexciting.Afterhersecondglassandhisthird,hestoodupsuddenly
andtookherbythehand.

“Timeweleft,”hesaid,sweepinguphishat.“Saygood-night.”

Shecalledhergoodbyestothemen,whowerealittletoohappytonotice,andfollowedCaloutinto
thenightair.

Hetookherbacktotheboardinghouse,upthestairsandintotheroomthey’drented.Butforonce,he
didn’tleavehertogetreadyforbedandthencomeinaftershewasasleep.Helockedthedoorand
proceededtoundressher,withallthelightson.

“Youmustn’t!”shegasped,becauseithadbeenalongtimeindeedsincehe’dlookedather,andshe
wasshy.

Helaugheddeepinhisthroat.“Doyouwantthelightsout?”hechided.

“Well…yes!”

“Allright,chicken.”

Heturnedoutthegaslampsandthenstumbledbacktoherinthedarkness,laughingalittleunsteadily.

“Cal,yousaidthatwewouldn’t,”shebegan.

Hepulledhertohimandhismouthfoundhers.Eveninhislessthansobercondition,hewastender
andexpert.Sheleanedintohistallbodyandfelthishandsslideuptocupandcaressherfullbreasts.
She,too,waslessthansober.Heeasedherdownontothebedand,betweenkisses,removedevery
stitchofclothing,firstfromherbody,andthenfromhisown.Thenheproceededtomakeher
mindlesswithanuninhibitedardorthathe’dnevershownherbefore.

Bythetimehemovedoverher,shewastotallyreceptivetohim,herlegspartedeagerly,herbody
liftingtoacceptthedeep,slow,achingpenetrationofhis.

Hemurmuredsomethingsharplyanddrewinhisbreathashefeltherabsorbhiminherwarmth.

Hefeltforhermouthinthedarkness,andhisbreathjerkedintoherlipsasheleveredupandbeganto
moveonhertautbody.

Allatonce,theabstinenceandhisneedbrokethroughthereservehe’dalwaysshownher.Hegroaned
harshlyandhishandsgrippedherhips.Hewhisperedthingsthatbroughtthebloodtohisface,and
suddenlytherewasaviolenceofpassioninhimthatwouldhavefrightenedheronlymonthsbefore.
Nowitkindledaheatthatwasstartlinginitssuddennessandintensity.

Hedroveintoherlikeawildman,hishandstouchingherinwayshe’dnevertouchedher,hismouth
onherbreasts,onherlips,asherolledoverandbackagainwithherbodyjoinedtohis,pullingand
pushinganddraggingheragainsthimuntilshewasmindlesswithdesire.

Shepleadedwithhimforsomerelieffromtheagonyofhungerhemadeherfeel,hervoicehigh-
pitchedandsobbingatthelast.

Hestopped,poisedjustaboveher,hisbreathcomingquickandraggedwhilehewaited.

“Please,”shesobbed,shiveringasshetriedtolift,tobringhimback.“Oh…please…Ican’t…live…if
youstop!”shewailed.

Hewhisperedtoher,hisvoiceadeepdrawlinthesilenceoftheroomashetoldhergraphicallywhat
hemeanttodo.Shewhisperedback,shockingthings,provocativethings.Herbodyarchedslowly
untilherspinewasstrained,andsheshiveredasshefelthimbegintoleverdownoverher.Shewished

thatshehadn’twantedthelampsout,becauseshewantedtoseehisface.Shewantedtoseehiseyes.

“No!”hesaidjerkilywhenshetriedtoengulfhim.Hishandcaughtherhipandstayeditsmovement.
“No.Liestill.”

“Ican’t!”shewhispereddesperately,grittingherteethasthetensiongrewbeyondbearing.

“Youcan,”hesaidintohermouthasheliftedagain.“I’mgoingtotakeyoubreathbyachingbreath.
Just…like…this.”

“Oh,Iwantyou,”shesobbed,clinging.

“Archyourhipstomine,very,veryslowly,”hebitoff.Heeaseddown,stopped,listenedtoher
sobbingbreaths.Hemovedagain.Itwaskillinghim,too,butheknew,asshedidn’tyet,theviolence
ofcompletionitwasgoingtogivethemboth.

“Cal,”shewept.

“Liftup,”hewhispered.“Justalittle,sweetheart,justalittle.Wait,now.Don’tmove.”

“Please,”shewhimpered,shivering.“Oh,please!”

Hefeltherfingernailsbitinghelplesslyintohisshoulders.Heknewtothesecondwhenshewasgoing
togoovertheedge,andwhenhefelthercontrolgocompletely,hepusheddown,ashardashecould.

Therewerenowordsforwhatshefeltthen.Shecriedouthoarsely,stiffened,andabruptlylost
consciousnessinaburstofhotpleasurethatsurpassedanythingshe’deverexperiencedinherentire
life.

Poisedontheedge,Calwentoverwithher,hisbodyclenchingwithanguishedpleasure.Helaughed
harshlyandgroaned,hisvoiceloudinherearsasheconvulsedoverher.Itneverseemedtoend,the
washofhelplessecstasythattensedandreleased,tensedandreleased,untilhewasonelongthrobof
satiation.

Norawasgaspingforbreathwhenthespinningstoppedandhecouldmakehislungswork.

Underhim,herbodywastremblinganddampwithsweat.Hecouldfeeltheheatofitlikeabrand,and
hesmiled,exhausted.Hecouldn’tevenmoveoffher,fortheexquisitefatiguehefelt.

“Likedying,”hewhispereddrowsily.“Toomuchpleasureforevenasainttobear.Sogood,Nora,
mydarling.ThesweetestsensationI’veeverfeltinmylife!”

Sheclungtohim,herfaceburiedinhishotthroatasshecamebacktoawareness.Heslumped,and
shefelthisbreathinggrowdeepandsteady.Hehadfallenasleep,buthisweightwasprecious,
delightful.Sheheldhimtoher,herbodystilllockedtohisintimately,andafteraminute,she,too,fell
asleep.

SOMETIMEDURINGTHENIGHT,theyhadseparatedandgottenunderthecovers.Calwokeupfirst

whenthelightcameinthewindow,groaningashefeltthesizeofhishead.Onlythreeglassesof
champagne,buttheyhadbeenbigglassesandonanemptystomach.Hetriedtositupandtooktwo
triesmanagingit.

Hemoved,awareofafaintsorenessthatcarriedmorethanatraceofrememberedpleasure.Hiseyes
turnedtotheothersideofthebedandhewentverystill.

Norawaslyingbesidehim,totallynaked,withthesheetthrownoffandherbodyopentohiseyes.He
hadhadherinthenight.Ittooknosecond-guessingtoknowit.Shewassmilinginhersleep,and
whenhemoved,herbodywrithedsensuously,asifinmemoryoftheexplosiveculminationhe’d
giventhemboth.

Hisfirst,terrifyingthoughtwasthattherecouldbeachild.Hewasobviouslyfertile,andwhatthey
hadshared,evenwiththealcoholtoenhanceit,hadbeenuniqueinhisexperience.Hecouldnot
rememberonesingleencounterthathaddealthimsuchadevastatingclimax.

Shestirredagain,andhereyesopenedslowly.Theymethisandshewentscarlet.

“Youshouldblush,”hesaidinasterntone.Thenhesmiledwickedly.“MyGod!”

Herhandgrabbedforthesheetanddraggedituptoherchin.Overit,herhorrifiedwideblueeyes
methis.

“Youdidit!”sheaccused.“Yougotmedrunkandseducedme!Itwasn’tmyfault!”

“Ididn’treallymeanto,youknow,”hedefendedhimselfweakly.“Butallthatchampagne…”

Sheclutchedthesheettighter.“Ishallfollowthatwoman’sfootstepsandtakeanaxtothesaloontoday
withoutfail,”sheassuredhim.“NowthatIhavetrulyexperiencedtheevilsofdrink.”

Hequirkedaneyebrowinherdirection.“Didyousay‘evils’?Youdidn’tseemtothinksolastnight,”
hepointedout.

Shewentabsolutelyscarletandhereyesfell.“Ihaveneverhadmorethanasmallglassofwineinmy
lifeuntillastnight,”shebeganinself-defense.

“Oh,Ihavenoquarrelwithyourbehavior,Nora.Infact,ittemptsmetosendoutforseveralcasesof
champagne,”hemusedashewatchedher.

“Youroué!”shegasped.

Hetuggedthesheetoutofherhandsandrolledherintohisarms.“Admittedly,”hemurmuredashe
easedherdownonthebedandhismouthfoundhers.Innotimeatall,herweakstrugglesceasedand
sheclungtohisstrength.

Heliftedhisheadandsearchedhersofteyes.“Itriedtospareyouthehardshipofanotherpregnancy,”
hebegan.

Sheputherfingersoverhismouth.“Iamstrongnow,”sheassuredhim,hereyesbrightandhappy.
“AndIwouldverymuchliketo…feelagainthewayyoumademefeelinthedarknessofthenight,”
shewhispered.

“SowouldI,”hesaidhungrily.Hethrewoffthesheetandbentagaintohermouth.“Ifachildcomes
ofit,Godknows,Ishallnotmind,”hewhisperedardently.Andthenhesaidnothingmoreforalong,
longtime.

THEWELLWASCAPPEDwithoutPike,whohadapparentlyvanishedintothinair.Cal,sensing
trouble,wenttoseethelocalconstableinBeaumontandexplainedthesituation.Theotherofficers
werealertedtowatchoutfortheman,buthedidnotappear.Onahunch,Calwenttotheofficeofthe
newlawyerintownwhohadbeenfriendlywithPike,buttheofficewasclosed,andnodefinitetime
statedforthereturnofitsoccupant.

“Ican’tfindPike,”CaltoldNorawhenhereturnedtothecabinlater.Hescowled.“Idon’tlikethe
lookofthings.Hewasgoodathisjobandcamehighlyrecommended.NowIfeelmuchless
confidentabouthim.”Hestaredatheracrossthetable.Theywereeatingalightsupper.“Younever
likedhim.Ishouldhavetrustedyourinstincts.”

“I’mnotsotrustworthy,”shesaidwithasmile.“Ididn’tlikeyouatfirst.”

Hiseyessoftenedonherprettyface.“Ifoundyouenchanting,”hesaid.“Prettyandspirited,andvery
muchonyourdignity.Afterawhile,Icouldthinkofnothingexceptyou.”

Shereachedoutandtracedherfingersoverthebackofhishand.“You’renotsorrythatyouwere
forcedintomarriage?”sheasked.

Hishandturnedandcapturedhers.“Iloveyou,”hesaidgently,andhiseyeslookedstraightintohers.
“OfcourseI’mnotsorry.”

Sheflushed.Itfeltasifaboltoflightninghadenteredherbody.“Whatdidyousay?”

“ThatIloveyou,”herepliedsimply.Heliftedherpalmtohislipsandkissedithungrily.“Howcan
younotknow,afterwhatwesharedinourroomthenightofthecelebration?”

“Iknowsolittleofmen,”sheadmitted.

“Thenletmereassureyouthatitisnotquiteanormaloccurrenceforawomantofaintandamanto
soblikeachildinthethroesofecstasy.Ourexperiencewassomewhatoutoftheordinary.”

“I…thoughtso,butIhadnowayofknowing.Eveninthepast,whenweweretogether,Ihadnotfelt
quiteso…so…complete,”shesaidfinally.

Hesighed,watchingherlovingly.“Andyou,Nora?”heasked.“Istheresomesmallpartofyouthat
stilllovesme,evenafterthepainIgaveyou?”

Shelookedshocked,andforaminute,heheldhisbreath,waitingforhertospeak.“Why,Ihavenever

stoppedlovingyou,”shefaltered.“Inevershall.”

Heheldherhandtohischeekandclosedhiseyesinasurgeofoverwhelmingjoy.“ThankGod,”

hewhispered.

“Yousillyman,”shelaughedgently.“Asiflovecanwearoutonaman’sbadtemper!Asmuchasyou
growlwhenyouareworking,mineshouldhavefledforthehillsmonthsago!”

“I’msogladthatitdidn’t,”hewhispered.“Comehere,darling.”

Shegotup,andhepulledherdownontohislap,kissingheruntilherheadswamandhisbodymade
emphaticstatementsaboutitsimmediateneeds.

“Yes,”shemurmuredagainsthismouth,andcurledcloser.

Hestoodup,withNorainhisarms,dazedenoughtostarttowardthebedeventhoughitwasstilllight.

Thesoundoffootstepsontheporchhaltedhim.Hisheadliftedtowardthedoorandhestoodthere
withhisburden,disoriented.

Theknockwashard.“Mr.Barton?There’samanoutherewithsomesortoflegalpaper.Hewantsto
talktoyou!”

“I’llberightout!”Calcalledback.

HeeasedNoraontoherfeetandtheyexchangedworriedglances.

“IbetthishassomethingtodowithPike,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.

Heopenedthedoorandsteppedontotheporch,withaflushedNoraathisside.

Thesheriffstoodthere,hisbadgebrightagainsthissuitcoat,afoldedpaperinonehand.“Mr.

Barton?”heasked,pausingjustlongenoughtosweepoffhishatandnodrespectfullyatNora.

“Yes,”Calconfirmed.

“I’mSheriffCulpepper.”Theyshookhands.“Ihavetoserveyouwiththispaper.It’sanenjoinment
againstyouroilwellthereandpreventsyoufrommakinganylegaldecisionsuntilownershipofitis
establishedincourt.”

“Ihavenoneedtolookatthesignaturetodecidewhosehandiworkthisis,”Calsaidheavily.

“Pike.”

“Mr.Pikeandhisattorney,Mr.Bean,metwiththejudgethismorningtohavethepaperdrawnup,”
SheriffCulpeppersaid.“Now,mostofusintownknowthatyouwerethebossoftheoutfitandPike

wasjustanemployee.Butthatlawyerhasawaywithwords,andhe’saboutthenearestthingtoa
silver-tonguedoratorthatanybodyinthesepartshaseverseen.Youwantsomeadvice,Mr.Barton?
Getyourselfthemostexpensivecitylawyeryoucanafford.You’regoingtoneedhim.Goodday,
ma’am,”headdedtoNora.

Theywatchedhimgoouttohishorse,mountitandrideaway.

“DamnPike!”Calsaidangrily.

Shetookthepaperfromhimandreaditover.“Cal,whatshallwedo?Withthewellenjoined,wehave
nomoney,havewe?”

Heglanceddownatherandsmiledgently.“Don’tworry.Iwon’tletyoustarve.”

“Itisn’tthat,notatall,andyouknowit,”shesaidfirmly.Herbrowfurrowed.“IfIweretoapologize
tomyfather,”sheaddedtightly,“perhapshewouldbewillingtosendhisownattorneyouthere—”

“Youarenotapologizing,”hesaidquietly.“Notever.Youdidnothingtoapologizefor.”

“Butwhatshallwedo?”sheaskedmiserably.“WecannotjustletPikecomeinandtakeouroilwell!”

Heranagentlehandoverherchestnuthair,lovingitssilkiness.Itdistractedhim.“Wearenottotally
withoutoptions,”hesaid.

Mickcamerunningupwiththemenasthesheriffwentoutofsight.“Whatisit?”Mickasked.

“It’saninjunction,isn’tit?”hedemanded,reddening.“ThatPikefellow!Isawhimmeetingwiththat
citylawyerseveraltimesandwouldhavementionedit,butIfigureditwasyourownbusinesshewas
conducting,soIkeptmymouthshut.Morefool,me!”

Calgrinnedathim.“Notyourfault,Mick.Anddon’tlookasiftheworldhasended.Wehaven’teven
firedthefirstsalvoyet!”

“Thatlawyerissmart.He’sfromChicago,youknow,”hesaid.“Iheardtalkofhimintown.

Theysayhehasnopeerinacourtoflaw.”

“Oh,Ithinkhemayhaveoneortwo,”Calreplied.Therewasatwinkleinhiseyesthatescaped
description.Norawonderedwhatitmeant,butheclammedupandsaidnomoreaboutitjustthen.

ThenextmorninghewenttotownandsentawirethroughthelocalWesternUnionofficetoLatigo.

ChapterNineteen

CaltookNoraintotowntwodayslatertomeetthetrain.Heaskedhertodressnicely,inoneofher
neatbluesuitswithalacyblouseandherParishat.Hedidn’ttellherwhy,andallherurgings
wouldn’tproduceonesinglestatementastowhathisplanswere.Hewasthemostsecretiveand
exasperatingmanshehadeverknown.Shetoldhimso,frequently,tonoeffect.

Threemengotoffthetrain,tobewarmlygreetedbyCal.HetuggedNorauptomeetthem,hiseyes
beamingwithprideasheintroducedher.

Theeldesthaddarkeyesandsilverhair.BrantCulhaneshookherhandwarmlyandheexpressedhis
regretsthathiswife,Enid,hadn’tbeenabletomakethetripwithhim.PerhapsCalwouldbringNora
tomeether,headdedwithapointedlookathisson.

TheoldestsonlookedsomuchlikeCalthatNorawastakenaback.

“Why,youlookjustlikeCal!”sheexclaimedwhentheyshookhands.

Heshookhishead.“Helookslikeme,”hecorrected,andhissilver-grayeyes,lighterthanCal’s,
dancedastheymethisbrother ’s.

“Weusedtoplaykingofthemountainasboys,”Caldrawled.“Heusuallywon.That’showhegotthe
nickname.King,”headdedwhenshelookedpuzzled.

“Why,younamedyourhorse—”shebegan.

“AndthisisAlan,”heinterruptedher,althoughKinghadalreadycaughtonandwaschuckling
silently.

Alansteppedforwardandbroughtherhandtohislips,kissingitwithexquisitecourtesy.“Itisa
pleasuretomeetmylovelysister-in-lawatlast,”hesaid,withaglareatCal.“Onewouldhavethought
thattheintroductionswouldtakeplacebeforethewedding,wouldn’tone?”

NorarecalledwhyCalhadn’twantedhertomeethisfamily,andshelookedwounded.

Hepulledherclose.“It’salongstory,”hetoldtheothers.“I’lltellyouallaboutitwhenIgetthe
chance.Rightnow,myplateisfull.”

“Notforlong.”Brantturnedandmotionedtotwowell-dressed,dignifiedmencarryingvalises.

“Mr.BrooksandMr.Dunn,”heintroduced.“They’refromNewYork.Theyhandleallourfamily
business,”headdedwhenNoralookedpuzzled.

Calshookhandswiththem.Mr.Brookswasshortanddarkandhadanintelligentface.Mr.

Dunnwasastartlingcontrast;hewastallandelegant-looking,withpaleblueeyesandwavydarkhair.
WhenhelookedatNora,shefeltachillrightdowntohertoes.Hewaspoliteenoughashetippedhis

hat,buthehadalookthatshehopednevertohavetosustainacrossacourtroom.

She’dneverseenamanwholookedlesslikeanattorney,andwhenhespoke,hisculturedvoicehada
fewlingeringtracesofaTexasdrawl.

Watchingthementalkasshestoodonthesidelines,Norabegantofeelundercurrents.Whatfamily
business?WhywouldCal’sfatherneedafirmofNewYorkattorneys?Forthefirsttime,shenoticed
thewayhisfatherandbrotherweredressed,anditdawnedonherthattheywerenorustichayseeds.
Thesewerepowerful,wealthymen.WasCalsomesortofblacksheep,washeanoutcast,forcedto
workforwagesonaranch?Shemustgetthetruthoutofhim.Therehadbeenonetoomanysecrets
betweenthemalready.

“There’sanexcellenthotelintown,”Calwastellingthemen.“Anditservesmealsthatrival
Mother ’s.”

“Nobodycookslikeyourmother,”Brantsaidwithawistfulsmile.

“Nora’sonherwaytosuchproficiencyinthekitchen,”Calremarkedashedrewhiswifeclose
againsthisside.

Shesmiledattheothermen.“Whathemeansisthatmybiscuitsnolongerbouncewhenthey’re
dropped,”shesaid.

Theylaughed,butwithoutmalice.“WhenyoumeetEnid,gethertotellyouaboutthefirstturkeyshe
preparedformewhenwewerenewlymarried,”BrantsuggestedtoNora.“It’llmakeyoufeelless
self-consciousaboutyourearlydaysinthekitchen.”

Norasmiled.“Thatwouldbenice,”shesaid,butinsideshewaswonderingandworryingifCalstill
wasashamedofher.Hewantedherandheprofessedtoloveher,buttherewasstillthefactthathehad
neversuggestedtakingherhometohisfamily—especiallytomeethismother.Itwastheonething
thatkeptherhappinesswithhimfrombeingcomplete.

Thereweremeetingswithhisfamilyandthelawyersfortherestoftheweek.Thecourtcasewasset
forthefollowingMonday,andCalspentmostoftheweekendatthehotel.Noracookedmealsthat
wereignoredorforgotten.Shefeltneglectedherself,althoughsheknewitwasforthesakeoftheir
future.Shecouldn’thelpbutwonderifitwasallbusiness,orifCalwaskeepingherawayfromhis
familyforsomereasonofhisown.

ACTUALLY,HEWAS.Hedidn’twantthemtoletanythingslipabouthislifebeforehemether.He
stillhadthatobstacletoclearoncethethreatofPikewasoutoftheway.

“She’sverypretty,”Brantremarkedoveradrinkinthesaloon.“Andobviouslysheadoresyou.”

“Andviceversa,”Kingmurmuredwithtwinklingeyes.“Caughtatlast,aren’tyou,oldson?”

“Caughtandtied,”Calagreed.Hefingeredhiswhiskeyabsently.“Shedoesn’tknowanythingabout
us.Ididn’twanttotellheratfirst.NowIdo,butIcan’tdecidehow.She’sgoingtohatemewhenshe

knowsallofit.IfI’dtakenherhomeinthefirstplace,insteadofdumpingherintoacabinatthe
Tremayneranchwithoutevenadecentstove…”Hegroanedandthrewdowntherestofhiswhiskey.
“IfI’dbeenhalfwayhumanaboutit,she’dneverhavelostthebabyorsonearlyhavediedfrom
fever.”

“We’vebothseenfeverbefore,”Kingremindedhim.“It’streatable.Aslongassheisn’tovertired,she
shouldn’thavetoomanyboutsofit.”

“I’velookedafterherthistime,”Calreplied.“She’sbeenremarkablyhealthysincewe’vebeenin
Beaumont.”Hesmiled,thinkingofthatlong,exquisitenightthey’dspenttogetherandthosethathad
followed.Hewasstillconcernedaboutachildsosoonafterherillness,butshewasn’t.

Infact,shewasknittinglittlebooteesnow,inanticipationofachildthatwouldsurelyeventuatefrom
thefullnessoftheirinexhaustiblepassionforeachother.

“Youhavetotellher,”Kingsaid.“Itisn’tfairtolethergoonbelievingthatyou’reapoorcowboyor
apennilessoilprospector.”

“Imighthavebeen,”hepointedout.“Istillmay.BrooksandDunnmaynotbeabletostanduptothis
manofPike’sincourt.”

“Myboy,”Brantsaidgently,“youhavenotseenDunnbeforethebaryet.Reservejudgmentuntilyou
do.”

“Brooksistheresearchman,”Kingexplained.“Hedoesthelegwork.ButDunn…”Hepausedto
smilesecretively.“Well,waitandsee.”

Calwasunconvinced.Dunnlookedformidable,ofcourse,buttherewasmorethanlooksinvolvedin
winningatrial.Hebroodedaboutthecourtcase,cursedPikeforallhewasworth,cursedhimselffor
beingsostupidastoleavethemantohisowndevices.

Kingwalkedwithhimbacktothehotel.Thenightwasquietexceptforthenoiseofahurdy-gurdy
comingfromasaloonnearby.Eventhatwasapleasantsoundinthedarkness,brokenonlybyvoices
andthesoundofhorses’hoovesasbuggiespassedby.

“Weshouldn’thaveaskedyoutotakethatjobwithTremayne,”Kingsaidabruptly.“Ifyou’dbeen
here,onthespot,maybePikewouldn’thavegottensogreedy.”

Calshookhishead.“IfIhadn’ttakenthejob,I’dneverhavemetNora.Shewasworthlosingthe
damnedthing,ifitcomesdowntoit.Ihavenoregrets.”

“Whenareyougoingtotellherthetruth?”heasked.

Calstuckhishandsdeepinhispockets.“WhenIcan’tavoiditforoneminutelonger,”hesaid
doggedly.

Kinggrinned.“Yousoundjustlikeme.”

Calglancedathisbrother.“Iamjustlikeyou,”heremindedtheolderman.“That’swhyit’sjustas
wellthatyou’reinheritingLatigo,andIhaveanoilbusinesstobuildhereinEastTexas.We’dendup
squaringoffinthecorraltwiceadayovernothing.”

Kingchuckled.“Probably,”hehadtoadmit.“Allthesame,you’retheonlymanIknowthatIcanbare
mysoulto.”

“ThatmightflattermeifIdidn’tknowthatyouthinkofitastalkingtoyourself.”

“You’rethatmuchlikeme,”Kingadmitted,“thatit’sthesamething.”Hestoppedinfrontofthehotel,
hisfacesolemn.“WhatwillyoudoifthingsgoagainstyouMonday?”

Heshrugged.“I’llprobablyshootPike.”

“That’swhatIthought.Listen,Latigoisbigenoughforallofus.There’snoneed—”

Calclappedhisbrotheraffectionatelyontheshoulder.“Iwasjoking,”hesaidroughly.“ForGod’s
sake,Iwouldn’tleaveNorainthelurchbygettingmyselfthrowninjail!AndI’mnotgivingup.
Pike’stheonewhoshouldworry,ifBrooksandDunnareasgoodasyousay.”

“Youhaven’thadanyneedofthemovertheyears.Wehave,”Kingsaidquietly.“You’llseewhatI
mean.”

Calsighed.“Ihopeso.”

HEDIDN’TTELLNORAhowworriedhereallywas.Itwouldmeanstartingover,borrowingmore
capital,andtakinganotherhugegambleifPikewalkedoffwithhisoilwell.Hedidn’tknowexactly
whatPikewasplanningtodo,andeverythingdependedondocumentationandtheproficiencyofthe
familyattorneys.Hetriedtoremembereverystephe’dtakensincehe’dboughtthepropertyand
leasedthemineralrightsonlandthatadjoinedit.Butdespitehisbesteffortstocombthroughthe
paperwork,hecouldn’tfindaloopholethatPikecouldusetotakeoverthesite.Ontheotherhand,
Pikemighthaveanattorneydishonestenoughtomakeonethatwouldstandupincourt.

Hewouldn’treallyshoottheman,butitwastempting.Pikewouldhavegottenashare,justasallthe
menwhoworkedonthewellweregoingto.Calhaddecidedthatfromtheoutset.ButPikewas
greedy.Hewanteditall.Now,ifCalhadhisway,Pikewasgoingtoendupwithnothingatall,notone
dropofthecrudeoilthathadpouredoutofthatwell.

TherewasarumorthatoneofJ.D.Rockefeller ’speoplehadstoppedbytoaskquestionsaboutthe
newstrikethatCalandhispeoplehadmade.Themanhadn’tyetapproachedhim,butthatwouldbe
thenextstep.Inorderfortheoiltomeananyprofit,itwouldhavetobepipedoutandstoredand
refined.Calneededsomeonetoperformthatchoreforhim.Buthecouldn’tmakeonelegalmove
untiltheownershipofthewellwasassigned.

Mondaymorningcame,andNorasatstifflyinthecourtroomwithBrantandKingandAlan.Shewas
dressedinaverybecomingdarkbrownsuitwithwhitepipingandamatchinghatwithaprettybird
perchedjauntilyonthecrown.Shewatchedtheproceedingswithworriedeyes,glancingfromthe

attorney,Dunn,toherownCalsittingsoquietlybesidehimatthedefensetable.Themenbesideher
didn’tseemtobeworriedatall.King,infact,wassmiling.

Thejudgespoketobothattorneysbeforethecasebegan,andNoranoticedthatheseemedtoknow
Dunn.HewasmuchmorerespectfultohimthanhewastoBean,Pike’sattorney.

Pikewasincourt.Hewouldn’tlookattheothersideofthecourtroom,althoughhisbeadylittleeyes
keptdartingaroundrestlessly.

Hisattorneywasgood;verygood.Hestatedthedistortedfactsofthecase,twistedtomakehisclient’s
caselookstronger.Pikehadfiledapriorclaimontheoilwellsite,hetoldthecourt,andhehadthe
documentstoproveit.Cal,alreadyawareoftheattemptPikewasgoingtomakebecauseofBrooks’s
legwork,glaredfuriouslyattheavertedfaceofPike.Itamazedhimthatthemanwaswillingtotellan
out-and-outlieincourtandperjurehimselfforthesakeofmoney.HewonderedifPike’sattorney
knewitwasalie,andthatanydocumentsheproducedwouldhavetobeforged.

Pike’sattorneypresentedthosedocuments,alongwitheyewitnessaccountsofCal’slongabsences
fromthedrillsiteandthehardworkPikehaddonetobringinthewell.Whenhewasfinished,it
lookedasthoughPikehaddoneallthework,andCalhaddonenothingandwasnowtryingtojump
Pike’sclaim.

Pike’sattorney,Mr.Bean,satdownwithareassuringsmileinhisclient’sdirection.

ThenMr.Dunngottohisfeet.Hewasatall,slenderfigureashemovedlazilyaroundthecourtroom,
lookingatthejurywitheyesthepurepaleblueofawintersky.Heworeglasses,buttheyonly
emphasizedthestronglinesofhisface.Heheldasheafofpapersinonehandasheapproachedthe
bench.

“Mr.Bean’sargumentsarequiteinteresting,”heremarkedabsently.“Hestatesthathisclientdidmost
oftheworkbringinginthewellandthusdeservesthebulkoftheprofitfromit.Thisassertionis
ridiculous,soIwillnotdignifytheclaimbyarguingit.”Heplacedasheafofdocumentsatthe
judge’sfingertips.“However,theprosecution’sclaimthathisclienthasapriorclaimon—”hegave
thelotnumberandlocationofCal’soilwell“—isinvalid.Thesearethetitlesanddeedstotheland,
whichisownedbymyclient,”hesaid.“Theyhavebeendulynotarizedandtheiraccuracycanbe
vouchedforbywitnesseswhichthedefenseispreparedtointroduce.”

Hepickeduptheprosecution’sevidence,asheafofdocumentswithdatesonedaypriortoCal’sfiling
ontheclaim.

“Now,tothematterofMr.Pike’sallegedpriorclaim.”HelookedatPikewithafaintsmilethatwas
chilling.“AccordingtoinformationprovidedbyMr.Pike’sformerlandladyinNewOrleans,along
withaffidavitsfromtheownerofasalooncalled‘TheGator ’andan,ahem,employeeknownas
‘RoseLee’aswellasthelocalconstable,allofwhomwitnessedtheincident,onthedateofthe
aforesaiddocuments,Mr.Pikewasasdrunkasaskunkandsleepingoffhisexcessesinanupstairs
bedroomofthesaloon.Itwouldhavebeenphysicallyimpossibleforhimtosignadeedonthedatein
question.”HelookedstraightatPike,whowasjumpinguptoprotest,whilehisattorneytriedto

restrainhim.

“That’salie!”Pikeshouted.“Iwashere,righthere,inBeaumont!”

“Youwerenot,”Dunnrepliedcalmly.Hestuckhishandsinhispockets,andhisdeep,measuredvoice
filledthecourtroomasheturnedtostareatPike.“Andevenifyouhadbeen,yourfinanceswerenot
suchastopermittheexpenditureofsomuchmoneyforthetract.”

“Itwascheap,Itellyou!”Pikeburstout.

“Itwasbeyondyourpocket,”Dunncountered.“Norisitlogicalthatyouwouldhaveriskedsuchan
amountofmoneyonwhatwas,atthattime,averyslimchanceofsuccess.”

“Sir,youaccusemyclientwithoutproof!”Beanmanaged,takenabackbytherevelationsand
searchingdesperatelyforalegalfoothold.

“Doyouthinkso?”heasked.“Iapologizeforwastingthecourt’stimeonsuchatrivialand
unsubstantialbitofnonsense,”headded,andhissteelyeyesmadePikefidget.“Fornowhereinmy
experiencehasanemployeebeengivensuchtrustbyanemployerandyetabuseditsocompletely.Mr.
Pikewaspaidaweeklysalary,anexorbitantone,forhiseffortsinbehalfofmyclient.Butthethought
ofsomuchmoneyturnedMr.Pikeintoagreedymanwhowasmorethanwillingtobreakthelawin
ordertofurtherhisownfinancialambitions.Andyes,Mr.Bean,”hetoldtheprosecutingattorney,“I
cancertainlyprovethatthesignatureonthesedocumentsisforged.Ihaveafullconfessionfromthe
perpetrator,whommycolleague,Mr.Brooks,flushedoutonlythismorning.”

Mr.Beansatdown,lookingsick.HestaredatPike,whofinallygaveuptheunevenstruggleandhung
hishead.Havinganticipatedalongargument,flowerywordsandabattleofwitsbetweenthe
attorneys,Norasatnonplussed.

ThejudgepursedhislipsandlookedoverthedocumentsDunnhadgivenhim.“Thedeedsdoseemto
beinorder,”hemurmured.

Mr.Beanwasfuming.HeglaredatDunnandsuddenlygotup,demandingtobeallowedaccesstothe
documents.

Thejudgeagreed,handingthemover.

“Aha!”Beanshoutedashereadthenameonthedeeds.“Hereisfurtherproofofmyclient’sclaim.
Thisisfraudonthepartofthedefendant!Thisisnotthenameofthemansittingatthedefensetable!
Hehasmisrepresentedhisidentity,whichnegatesthewholematterofhisownership!”

Nora’sjawfell.Besideher,Branttookherhandandpatteditreassuringly,hiseyesurgingpatience.

ThejudgelookedatMr.Beanoverhisglasses.“YouhavenotlivedlonginTexas,haveyou,young
man?”

“Withallduerespect,yourhonor,whathasthattodowiththedocumentsinthiscase?”Beanasked.

ThejudgesmiledatCalandthepeoplesittingjustbehindhim.“Well,son,ifyouwereanative,you’d
recognizethatnameprettyquickly.Thefamilyisnotexactlyunknown,evenhereinEastTexas.In
WestTexas,they’resomethingofanempire.”

Beanwaslookinglessconfidentbytheminute.“Sir?”

“Letmeputitthisway,”thejudgecontinued,pushingthedocumentsaside.“Youknowhowthename
Rockefellerjustshoutsoil?”

Beannodded.

“Well,inTexas,thenameCulhanedoesthesamethingwithcattle.”

BeanturnedandstaredatCalwitheyesthatweresuddenlyfrightened.Calwasleaningback,withhis
legscrossed.HeglancedfromBeantoPike,wholookedlikeamanwho’djusttriedtoswallowa
watermelonwhole.Pike’sdistresswassoobviousthatCalalmostfeltsorryforhim.

HeknewwithoutadoubtthatifPikehadhadanyideaofhisidentity,he’dneverhaveattemptedthis.

Hedidn’twanttoturnaroundandlookatNora,whichwasjustaswell.Herexpressionhadrunthe
rangefromshocktodismaytoragingfury.BrantgrimacedatKingasheindicatedthewomanwhose
handheheldtightlyinhis.Hefeltalittlesorryforhisoil-huntingson.

“WestTexas?”Beanexclaimed,withnothoughtofcourtroomdecorum.“ThoseCulhanes?”He
whirledandwalkedbacktoPike,packeduphisvaliseandslammeditshutwithaspeakingglanceat
theskinny,beady-eyedmansittingbesidehim.“Iwithdrawfromthecase,YourHonor,”hetoldthe
judgerespectfully.HepickeduphiscaseandglaredatPike.“Youdamnedfool!”Hewalkedoutofthe
courtroomwithoutabackwardglance.

“Youarewithinyourrightstoappealmydecision,Mr.Pike,”thejudgetoldthemancurtly.“ButIfind
againstyou,andIassureyouthat,consideringthelegalityofthesedeeds,sowillanyothercourtof
law.Mr.Dunnisquitecorrectinhisassessment.Thiscaseisanunforgivablewasteofthecourt’s
time.Casedismissed!”Hisgavelsoundedandheleftthebench.

Pikehoveredaroundthedefensetable.“Mr.Culhane,Ididn’tknow,”hesaidhurriedly.“Ineverwould
have…Thatlawyer,hemademedoit!”hesaid,inspired.“That’sright,itwashisidea,hemade
me…!”

Dunnturnedthosepiercingblueeyesonhim.“Mr.Beanhasintegrity,”hesaid.“Andyouareasking
foracivilsuitforpublicembarrassmentanddesecrationofcharacterifyoupersist.”

Pikeswallowed.Hebackedaway.Foralawyer,thatfellowwasphysicallyintimidating.“Aboutthe
well,Mr.Barto…Imean,Mr.Culhane,”hecontinueddoggedly.

“Youwerepaidasalary,”Calsaid,risingfromthechair.Helookedmorethreateningthanthelawyer
had.“Ifyourun,notwalk,tothedoor,youmayjustmakeitoutoftownbeforeIbeatthelivinghell
outofyou!”Hemadeaquickmovement,andPiketookofflikeascaldeddogoutthecourtroom

door.

Kingchuckledashegottohisfeetwiththerestofhisfamily.“Somuchforthat.”

CalshookhandswithDunn.“You’reamazing.HowdidMr.Brooksgettheevidencesoquickly?”

Dunnsmiledsecretively.“Hedidn’t.Idid.Iknowmywayaroundthebackstreetseveninasmalltown
likethis,”hesaidsurprisingly.“Iknewthedocumentshadtobeforged,soIwentlookingfortheman
bestsuitedtodotheforgingatapricePikecouldafford.Icalledinafavorandfoundhim.It’sallina
day’swork.”HenoddedtowardtheCulhanes.“You’llhavemybillinthemail.I’llcollectBrooksand
we’llbeonthenexttraintoNewYork.”

“SeewhatItoldyou?”BrantaskedCal,afterhe’daddedhisthankstoCal’sandDunnhadleft.

Hegavehissonafatherlypatontheback.“ThiscasewasapieceofcaketoDunn.He’smuchmoreat
homeincriminalcases.I’veseenhimsendwitnessestothenearestbar.”

“Thatdoesn’tsurprisemeatall,”Calagreed.“Butsomehow,Dunndoesn’tlooklikealawyer,”

headdedthoughtfully.

“Well,hedidn’tstartoutthatway,”Kingsaidashejoinedthem,withNoralaggingbehind.“Hewasa
gunfighterinDodge.Hismotherbeggedhimtogoawayandgetaneducationbeforehewaskilledin
thestreets,andbysomemiracle,helistened.HewenttoNewYork,readlawatHarvardandbecamea
practicingattorney.”HechuckledatCal’sexpression.“HecanstillhandleaColt,youknow.Shota
maninDenverjustlastyearforpullingagunonhimincourt.”Heshookhishead.“I’mnotsurprised
thatthejudgerecognizedhim.Mostjudgesknowhim,evenouthere.”

Calwhistledthroughpursedlips.“Well!”Heturnedtofacehiswife,reluctantly.Shewasstaringat
himwitheyesthatweredemandingexplanationsandbloodallatthesametime.

“Oh,Nora,”hesaidheavily.“AtfirstIdidn’twanttotellyou,andthenIdidn’tknowhowtotellyou.”

SheturnedtoBrantwiththeshredsofherdignity.“Thankyouforcomingtohisaid,”shesaid.

“Atleasthewillhaveanoilwelltokeephimcompanyfortherestofhislife.”

“Now,now,”Brantsaidgently.“Iknowit’sashock,buthehadhisreasons.Itwasmyfault,really.I
wantedhimtohelpyourunclegetthatranchbackonitsfeet,buthewouldn’ttakeadvicefromanyof
us.Calwastheonlywaylefttokeephimfromlosingitalloveragain.”Heshrugged.“Ihatetoseea
goodranchergodown.Hisisoneofseveralranchesweown,butIhadasoftspotforhim.Soblame
me,notCal,forthedeception.”

Nora’seyeswerepained.“Heletmethinkhewasaworkingcowboy,”shesaid.“Hetookmetoa
cabinthatwouldbetoospartanforaconvict.Ilostmybabybecauseofit…!”

Sheturned,weeping,andranoutofthebuilding.

“Goafterher!”Kingsaidharshly.

Caldid,withoutfurtherurging.He’dneverfeltquitesoterribleinhislife.Thedayofreckoninghad
comeatlast,andhedidn’tknowhowtojustifywhathe’ddone.Hecouldn’t.Shewasrightaboutthe
costofhisdeception.Itdidn’tmatterwhosefaultitwas,hewasthemanshewasgoingtoblame.

Hefoundherpacking.Itwasn’tevensurprising.Hetookoffhishatandsatdownheavilyinan
armchairtowatchherwithdull,lifelesseyes.

Sheglancedtowardhim.Hereyeswerered,likeherface.Sheturnedbacktoherchore,andslammed
clothesintothetrunkwithnothoughtofthewrinklesshewascreatinginthem.Theyhadmovedinto
thehotelintown.Allherthingswereherenow.

“Doyouhavenoexcuseforme?”shedemandedbreathlessly.“Nojustification,noglibexplanation
forconcealingyouridentitysocompletelyfrommeoverthemonthswehavespenttogether?”

“Ihavenodefensewhatsoever,”heagreedheavily.“AtfirstIhiditbecauseChesterwasnottoknow
thatIwasthereonmyfamily’sbusiness.Then,whenyouseemedsoarrogantaboutmylackofsocial
status,IkeptupthedeceptioninahalfheartedefforttomakeyouacceptmeasIwas.”Hestaredathis
dustyboot.“WhenIaccomplishedthat,Iwastooashamedtotellyouthetruth.Youwouldnothave
lostthebabyifIhadnotplayedthefool.”

Shepausedtolookathim.Helookedshattered,andhersoftheartovercameherburstofbadtemper.
“Forgiveme.Ishouldnothavesaidsoterribleathingtoyou.Itwastheshockoflearningthatmy
husbandisnotwhoIthoughthewas.Iwasaterriblesnob,wasInot,Cal?”sheaddedsadly.“PerhapsI
neededalessoninhumility.Anditwasthefeverasmuchastheworkthatcostusourchild.Idon’t
blameyou.ItwasGod’swill.Iknowitinmyheartasmuchasyoudo.”

Heavertedhisface.“Perhaps.Thatdoesn’tassuagemyguilt.Ididwanttotellyouthetruth,Nora.It’s
justthatIknewthatyouwouldleavemeifIdid,andIcouldn’tbeartoloseyou.”

Sheturnedbacktohim,hereyeswide,astonishedattheexpressiononhisface.“Leaveyou!”

sheexclaimed.

Hisbreathcaughtwithexquisitejoy.Shelookedshocked.“You’renotleavingme?”heexclaimed.
“Butyou’repacking!”

“OfcourseI’mpacking,”shemutteredasshestuffedonelastsuitintothecase.

“Why?”

Shelookedathimasifhewerehopelesslybackward.“HowcanItravelwithoutmyclothes?Iam
goingtomeetyourmother,afterall.”

Hesmiled.“Youare?”

“Itnolongermattersifyou’reashamedofme,”shesaidangrily.“Iwishtoknowwhereyouliveand
everythingelsethereistoknowaboutyou.”

Hewasoutofhischairinaflash.Hehadheroffthegroundinhisarmsandhewaskissingher.

Sheclung,moaningsoftly,ashesatbackdowninthechairandturnedherintohischest.

“OfcourseI’mnotashamedofyou!Ineverwas.Iliedtosavemypride.”Heburiedhisfaceinher
neck.“IwantedyoutolovemeasIwas,regardlessofwhatyouthoughtme.”

“AndIdid.Youareasillyman,”shesaidagainsthisdevouringmouth,“ifyouthinkIwouldleave
younow.Iloveyoufartoomuch,andmymonthlyisoveraweeklate,andIlostmybreakfastthis
morning!Why,Cal!”sheexclaimed.

Heavertedhisface,butnotbeforeshehadseenthefaintglitterinhiseyesthatdenotedashockingly
suddenlackofcontrol.

“Oh,mydarling,”shewhisperedtenderly,pressingclose.Sheturnedhisfacetohersandkissedhis
weteyeswithlipsthatwerebreathlesslytender.

“It’smyfault.Itwastoosoon,”hebegan,fearfulforherhealth.

“Bosh!I’masstrongasahorse,andIwantthisbabysomuch.Ishallbefine.”Shekissedhimagain,
coaxinguntilhekissedherbackandsomeofthetensionlefthisbody.“Stopworrying,can’tyou?It
wasnotanyone’sfaultthatIbecamepregnant,itisanoccasionforjoy!Iloveyou!”

shewhispered.“Iloveyou,Iloveyou….”

Hestoppedthewordshungrilywithhismouth,overcomebyjoyandfearand,finally,unbearable
pleasure.Foralongtime,shecouldn’tmanagetogetanymorewordsout.

Aloudknockonthedoorfinallybrokethemapart.Caltookaminutetogethisbreathbeforehestood
upslowly,stillholdingNorapossessivelyinhisarms,andwenttoanswerit.

“Openthedoor,”hewhispered,brushinghermouthwithhis.

“Putmedown.”

Heshookhishead,smiling.

Laughingdelightedly,shereacheddownandturnedthedoorknob.Hemovedbacktolethisbrother
openit.

King’seyebrowsshotup.Helookedfromoneofthemtotheother.“Ithoughtyoumightneedsome
helpconvincinghernottoleave,”heremarked.Hegrinned.“Stupididea,really.YouandIthink
alike.”

“Whatahandythingtoknow,”Noramused.“Ishallhavetospeaktoyourwifeandwecan

correspondwhenoneofyoubecomeshopelesslystubborn.”

King’seyeswidened.

Calshookhishead.“Youmayknowme,butyoudonotknowher,”hesaid.“Ifearthatwehave
stormyseasaheadofus.”

“Indeed.”

“Pleasegoaway,”Norasaidpolitely.“Myhusbandisgroveling.Iquiteenjoywatchinghimgrovel,
andIamselfishenoughtowanttoprolongit.Whenhehasgroveledtomycompletesatisfaction,I
shouldlovetocomedownstairssothatallofuscanhaveamealtocelebrateourvictoryanddiscuss
ourforthcomingjourneyto…”shelookedfromKing’samusedfacetoabeamingCal.“Whereare
wegoing,dear?”

“ElPaso,”hesaid.

“ElPaso?Thedesert!”

Hegloweredather.“Itoldyou,thedesertisbeautifulwhenyougettoknowit.”

“Yes,itis,”Kingagreed.Hepulledhishatbackoverhiseyesandstuckhishandsinhispockets.

“I’ll,uh,tellDadyou’llbealong.Meanwhile,Ithinkthethreeofuswillwanderdowntoyourdrilling
sitewithyourforemanandtakealookattheoperation.Ifyouthinkwehavetime,”headded,tongue
incheek.

Calcouldbejustasdeadpanashisbrotherwhenhewished.Henoddedsolemnly.“We’llwaitforyou
intherestaurant,ifyou’renotback,”hesaid.

Kingnodded.

“Mr.Culhane,”Noracalledworriedlywhenhestartedtoleave.

Heturned.“King,”hecorrectedwithasmile.

“HisrealnameisJeremiahPearsonCulhane,”Caloffered.“ButonlyAmeliagetstocallhimthat.I
heardsheusuallydoesitwhenhe’smadehermad.Shethrowsthings,sodon’tevergetbetweenthem
whentheyfight.”

Kinglookedindignant.“I’lldoyouanequalfavoroneday.”

“Iexpectyouwill,”Calsaidirrepressibly.

“King,then,”Noracontinued.“DoyouthinkPikewillreallyleave,thathewon’ttrytoblowupthe
wellorsetitablazeoranything?”

“Mr.PikehasboardedthetrainforKansasCity,”Kinginformedherpleasantly.“Infact,heboardedit

justminutesagowithseveralescorts,oneofwhomwaswearingabadge.ItseemsthatMr.Pikehasa
casependingagainsthiminTexasthatheneglectedtomention.Somethinginvolvinganassault
chargeinadisputeoverasilverminealongtheborder.Thesheriffkindlyagreedtolooktheother
wayaslongasPikeremovedhimselffromTexasimmediately.”

“Why,howfortuitous!”Noraexclaimed.“Andthischargesimplywalkedupandpresenteditself?”

“Notexactly.Mr.Dunncabledagentlemanheknows.Onlyminuteslater,thesheriffreceivedthewire
aboutPike.”Hepursedhislips.“Oddly,Pikeseemedtoknownothingoftheincidentinquestion.”

“Oh,mygoodness!”Noraburstout.

“Mr.Dunnmakesaparticularlybadenemy,”Kingreplied,turning.“I’ll,uh,seeyoubothfordinner
inthehotelrestaurant.”

Calloweredhersothatshecouldclosethedoorandlockit.Shelookedupathimcuriously.

“Yourfamilyhassomeoftheoddestsortsofacquaintances….”

“Waituntilyoumeetyourin-laws,”Calsaid,hishandsgoingtothebuttonsonhersuit.“Ihavea
brother-in-lawwhowasaTexasRanger.HeisnowadeputysheriffinElPaso.Amelia’ssister-in-law
isthedaughterofoneofthemostnotoriousbanditsevertocomeoutofMexico.Icouldgoon,”he
addedwithagrin.“Oneofourwranglersusedtorobbanks….”

Herhandsliftedtoguidehistothenextbuttonwhilehereyesgleamedwithexcitement.“Youcantell
melater,”shewhispered.“RightnowIhaveexpectationsofsomethingfarmoreexcitingthantall
tales.”

TALLTALESINDEED,hethoughtseveralhourslater,sittingwithherintherestaurantwhileshe
charmedhisfatherandbrothersandtheydiscussedgoingtoElPasoadayorsolater.FirstCalhad
putMickinchargeofthewellandtoldhim,andtheothermen,aboutthesharehewasgivingthemin
theventure.Theywereecstatic,andCalknewthathehadnomoreworriesaboutthesafetyofhis
operation.HehadalsobeencontactedbytheRockefellerrepresentative,withwhomhewastomeet
thenextmorning.

“Calhasbeentellingmelies,”shementionedsuddenly.“Aboutbankrobbersanddesperadoesand
TexasRangers,allinyourfamily.”

Themenlookedatoneanother,andBrantsmiledwarmly.“Well,Nora,Iguessyou’lljusthaveto
comeouttoWestTexaswithusandseeforyourselfwhat’strueandwhat’snot.”

“Why,thatisexactlywhatIhadinmind,”sherepliedwithasmile.

ChapterTwenty

ThetriptoElPasowaslong,butNorahadn’tasinglecomplaint.She’dneverbeensohappy,upset
stomachandall,andCalwasbeamingattheprospectoffatherhood.

AmeliaandEnidwerewaitingforthematthedepot,andaftertheintroductionsandtheridetothe
ranch,Norafoundherselffirmfriendswiththewomenlongbeforethemencamebackinfromtheir
wanderingsaroundtheranchtoeattheeveningmeal.

“You’llmeetMariatomorrow,”Enidassuredher.“SheandQuinnhavebeeninMexico,wheretheir
daughterwasbaptizedbyapriestinthevillagewheresheusedtolive.Wewantedtogo,butwefeltit
wouldbeanintrusion.Theykeeptothemselves.Mariaisn’treallyMexican,butshewasraisedtobe,
andshe’sstillalittleshywithusbecauseheradoptivefatherwasanoutlaw.”

Shegrinned.“She’scomingaround,daybyday.”

NorahadlearnedthatCal’stalltalesweren’tsotall.Itwasfascinatingmeetingsomanypeoplewhose
reallivesweremoreinterestingthanherdimenovels.She’dlearnedthingsaboutherhusbandandhis
childhoodthatstillmadeherfeelfaint.Itwasamiracle,infact,thathe’dlivedtoreachhispresent
age!Norafeltlikethetenderfoothe’doncecalledher,butasshelearnedmoreabouttheranchandhis
people,themoresecureshefelt.

Shelikedthesepeople.Eniddidherowncookingandcleaning,althoughshehadplentyofhelpfrom
thecowboys’wivesonoffer.Theranchwashuge,muchbiggerandmoreefficientthanheruncle’s,
andittooknotimeatalltosee,fromthecontentsofthehouseandthewayEnidandAmeliadressed,
thatmoneywasnorarecommodityhere.Thewarmreceptionshewasgivenmadeherfeelrightat
home,andthelastofherdoubtsvanished.

SheadoredAmelia’sbabyboy.Shespentlonghoursholdinghimanddreamingofthebirthofher
ownchild.Heronesorrowwasthatherfatherandmotherwouldprobablyneverseeit.Theyhadnot
triedtocontactheragain,norhadsheappealedathirdtimetothem.Itwasjustaswell,shethought,
thatsheandCalwouldbelivingawayfromUncleChesterandAuntHelen.Itwasunavoidablethat
Helenwouldcorrespondwithheronlysister,Nora’smother.Thewoundwouldneverhealifitwas
constantlyreopened.

Calnoticedherpreoccupationandaskedheraboutitthateveningwhentheywerealoneintheirroom.
Sheconfessedreluctantlythatshewasstillsadabouttheriftbetweenherparentsandherself.

“Yourpeoplewillcomearound,”hepromisedher.Hegrinned.“Meanwhile,Iexpectyouruncleand
auntareonthevergeofpayingthemavisittodoalittlechafing.”

Sheaskedwhathemeant,buthewavedherawaywithalaughandrefusedtotalkaboutit.

Alettercameforhertwoweekslater,fromherauntHelen.“Wehavebeeneasttoseeyourmother
andfather,”shewrote.“Theyaremuchchanged,Nora,andIthinkyouwillfindthemchastenedand
eagerforyoutovisit.Dothinkaboutit.”Therewasapostscripttotheeffectthatnoapologieswould

beexpected,either.“AndChestersaidtotellyourhusbandthathesaidnothingtoyourfatherabout
whoyourhusbandwas.”

ThattickledNora,whohadsweetdreamsimaginingameetingbetweenherhusbandandherparents
now,withCal’srevealedsocialstatus.“ImagineAuntHelengoingtovisitMother,”

Noramusedcuriously.“Why,afterherlasttriptoVirginia,shetoldmethatshewouldneverhavethe
nervetogoback.Theywere,uh,ratherhaughtytowardherandUncleChester,”sheaddedsheepishly.

“Thatwillnolongerbethecase,ofcourse,”Calreturned.

“Idon’tunderstand.”

Heputalovingarmaroundher.“Igavehimtwopercentofthewell,”hetoldher.Hegrinned
wickedly.“Iexpectyourfathergotbothbarrels,includingthenewsthatyou’vemarrieda
millionaire.”

Hereyeswidened.“Amillionaire?”

“YouknewIwasrich,didn’tyou?”heaskedeasily.“Well,I’mrichernow.Yourfatherwasneverin
ourleague,sweetheart,evenwhenIwasworkingasapoor,itineratecowboy.Itwasoneofthe
reasonsIhatedhavingyoulookdownyournoseatme.Yousee,”headdedgently,“frommypointof
view,youweretheonestaringpovertyintheface.”

Sheblushed.“Iwassilly.”

“Oh,no,”hesaidatonce.“Afterall,youhadthegoodsensetofallinlovewithme!”

Shepickedupabroom,andKinghappenedtowalkintotheroomjustassheraisedit.Heturnedright
onhisheelandwentoutagain.LaterhetoldAmeliathatshe’dbetterstartwritinghernameonthings
sheintendedtothrowathim,becauseNorawasstartingherowncollection.

TWOMONTHSLATER,settledinBeaumontinabeautifulhomewithmaidstolookafterthe
housework,Calannouncedthattheyweregoingtovisitherpeople.

Sheargued,butitdidnogood.Hewasadamant.Sosheputonherfashionablenewsuit,onethat
helpedtodisguiseherblossomingbody,andtheytookthelongtripbackEast.

Herparentswerebothathomewhentheyarrived,havingbeencabledbyCalbeforeheandNoraleft
Texas.Sheglancedupathimwithquietpride.Hewaswearingathree-piecepin-stripedsuit,withan
expensivewide-brimmedStetsonandhandmadeleatherboots.Helookedasprosperousasshedid.

Herfatheropenedthedoor.Hewashesitantandalittleuncomfortable.HeshookhandswithCaland
noddedatNora,althoughhiseyeswereapologeticandhelookedverydifferentfromtheblustering
manshe’dwalkedawayfromsomanymonthsbefore.

Cynthiawaslessreserved.Shecuddledheronlychildclose,withtearsinhereyes,androckedher

gently.

“Ihavemissedyousomuch,”shesaid.

Noraknewthatshehad,butthatshewouldalwaysdefertoNora’sfather,regardlessofhisrightor
wrong.Sheunderstoodthattendencyalittlebetternow,knowingthatshewouldstandbyCalifhedid
murder.

Shedrewback,andCynthiadabbedatherweteyes,carefullystudyingherdaughter.Whenshesawthe
faintbulgeatNora’swaist,shesmiled.

“Iamglad,”shesaidgently.“Veryglad.IthurtmedeeplythatIcouldnotcometoyouwhenyouwere
soill.”

“AuntHelentookverygoodcareofme,”Norasaid.Sheknewthatshesoundedalittlestilted,butshe
couldn’thelpit.Theyhadnotpartedasgoodfriends.

“Youbothlookwell,”herfathersaid.“Well,andprosperous.Chestertoldusofyourgoodfortunein
theoilfields,myboy,”headdedtoCal.“Iexpectyoufeeldifferent,nowthatyouhavesomemoney
ofyourown.”

Calliftedanexpressiveeyebrow.“Ihaveneverbeenwithoutit,”herepliedwithfainthauteur.

“MypeopleownaconsiderableamountoflandinWestTexas,”hesaid,addingdeliberately,

“includingtheranchyourbrother-in-lawmanagesforus.”

Thelooksonherparents’faceswerejustshortofcomical.

“YouarepartoftheCulhanefamily?”Mr.Marloweasked.

Calnodded.“Themiddleson.Iusedmygrandmother ’smaidennamewhileIworkedforChester.We
wantedtomakesurethatheimplementedourchanges,”headdedbywayofexplanation.“Myfather
likedhimenoughtoensurethathesucceededbysendingmealongtohelp.”

“I…see,”Mr.Marlowefaltered.“Buttheclothes,andthegun,andlivinglikeacowboy…”

“Partofthefacade,”Calexplained.

“Nora,younevertoldus!”hermotherchidedgently,flushing.

“Noradidn’tknow,”Calrepliedtightly.“Notuntilourwellcamein,atleast.”Heheldouthisarmand
Noraslidunderit,smilingatherfatherfromitsprotection.“Wecan’tstay,”hesaid,surprisingNora.
“I’mtakinghertoNewYorkforabriefhoneymoonbeforewegohometoBeaumont.Weexpectto
makeyougrandparentsinafewmonths.ByChristmas,perhaps.”

Cynthiasmiled.“Ihopeit’sahappierChristmasforyouthisyear,”shesaidsincerely.

“Itwillbe,”Norasaiddreamily.

CalcontinuedtostareatMr.Marlowe,whofoundthosesilvereyesdangerouslyinsistent.Hecleared
histhroat.“Eleanor,Iamsorryforwhathappenedatourlastunfortunatemeeting.Iwantyoutoknow
thatyouarewelcomeherewheneveryou,andyourhusband,liketovisit.AndIhopethatyouwillfeel
comfortableenoughtobringourgrandchildtoseeuswhenitisconvenient.”

Norasmiledathim,oldwoundshealinginthepassingoftime.“Ithinkwemightmanagethat,”

shesaid.

“Youaresurethatyouwillnotstay?”Mr.Marloweasked.“Wehaveaspareroom.Aniceone.”

“Anothertime,perhaps,thankyou,”Calreplied.“Wemustgo.”

Theywalkedtheyoungerpeopletothedoor.AsNorabadethemgoodbye,shehopedthather
relationshipwithherownchildrenwouldbewarmerandlessconstrained.

ShementionedittoCalwhentheywerebackatthedepot,waitingforthetrainthatwouldtakethem
north.

Heheldherhandtightlyinhis.“Nora,”hesaidsoftly,“canyouimagineourchildrenshakinghands
whenwetellthemgoodbye?”

ShethoughtbacktothereceptionCalhimselfhadgottennotonlyfromhistwobrothers,andhis
mother,butfromhisfather.Shethoughtoftheopenaffectionbetweenallofthem,andthelastdoubt
lefthereyes.

“Ithinkthatwewillshareenoughlovewithourchildrenthattherewillbenosecretsandnodistance
betweenus,”shetoldhim.Herfingerstangledinhis.“Iamverylucky.”

Heshookhishead.“Weareverylucky,”hecorrectedgently.

Itwasastatementwithwhichshehadnoargumentwhatsoever.Herhandlaygentlyonthewarm
moundoftheirfirst-born,andhereyeswerebrightwithexcitementasthetrainpullednoisilyintothe
station,puffingsteamaroundlikefluffycloudsinthefaintchilloftheearlyautumnair.

ISBN:978-1-4268-2491-3

NORA

HQNBooks/December2008

Copyright©1994bySusanKyle

FirstPublishedbyIvyBooks

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