Merline Lovelace Read Online Free PDF Page B

so naturally, the lieutenant stared at her for only a moment or two longer before accepting it.
    “Very well. I’ll take you to see my mother.”
    She hid her relief behind a polite smile. She would have made the journey with or without his assistance, but much preferred to travel in the company of a man who knew his way about this wilderness.
    “The trip will be faster if we go by water,” he toldher. “I’ll arrange matters and come for you in the morning, just after mess call.”
    “I’ll be ready.”
    Barbara would make every attempt at it, anyway. She had yet to master the art of packing her trunks and valises with the same efficiency her maid had. Perhaps she could beg the assistance of the servant who took care of Mrs. Nicks’s personal needs. With luck the attendant might have some skill with arranging hair, as well. Barbara had grown quite tired of drawing it up herself in this unsophisticated cluster of curls.
    With a nod to the lieutenant, she allowed him to escort her back to the crowded parlor. His dashing friend with the silky mustaches jumped up at their return. While Prescott and his fellow officers jostled for position, Morgan took temporary leave of his hostess and promised to return shortly with Mistress Goodson.
     
    True to his word, he reappeared a short time later with the bruised woman. Mrs. Nicks’s manservant admitted them just as Barbara and her hostess were preparing to mount the stairs and dress for dinner.
    With a gentle hand, the lieutenant nudged his charge inside. The timorous woman had found time to brush the red soil from her skirt, Barbara noted. And to knot her hair in a thick, smooth coil of some intricacy. Her interest piqued, she took a keener inventory while the lieutenant introduced the woman to Sallie.
    “This is Mistress Hattie Goodson, ma’am. As I said, she’s had a rough time of it.”
    The widow clucked in sympathy. “So I see. You may leave her with me, Zach. I’ll see she’s made comfortable.”
    “Thank you.”
    Hattie clutched at her rescuer’s arm. “You won’t forget the paper you promised to write for me?”
    “I’ll draft it tonight and deliver it to you in the morning.”
    With that, he sketched a bow in the direction of the other two women and departed. Mrs. Nicks bustled back down the stairs.
    “Come with me, Hattie. I’ll have the servants make up a pallet for you in the pantry room. It’s cool and dry and will afford you a measure of privacy.”
    “I…I can’t pay for my keep, ma’am.”
    “I’m not expecting payment, my dear.”
    Overhearing the exchange, Barbara made an impulsive offer.
    “I’m in need of a maid. Mine chose not to journey to America with me. Do you think you could attend to me?”
    Hattie threw her a surprised look. “Attend to you?”
    “Help me with my hair and wash out my linens. I’ll pay you for your services.”
    “How much?”
    “We’ll determine that when I see how handy you are with a brush or curling tongs. Should I be pleased with your efforts and you choose to accompany me when I leave Fort Gibson with Lieutenant Morgan tomorrow, the arrangement could prove beneficial to both of us.”
    “You’re leaving with Lieutenant Morgan?”
    “He’s escorting me to the home of his parents. Do you wish to try your hand with my comb or not?”
    The question ended on a somewhat tart note. Barbara wasn’t used to conducting such protracted negotiations with an underling.
    Looking properly abashed, the woman bobbed her head. “Yes, ma’am. I do wish it. I promise, I’ll do my best by you.”
    “Very well. You may accompany me upstairs now and show me what your best consists of.”
     
    Hattie hastened up the stairs after the lady. Her thoughts all atumble, she could scarcely credit her amazing fortune.
    Only last night she’d made the near-fatal mistake of attempting to keep that pig, Thomas, from bending her over the table and ramming into her yet again by telling him she had her monthlies. He’d near