Liberty Belle by Patricia Pacjac Carroll Read Free Book Online Page A

eat.” Libby’s stomach rumbled. The adventure was just beginning, and she was already starved and exhausted.
     
     
     
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    Morning came too soon. Libby rolled over and groaned only to see Flora sitting by the window and reading her worn prayer book. Libby thought for a moment how she needed in on the prayers, but the worries won out and instead of peace, wild thoughts assaulted her mind as she readied herself for the day.
    She ushered Flora to the dining room. Libby struggled to swallow but the anxious wasps in her stomach left little space for the eggs. To quiet the stings of doubt, she concentrated on the plate of food.
    Conversation remained scarce. Her desire for independence battled against a fear of the unknown, and by the wrinkle on Flora’s brow, her aunt must be having second thoughts, too. After another cup of coffee, Libby had just managed to calm herself enough to breathe normally when the clock on the wall chimed quarter-to-ten. Her temporary peace shattered, and she choked on a sip of the black drink.
    Flora looked up from her barely touched plate. “Let’s go west and live our adventure.”
    Libby wondered if she could handle any more adventure, but she caught the excitement from her aunt and stood. “I’m ready.”
    A breeze greeted her outside the inn. She walked with a boldness that wasn’t all hers and led the way to the Leavenworth stage office.
    The ad on the window, with pictures of snow-covered mountains and a coach driver snaking a whip over galloping horses, helped ignite her sense of independence.
    She put a hand to her aunt’s shoulder. “I need to run across the street and get Southern Star.” With quick steps, Libby ran to the livery. She retrieved the horse along with the saddle and bridle and rushed back to where her aunt stood.
    Libby rubbed the mare’s neck and tried not to notice the loud thumping of her own heart. “I’m not sure if I am shivering with excitement or fear.”
    Face pinched, Flora smiled weakly. “Mine is fear.”
    “Ladies, you bound for Denver City?”
    The man’s abrupt presence and words yanked Libby’s heart to a stop. With a gulp, she turned to face the stationmaster. “Yes, that will be two of us for Denver, although I really want to go to Auraria, and I would like to take the horse. I read that was a possibility.”
    He swept a hand down Star’s legs and nodded. “We’ll tie the horse behind the coach. As long as she can keep up, she’ll travel with you. Charge is a little more for feed. If she tires, we’ll ferry her on another stage and charge for the extra care. The depot is in Denver City. Auraria is at the western part of the settlement.” The man frowned and looked behind her. “And who will be joining you?”
    With a hand in her reticule for the payment, Libby shook her head. “No one. Just the two of us.”
    The clerk looked down on her through his spectacles with much the same disapproval her mother had exhibited on learning of Libby’s plan for independence. “Well, we don’t usually—”
    “I’ll vouch for the ladies. Let them have the tickets.”
    That voice. Libby whirled.
    The gambler, his valise in hand and the sheriff behind him, smiled.
    Harley Mason whisked off his hat and bowed. “Ladies, what a pleasant surprise that we’ll be on the same stage. I had the good fortune to win a saloon in Denver, and it was a good thing I did because the sheriff, here, seems to think it’s time I moved on.” He scowled at the man behind him, and then changed back to his wolfish grin. “And to tell the truth, with you leaving, Leavenworth has lost its charm.”
    Like his kind could tell the truth . Libby stepped away from the man and onto Flora’s foot.
    “Oh.” Flora limped to a nearby bench.
    Libby winced. Was she causing her aunt unnecessary danger by letting her come? And now they were going to ride with this unseemly fellow.
    The lawman shoved the gambler toward the stage. “Make sure he’s on it, Ben.”
    “Will do,