Savage storm by Phoebe Conn Read Free Book Online Page A

women's faces and knew each was happy with the choice she'd made regardless of her relatives' pain. Clayton and he had thought twenty a manageable number, and twenty-one no different, but as he looked at the brides they would be escorting he now saw each as an individual with romantic dreams lighting her eyes. He suddenly hoped none of them would become ill or injured on the journey, or become sorry they had decided to make such a perilous trip to wed a stranger. He could not help but feel responsible for their happiness, and as he glanced over at Clayton he could readily see from the man's worried expression that he suddenly had the same misgivings. Cabrielle was standing at his friend's side. With no one to bid her farewell she seemed so alone he felt drawn to her and was tempted to walk over to speak with Clayton on one pretext or another so he could include her in their conversation, but he forced himself to remain aloof. He wanted simply to teach her a lesson, to show her love was meant for the living to enjoy. Unwilling to become as loyal to her as her stallion, he stood alone too, vowing he'd show her no special treatment. Meanwhile he wished he could think of some clever means to inspire the other young women to bid their families a final goodbye.
    Clayton was as moved as Jason by the tearful farewells. Finally, able to stand no more, he withdrew from his pocket the list he'd made and announced it was time to load and board the carriages. After the drivers had stowed the luggage aboard the appropriate vehicles, he helped each young woman into her assigned carriage, then climbed up beside the driver of the second while Jason took his place beside the driver of the first. As they started down the road all those left behind waved and blew kisses, calling out last goodbyes in voices choked with tears, while the young women leaned from the carriage

    windows to reply with far more optimistic farewells. Sunny, his glossy red coat glistening in the sunshine, trotted along behind the third carriage in which his mistress rode. He seemed to be the only traveler untouched by the sadness of their departure and unaware of the great adventure which lay ahead.

    ^Aa/ilejo Jr^^
    As soon as the excitement of Kansas City had been left behind an uneasy silence fell upon the occupants of the carriage. E^ch looked curiously at her companions, uncertain what was expected of her now, until one young woman leaned forward. She pushed her blond curls off her forehead, and her conversation became so animated she often repeated the gesture.
    "I think we should introduce ourselves since we'll be together for the next several months. The sooner we become friends the better it will be for all of us." With an enthusiastic smile she continued. "My name is Barbara Renwick."
    Gabrielle was seated on the opposite side, by the far window, so she waited a moment for one of her companions to respond. When none did, she volunteered her name. "I'm Gabrielle MacLaren and I, too, hope we can become good friends and remain so once we reach Oregon City."
    "You're not serious!" A brown-eyed beauty with glossy black curls scoffed rudely. She held herself proudly, clearly having a great deal of self-confidence. "Where men are concerned, women cannot possibly remain friends."
    "You sound as though you speak from vast experience. Miss? . . ." Gabrielle hesitated, hoping the haughty woman would supply her name.

    "Stewart, Iris Stewart. But since you are dressed in black I assume you are a widow and must know something of men yourself. Fm surprised Mr. Home would accept a widow, or that you would apply. Did your late husband leave you penniless?"
    Gabrielle found herself the object of six pairs of curious eyes at that question, but since she and Beau had not been married she'd never thought of herself as his widow. Her grief had been every bit as deep, however, and she hesitated before replying. "It is my aunt who just passed away. As she was the only mother I have