“I have. I volunteered at the hospital when Josiah was in the Army. I read to the men and wrote letters for some. By the way, everyone but Abigail and I call him Mac.”
Abigail nodded. “I went with her to volunteer at the hospital. I promised her father I wouldn’t let her out of my sight if I could help it until she was married and settled.”
“You’re a good woman to keep your promise under the current conditions. We’ll get to Santa Fe tomorrow evening. We’ll need to stay there at least a couple of days to get supplies which means two nights. Probably three.”
A frown crinkled Red’s perfect brow. “The less time it takes, the better. My brother needs us but I want to be fully prepared.”
He pulled a sheet of paper from his jacket pocket. “Here’s my list so see if you want to add anything. I’ll make sure we have what we need if you have enough money.”
“I do. See that you don’t waste it.” She patted the corner of her mouth as prim as any lady he’d ever seen.
“Yes, ma’am.” He jumped. “Yeeowch.” He rubbed his shin.
Abigail gasped. “Sorry, that kick was meant for Missy.”
Red stared at Abigail. “What did I say?”
“He gave you a list to read. Instead you acted uppity about the money. Read the list before you start complaining.”
Red’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times like a landed fish. “Fine.” She read the list. “A covered wagon?”
He leaned forward. “Then you two ladies can sleep in the wagon on the way. You’ll be protected from rain or sun or prying eyes. I expect we’ll encounter all three. My story will be that we’re looking for old land grants to buy. You see, with a wagon we won’t need to set up and take down a tent. Instead of men to do that kind of work, I’ll hire a couple who can handle a gun.”
“How will you know they’ll remain on our side?”
“No way to tell. All I can promise is to do my best. I’ll sleep in the wagon and they won’t know I’m not sharing your bed, Red. We have to appear happily wed.”
Abigail shook her head. “Not with me in the same wagon. You’d better get two. I’ll sleep in one and you two in the other. Although I could do it, it will look better if one of the men you hire will drive mine. I brought my money and will outfit my wagon.”
Red opened her mouth and he figured she’d protest.
Before she could, Abigail pointed at her. “Don’t say a word. I told you I’m going to find my boy. Might as well be as comfortable as I can.”
He looked from one woman to the other. “Miss Davis, we need to say you’re her mother.”
Red smiled at Abigail. “As far as I’m concerned, she is my Mama.”
Abigail beamed at Red then looked at him. “You call me Abigail or Mama.”
“With your permission, I’ll call you Mama. Even though you’re too young to be my mother or hers, for all practical purposes you’re my wife’s mama. She obviously adores you and you her.”
Chapter Four
They arrived in Santa Fe late in the afternoon. They took a cab to the hotel he’d heard was the best. He asked for two adjoining rooms.
When they checked in, he asked, “My dear, will you need anything from your trunk while we’re here or may I store our heavy luggage?”
Fatigue had drained color from Red’s lovely face. “I won’t need anything. What about you, Mama?”
Abigail appeared as tired. “Everything I need is in my valise. I’m eager to get to my room and rest.”
Peyton recalled the women had ridden the train from Cheyenne and arrived in Denver the day they left.
“My wife and her mother would like a hot bath brought to each room.”
“Yes, sir, right away.” The clerk signaled to a young man.
The two rooms were next to one another but did not have a common door as Peyton had expected. He inspected Abigail’s room, which appeared comfortable. The door’s lock appeared sufficient to withstand the casual prowler.
“I had thought there would be a connecting door. Will you be at ease staying here alone?”
She patted his arm. “Don’t worry about me. I sure am looking forward to that bath. I know how to take care to stay safe. While I have you alone, I want to talk to you about my girl.”
He figured this was going to be a hands-off speech. “I’m at your service.”
“She says this is a temporary marriage. You do know that if you have relations with her then the two of you will be married forever?”
He might not be interested in a permanent marriage but he couldn’t help thinking about having Red in his arms. She was beautiful and graceful and had spirit. What man wouldn’t want her? But, he was a professional and would keep his thoughts and his hands to himself.
So, he lied, “I have no designs on her virtue. Our marriage is for her protection only as per Archie’s policy. Of course, he didn’t know you’d be along to chaperone.”
“I am along, though, and I’ll look out for her as well as I can.” She met his gaze. “All the same you make sure Judith doesn’t get into trouble. You will be with her when I cannot.”
“I assure you I’ll do my best.” That much was the truth. He bid her goodnight.
In the room they’d share, Red stood at the window overlooking the street below. She had discarded the jacket of her traveling suit.
“Thank you for thinking of a bath. Thank you also for including Abi—Mama.”
