The Darkest Blue by Hildie McQueen

Author:Hildie McQueen [McQueen, Hildie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pink Door Publishing
Published: 2013-12-13T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

It was nearing sunset and Bronson Cole searched the surroundings for a good place to set up camp. His back ached from riding.

If luck was with him, he’d be at the cavalry post in a couple days and once there, he’d find out how Ashley was listed. If things went well, he’d rush back to Alder Gulch and give his brother the good news. If the outcome was that Ashley was, indeed, wanted by the cavalry, then he wasn’t sure what he’d do.

Smoke from a cabin got his attention. Bronson urged his mount forward. Hopefully, the people who lived there would allow him to bunk in their barn for the night. It was early enough in the fall that it was possible to travel to and from the cavalry post without too much hardship, but a warm shelter always beat the outdoors.

He held his horse’s reins in hand and approached the well-maintained cabin. There was no sign of anyone knowing of his approaching, so he tied the horse to a nearby tree and went to the door. After knocking, Bronson took a couple steps back to wait for someone to answer.

Finally, the door opened and heavily-lashed hazel eyes lifted up to him. The woman then looked past him to his horse.

Bronson touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. “Good evening, ma’am. I’m sorry to bother you. I’ve been on the road for three days. I’m traveling to Fort Laramie and wondering if I can bother you to allow me to sleep in your barn.”

Her brows lowered and she turned to look behind her. “I suppose that would be all right.” When she spoke, her plush, pink lips caught his attention. The woman was lovely. Why had her husband allowed her to answer the door? “There’s a bunk in the back right corner. You can use the lantern right inside the door.”

“I appreciate it. I’ll be gone first thing in the morning. Thank you.” Bronson turned to go.

“Have you eaten?”

His stomach rumbled in response. “I have not.”

She looked to the barn. “I’ll bring you out something.”

The small barn was well kept. There was only one horse and two cows inside. He noted the animals were healthy, the stalls clean.

His horse would have to stay in the open space inside the barn, next to where he would sleep. He removed the saddle and blanket and poured fresh oats from his saddlebags into a pail for the animal. Then he went back outside and brought fresh water from a well for the horse. Once the animal was settled, he fetched more water and washed his face and hands.

The small bunk beckoned but the urge to lie down was not as strong as the promise of a hot meal.

“Mister?” The woman called from the doorway. “Here’s some food.” She held out a basket, her arm the only thing visible.

Bronson went to get the basket and noted she wore a serviceable brown dress and a warm shawl over her shoulders. She took a step back when he approached.

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