The Men of Pride County: The Rebel by West Rosalyn

Author:West, Rosalyn [West, Rosalyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780062243270
Publisher: Harper Collins, Inc.
Published: 2012-11-12T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Juliet had only two Christmases to her memory that were white and snowy. Those had been during her stay in Ohio, while her father was campaigning with the Union Army. She hadn’t seen anything to celebrate on those occasions, and she found herself wondering what this year would bring.

It brought a surprise none had suspected.

“Riders coming!”

A shout from the guard house brought the curious out to greet the new arrivals, who came in a column of twos. Juliet stood on their porch with the colonel watching the dusty unit file by.

“I didn’t know we were expecting new recruits.”

Crowley shook his head. “I didn’t know, either.”

“I hope they have some fresh supplies with them.”

“I hope they brought me some cigars.”

The army ambulance swayed to a halt in front of them. The door opened, giving them a view of frothy petticoats as its single occupant scrambled to exit. A head of curly brown hair beneath an enormous hat emerged, and Juliet gave a squeal of surprise and delight.

“Jane!”

Jane Howell tumbled down into her embrace, laughing, hugging, and crying happy tears. “Oh, Juliet, how wonderful to see you again! Merry Christmas! I know I’m a few days early but I couldn’t delay the surprise any longer. Say you’re surprised.”

“Surprised? You’re the last person I expected to see. Drat your husband for keeping such a secret.”

Jane leaned back, her big brown eyes lit with merriment. “He doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t know? You mean you came all this way without telling him?”

“I simply couldn’t stand another holiday to go by without him. Having a father-in-law who’s a senator gives a girl a certain amount of influence when she wants to have her way.” Dimples danced mischievously.

“Jane! Oh, my God! Jane, is that you?”

Albert Howell broke into a run, barely giving Juliet time to step out of the way so that he could sweep his wife up in his arms. The sight of their reunion woke a twinge of reluctant envy within Juliet’s breast. Never had she had such an emotional welcome. Oh, to have a man waiting to shower one with such a display of devotion! She had to glance away.

“Merry Christmas, darling,” Jane cried.

“The merriest ever now that you’re here, you minx. How did you manage—no, never mind.”

“You’re not mad, are you?” Jane leaned back to beseech him with a melting gaze.

“No, of course not, silly creature. How could I possibly be angry?”

Juliet chuckled at the clever manipulation. Angry? The man was most likely livid that he’d had no forewarning so as to be able to prepare for an incoming wife. But Jane was so dear, so eager to please that one simply could not stay irritated with her. One could only get caught up in her enthusiasm.

“Now we shall have to put together a Christmas ball, just like the one we had in Texas, Juliet. I’ve brought all the trimmings. It will be great fun. Now, where is that brother of mine?”

Miles’s usually dour features split into a grin as he spun his sister about.

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