The Sweetwater Trail (The Brides of Ardent) by N. L. Campbell

Author:N. L. Campbell [Campbell, N. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beau & Eros, LLC
Published: 2013-02-12T05:00:00+00:00

***

“I can’t see Right and Left’s horns,” Aggie complained from the drover’s box.

Dust scritched between Felicity’s teeth when she clenched her jaw. She stumbled over a clump of sagebrush and steered Right towards the flapping canvas of the McHenry wagon ahead on the trail. The dust sucked into the cracks in Hannah’s old boots, chafing Felicity’s ankles.

What I wouldn’t give for cobblestones to pave over the trail. Or a thunderstorm to wet down the dust. At least a body can scrape mud off of wet boots.

Lane Crandall trotted up on his plow horse. “Rye says it’s flat enough to spread out. Take a side trail.”

Steering the team onto a side trail cut through the brush by last season’s wagon trains gave Felicity a chance to blow her nose on her apron and dig the crusted dust out of the corner of her eyes. She stopped Right and Left to wipe dust out of their eyes and nostrils. At least the flies weren’t bothersome.

She shook out her skirts and coughed up a wad of what she was sure was pure mud. She spat it out on the ground, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Taking a dipper of water from the barrel on the side of the wagon, she handed it up to Aggie.

“Drink?”

Aggie took the dipper, splashing water on a corner of her apron. She wiped Baby’s nose and chin.

“How is he?”

“Sleepin’,” Aggie croaked. “Jealous?”

Felicity smiled and winced, cracking her dry lips. She took a deep drink from the dipper. The sun warmed water tasted like the oak barrel.

“Want yer walkin’ stick?”

“Keep it handy. I can see far enough out in front of me.”

Felicity took up the lead rope. Right followed her through the brush, Left hanging back and not pulling his share of the load.

Taking her arm out of the muslin sling, Felicity rotated her shoulder. Sore, but bearable.

Rye trotted up on Cosmos, the mare’s hooves kicking up puffs of dust.

“Ready to give up the sling?”

“Just tired of being poked and prodded. I admit that I have developed sensitivity for Right and Left’s plight in this life.”

“I haven’t been all that bad, have I?”

“Let’s just say that you are a fine healer.” Felicity grinned and split her lips further. “Don’t worry so much.”

“I wouldn’t if all my patients would follow my orders. Keep that arm in the sling for a few more days.”

“Aye, aye, captain,” Felicity saluted with her good arm.

Rye cocked his head to the side. “Do I look like a military man to you?”

“It is your commanding presence.”

“Then get to marching, soldier, and quit your sassing.”

“Yes, sir, sirrah.”

Rye saluted in return. “You make an unlikely soldier, marching along with your apron and that bonnet on the back of your head.”

“I admit this isn’t much of a Pennsylvania Avenue parade.”

“True, but I’d back you against any army, any day.”

Felicity blushed. “Get along there, recruit, we have miles to go before you get fed.”

“Yes, ma’am. As you wish ma’am.” Rye trotted Cosmos down the side trail, kicking up dust.

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