Threads of Betrayal by Monica Koldyke Miller

Author:Monica Koldyke Miller [Koldyke Miller, Monica]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: eBook-Dynamics
Published: 2012-03-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty-Eight

If Amanda believed traveling by horseback would be a pleasant experience, she soon learned otherwise. By the end of her first day she was cold, sore and exhausted. She couldn’t even look forward to mealtime, for Hogan lacked the skills to cook without ruining food.

Amanda had slept with her coat and blanket and in what seemed like minutes felt a boot nudge her. Waking felt painful, and as she rolled over, her breath formed a vaporous column. Dimly, she could see Hogan standing over her.

“Git up,” he ordered in a tone she was learning to hate.

She reached for her boots finding they had stiffened during the night. She yanked them on and by the time she returned from the bushes, Hogan had breakfast ready. Afterward, he brought over the horses. Saddling her mount proved easier the second time, although Hogan still had to tighten the cinch.

By midday, Amanda had tired of Hogan’s penchant for silence and prompted her horse next to his. “How far have we come?”

He peered at the sun. “About thirty-five miles.”

“Today?” Amanda said excitedly.

“From Cantonsville, Mrs. Burnsfield.”

“Oh.” Though disappointed, she was encouraged by his meager civility. “Then, will we be near Meadville come nightfall? Even a lumpy bed would feel soft after last night.” She also envisioned a hot bath and a meal prepared by a competent cook.

Hogan opened the map. “If the weather holds, we’ll be passing through about two hours before making camp.”

Amanda’s face mirrored her disappointment. “Wouldn’t it be better…?”

Hogan reined in his horse, forcing Amanda to do the same. “Look, missy,” he growled. “I don’t intend on gittin’ caught in a snow squall with another man’s wife! As it is, I’m squeezing every hour before hard winter sets in. So no, we ain’t stopping.”

“I’ve a letter to send,” Amanda said, quelling her sudden pique. “There are those who need to know I’m visiting my husband. So, you can just spare a few minutes!” Before he could respond, she slapped her horse and galloped ahead.

Hogan felt amused as he watched her braid bounce upon her back. By God, he was starting to like the girlie. She had pluck. In all his fifty years, he had found little use for the female gender. Women were always demanding strict rules of conduct, always trying to change him. This one made requests, but she neither quarreled nor complained to get her way.

Kicking his horse, he galloped ahead then slowed to ride alongside. “Mind you,” he said in a warning tone. “Before we git to town, you best hide that mane of yours.”

When they neared Meadville, Amanda stuffed her hair into her hat and pulled the brim low. They rode directly to the post office but found it locked and shuttered. Hailing a passerby, Hogan inquired of the unexpected closing. “Once the mail’s delivered, the Postmaster goes home for the day,” came the hurried response.

“I got a better idea,” Hogan said. “C’mon.” Grabbing her arm, he crossed the street and entered the nearest building. Amanda found herself inside a telegraph office facing a clerk in a short-billed cap.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.