Wagon Train Matchmaker_Christian historical romance by Linda Ford

Author:Linda Ford [Ford, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crocus Mountain Publishing
Published: 2018-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

9

Mary Mae’s feet tingled and she sat down again as a rumble of protests responded to her announcement.

Donna Grace sat on one side of her, Luke on the other. “But your reputation has been compromised,” her sister said. “Who will marry you now?”

“Seeing as I don’t plan to marry, it is immaterial to me. Besides, all we did was huddle together to share body heat and protect Polly.” She nodded toward the child who enjoyed the attention and concern of Mrs. Shepton and Judith. “We did what had to be done and look at her. How can we be judged for that?”

“Unfortunately you are. Look around at these men. They all know what happened.”

She glanced at them and saw the hardness in their gazes. They had decided what should be done, but she shook her head. She wasn’t going to do it. “None of them would have done anything differently.”

Frenchie stepped forward. “The reputation is important, no?”

“Frenchie, I appreciate your concern, but I know that I have done nothing wrong and will not be forced into marriage.”

He rocked his head back and forth. “I know what it is I saw. You were sleeping together. No?”

“Keeping warm.” Up until now, Mary Mae had not looked at Warren, but now she did. “Thank you for protecting us and keeping us safe, and for being so noble to say you’ll marry me when I know you don’t want to, but I have to refuse your offer.”

Polly wailed and all eyes turned toward her. “Why not? That was why I pretended to get lost and pretended I hurt my ankle.”

“Polly!” Judith stared at the child.

“You might have all perished.” Donna Grace almost choked on the words and she squeezed Mary Mae to her side.

Buck joined them in time to hear Polly’s confession. “What you did was foolish and dangerous. As wagon master, I am in charge of getting everyone safely to our destination and your actions have endangered all of us. You must be disciplined.” He looked to Warren. “Do you agree?”

“Yes, I do.”

“I’ll decide the punishment.” Buck looked around the gathering—all the teamsters had joined them. All had been involved in searching for the missing three. The search had cost them time away from their own work.

Mary Mae knew Buck must do something in order to appease them and she wondered what he would decide.

He studied Polly for a moment before he spoke. “Until you are told otherwise, you will be confined to the wagon.”

“The back of the wagon?” Tears streaked Polly’s face.

“Yes.” Not a bit of giving in Buck’s voice.

“For how long?” Polly’s voice shook.

“I’ll let Warren make that decision.”

Polly turned to Warren. He looked thoughtful. “I’d say until this time tomorrow.”

Mary Mae held her breath, wondering how Polly would react.

“At least that way you won’t be causing anyone trouble.”

Mary Mae wondered if that would be true. A restless, confined Polly might be a challenge to those accompanying her, meaning herself and Warren. But Buck’s word must be obeyed.

The child swallowed hard. “Okay.

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