Circle of Vengeance by Mildred Colvin

Author:Mildred Colvin [Colvin, Mildred]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: clean romance, christian romance, inspirational fiction, vengeance is mine, western suspense, forgiveness and healing, time to love, historical 1890s kansas, time to hate
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

When Carrie woke the next morning she stretched luxuriously then curled under the covers. Last evening, watching from her window while John turned his big black gelding into the corral with the other horses, she knew he was staying.

She also knew Papa didn’t want her to mingle with the hired hands. He said it would only cause trouble. She’d spent the evening trying to think of a way to make Papa see that John was special, and they should spend time together, without letting him know how much she liked him.

It was funny how it had all worked out without her having to do anything.

Last night when Papa came to tuck her in, he sat on the side of her bed and took her hand in his. “Caroline Abigail, you could have been killed today. You’ve always come and gone as you pleased, but from now on, you’re not to go out alone. Do you understand?”

She understood all right. Papa had called her by her full name. That meant she wasn’t going to like what he had to say. She knew he was going to take away her freedom. And all over some vengeful, love-struck cowboy. It wasn’t fair! “But, Papa, it wasn’t my fault. Jess Cartwright ...”

Papa cut her protests short with a shake of his head. “While Jess Cartwright is mostly at fault for what happened today, you must accept your share of the responsibility. You made some very poor decisions, little girl. When you saw that filly at the hitching rail, you should have asked the boys to hitch up another horse for you. Having failed to do that, you should have taken shelter at the Brauns's until the storm was over.”

“But, Papa, I thought I could handle her. Really, I did.”

A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’m quite sure you did. But you must realize you can’t always handle everything. Sometimes an older, wiser head is required. That’s why I’ve hired John Thornton. He is to escort you everywhere you go.”

After all her scheming and plotting it was to be this simple?

Her father patted her hand. “I’m sorry Carrie, I know how much you value your freedom, but this is the way it’s going to have to be from now on.”

Carrie scooted down in bed and turned her face into the pillow, hiding her smile. “Does he have to go with me every morning when I ride Brandy?”

“I’m afraid so, honey.” Her father stroked her arm as he spoke. “I don’t want you to go anywhere without him. Tomorrow morning I’m sending him out with Billy. After that Mr. Thornton will be at your beck and call.”

He’d kissed her, told her again how sorry he was then left the room.

Just thinking about John Thornton this morning brought a smile. In fact, she’d probably smiled all night while she slept. She jumped from bed and ran to the window. John and Billy were just riding out. Well, Billy could have him today, but after that, he was all hers.

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