Calico Brides by Darlene Franklin Page A

“Maybe he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.”
    “I don’t think his bed has a right side, at least when it comes to women.” The laundress shifted the basket to her other hip. “I hope your visit doesn’t involve the Bear.”
    “Bear” described the man’s gait perfectly, and Annie smothered a giggle. “Thanks for the warning. Can we help you carry that laundry somewhere?”
    “It’s just around the corner, but thanks for the offer.” Nodding her farewell, the laundress headed in the direction of a stand of trees on the south side of the fort.
    “Ready?” Gladys asked.
    For answer, Annie urged her horse through the open gate. Around the flagpole, a platoon drilled under the careful watch of their lieutenant. The cantankerous man had disappeared.
    The lieutenant called one of the soldiers to take over the drill and walked through the ranks toward the women. Young and handsome, his features suggested someone who didn’t take life too seriously. “Lieutenant Chaswell at your service.” He swept his cap from his head and bowed. “How can I assist two such fair ladies today?”
    Annie smiled at the flattery. “We’re hoping to speak with Captain Peate, or if he is unavailable, with his wife.”
    “Certainly.” Chaswell lifted his arms, and Gladys accepted his help in dismounting from her horse. Annie followed suit, her hand brushing against the bundle of knitted items, reminding her of her purpose. Any chance to slip in and take care of their business unnoticed disappeared with the men drilling. As they walked to the captain’s lodgings, every pair of eyes tracked their progress. Out of the corner of her eye, Annie spotted the Bear making his way to a building with a cross on top, probably the fort’s chapel. At least he was heading in the right direction for a man with a troubled spirit.

    Jeremiah Arnold hadn’t missed the arrival of the two women, nor the way Chaswell had jumped at the opportunity to greet them. Although he kept his gaze averted, he hadn’t missed the way the sunshine bounced off golden hair cascading below a green cap, and it disturbed him more than the laundress ever had with the poor quality of her work. Had he been too hard on her?
No
. Women had to be as tough as men to survive in this harsh environment, perhaps even more so.
    The visitors reminded him of his reasons for joining the army. He shook his head to dislodge the memories that threatened to pour over him like molten lava if awakened. No wonder the soldiers called him Bear. Years of trying to make restitution for past sins often left him as grumpy as a bear awakened out of hibernation.
    In the absence of assigned duties, he headed to the chapel. Once he crossed the threshold, peace welcomed him. The chapel wasn’t much, a wooden structure that barely rose above freezing in the winter and baked them in the summer. But on this fair day in late April, spring had arrived and the atmosphere was perfect, the temperature matching the uniform like a glove on a lady’s hand.
    Thinking about women again, are you?
With a growl worthy of his nickname, Jeremiah jumped to his feet and walked the perimeter of the pews. The captain sat in the first row week by week unless away on business, his wife at his side. Jeremiah hurried through his prayers on their behalf, not wanting to dwell on Mrs. Peate’s visit with the two guests.
    On to the second row. Chaswell attended every week, along with a handful of young recruits who struggled more than most with army life. Although Jeremiah hoped to have a similar impact on the men placed under his care as Chaswell seemed to have, very few of the younger men sought him out during their free time. Fighting against jealousy, Jeremiah thanked God for Chaswell’s faith.
    Jeremiah continued down the rows, lifting up specific prayers as he passed each man’s usual seat. Seats in the pews were tightly regimented, by the men’s own choice.
    At last he arrived at the back row,