Colt by Georgina Gentry

combed her hair and put it up in a French twist, and let Doc escort her over to the officers’ mess hall.
    Doc must have felt the tension in her arm as he took it, because he whispered, “Now, there’s nothing to be afraid of, Mrs. Brownley. Some of these people will be curious because they’ve all heard about you, but you’ll be fine.”
    She wished she had that kind of confidence, she thought as they entered and everyone stopped talking and turned to stare at her.
    She saw Lieutenant Prescott and Olivia over by the refreshment table and managed to smile at them. The dark-haired beauty wore a white gown that emphasized her pale ivory skin and dark hair.
    Immediately, the lieutenant took Olivia’s arm and steered her over. Colt Prescott was so tall and handsome, she thought, and so different from the men she’d dealt with in her life. If only ... no, she must not think about that. She must get back to the Comanche camp, maybe tonight after everyone was asleep.
    â€œMrs. Brownley,” the lieutenant bowed slightly. “You look lovely tonight, so glad you could come.”
    Olivia’s mouth smiled, but her eyes did not. “Yes, you do look lovely. I’m so glad my old dress fits you.”
    Colt frowned at Olivia, then looked at Hannah again. “I do hope you’ll save me a dance later, Mrs. Brownley.”
    Olivia took the lieutenant’s arm possessively. “Oh, Doc, I want you to be the first to know—Colton and I are engaged.”
    â€œDag nab it, congratulations!” Doc pumped Colt’s hand. “You’re getting an awfully pretty girl there, Lieutenant.”
    â€œDon’t I know it.” Colt grinned, but Hannah thought he looked a little uncertain.
    â€œYes, congratulations,” she whispered.
    The two men began to talk about horses, and Hannah stood there awkwardly, looking around. People were talking again, but they were staring at her.
    Olivia glared at her. “Oh, you must tell the ladies about your ordeal among the Comanche,” she said. “They’re all dying to hear the lurid details.”
    Hannah gave her a cold stare. “I’d rather not discuss that, thank you.”
    Doc must have caught part of the exchange because he stopped talking suddenly and took Hannah’s arm. “I forget my manners, Mrs. Brownley. Would you like some punch?”
    â€œOh, yes, that would be lovely.” Anything to get out of this situation. She had a sudden desire to slap the major’s daughter, and that would never do. She let Doc lead her over to the refreshment table and get her a cup of punch.
    Now a group of ladies who had been standing nearby nudged one of their older members and she came over to Hannah. She wore expensive dark blue lace with a fine cameo at the throat. “I’m Captain Van Smyth’s aunt, Mrs. Maude Van Smyth, visiting from Boston. How do you do?”
    â€œVery well, thank you,” Hannah replied, “and I am—”
    â€œOh, we all know who you are. The ladies are wondering if you’d care to tell us about what it was like being a captive of the savages. Did they—?”
    â€œI don’t think I care to discuss it,” Hannah said, gritting her teeth and forbidding herself to throw the cup of pink punch in the stern older woman’s face.
    â€œWell!” The lady humphed. “I was only trying to be sociable.” At that point, she whirled and marched back to her group of ladies, and the murmuring and laughter started again.
    Doc took a deep breath. “Danged old biddies don’t have enough to occupy themselves,” he muttered. “Oh, look, the band is about to start up. I’m sure lots of the men will want to dance with you.”
    â€œI don’t think they will.” What she’d really like to do was leave. She’d had enough of the stares and tittering, but she wasn’t going to let them run her out of here. She was a