Savage storm by Phoebe Conn

help is necessary to see we are not a burden to you." She was sincere in her promise, for the last thing she wanted was to have her new friends singled out as being unable to take care of themselves. ''I will encourage everyone to ride for as long as they wish today, but I don't want anyone to overdo and suffer for it tomorrow."
    Jason combed back his dark curls with his fingertips as he gave the matter further consideration. He knew a novice rider could suffer considerable pain as a result of such unaccustomed exercise.
    "Yours is the only sidesaddle, will that present a problem?"
    "No, for I seldom use it. I prefer to ride Sunny bareback since that's so much more comfortable for the both of us." Now that they were talking so easily Gabrielle began to smile, her earlier fears of a confrontation forgotten. That he was so scantily dressed no longer caused her concern because his manner and appearance blended into such a pleasing personality for a change.
    Jason was aware that their conversation was progressing smoothly, but now he had to give an order he wanted obeyed. "I can't allow you to ride without a saddle, Gabrielle. The

    terrain we'll cross is too difficult. If Sunny stumbled you'd topple over his head, and I can't risk the possibility that you might be seriously injured."
    While she thought his command unreasonable since he had complimented her ability to ride, Gabrielle was so surprised by his use of her first name that she did not respond immediately. She could not help but smile, for he seemed unaware that he'd addressed her in so informal a manner. Trying to be just as agreeable she attempted to see his point. If she were going to teach the others to ride, she ought to set the best example possible no matter what her personal preference might be. She supposed his concern for her safety was only natural since he was responsible for them all on the journey, and so she put aside the thought he might have some reason to pay particular attention to her well-being.
    "I have no desire to suffer any injuries either, Mr. Royal, and since you know the trail so well, I will have to accept your judgment of what is best. Do you have enough saddles for all of us.*^
    Enormously relieved that she'd not responded with a fit of temper or begun to argue, Jason broke into a ready grin. "Yes, and one is sure to suit you. It will be easier if the ladies use the same mounts and saddles each day. Paul can see to the horses before he hitches up the oxen."
    Taking her added responsibility seriously, Gabrielle responded with sudden enthusiasm, "I think I'll teach those who don't know how to saddle a horse how to do so since that knowledge might come in handy too. I don't want Paul to be overburdened with work when we can do some of it ourselves."
    Impressed by her ambition, Jason paid her a sincere compliment. "You are a remarkably independent young woman. Miss MacLaren. I suppose you all are or you would not be embarking on such a perilous journey, and it is my hope you will find one of the men awaiting your arrival worth your efforts." Yet he could still not imagine Gabrielle liking any of his acquaintances well enough to marry him.

    "Now that you mention it, I was hoping you could make a sketch of the latest bachelor to go with the others. I am especially grateful for his interest in us, even if it is a bit late, and Vd like to be able to recognize him so I can thank him when first we meet. What is his name?"
    ''Joshua Taylor, but Tm afraid I won't be able to provide a drawing as I'm not certain we've ever met. At least if we have, I don't recall his face well enough to draw him for you."
    Gabrielle tried not to let her disappointment show as she replied, "Well, I shall just have to recall his name and when Joshua Taylor is introduced to me, I'll thank him then."
    Jason could think of no other reason to detain the attractive Miss MacLaren; yet he did not want to let her go when she was smiling so prettily. She was a very charming