Savage storm by Phoebe Conn Page B

spend little time in Oregon City, she realized, what with traveling all spring and into the summer then leaving again the next spring to make his way to Independence to begin the route all over again. It was exhausting just to consider how he'd chosen to spend his life, and she began to dream of the men who were awaiting their arrival. They were all farmers, men tied to the land. She knew she'd like that stability. She wanted a husband who'd be content to remain in one place to live his life and share hers.
    "What are you thinking, Gabrielle? You have the most satisfied expression and I'm curious-as to why." Erica had brought her mare up alongside Sunny so they could chat as they rode, leaving Barbara, Johanna, and Iris to trail behind.
    Laughing, Gabrielle explained. "I was thinking how pleasant it will be to be married to a farmer who wishes to travel no farther than into town to buy provisions or to attend church."
    "We have been traveling for no more than five minutes, Gabrielle, and I thought you loved to ride. Are you bored already?" Erica teased her friend playfully.
    "I do love to ride." Gabrielle gave Sunny a fond pat on the neck as she spoke. "I like to race, or to explore. Just following this trail is not nearly as exciting as going riding usually is for me, but that doesn't mean that I'm bored."

    But as the sun rose and the day grew warm, Gahrielle heard an increasing number of complaints from her companions. She refused to Hsten, however, until they stopped for the midday meal.
    The rest at noon was scheduled from eleven until two each day, and even that first day it was a welcome relief from the tedium of the morning's ride. Hot and tired, those gathered in the shade of their wagons half-dozed while their animals grazed on the lush grass nearby. They would follow the Santa Fe Trail for the first forty miles then proceed north when it turned toward the south. The path was well worn, proving to be no challenge to either man or beast as yet, but Iris had had more than enough exercise.
    'Til not ride again this afternoon, I simply won't. I'll sit beside Paul while Margaret and Marlene ride." Iris feared her delicate skin would burn even though she'd worn a bonnet and she didn't dare risk another hour in the sun.
    Margaret and Marlene looked beseechingly at Gahrielle, hoping she would help them, but before she could enter the discussion Jason appeared astride his powerfully built stallion. The horse was a buckskin, his light tan color accented by a jet black mane and tail. Lively and quick, the animal was ready to continue the journey and tossed his head impatiently as Jason drew him to a halt beside the wagon. Seizing what she considered to be too good an opportunity to miss. Iris went to him immediately, placing her hands upon his knee as she spoke in an openly flirtatious manner.
    "Mr. Royal, don't you think we should take turns riding? It simply isn't fair that some of us have to ride the whole way while others spend their time seated in the wagon."
    Jason glanced toward Gahrielle as if he expected some sort of an explanation for Iris' complaint so she stepped forward to offer her own interpretation of the problem. "I think we can work this out for ourselves without bothering Mr. Royal, Iris. No one insists you spend the entire day on horseback so you needn't complain to him." Gahrielle was embarrassed to have

    Jason bothered with so trivial a matter, especially one she was certain they could work out amongst themselves.
    Jason frowned, uncertain what the problem was, but he agreed with Gabrielle quickly. "That's right, just take turns."
    Her eyes bright with triumph, Iris turned toward Margaret and Marlene, "See, he said we have to take turns.'*
    "Iris!" Gabrielle had no patience with this selfish young woman who seemed determined to get her own way and who would go to any lengths to do so no matter how childish. That she had both the experience and ability to ride while the two other young women didn't