It wasn’t until Nate had gulped down the last bite of food on his plate that Mr. and Mrs. Potter made a leisurely entrance into the eatery.
“All aboard!” the conductor yelled.
Obviously skinny Albert needed all the food he could manage, and in Hester’s condition, she could use a meal, also. Nevertheless, Nate thoroughly enjoyed the shocked looked on the couple’s faces when the conductor yelled “All aboard!” the second time. Nate considered it ample payment for their ignoring his earlier warning.
Nate went out the doorway, stepped up the steel stairs and into the Pullman car. From here on, the smartest thing he could do would be to keep his counsel to himself.
He took his seat, then watched the other passengers board the train. He wanted nothing more to do with the Potters. He didn’t care for Albert’s barbed tongue. He’d already felt its cutting edge twice. But it was Hester who bothered him the most. She brought back memories of another gentle, pregnant woman he’d known years ago. Memories he thought he’d long since suppressed.
With no more than a wink of an eye, his mind turned back time and Bright Moon’s lovely face came to mind. He had married the Cheyenne princess and had lived with her honorably. Life had been good then.
Nate’s eyes focused on the British couple returning to their seats. They seemed such a mismatched pair. Albert looked too young to be Hester’s husband. His face was far too pretty for a man. Hell, he looked as if he should still be in a crib. His skin was as smooth as a baby’s behind, and it was hard to believe it had ever seen the edge of a straight razor. And that ridiculous mustache Albert was sporting looked as if it were part bear. Did Albert honestly think others would believe it was real? While Albert was tall and lithe, Nate estimated Hester to be only about five feet tall. Other than her protruding stomach, she was quite petite and as cute as a button. She was friendly, Albert wasn’t. They both had blond hair, though Albert’s was almost silver and Hester’s considerably darker. Albert walked with a superior air. Hester didn’t walk. She waddled. Another thing. Hester seemed far more common folk than her husband did. Albert had the grinding mannerism of someone who thought himself superior to others.
Ann could feel Nathan Bishop watching as she and Hester moved down the aisle. Not just watching, but scrutinizing. Something she couldn’t afford. How long would it take for him to realize she was not a he? She moved closer to Hester, who was leading the way, then leaned down so as not to be easily observed. “I shall not wait for you at the next stop, Hester,” she stated firmly. Her mustache had prevented her from eating what little food she’d been able to snatch up. “You deliberately took your time before leaving the train, and we missed our meal.”
Hester made no reply. Though on occasion she walked up and down the aisle, she was still uncomfortable and decidedly bored. Now she could add hunger to her growing list of complaints. Nevertheless, she had no intention of apologizing. The pleasure she derived from having Antoinette Huntington waitthen go without food-was as pleasing as eating candy.
Ann sighed dejectedly when Hester settled in her seat and asked Nathan, “Do you travel often?” Last night’s talk about protecting themselves had apparently gone in one ear and out the other.
“No,” Nate replied reluctantly. He’d deliberately not spoken to her.
As the train stopped at seemingly every small town stretched along the railroad track, Ann kept a constant vigil. She wanted to see who left and who entered their car. Though it was doubtful Matthew would have men searching moving trains, Ann knew she couldn’t afford to let her guard down again. She couldn’t understand why Hester never showed any concern for their safety. The only thing Hester cared about was hanging on to every word Nate said. Not that Ann could honestly fault that. She certainly hadn’t failed to notice him, nor had she missed the way his broad shoulders filled out the white leather jacket.
Looking out the window, Ann’s full lips suddenly spread into a wide grin. A freckled-faced boy on a bareback horse was racing across a field, trying to beat the train. His face was lit up with joy and excitement. Ann found herself rooting for him. But the contest didn’t last long. The young lad finally pulled back on the reins and waved as the train passed him by. Would Richard be able to enjoy such simple pleasures? She hoped so.
Ann sighed. She had never so much as hinted to Hester about her part in Edmund’s death. But during the past months, she had spent countless hours deliberating over who had killed the duke. How wise her father had been to send her to Captain Cuthwell’s lodgings and now to her cousin. No one had to tell her that Matthew was still searching for her. She and Richard would be in constant danger until they arrived in Arizona Territory and were ensconced in Beau’s home.
At noon, Ann and Hester stood with the others, ready to hop off the metal stairs the minute the train came to a complete stop. They only managed to eat a small portion of their food before having to board again. Each was determined to be first in line come supper time.
Hearing a grunt, Nate jerked his head up, causing his hat to fall to the floor. A quick glance assured him that Hester was only shifting about in her seat, attempting to get comfortable. The way he was acting, one would think she carried his child. But then again, it could be because she seemed so tiny and helpless. Feeling like a damn fool, he reached down and snatched up his hat.
“I’m sorry,” Hester said softly. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“I was only resting my eyes.” He gave her an appreciative smile. “I’m not much good at sitting about doing nothing.”
“That must be why you persist in talking to my wife.” Ann regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. She had no reason to snap at him. She was tempted to retract what she had said, until Nate’s cold eyes settled on her. No matter how strongly she felt his masculine appeal, she would not allow him to intimidate her. Her eyes locked with his in a silent battle.
“She needs to talk to someone,” Nate said. “You’re certainly not offering any conversation.”
Ann’s mood was already at a low ebb, and the man’s cutting words didn’t help raise it.
“Mr. Bishop, need I remind you that Hester is my wife?” Ann laced her fingers together. “You’d do better to watch for an Indian attack than pay attention to Hester. I’ll have you know there are savages everywhere.”
“Is that so?”
Nate’s broad grin started Ann’s heart hammering against her ribs. Why did he have this strange effect on her?
“I didn’t realize you were an authority on such matters.”
Ann raised her chin a notch. “When traveling, I always make sure I know what to expect from my surroundings.”
Hester had to fight to contain her laughter. Her Grace knew nothing.
“I will protect my family,” Ann continued. “You, Mr. Bishop, will have to take care of yourself.”
“Just how do you plan to protect yourself and your lady?” Nate asked, refusing to let the matter drop. “I see no gun. Or maybe you plan to use fisticuffs.” The thought of Albert raising his soft fists in defense made Nate chortle.
Ann’s ire had been plucked. She refused to let him have the last word. “I’ve had enough of your insults,” she stated haughtily. “Hester, change places with me. Mr. Bishop can find someone else to talk to.”
“But, Albert-”
“Obey me, Hester, and please sit by the window,” Ann stated quietly but firmly.
The muscles in Nate’s jaw flexed as he settled his gaze elsewhere. He would not get involved in this test of wills.
“Sitting