Read Online All or Nothing by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig - Free Book Online Page B

and his thick, dark hair neatly slicked back from his forehead. He bore no trace of whiskers on his chiseled chin. Bowen’s suntanned face and rich hazel-green eyes obviously entranced most of the ladies. RuthAnne doubted that they actually listened to more than every other word he uttered.
    They sat at the bench tables, drinking coffee from tin cups while the remains from their breakfast were cleared away by a KP soldier. The group looked more a quilting club than a bunch of hired women. RuthAnne observed their garments in comparison to her own ensemble and wanted to slink behind her guardian. The younger ladies wore sensible calico, cotton, and checked gingham cut into loose fitting dresses. One in particular wore a dress of white and light blue gingham checks in a slim-lined cut, a white apron tied neatly over her skirts. Her strawberry blonde hair was piled up off her neck, loosely pinned up as if in afterthought. She sat next to a serious little girl with curling blonde hair and wide eyes that focused on Bowen as she absorbed his every word.
    An older woman of indeterminate age wore a dress of gunmetal gray linen, starched to perfection. Her heavily lined face had the look of old leather, and her severely pinned back hair matched the color of her clothing. Piercing blue eyes glinted in the morning light like ice chips; a thin-set mouth seemed not to have smiled for an age. RuthAnne found it hard not to shiver at the frosty glare that turned in her direction. She attempted a smile that must have come off more like a grimace as Bowen continued.
    “Mrs. Newcomb needs our help. Her stage crashed on the mountain road, destroying everything she owns. I came across her after the storm.”
    General gasps and words of pity peppered the group. RuthAnne’s mouth snapped open, but Bowen’s hand on her shoulder halted her protest. She could read his intention. But lying? She wouldn’t abide with being deceitful and aimed to say so. “I’m not looking for charity, ladies. I’m a hard worker and mean to do my share.”
    Bowen’s gaze flashed to RuthAnne’s in silent warning. His hand squeezed her shoulder a bit too firmly. Fine. She allowed him to speak for her. How she needed the basic sundry items as well as clothing. They’d pass the basket for her, a camp ritual for those in need. RuthAnne held her head high as he explained that she needed work and asylum at least for another month before heading on west.
    Though she barely followed his carefully woven story, there was one thing she did catch. Bowen had not lied. He had knitted two tales together and left out some of the middle, but he had not lied about it. Interesting. She would have to ask him why he didn’t mention the robbery, El Tejano, or her sister for that matter. However, he must have his reasons. Taking his cue, she would be careful how much information she divulged while staying here.
    “We’re off for a fort tour. Ladies.” He tipped his hat, and they tittered once again. Bowen’s hazel eyes caught those of the lady in the blue gingham dress. “Miss Jewel, I’ll trust you to show her the ropes at the laundry. You can see to it she gets her rations and bunk.”
    The woman nodded, winking at RuthAnne with a wry smile. The little girl squirmed on the bench beside her. All of five or six years old, she looked solemnly at Bowen with huge eyes that were mirrors of her mother’s.
    “Thank you for your attention, ladies. Enjoy your meal.” Reggie gave a playful salute and left with a flourish. A murmur filled the mess tent, and RuthAnne’s ears all but burned with gossip.
    Bowen’s voice rose above the din once again. “Miss Jewel? Dolly. A moment, please, if you wouldn’t mind.”
    Bowen eased RuthAnne forward. The young woman in her late twenties to early thirties stood up and fluffed out her pale blue skirts. Her face was suntanned and smooth skinned, with bright green eyes and an upturned nose. Her full, wide lips parted easily into a smile. Dolly