Read Online Colt by Georgina Gentry - Free Book Online Page A

veins and they won’t leave her.”
    â€œI think he likes me better than he likes Texas,” Olivia said.
    â€œMy suggestion for you is Captain Van Smyth. He’s got the same kind of background you have, educated and cultured, and I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
    â€œHoward?” She made a dismissing motion. “He’s amusing, but so prissy and civilized. Why, have you noticed that pitiful little mustache and the extra padding in the shoulders of that tailored uniform? Colton certainly doesn’t need any padding.”
    â€œI’m sure he’s all man,” the major agreed.
    â€œI’ve decided I want him, Daddy, so don’t be surprised if we’re engaged in a few weeks and planning the biggest wedding Philadelphia ever saw.”
    â€œWell, I wouldn’t object to the lieutenant as a son-in-law. He’s a man’s man. But I don’t think you can bring him to heel like some placid dog.”
    Olivia stood up. “Just watch me. Oh, Daddy, is it all right if Lieutenant Prescott takes me riding and on a picnic this afternoon?”
    â€œOf course. If it were any other man, I’d say no, fearing for your safety, but the lieutenant is not only an honorable man, he can deal with any emergency from Indians to rattlesnakes. Have a good time.”
    â€œWe will.” She leaned over and kissed her father’s gray head. “You’re such an old dear.”
    â€œAnd you wrap me around your finger just like you do every other man. You’re so pretty, no one can refuse you.”
    She winked at him. “I know.” And then she walked to the door, turned. “Oh, don’t forget there’s a dance tonight for the officers.”
    â€œHow could I? And of course, you’ll be the belle of the ball.”
    â€œI intend to, and you stop drinking so much.” She closed the door behind her, feeling cocky and special as she went to her quarters, thinking about what gown she would wear to the dance.
    Â 
    He must be the luckiest man in the world, Colt thought, as he strode to the barn for two horses. Sergeant Mulvaney was there, directing privates in cleaning stables and grooming horses.
    â€œAh, Lieutenant.” He saluted, but Colt grinned and offered his hand.
    â€œLet’s not stand on ceremony, Mulvaney—we’ve known each other too long.”
    â€œAh, now that’s a fact. It don’t seem almost eight years since the Mexican War ended, sir.”
    Colt frowned. “There’s some of it I’d just as soon forget.”
    The wiry little sergeant nodded in understanding. They’d both been on that detail to hang the American mutineers, and neither had thought it just. “I’ve got a snort hidden behind the saddles, sir, if you’d like—”
    â€œSome other time, Sergeant. I’m taking a lady for a ride and I don’t want her to smell demon rum on me.” He clapped Mulvaney on the back and the other grinned.
    â€œThe major’s daughter, is it? Aye, she’s a rare beauty, that one.”
    â€œShe is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” Colt admitted and then frowned because the face that came to his mind was the plain, honest face of Hannah Brownley. Moonlight. Long yellow hair. “Get me a couple of horses saddled, Mulvaney. Rascal and whatever Miss Olivia usually rides.”
    â€œYes, sir.” The sergeant grinned and saluted. “Me boys will do it double-quick.”
    Colt beamed at the thought of the elegant, dark beauty as he led the two horses up to the major’s residence and tied up at the hitching rail. He knocked on the door, took off his hat, and bowed, and the beauty came outside wearing a pretty green riding outfit with a saucy hat and veil.
    â€œYou are prettier than a spotted pup in a red wagon,” he said as he offered his hands so the booted Olivia could swing up to her sidesaddle.
    â€œWhat?” The lady