Read Online Song Of The Warrior by Georgina Gentry - Free Book Online

defrocked for his fiery, strict preaching. In this primitive place, thousands of miles from real civilization, the settlers were so thrilled to have a parson, no one made any inquiries about his past. “Yes, I’ve got land,” he grumbled, “but I’m not in any shape to work it. What I need is some young man with money and family ties to work the farm; make improvements. He’d need a wife who wouldn’t mind having an old codger around that house. Of course, I wouldn’t want you to feel obligated, my dear, even though my wife and I devoted our lives to your care.”
    â€œOh, well of course I’m obligated, sir, after all you’ve done for me, taking me in and educating me.”
    â€œMy prayers are answered.” He rolled his rheumy eyes heavenward. “I think Billy Warton knows something about farming; he said his family owned a lot of land, but he didn’t want to go back to Missouri.”
    Willow nodded, picked up her books and fled out the door. Had Billy Warton and the reverend already talked about this? Did she have the nerve to ask?
    The lieutenant was sitting out front of the house with the buggy. “Good morning, Miss Willow.” He got down to assist her. “I took the liberty of picking up the buggy at the livery stable for you. Nice morning for a drive.”
    â€œIsn’t it, though?” She returned his smile as he took her books from her hands and put the satchel on the seat. He had fine-boned, soft hands, she thought, remembering strong, dark ones. The officer now put his hands on her waist to lift her into the buggy. For just a moment, she was keenly aware of the heat of his fingers on her trim waist and startled by the sudden hungry look in his eyes as he held her. “You can put me down now, Lieutenant.”
    â€œWhat? Oh, I’m sorry, Miss Willow.” He set her in the buggy, got in beside her. “I do wish you would call me Bill; I hope to get to know you very well.”
    She smiled automatically. He didn’t seem mature enough to be called Bill, even though he was probably older than Bear and certainly older than Raven. Yet he seemed like a raw, callow boy. Perhaps it was because with his background, Billy Warton had been shielded from life’s hard knocks.
    He snapped the little whip and the old gelding started off at a slow trot. “I’ll feel better about you going,” he glanced sideways at her, “knowing I’m along to protect you if there should be any trouble.” He patted the pistol on his hip with a grand gesture.
    â€œI’m not expecting any trouble, Lieutenant.”
    â€œBill,” he corrected.
    â€œBill,” she said without enthusiasm, wishing now he hadn’t come along. Exhibiting the pistol, he had reminded her of a child with a prized toy.
    â€œThat’s better,” he said with a grin, and the boyish lock of hair fell down on his forehead. “I guarantee I intend to know you a lot better, Miss Willow.”
    â€œI’m flattered.”
    â€œDon’t be, you deserve it, you’re such a beauty. Anything could happen to a pretty girl out alone.”
    She was enjoying the crisp spring morning as they drove along the road through the trees with birds singing around them. “I’m not concerned about my safety, but I’m not sure how well you’ll be received in Chief Joseph’s camp.”
    He put his hand on the pistol again. “I am an officer in the United States Army, Miss Willow, and I’m not afraid of a handful of ragged Indians. Besides, I think their bravery and fighting prowess are vastly overrated.”
    â€œYou didn’t see that one called Bear take on Deek Tanner.” In her mind, she imagined the callow youth challenging Bear. The big Nez Perce would shove that shiny pistol down Billy Warton’s throat.
    â€œI heard about that; but I’m sure the Indian’s part was exaggerated. Deek Tanner is