Chapter Seven

Whenever Hattie heard about forts, she always imagined them to be tightly guarded strongholds surrounded by stockade fences. Fort Reno was open and visible for miles. The whitewashed barracks and tidy roads cut into the middle of the otherwise uninterrupted prairie. The tall houses along what Jack called Officers’ Row were impressive with their spotless white siding and French doors. Besides the houses’ green shutters, the only color around was the blue of the cavalry uniforms. Hattie had been riding for days across the territory, first in the stagecoach and now in an ambulance, and her artist’s eye felt like it had been deprived of nourishment.

The ambulance driver waved Jack over once they’d reached the buildings. “Lieutenant Hennessey, should I take Miss Walker to the infirmary?”

Jack kept his horse a wagon’s length away. Ever since their last talk about her plans, he’d kept his distance, which was fine with her. Normally, Hattie’s appearance gave her enough confidence to cover for her deficient areas, but right now she had nothing to offer.

“I’m not sick, but I’m in need of a wash and some clean clothes,” she said.

Jack’s eyes cut to the ground.

“The only place she’s likely to get any help with that would be at the major’s house,” Sergeant Byrd suggested for him.

Jack slouched. Then, with a nod of his head, they turned toward the fine houses along the north side of the fort.

Why was he so reluctant? Had he received news that she didn’t know about? Was he in some kind of trouble? Hattie fiddled with her ear, the one missing its earring. She hoped she hadn’t caused trouble for him. The sooner she got out of Indian Territory, the better off they’d both be.

The wagon stopped in front of the grandest two-story house on the block. It was centered directly across from the flagpole in the middle of the green. A private waiting on the porch helped her out of the wagon. Hattie could appreciate the symmetry of the long barracks lined up on both sides and the buildings arranged opposite of their twin, but she could also appreciate a warm fire. There was no reason to stay outside any longer.

Jack took her arm and led her to the house. Her rescuer might be a classmate, but their warm, familiar relationship had disappeared. Now he was treating her like a stranger.

“Miss Walker.” He released her arm and removed his hat. The wind teased his thick hair. “I’ve got to report to the adjutant’s office and see after my work, but I wanted to say that I hope your trip continues without further incident.”

Just like that, he was leaving her? Hattie rolled her shoulders forward, stretching her battered coat tight around her shoulders. “Perhaps our paths will cross someday,” she said. “Maybe when we’re both in Van Buren.”

“But you’re going to Colorado,” he said, “and I can’t think of any reason I’d go to Colorado.”

Poor Jack. He’d finally caught her attention and didn’t know what to do with it. Hattie tucked her hands beneath her arms and shivered. “Colorado or Van Buren, I’d be glad to see you. Now we have a story to share.”

His gaze sharpened. “We spent our entire childhoods together, and only now we have a story to share?” With a shake of his head, he slapped his hat back on. “Safe travels. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

He stepped off the porch and started down the gravel walkway just as the front door of the house opened.

It was clearly the major. He was a large man, older and sterner than Jack. His eyes skittered past her and landed on his lieutenant, who was making a hasty departure.

“Lieutenant Hennessey,” he bellowed, “where do you think you’re going?”

Hattie shrank back from the door. She hadn’t meant to intrude on his business, and this man seemed all about business.

Jack turned sharply and made a crisp salute. “I was seeing after my duties at the adjutant office. With you celebrating your recent wedding”—Jack’s eyes darted to Hattie, and he turned red—“Captain Chandler will be looking for my return.”

The major shook his head. “That’s unlikely. Get over here.”

Hattie folded her hands together. What had Jack done? She couldn’t imagine what trouble goody-goody Jack would have gotten into.

“Are you going to make introductions?” the major asked.

Jack’s chin went up, and he looked ever so official. “Major Adams, may I present Miss Hattie Walker? Miss Walker, this is my commanding officer—and sometimes my friend—Major Daniel Adams.”

Major Adams bowed with his head tilted to the side. One eyebrow rose as he said, “Miss Walker? That’s not what I heard. Please, won’t you come inside?” Then, to the man who was trying to disappear, “That includes you, Lieutenant Hennessey. Inside. We have a lot to discuss.”

What was going on? Why didn’t the major believe she was Miss Walker? Was she supposed to be someone else? Hattie followed him through the door and found herself in a charming entryway with an office at her right and a parlor ahead. A striking blond woman rushed forward to hug her as Jack stepped away.

“Welcome to Fort Reno, Hattie,” she said. “And congratulations. I’m Louisa, and this is my husband, Daniel, or Major Adams, I’m supposed to say.”

Her use of first names was surprisingly familiar for such a proper-looking lady, but maybe the situation wasn’t as formal at a military fort. “Nice to meet you,” Hattie said. “But I don’t feel that congratulations are in order. The ordeal was nothing to celebrate.”

“An ordeal?” Major Adams jabbed his elbow into Jack’s arm. “Hardly an auspicious beginning.”

“She’s talking about the attack on the stagecoach,” Jack said. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that part.”

The major’s face sobered. “Of course not. I’m sure the Arapaho hospitality was a comfort after your harrowing experience.”

Comforting? Hattie blushed to think of how she’d treated them. But Jack didn’t give her time to confess.

“The Arapaho were impressed by her courage and grace,” he said. “She conducted herself admirably.”

Hattie released the breath she’d been holding and shot Jack a look of gratitude.

“That’s good,” Major Adams said. “We’ll want to get a full interview from her as soon as you feel that she’s ready. Have your men written their reports?”

“Sergeant O’Hare will have them first thing in the morning,” Jack said.

An interview? Hattie supposed she should have expected to give a record of the attack. So much had happened since then that she’d forgotten there might be a chance of catching the man who was responsible for all her misfortune.

“Are they here?” a young voice called out from the top of the stairway that rose in front of Hattie.

“They’re here,” said the major. “Come on down.”

Hattie took another look at the beautiful Mrs. Adams before she stepped to the side and made way for two young ladies coming down the stairs with a large piece of butcher paper.

They had painted her a picture? How fitting. They reached the bottom of the stairs, and the youngest, who looked about eleven years old, took her end of the paper and walked away from the other girl, who had to be her big sister. The hand-painted banner unfolded to reveal an announcement in big block letters festooned with birds and flowers.

Welcome Home, Lt. and Mrs. Hennessey

“Mrs. Hennessey?” Hattie’s eyes opened wide as she looked at Jack. “You didn’t tell me your mother was here.”

Louisa squeezed Hattie’s waist. “Jack’s mother is here? How wonderful. Did she come in for the wedding?”

“You’re the one who got married,” Hattie responded. “I don’t know who you invited.”

“Sir, we need to talk.” Jack motioned toward the office. “The sooner the better.”

“When the scout came with the report this morning, we couldn’t believe it,” Major Adams said. “But it’s about time.”

“What’s going on?” Hattie asked. Not knowing what everyone was talking about put her at a disadvantage.

The major shot Jack a questioning look, then with a flick of his finger directed his daughters to put away the banner. “We shouldn’t make any more demands on your time,” he said to Hattie. “Not until you’ve had a chance to refresh yourself. If you’ll pardon me, I’ll take some time to consult your—Lieutenant Hennessey while my wife and daughters get you settled for the night.”

Jack’s sigh sounded like a whoosh. “Go with them, Hattie. They’ll get you what you need.”

Was the military always in this much confusion? Whatever misunderstanding they’d had, Hattie was more than ready to leave it all behind. A warm bath and soft bed were more important to her after a long day of bouncing in the ambulance wagon.

“If you’ll come with me, Miss . . .” Louisa paused, and Hattie wondered at her forgetting her name already. “I’ll gather some clean clothes for you, and we’ll go next door and get some water heated. Won’t that be nice?”

Clean clothes and warm water. Things Hattie had always taken for granted, but with them, she’d be ready to face whatever came next.

Major Daniel Adams appeared to be the embodiment of decorum and concern, but Jack wasn’t fooled. As soon as the door to his office closed, Daniel dropped into the seat behind his broad oak desk. The epaulettes on his shoulders caught the lamplight, as did his wide smile. He wouldn’t miss this opportunity to meddle in Jack’s personal life. It was only fair, considering how Jack had conducted himself when Mrs. Adams had first arrived at the fort, but this wasn’t fun and games. This was serious.

“As a newlywed man myself, I congratulate you on your lovely bride,” Major Adams said. “At the same time, I offer my condolences that she doesn’t appear to enjoy the nuptials as much as yourself.”

“I can’t believe word spread already,” Jack said. “You must have known before I did.”

“Both tribes are celebrating the union. Chief Right Hand sent a messenger as soon as the ceremony was completed.”

“There was no ceremony. The Arapaho made a mistake.”

“But that’s Hattie Walker from Van Buren, Arkansas? The young lady from your hometown you’ve told me about? The one you write to?”

“And the one who never writes me back. It’s her, all right. Never in a hundred years would I have expected to find her in Indian Territory.”

“But here she is, and what’s more, she married you. How could a fellow be so lucky?” The major’s smile was stubborn, daring Jack to contradict him, but Jack had no choice.

“She doesn’t want to be my wife, sir.” The words twisted like an arrow in his gut. “She didn’t even recognize me when we stood face-to-face and conversed. I asked Chief Right Hand to arrange a ceremony for the transfer of the survivor. Something happened in translation. Coyote got confused, and the next thing I know, he’s telling me that she’s my wife.”

The major’s brow lowered. “The Arapaho have been after you all summer to find a wife. They didn’t understand why you wouldn’t pick a woman.”

“I didn’t pick one,” Jack said. “They picked her for me, but I can’t let it stand. Hattie and I aren’t married.”

Outside the office door, the house had gone silent. Louisa must have taken Hattie next door to his house. What was Louisa saying to her? He knew the major’s wife was good at keeping secrets. He prayed she could keep mum about this one.

“You said the chief’s nephew came with you?” Major Adams asked.

“Yes, Tom Broken Arrow is going to enroll at Darlington.”

“What changed the chief’s mind?”

“Can’t you guess?” Jack asked. “He reminded me that only a family man could understand what it meant to be responsible for someone’s child. At the time, I thought he was just goading me.”

“Did he mention the payment that’s due to them? That cash was going to provide them with blankets and beef for the winter.”

“The money that was stolen in the robbery? No. The Indians don’t know that the cargo that went missing is their payment.”

“It’s not going to sit well when they hear it’s delayed again. And you worked hard to get that money for them.” Major Adams’s chair creaked as he leaned back into it. “Ever since you arrived at Fort Reno, you’ve made it your aim to gain the trust of the Cheyenne and Arapaho.”

A verdict was coming. Jack could feel it.

“To that end, you’ve studied their culture and language and strengthened relationships that have kept peace on this reservation. That peace has saved lives, but it’s fragile.”

“Sir, I can’t sacrifice Miss Walker for my career. That’s a line I won’t cross.”

Major Adams swung one leg over the other. “Miss Walker might not have chosen to get married yesterday, but neither did she choose to be attacked by outlaws or rescued by Indians. She has to allow for some complications.”

“I’m not a complication.”

“No, you’re worse. Agent Lee and I have had our fill of white men coming in and marrying Indian women, only to leave them when they’ve grown tired of living on the reservation. They claim that the Indian ceremonies aren’t binding on them—a cruel trick to play on unsuspecting Indian maids.”

“I didn’t marry an Indian.”

“But you’re asking me to release you from oaths you made in the presence of the tribe. That I cannot do. You’re of age and know more than most. How can we hold others accountable while allowing you to break your vows?” Major Adams lifted an eyebrow as he tapped his chin. “What happened after the ceremony last night?”

“Nothing. The hour was late. Everyone went to bed.”

“Where?”

Jack rubbed his head. “Where did they go to bed? In their tepees, I suppose.”

“Where did you go to bed, Lieutenant Hennessey?”

Jack’s hand stopped. His heart rocked in his chest. He peeked up at his superior with guilt crawling all over him.

Major Adams sighed. “So you never protested in their presence, and you left the camp with her in your custody?”

Jack covered his eyes and nodded.

“Good heavens, Jack, what were you thinking? I’m afraid this is on your shoulders. The only thing to do is go home and make the best of it.” The major’s boot hit the floor with his verdict. “We can’t tell the Arapaho that we respect and honor their traditions and then show disdain for their most binding contract. Besides, she’s the only witness to a triple murder and the robbery of government property. She must stay here until a marshal from Fort Smith has made a full investigation, and she’ll be safe under your care. There’s no way around this, I’m afraid.”

“You can’t do that,” Jack said. “You can order me into a battle that means certain death, but you can’t make me live with a woman who doesn’t want to be my wife.”

“Then maybe you ought to work on changing her mind.”

That was a thought, but Jack had been ruminating on how to win Hattie for years. What made him think she’d be agreeable now? Especially in this situation?

Major Adams smiled. “Go home, Jack. It’s late. See that she’s settled, and maybe you’ll be surprised. She might not be as opposed as you fear. If she is, well, then it’s a choice you have to make. Leaving your wife would mean leaving this post. We can’t have you disrespecting the tribes and their customs.”

Leave Fort Reno? This was his life’s work. It was more than a career. Jack’s efforts meant more opportunity for the people he was trying to help. But Major Adams, newly married to his own bride, didn’t understand how humiliating it was for a man to have to admit such a colossal mistake. Especially to a lady as perfect as Hattie Walker.