Glorious Read Online Free Page A

wagon veered off toward the southeast, leaving the stage and the remaining wagon to go on alone. There was less dust without the cavalry mounts plodding in front of the stage, so LeMond suggested that McLendon pull back the curtains and take in the view. He did, hopeful of taking his mind off his still-unsettled stomach, but what McLendon saw failed to cheer him. Unlike the rounded summits McLendon previously associated with mountains, the Pinals rose in a series of jagged, jutting peaks that seemed to him like serrated teeth. Menacing saguaro cactus dotted their slopes. The predominant color of the rock was rusty red, similar to dried blood. The Pinals seemed to go on forever; they were too much, too intimidating, and they were still some distance away.
    â€œThey do loom, don’t they?” LeMond commented, and waited for McLendon to offer some praise of the scenery. When none wasforthcoming, the soap salesman took a watch from his vest pocket, checked the time, and added, “As soon as we top the next rise we come to a long valley, and Glorious will come into sight at the far end of it. If there are no further emergency stops, we’ll arrive right around dinnertime.”
    McLendon nodded and began pondering the specifics of his imminent reunion with Gabrielle. He alternated between thinking she’d be thrilled that he’d come and being certain she’d send him packing—which, when he was being honest with himself, he knew that he deserved. When and how should he surprise her for maximum odds of success? As soon as he arrived in Glorious, possibly interrupting the Tirritos’ evening meal? That would be dramatic. But his clothes were saturated with sweat, he suspected both his breath and his body smelled awful, and every inch of his exposed skin was caked with dust. Far better to take a room at the hotel LeMond had mentioned, have a hot bath and a good dinner and a solid night’s sleep between clean sheets, then in the morning don his fine suit and call on Gabrielle feeling and looking his best. McLendon would acknowledge the terrible mistake that he’d made, then point out that he’d come all the long, weary way to Glorious to get her back. He hoped that when he finally spoke to Gabrielle, he’d find the right words; the power of persuasion had always been his greatest gift.
    After some time LeMond asked McLendon, “Where will you stay tonight in Glorious?”
    â€œI thought I might take a room in the hotel you mentioned. Is that where you’ll be too?”
    â€œI didn’t mention earlier that the hotel is unfinished,” LeMond said. “On my last trip to town I arranged other accommodations. The livery owner lets me to take my rest wrapped in blankets on soft strawin his stalls. It’s quite comfortable if you don’t mind the rustling and snorting of his mules, which, as a heavy sleeper, I don’t. The stage and wagon driver will sleep there too. I imagine that Bob Pugh, the owner, would let you join us. He’s a friendly fellow.”
    â€œDoes the hotel have real beds?” McLendon asked. “If it does, that’s my preference. I’ve spent far too many recent nights trying to sleep on moving stages, or else curled on a rough pallet in the corner of some depot. I want sheets and a pillow if I can get them.”
    â€œOh, you can get those at the hotel, but there are other considerations,” LeMond said. “I’ll let you discover them, and if you pick the livery stable instead, it won’t be hard to find.”
    â€œI appreciate the suggestion, but I’m sure I’ll choose a pillow and sheets over straw,” McLendon said. “However, I’ll ask a favor of you. Should you encounter Miss Gabrielle before I do, could you please not mention me? I hope to surprise her tomorrow.”
    â€œGlad to oblige,” LeMond said. “I expect to call on her and her father at their store quite early in the