This Calder Range Read Online Free Page A

chimed the hour yet.
    â€œShall I leave and come back?” Benteen mocked her.
    â€œOf course not.” She reached for his hand to draw him into the house.
    She was conscious of the pleasant roughness of his fingers as they closed around her hand, holding it firmly. His dark eyes continued to focus on her. Their intensity was something she was never certain how to handle.
    â€œDaddy’s in the parlor.” Lorna walked with him to the doors. “You can talk with him while I help Mother in the kitchen.”
    â€œDon’t be too long,” he said. “I’m starved.”
    He released her hand without objection. As Lorna slipped away, she had the crazy feeling he wasn’t talking about food. It excited her the way he looked at her sometimes. Other times, she was glad her parents were in the next room. Even now that she and Benteen were engaged, they were seldom left alone for any long period of time. Usually they sat on the front porch while her parents sat in the parlor. Anytime there was a lull in their conversation, her mother invariably came out to offer them lemonade or refreshments of some sort. Lorna was glad that Benteen respected her too much to suggest they go anywhere without the chaperonage of her parents, partly because she was afraid she might be tempted to agree.
    They sat across the table from each other at dinner. At times like this, it was easy for Lorna to imagine how it would be when they were married and lived in a house of their own. She looked forward to having her parents over to dinner.
    â€œDid you say you went up into the Montana Territory, Benteen?” her father inquired as he passed him the bowl of potatoes.
    â€œYes.” He helped himself to an ample portion. “They’re opening up the Indian country to the east. The grass up there is stirrup-deep, ideal cattle range. I’m staking a claim on a choice section of it.”
    â€œYou are?” Her father studied him with interest and apparent approval. Lorna brightened with pride.
    â€œIt’s just what I’ve been looking for—a place where Lorna and I can build a future,” Benteen stated, sending a brief glance at her. “I figure we can be married in March and leave with the herd I’m driving north in April.”
    â€œLeave?” Lorna repeated. She had the feeling she had missed something. “Where are we going?”
    â€œI just explained,” Benteen replied with a patient smile. “I’ve found a place in Montana for us. I even have the spot all picked out where we will build our new home.”
    â€œOh.” It was a small sound to mask her confusion. She pretended an interest in the food on her plate, hardly hearing any of the discussion between her father and Benteen.
    Part of her couldn’t believe that he was really serious about living in Montana Territory. It was so far away. She couldn’t imagine leaving Texas. Benteen had never mentioned this to her before. The idea was more than a little frightening.
    Benteen didn’t appear to notice her silence or her lack of enthusiasm for his plan for their future. Lorna was conscious of her mother’s gaze, but she wasn’t willing to meet it. Not yet. Not until she was clear in her own mind.
    â€œThat apple pie was delicious, Mrs. Pearce.” Benteen leaned back in his chair, his dessert plate empty.
    â€œLorna made it,” her mother appropriately gave her the credit, but this was one time when Lorna wasn’t proud of her cooking accomplishments. Her mind was too preoccupied with this Montana news. “Would you like more coffee, Benteen?”
    â€œNo. Thank you,” he refused, and Lorna felt his eyes on her.
    â€œI’ll help clear the table tonight, Clara,” her father volunteered. “I’m sure Benteen and Lorna have a lot to talk about.”
    â€œYes, of course,” her mother agreed.
    The others were already standing by the time Lornapushed