Page 105 of The Enchanted Land

“Maybe a good fairy’d give me three wishes and I’d give ’em all to be that saddle.”

“I’d rather be the horse. She can ride me bareback.”

As the laughter exploded again, no one noticed the new man leave the room. And no one noticed that he wasn’t with them when they left for the party.

Dave returned to the empty bunkhouse to take his time bathing and dressing. The suit fit his body closely, emphasizing his muscular frame. The silk of the shirt offset the dark, nubby weave of the vest. He took his time, and when he started toward the house, the party had been going on for hours.

When Morgan came down the stairs, Gordon gasped. He had never seen anything quite so lovely. The emerald-green dress reflected in her eyes until they were the same color. Her hair was piled on top of her head in large, fat curls, while more curls cascaded down her back, all the way to her waist. Her delicate little ears were exposed where the hair swept upward, and she wore tiny diamond-and-emerald earrings that sparkled when she moved. The dress hung just off her shoulders and low across her breasts.

“Morgan, you’re more beautiful then I thought possible. I don’t know what to say.”

“Do you like my hair?” She turned around and he touched a soft curl.

“It’s lovely. I’ve never seen so much hair in my life.” He looked at her questioningly. “Is that all yours?”

Morgan giggled. “Sir, it is not at all polite to ask a lady what on her person is real and what is not.”

Gordon eyed her voluptuous figure. “At least I know some things are genuine.”

Morgan laughed at his compliment. “Shall we go?”

Gordon took her arm and leaned close to her. “You smell nice, too.” His lips touched her cheek and moved slowly to her waiting lips. His kiss was gentle, soft, and very pleasant. Morgan smiled up at him. She enjoyed his kisses, and might even grow to love them.

All eyes turned toward them as they entered the courtyard. For the thousandth time, Gordon wished Morgan’s father had written his will to specify that his daughter must marry Gordon. He had hinted broadly, but Uncle Charley had laughed and said that feudal times were past, that the will he was writing was bad enough. He wanted to insure that Morgan would have her choice of several men.

For Morgan, the party was too much like the party at Joaquín Montoya’s. The couples, all strangers, mumbled polite wishes as Gordon introduced her. He was so proud of her, he fairly strutted. She liked being beside him and felt comfortable on his arm.

Morgan hardly knew any of the ranch hands, having seen them only from a distance. After “good evenings” were exchanged, neither she nor Gordon noticed their conspiratorial looks.

Morgan had been standing for hours. She must have said “thank you” a thousand times. The faces of the people ran together and she had long ago given up trying to remember their names. She was considering going upstairs to check on Adam, but she had already used that excuse to escape twice.

She smiled at a large woman in a purple satin dress. Lord, but I hate that color, she thought. She saw Gordon coming toward her. Maybe she could persuade him to take her upstairs for good. She frowned slightly as she saw him veer off to the right, to the shadows a little behind her.

“Dave! I thought you weren’t coming. I want you to meet the ‘man’ I’m giving the party for. Remember, I told you you’d be surprised.

“Morgan, I’d like you to meet the new hand I hired today, Dave Blake.”

Gordon watched Dave’s face for his reaction. “Dave, this is Morgan Colter.”

He turned sharply at the crash of the punch glass. Morgan’s face was totally without color. She was staring at Dave. “Morgan, what’s wrong?” He looked from her to Dave, who seemed to be the cause of Morgan’s distress. “Do you know Dave?” There was dread in his voice.

“No, I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure. Maybe I remind Mrs…. Colter of someone she’s met before.”

“Is that it, Morgan? Does Dave remind you of someone?”

Morgan stood staring, speechless.

“I think I’ll take Morgan upstairs. Something about you has upset her.”

“Please do. I’m very sorry to have upset you, Mrs. Colter. Maybe you’ll forgive me when you find I’m not the same man you think I am. Goodnight.” He watched as Gordon led Morgan away.

Morgan still hadn’t spoken when they reached her bedroom. Gordon picked her up and put her on the bed, her hair spreading around her.

“Morgan, what’s wrong? Do you know that man? Does he remind you of someone?”

“Yes.” Her whisper was hoarse.

“Who?”

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