Page 111 of The Enchanted Land

“Would you care for brandy and a cigar, Dave?”

“Yes, I would.”

“Morgan, would you like to join us?”

“No. I think I’ll have some tea in the courtyard. It’s cooler outside. If you would bring it, Martin?”

“Morgan’s right, it’s a beautiful night.”

“Then maybe Mrs. Colter would allow us to join her.”

“Morgan, would you mind?”

There was no acceptable excuse. So, silently, the three of them entered the courtyard. There was no moon, and they could hardly see one another.

Gordon broke the silence. “The skies here are so clear, the stars so bright. If I liked nothing else about New Mexico, I’d love the night sky.”

“You speak with some knowledge.”

Morgan jumped. Seth’s voice was near—too near. She could almost feel his breath on her.

“Have you spent much time in the East?”

“Quite a bit, unfortunately. My father sent me to Harvard.”

“Really? You were probably the first Indian to graduate from Harvard!”

“I’m sure I’m the only one, but since they never knew about my mother, it’s not something I can publicize.”

Seth laughed, quiet and low, a laugh Morgan remembered well.

“I’m sure the people in the East feel the same about Indians as people do here.”

“Yes. Every little man needs someone to hate. Dave, would you keep Morgan company for a few minutes? I’d like to go and check on Adam.”

“I’ll go, Gordon. There’s no need—”

“I want to. After all, I didn’t get to see him all day. Dave stole the boy completely away from me.”

She watched Gordon go, seeing only his outline in the darkness. She grabbed frantically for words. “The first time we saw Gordon, he was dressed as an Indian. I was scared to death of him, but Adam wasn’t. He liked him right away. Sometimes he’d rather go to Gordon than to me.” Her voice was fast, high-pitched. She made herself stop talking and took a sip of tea. Why doesn’t hesaysomething? He came here to punish me. Now why doesn’t he get it over with?

“He’s a fine boy, Mrs. Colter.”

Mrs. Colter! Why did he keep up the pretense when they were alone?

“I believe Gordon will return in a few minutes and I need to get up early in the morning. We’re going after some mustangs tomorrow. So, if you’ll excuse me… The dinner was delicious and the company delightful. Goodnight, Mrs. Colter.”

Morgan stood alone, speechless, and watched Seth go. How very cool of him. Goodnight, Mrs. Colter, indeed!

What did he want here? Why had he come back? Why was he such a coward that he couldn’t even come out and tell her what he wanted? She had never known another person so unfeeling.

She put aside her tea cup and left the courtyard for her bedroom. She began to undress. She’d fight Seth with all her strength, she vowed, slipping under the covers.

The knock started her and her heart began to pound. “Come in.” Her voice had a slight quiver in it. When she saw Gordon, she quieted.

“Are you all right, Morgan? When I got to the courtyard, you were both gone.”

“I’m fine, Gordon.” She looked away. Why couldn’t her heart pound at the sight of Gordon? Why?

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