Page 19 of The Enchanted Land

“What happened to them?”

“I don’t know that either. But as far as I can gather, before Santa Fe gained independence from Spain, all Americans in Santa Fe were either killed or imprisoned.”

Morgan was quiet.

“Morgan, what we have ahead of us is not pleasant. The journey takes about three months, and we go through some rugged country. Sit over here, and I’ll read to you.”

They moved to a small leather couch beneath the shuttered window. A small fire burned in the fireplace to their left. Morgan curled up on one end of the couch and listened as Seth read. His deep voice was calming even as he read of the horrors of traveling on the Santa Fe Trail. He read of their joy at seeing the Cimarron Spring, of the lack of water in places, and of flooded rivers in others. Morgan tried to imagine herself experiencing these things, but could not do so. She lazily watched the fire and listened to Seth’s deep, resonant voice.

Seth stopped reading to look at his little wife. She was sleeping peacefully, her legs drawn up under the voluminous skirt. She looked about ten years old. Of course, he mused, she really wasn’t so very much older than that. He blew out the lamp and moved closer to her. In sleep, she nuzzled against his warm body. He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her even closer. Her head rested on his chest.

An hour later, when Nora came in to say goodnight, that was how she found them. She watched the scene for a couple of minutes, feeling slightly guilty about intruding.

Morgan awoke at the sound of the door closing.

“Well, little girl, are you ready to go to bed?”

Morgan was embarrassed by her position and stood up quickly, hurrying toward their room. She undressed rapidly in the dressing room and was soon in bed.

Seth came up the stairs, after she was in bed, and undressed in the moonlit room. Morgan made herself look away as he removed his clothing. She shivered and then snuggled deeper under the covers. It’s only curiosity, she told herself. At last she fell asleep.

The sun was high when Morgan awoke the next morning. She stretched lazily. It had been good to sleep late. The last few days had been very wearing. Just six days ago she had been dressing for Cynthia’s ball.

She looked toward the foot of the bed and saw that Seth had gone. Immediately, she jumped out of bed, dressed, pulled her hair back, and ran downstairs to the kitchen.

“Good morning, Cook.”

“Morning! I’ve been up for four hours!”

“I’m just lazy. Where is everyone?”

“Who knows? Them gals are out pickin’ flowers, I reckon, and the Missus is in her room. Master and Mr. Seth rode out hours ago. You want some breakfast?”

“I’ll get it.” She paused. “You say Seth rode out? Do you know where?” She tried to sound nonchalant.

“I knowed you’d want to know. He’s got every other girl in the countryside after him, why not his own wife?”

Morgan decided it was best not to talk about Seth anymore, so she finished her breakfast as quickly as possible and left the kitchen.

She met Nora in the front hallway. “Seth is planning to take some good furniture back with him to Santa Fe. He told me this morning that I was to let you pick out what you wanted.”

Morgan was very pleased by this, and she and Nora went upstairs to begin their search. The master bedroom was enormous, with oak paneling and oak floors. The bed was even larger than the one in Seth’s room, and the headboard was intricately carved.

“I couldn’t choose any furniture from these rooms.”

“Morgan, you may have anything in this house except William’s bed. I want you and Seth to have a good start in New Mexico.”

“Nora … you know about our arrangement. I will return after one year.”

As they left the master bedroom and continued down the hall, Nora said lightly, “Who knows? You may like New Mexico.”

Morgan smiled. “I may like New Mexico, but you don’t know how much I need Kentucky … and Trahern House.”

“A house and a piece of land are no replacement for love.”

“How is love involved?”

“I’ve watched you two, the way you tease and the way you laugh together. Friendship is the very best basis for a good love.”

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