Page 92 of The Enchanted Land

Gordon’s seriousness made Morgan realize her position. She quickly moved from his lap and gathered Adam to her. Adam was happy again when he saw his mother smile, and ran to explore a nearby sound.

“You want to tell me about it?”

Morgan shook her head.

“Who was that woman, anyway? You seemed to know one another pretty well.”

“Know one another! I’ve only seen that … viper a few times in my life. And each time, she’s caused me problems. Her vicious tongue helped break up my marriage!”

“No. It was Seth’s temper and jealousy that caused the rift between you.”

Morgan looked at Gordon in puzzlement.

“Jake told me the whole story.”

“Jake told you! He had no right. Does he telleveryonehe meets, or just overnight guests?”

“Calm down, Morgan. He thought I should know, and he’s right. He said it was Seth’s fault and that you had every right to be angry.”

“Angry! I believe I feel an emotion a little stronger than anger! I never want to see him again, not after the way he treated me. When we get to the ranch, I’m going to have my father’s lawyer arrange a divorce.”

Gordon felt like doing his best Comanche war yell at this news. “Morgan.” He lifted her chin and smiled at her, but her deep frown still remained. “Oh, no.”

“What is it?”

“That’s my best melt-the-girls smile, and it didn’t even make you lose your frown. I must be losing my touch.”

“Gordon,” Morgan smiled, “what would I do without you?”

“I hope you never find out.” His eyes betrayed his seriousness, and Morgan looked away, embarrassed.

They spent the night camping. It was the first time Morgan had slept outdoors since she had been taken to San Francisco by Jacques.

“Warm enough, Morgan?”

“Yes, I am. Gordon, thank you for taking Adam and me back to the ranch. I needed a change, and you came at the right time.”

Gordon settled into his own bedroll. “Purely selfish, Morgan,” he whispered to himself.

Chapter Eighteen

“HEY, mister, watch where you’re goin’!” The man, one eye twitching, squinted up at Seth. “You sick or somethin’, mister?”

Seth stared at the man, unseeing. “What?”

“You hear about the gold out at Cypress Pass? From what I hear, it’s the biggest strike yet. You goin’?” He stared up at Seth. “You sure you’re not sick?”

“No, I’m fine. Where is this Cypress Pass?”

“No need to ask that, just follow all these people.” He put out one grimy hand and gestured to the confusion around them.

Seth looked at the people in the streets for the first time. Work. That’s what he wanted—work.

“These people are going to look for gold?”

“Boy, mister, where you been? Sure, that’s what’s goin’ on. The whole country knows about the gold and here you stand in the middle of it and… Listen, bud, just go over there to the general store and get some gear. The storekeep’ll know what you need.” He watched Seth turn toward the store. “And get some clothes. Those duds are too fancy for the gold fields… You sure get all kinds out here.” He muttered this last remark to himself.

As Seth walked toward the store, he turned back. Morgan, his brain screamed. I’ll go back to her, I can’t stand this. His mind raged at him and he saw her face, the tears running down her cheeks. He heard her say, “I love you, Seth,” over and over. But after what he’d done, she’d never take him back. What about Montoya? What about this Shaw that she lived with?

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