The Soldier's Lady: 4 Historical Stories

The Colonel’s Daughter ©2020 by Gabrielle Meyer

Frontier of Her Heart ©2020 by Susanne Dietze

Save the Last Word for Me ©2020 by Lorna Seilstad

Winning the Lady’s Heart ©2020 by Janette Foreman

Print ISBN 978-1-64352-605-8

eBook Editions:

Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-64352-607-2

Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-64352-606-5

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

Cover Photograph: © Robin Macmillan / Trevillion Images

Published by Barbour Books, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

Printed in Canada.

Table of Contents

The Colonel’s Daughter

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Frontier of Her Heart

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Save the Last Word for Me

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Winning the Lady’s Heart

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER

by Gabrielle Meyer

Dedication

To my dear friend and fellow museum addict, Erica Vetsch. I’m so thankful we discovered one another on this writing journey. You’re one of the greatest gifts God has given me as a writer.

Historical Note

When doing research on Fort Snelling in modern-day St. Paul in my home state of Minnesota, I discovered that Zachary Taylor (future twelfth president of the United States) was the commanding officer there between 1828 and 1829. When he left, he went to Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien, Michigan Territory. There, he met his second-in-command, Jefferson Davis (who would later become the president of the Confederate States of America). Jefferson Davis was described as a handsome, witty, sportful, and altogether captivating graduate of West Point Academy, and Taylor liked him immensely. At Fort Crawford, Davis met and fell in love with Taylor’s daughter, Sarah Knox Taylor, who was a well-known beauty. They wished to be married and sought her father’s permission, but Taylor refused. He did not want his daughter to live the difficult life of a military wife on the frontier. Davis loved Sarah (also known as Knoxie) so much, he chose to resign from the military, and he and Sarah were married on June 17, 1835 (six years after they met). They moved to a farm near Vicksburg, Mississippi, on land Davis’s brother gave him.

I wish they’d lived happily ever after, but just two days short of their three-month anniversary, Sarah died from malaria while on their wedding trip. Davis was devastated and deeply mourned her death for eight years, to the dismay of his family and friends. Eventually, he married Varina Howell in 1845, and together they had six children. Davis rejoined the military, and in 1847 he served as a colonel under the command of Zachary Taylor in the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War. He became a senator from Mississippi in 1848, secretary of war under President Franklin Pierce in 1853, and finally president of the Confederate States of America in 1861.

It was this true-life story that inspired Nathaniel and Ally’s journey in The Colonel’s Daughter. When I read sad stories, such as this one, there’s a part of me that wants to rewrite the ending, and so I have.

Chapter One

Fort Snelling, Michigan Territory

June 1828

Alight knock was the only warning Major Nathaniel Ward had before Lieutenant Dunn entered his office and upended his life. "The steamboat Clarion has just arrived, sir."

Nathaniel capped the inkwell and set his pen down beside the report he’d been working on. He stood from his desk and stretched his lower back, thankful for the chance to take a break. I knew it would arrive today or tomorrow. The boat would be full of supplies and a dozen new soldiers from Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Supplies were in desperate need after the long winter and would be welcomed. I’ll be along presently to oversee the unloading.

The lieutenant’s lean face was filled with apprehension. "They’ve brought passengers, four to be precise, and of a very delicate nature."

It wasn’t unusual for the steamboats to bring passengers. Settlers, tourists, and speculators often came to Fort Snelling by way of steamboat up the Mississippi River. Some just passed through on their journey further north, while others stayed outside the fort in one of the few boardinghouses available.

Are they ill? Nathaniel asked. The last thing they needed was an epidemic. With the recent unrest between the Dakota and Chippewa Indians, the post’s commander, Colonel Benson, had more than his share of trouble. Even now, he was meeting with a Chippewa chief at a lodge near St. Anthony Falls, seven miles up the Mississippi River from the fort. Nathaniel had stayed behind to await the new soldiers and supplies.

No, sir, quite the opposite. They’re disembarking now and will need to be escorted here straightaway.

Nathaniel was growing tired of the lieutenant’s evasive responses. Who are they? Dignitaries of some kind? They didn’t send word of their imminent arrival. We are not prepared. He reached for his black shako and set it atop his head as he started for the door, a list of orders already formulating in his mind.

Lieutenant Dunn shook his head, sweat beading his brow. The man was usually easygoing and unruffled, even in battle. But something had shaken him. It’s the colonel’s wife and daughters, sir.

A gust of wind pushed against Nathaniel from the open door at the same moment the lieutenant blurted out the news. The colonel’s family?

Yes, sir. Dunn stood at attention, his eyes betraying his disquiet. And they’ve already caused quite a stir, if I may say so. The entire wharf is in chaos.

And the fort would be too, if the colonel’s stories about his daughters were true.

In battle, quick decisions were the responsibility of the commanding officer. Since the colonel was absent from the fort, the task lay on Nathaniel’s shoulders. We must take the situation under control. He slipped his sword into the scabbard on his left hip and stepped out of his quarters, speaking to the lieutenant as he walked. Make haste to the colonel’s home and let his staff know Mrs. Benson has arrived. They will not have much time to prepare, but there’s little we can do about that now. I will go to the wharf and welcome them.

Yes, sir. The lieutenant nodded, relief on his face. No doubt the man was eager to hand the responsibility to Nathaniel. He saluted and rushed off to warn the colonel’s staff.

The fort had been built to help control the fur trade in the area and was quite large for a frontier post. Built on a high bluff at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, the fort was shaped like a diamond with the tip of one point looking over the high bluff and the rivers. At that tip was the commanding officer’s elegant quarters. At the outer tips were batteries, and along the four sides were officers’ quarters, several barracks, the commissary, a hospital, and more. In the center of it all was the green parade ground. Everything ran in perfect order under the command of Colonel Edward Benson, whose family was suddenly descending upon the fort.

For early June, the sun was remarkably warm as Nathaniel left the gatehouse, calling for a wagon to be deployed. No doubt four women would need the assistance of a vehicle, not only to make the trek up the steep hill, but for their luggage. Nathaniel didn’t have sisters, and his mother had died when he was born, but he’d seen enough officers’ wives to know they came with more gewgaws and trinkets than they could ever use. Trunks and trunks full of them. It was enough to make a man squirm—even a seasoned soldier like himself.

Women, in general, were a mystery to Nathaniel. With no females in his household growing up, he’d only observed them from afar in school, at church, and in the community—and what he’d observed usually left him confused and befuddled. Emotions seemed to rule the day where females were concerned. A more disconcerting thing he could not imagine. As soon as Nathaniel turned eighteen, he’d left for West Point where he’d been surrounded by order, discipline, and reason.

Emotions were never taken into consideration on a military post, and he liked it that way.

As he walked down the steep embankment to the wharf far below the fort, Nathaniel looked for signs of the impending group. The fort was not without women. On the contrary, there were always a few milling about at any given moment. Wives and daughters of officers and enlisted men, as well as washerwomen and servants. There were also Indian women and fur traders’ wives who came and went. But Nathaniel usually kept his distance from all of them, save the officers’ wives who occasionally invited him to dine with them and to attend the weekly entertainments they hosted. They felt a keen responsibility to pair Nathaniel with a wife, but he had yet to meet someone he wanted to pursue.

He’d determined that women were fine—at a distance, but they rarely fit the mold of his orderly and disciplined life.

The Clarion was docked, and Captain Tonder stood overseeing the new troops. Several noticed Nathaniel’s approach and saluted him. He nodded acknowledgment as he moved toward the clutch of females standing just beyond the gangplank on dry ground. From his vantage point, all he could see was a mass of colorful gowns, large hats, and piles of luggage.

The oldest woman, and the only plump one among them, was ordering several privates about, pointing at the trunks and bags, her commanding voice high above the other sounds on the wharf. I want everything brought to the colonel’s quarters, posthaste, and do be careful with the trunks. The last time they were manhandled at Jefferson Barracks, one of the trunks was dropped and it cracked. You can imagine my dismay, so do not disappointment me, young man.

Bright pink, purple, green, and blue gowns stood out in stark contrast to the browns and yellows of the landscape all around them. Flowers, feathers, and other plumage swayed in the breeze above their hats, and frilly parasols popped up, like gunshots. Bang, bang, bang.

Nathaniel almost flinched.

Ally, your parasol. The older woman tsked at the one not holding a parasol. Do you want to be freckled by mid-July? The sun is our bitter foe. I will not have you throwing away everything you’ve learned at finishing school, just because we’re on the frontier.

The woman in question—the one without the parasol—turned and sighed. She pulled a parasol out of nowhere and popped it up, setting the handle on her shoulder.

Nathaniel had heard rumors of Colonel Benson’s daughters and their great beauty, but he’d only thought them to be tall tales, repeated by lonely soldiers. One glimpse of them now told Nathaniel otherwise.

Ah, Major. The older woman caught his eye and marched toward him, more formidable than any enemy Nathaniel had ever encountered. He had an overwhelming desire to call out to his men to retreat. Instead, he held his ground. Has my husband sent you to retrieve us? she asked.

All three of the younger women turned to look at him then, each one as beautiful as the next, and each shockingly different from the other. One had blond ringlets and stunning blue eyes, the second had thick auburn hair and chocolate-brown eyes, and the third had hair as black as a raven and dark brown eyes to match. It was hard to ascertain which one was the oldest or the youngest, but it was clear the rumors were true.

Nathaniel bowed before Mrs. Benson, finding it difficult to formulate words as all four ladies stared at him. Major Nathaniel Ward, at your service, ma’am. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a wagon for your use. The colonel is currently away from the fort, but he should arrive back within the day.

Very good. Mrs. Benson had the same brown eyes as two of the daughters. He will no doubt be surprised to see us. It would be nice to settle in before he returns. She motioned toward the young ladies. May I present the colonel’s daughters? Miss Jeanne, Miss Constance, and Miss Allyson.

The blond bobbed a curtsy first, the raven haired second, and the auburn one third.

Ally, the auburn-haired creature corrected her mother as she met Nathaniel’s gaze, her clear brown eyes smiling. You may call me Ally.

"Miss Ally," her mother said with authority.

Thankfully, the wagon stopped nearby after their brief introductions, and Nathaniel made himself busy ordering some privates to load the luggage. He then helped the women to climb up into the conveyance.

As each one passed him, he was overwhelmed with scents foreign to the rough outpost. Rose, lavender, vanilla, and other feminine aromas he couldn’t begin to discern. Their flounces and ribbons fluttered, and their wide skirts needed to be artfully managed as they maneuvered around. Everything about them seemed superfluous and exhausting.

When everyone was settled, including Nathaniel, who decided to accompany them, he finally had his wits properly under control again. And that’s when he noticed the upheaval brought upon by the Bensons’ arrival. Soldiers, hungry for female companionship, gawked at them. Fur traders, with few manners and less formality, called out to them. And Indians, familiar with the less colorful fort women, stared in open curiosity.

Mrs. Benson turned her nose up at the lot of them. Miss Jeanne and Miss Constance preened under the attention. But Miss Ally did neither. Her gaze roamed over the fort, the river, the landscape, and the ramshackle buildings as if she were taking a drink after being in a parched land.

She took it all in, and then her eyes landed on Nathaniel—and she smiled.

It nearly unseated him.

Ally Benson was starved for the frontier. It was home to her and always would be. St. Louis, though it wasn’t as large as Philadelphia or New York, was much too crowded for her taste. A person couldn’t breathe in the city. But here, on the edge of civilization, there was room to let her imagination soar.

A bright blue sky domed overheard with a few wispy white clouds spread out like a brush of paint against a vivid canvas. The bluff jutted up at her right, where the rivers joined. The Mississippi bent out of sight around the opposite side of the bluff, but the Minnesota River continued on as far as she could see like a brown, silken ribbon. The ramshackle buildings outside the fort were much like the ones she was accustomed to as a child growing up in one fort after the other. It wasn’t until she turned eight that her mother had removed them to St. Louis permanently. And though they’d been living in the growing city for ten years, it had never felt like home—not like life at a fort.

I hope you’ll find Fort Snelling to your liking. Major Ward spoke to Mama, though his gaze traveled over Ally and her sisters. As the youngest of the three, Ally often felt overshadowed by her older sisters, but he let his eyes rest on her for a moment longer than necessary. Not Jeanne. Not Constance. Her.

She felt the first hint of a blush warm her cheeks at the attention.

I imagine it’s much like all the others, Mama said with pursed lips. Dirty, uncivilized, and dangerous. She rarely let an opportunity pass without airing her strong opinions, especially to a new audience. I loathe and abhor fort life. It’s not meant for delicate constitutions. Which is why Mama had given up following Papa from fort to fort ten years ago. She’d done so for the first twelve years of their marriage, giving Papa four daughters, one year after the other, but could not continue. She had wanted to return to her home in Boston but had settled on St. Louis, being close enough to visit Papa from time to time.

My eldest daughter, Laura, married a fort doctor two years ago, Mama continued, assuming that Major Ward was interested. He gave her his undivided attention, suggesting he was a gentleman, but she doubted he cared about Laura or her abysmal life. Her husband is stationed in Texas. She writes to me often, and her letters are so forlorn and melancholy, I have a mind to march to Texas and bring her home. Mama’s greatest fault was being too candid with people, especially strangers. Ally would have moaned if she weren’t used to her mother. But I won’t. Mama shook her head. Because I warned Laura about being married to a military man. She cast a look at her three unmarried daughters. And now she must live with the dire consequences.

Jeanne and Constance rolled their eyes, and Ally did her best to ignore her mother. They were all painfully aware of her opinions about marrying into the military. She had forbidden each of them, in no uncertain terms, which had prompted Laura’s scandalous elopement with Dr. Sandford. Now, two years later, with one baby born and another on the way, Mama was almost gloating at Laura’s remorse.

Major Ward opened his mouth, as if he was going to offer his condolences, but he snapped his mouth shut instead.

Smart man.

Major Ward, Constance said as she twirled her parasol, have you been at Fort Snelling long?

I arrived soon after your father a year ago. He sat with perfect posture, his back straight and tight, his uniform spotless. Before Fort Snelling, I was at Fort Crawford near Prairie du Chien. His blue eyes were restless as they scanned the area, a habit she’d witnessed in other military men over the years. Always searching, watching, waiting.

Constance continued to ramble on as the mules pulled the loaded wagon up the hill to the fort gates. Within minutes, her sister had already set her eyes on her next conquest: Major Nathaniel Ward. The poor man. He looked completely out of his realm of experience where her sister was concerned, but once Constance or Jeanne had their sights set, their prey was as good as caught.

Ally couldn’t blame Constance. The major was a very handsome man, but looks weren’t everything, as Ally had learned with some of the men who had called on her. The officers and enlisted men would keep Constance and Jeanne busy all summer, and her mother would stay occupied trying to dissuade them, but Ally had much bigger plans.

She’d come to Fort Snelling for one reason, and one reason only. She planned to talk her father into letting her stay. Permanently. She had no wish to return to St. Louis and face the husband-hunting season her mother had planned. She was now eighteen, which meant she was of marriageable age. If she had been born a male, she would have already been sent to West Point, or some other military school, and would be preparing for a life of adventure. But she’d been born a girl, much to her and her father’s dismay, and had no say in what her life might look like.

Unless her father sided with her. Then Mama couldn’t say no. But when had Papa ever gone against Mama’s wishes?

They passed through the gates and entered the parade grounds. Ally inhaled a deep breath, the scent of gunpowder, boiling laundry, and woodsmoke filling her lungs. At the apex of the fort stood a beautiful one-story limestone house with quoins at the corners. The hipped roof boasted four chimneys, two on either side, and a stepped stone parapet rose from the lower edges of the roof directly over the front door where a semicircular fanlight window gave relief to the limestone. Three windows flanked the door on either side. It was at once charming and elegant.

I’m happy to see the house is acceptable, Mama said to no one in particular. Just as the colonel said in his letters.

I believe you’ll find it to your liking, Major Ward said. The kitchen and cellar are in the basement, with a walkout, allowing proper ventilation for the staff.

Mama crossed her arms and lifted her chin as they came to a stop at the house. It hardly matters how lovely or properly ventilated the home when it’s surrounded by the frontier.

Poor Major Ward. If Ally was correct, the man was very good at his job. He wouldn’t be a major at such a young age if he wasn’t. But the look of complete and utter mystification on his face was almost comical. She pressed her lips together in case a giggle tried to escape. She’d seen it a dozen times. Staid and stoic military men coming apart in Harriet Benson’s presence.

The wagon had not even stopped before Major Ward disembarked, as if he couldn’t wait to be done with his task. Several enlisted men were summoned to help unload the luggage, while the major assisted the ladies from the wagon. Ally was the last to get out, and the major looked up at her for a split second before he offered his hand. They were both wearing gloves, but at his touch, a pleasant shiver ran up the length of her arm. His gaze snapped to hers, and she wondered if he’d felt it too.

She pulled away, a bit shaken, and whispered her thank-you.

The front door opened, and an older woman and man stepped out to greet the new arrivals.

I’m Mr. Delany and this is my wife, Mrs. Delany, the man said with a bow. It is our pleasure to serve Colonel Benson, as well as his family.

Mrs. Delany offered a tight curtsy, and Mama acknowledged them with a simple nod of her head.

We’re sorry we didn’t have more time to prepare, Mrs. Delany said, her eyes filled with displeasure. The colonel didn’t tell us you’d be coming.

He didn’t know, Mama said. I made the decision very last minute. There wasn’t time to alert him.

Then you’ll have to excuse us if things aren’t as you’d like.

There will be time enough to make things right. Mama made introductions, and then Mr. and Mrs. Delany led them into the house.

The large central hall had a room on either side. To the left was the dining room and to the right a parlor. Directly ahead was a handsome staircase that led to storage under the attic, and behind the public rooms were two bedrooms and Papa’s office. Mama’s things were brought to Papa’s room, and the other would be shared by the sisters.

Major Ward stood in the hall while everything was unloaded and put in its proper place and while Mama made an inspection of the home. Jeanne and Constance followed Mama about, commenting on the house as she did, making their opinions known. The three of them sounded like hens clucking in a roost.

Ally stayed in the hall with Major Ward, as uninterested in her mother’s and sisters’ opinions as he appeared.

May I ask where my father has gone? she finally ventured to say to the tall officer.

He has gone to St. Anthony Falls to speak to Chief Eshkebugecoshe. I expect him back soon.

The sooner the better, Ally decided, for both the major and herself.

Chapter Two

As soon as propriety allowed, Nathaniel had excused himself to allow the Bensons to settle into their new home. He’d gone back to his quarters and stood guard at the window the rest of the afternoon, one eye on the commandant’s home, the other on the fort gate, praying the colonel would soon return.

He didn’t have to wait long before the colonel appeared with the retinue of soldiers he’d taken to the falls. Nathaniel quickly donned his shako and put his sword back in its scabbard before exiting his quarters to meet with his commander.

I’ve been informed, Colonel Benson said as he met up with Nathaniel, a gleam of pleasure in his blue eyes. He walked quickly across the parade grounds, no doubt in a hurry to see his wife and daughters. It’s been two years since I saw them last. A cloud shifted over his clear gaze. A calamitous time for them to come, I’ll grant, with the recent unrest, but a welcome surprise. His face cleared again as he looked over at Nathaniel. You’ve met them?

I have, sir. Nathaniel could not hide the horror from his voice. Mrs. Benson and the young Miss Bensons—at least the two older Miss Bensons—were sentimental, emotional, and erratic. And he’d only spent thirty minutes in their presence.

Thankfully, Miss Ally didn’t seem to fit with the others, a fact that he’d thought about all afternoon. If he had to guess, he’d say Miss Ally took after her father in that regard, though he hadn’t spent enough time with her to know for certain.

Colonel Benson laughed. Mrs. Benson is a woman who knows her own mind. Don’t let her frighten you. She uses her tongue to control a world she doesn’t always understand. You’ll grow used to it.

Nathaniel wasn’t sure he wanted to. As the colonel’s second-in-command, he spent a great deal of time with his commanding officer—which meant he’d probably spend time with his family as well. Nathaniel’s relationship with his father had been cold and distant. His birth had been the cause of his mother’s death, and his father had never forgiven him. Through the years, Nathaniel had been blessed with several mentors and friends in the army, but none who had taken him under his wing like Colonel Benson. The man took his job very seriously and demanded utmost respect and discipline, but he was also kind and thoughtful. The closest thing Nathaniel had ever had to a loving father.

Is there anything I can do for you? Nathaniel asked just before they arrived at the colonel’s house.

Come to dine with us and then we’ll speak further. Colonel Benson stopped. There’s much to discuss about my meeting with the chief—and about my family’s arrival. He glanced at the house briefly before looking back at Nathaniel. I have a feeling my wife will have a few orders to give as well.

Nathaniel couldn’t help but smile as he saluted the colonel.

For two hours, Nathaniel tried to keep busy, waiting for the appointed supper hour. When the bugle finally blew, he was prepared to see the colonel’s family. He had shaved, washed, and put on a fresh uniform. His white wool pants and dark blue wool coatee were brushed, and his tall black boots were polished. His baldric, the leather belt he wore over his shoulder to hold his scabbard at his side, had been oiled. But it wasn’t only his uniform that was prepared. This time he felt mentally ready to face the flush of females.

At least, he hoped he was ready.

It was only a few long strides from the three rooms Nathaniel lived in on the officers’ row to the colonel’s front door. The sun was still hanging in the sky, the summer solstice not far off. They would enjoy light until close to ten. Nathaniel much preferred the long days of summer over the short, cold days of winter.

Welcome, Major Ward, Mr. Delany said when he answered the door. The colonel is waiting for you in his office.

The colonel’s wife and daughters could be heard in their bedrooms preparing for supper, so Nathaniel bypassed them and knocked on the door leading to the colonel’s office at the back corner of the house, behind the dining room.

Come in, Major. The colonel motioned to a chair in front of his desk. My wife never did follow the sound of the bugle, but I’m happy the ladies are running late. I need to speak to you before we join them.

Nathaniel took the chair offered to him and removed his hat. He set it in his lap and waited.

Colonel Benson was a fit man, with graying hair at his temples and the constitution of a bull. He was a formidable adversary but a stalwart companion to his friends. When he leveled his gaze on Nathaniel, there was something like an apology in the depths of his eyes.

I have new orders for you, Major. Colonel Benson closed the book on his desk and clasped his hands. My wife’s arrival has necessitated some changes, and she has made a request I cannot deny.

Unease clawed at Nathaniel’s chest as he waited for the colonel to continue.

Mrs. Benson and my daughters will stay with us for the next six weeks, but at the end of those six weeks, she has every intention of boarding the steamboat and returning to St. Louis, with all three of my daughters in tow.

A reasonable plan. Nathaniel wouldn’t expect anything less.

Yes, one would think. The colonel rose and walked to the window. He stared outside for a moment. However, both you and I know the lure of a pretty woman. My daughters are charming and a bit naive, a poor combination at a frontier post. He looked back at Nathaniel. They are also of a marriageable age. My wife fears they will succumb to romance here at the fort. Our oldest eloped to marry a military surgeon, and my wife does not want any of our other daughters to follow in her footsteps.

Nathaniel wanted to ask why she had bothered to come to the fort if she feared such a fate, but he refrained. It wasn’t unusual that she and her daughters would like to see their husband and father.

When they return to St. Louis, she hopes to marry them off to bankers, merchants, or other businessmen. I daresay she has her mind made up. His smile was rueful and a bit disappointed. She knows firsthand the danger and depravity of living on the frontier. I do not blame her for her feelings.

Still uncertain how this concerned him, Nathaniel didn’t respond.

With the Indian unrest and the trouble we’re having with the fur traders of late, I will not have the time, or ability, to keep my daughters and wife entertained or guarded at all times. Colonel Benson smiled at Nathaniel. That will be your job.

Nathaniel’s pulse accelerated. Me?

Yes. I trust you more than anyone else at the fort. If I cannot be with my family, you’re the only man I’d ask. The colonel paced back to the desk, his hands behind his back. From now, until they depart, I want you to keep an eye on all four. Whenever they leave the house, I would ask that you guard them and keep them safe. If any of my daughters show even the slightest romantic inclinations, it will be your job to snuff them out and report to me. I will do my best when I am with them, but when I cannot be here, it will fall upon your shoulders.

There was nothing Nathaniel could do but acquiesce to his commander’s orders, but surely the colonel must know he wasn’t the man for the job. Are you certain you want me to undertake this very delicate and important position? He clutched his shako. I have very little experience with women. I wouldn’t know what to do with them.

Colonel Benson laughed, the sound ricocheting off the walls. They’ll tell you what they want, have no fear. You won’t be left guessing with this lot.

A knock sounded at the door. Papa? came a gentle voice.

Ah, Ally. The colonel’s face softened as he opened his office door. His auburn-haired daughter stood just outside with a sweet smile.

May I come in? she asked.

Of course, my dear. He allowed her to step into his embrace. Have you met Major Ward?

Yes, earlier today. She turned her smile on him, and it had the same effect as before.

He quickly rose and gave her a short bow. It’s nice to see you again, Miss Benson.

Ally, please, she said. Unless we’re with Mama, and then it’s Miss Ally, I suppose.

The colonel smiled down at her, his affection for his youngest daughter shining from his eyes. Or you could call her Pumpkin, as I do.

Papa. She swatted playfully at his chest. No one may call me that, except you—and only when I was a child.

Is supper ready? he asked.

Yes. Mama sent me in to tell you she’s in the parlor waiting. Ally’s brown eyes were filled with curiosity. But she said to make sure you don’t join us unless you’ve spoken to Major Ward about her request. Ally glanced curiously at Nathaniel.

We’ve had an opportunity to speak, Colonel Benson said. And I believe the major is prepared for his task.

Nathaniel wasn’t and didn’t think he’d ever be, but what choice did he have? Of course, sir.

Good. Shall we join the others?

Papa, I have a request to make as well, Ally said before they left the office. Perhaps you could make a little time to discuss it with me after supper?

The colonel nodded. For you, anything.

Nathaniel followed his commanding officer out of the office, both honored and dismayed to be tasked with protecting his most precious possessions.

If anything happened to the Benson women on Nathaniel’s watch, he was guaranteed a demotion.

It has been a most pleasurable evening. Major Ward stood near the open front door, his shako in his hands as the Benson family fanned out around him. He bowed and then made his departure, but not before glancing in Ally’s direction one last time and tipping his head in farewell.

Ally stood between her mother and Constance. Her cheeks grew warm at the extra bit of attention. The major’s blue eyes were so attractive, a burst of butterflies took flight in her stomach.

Papa closed the door and turned his attention on his wife and daughters. I think you’ve scared the poor fellow. I wouldn’t be surprised if he snuck off in the middle of the night and deserted the army.

Really, Edward. Mama smiled, and Ally suspected she knew exactly how she came off to the major. He looks like he’s made of sterner stuff than that. A few females shouldn’t concern him.

Constance swept into the drawing room, sending a scathing look toward Ally. He hardly noticed me.

And all the better. Mama followed Constance. I’ll not have an officer turning your head this summer.

"But the