Free Wild Roses by Hannah Howell

undoubtedly finding the dust and heat of the journey a real trial.
    Supper was going to be beans, biscuits, and coffee. Harrigan decided that was another inconvenience Harold would pay for. He was no wilderness man. He liked hearty meals of meat and potatoes, soft beds, and hot baths. Although he could ride, he preferred trains and carriages. When he had told Harold what the job would cost, he had not figured in all these inconveniences. The moment he saw the man again, he intended to make it very clear that the price for his services had just gone up.
    â€œA bath obviously did not improve your temperament,” Ella said as she poured them each a cup of the coffee George had made. She briefly wondered why she was doing that, then decided constant animosity was simply too exhausting.
    â€œI was just thinking about how much I should add to the bill I will give your uncle,“ he replied as he accepted the cup she held out to him.
    â€œYou actually plan to collect money from the man?”
    â€œWe have an agreement. I get paid when you return to Philadelphia.”
    â€œYou should have added a clause to that contract.”
    â€œOh? What?”
    â€œThat you would get at least part of your earnings even if you fail. It will be a shame when, after all the trouble you have gone through, you find yourself penniless.”
    â€œI don’t intend to fail.”
    Ella shook her head over the heavy tone of confidence in his voice. “Oh, I really think you must, if only so that you lose a little of that overpowering arrogance.”
    â€œOverpowering, is it?”
    â€œVery. I am surprised you don’t gag on it.”
    â€œAnd your unwavering belief that you and your lunatic aunt will win is not arrogance?”
    â€œNo, it is just simple fact. And my aunt is not a lunatic.”
    â€œThe woman put her foot in front of a speeding train.”
    â€œWill you just forget that?” she snapped.
    â€œI don’t think I can,” he murmured as he filled two tin plates with beans and biscuits, and set one down in front of her. “The image is seared into my mind.”
    â€œWell, at least something has settled there. The truth has obviously found it difficult to get a grip.” She inwardly grimaced as she began to eat. She really did not like beans, but she was too hungry to be choosy.
    â€œI have been told two different truths,” he reminded her. “I don’t know either you or your uncle well enough to know which one of you to believe. So, why don’t we just cease to discuss that. I will search out the truth the moment we get back to Philadelphia.”
    She frowned and watched him covertly as she ate. There was the strong ring of a promise behind his words. It only comforted her a little, however. He was still implying that she was a liar and she deeply resented that. The fact that she was so attracted to a man who refused to believe her only added to her resentment.
    There was a great deal of injustice in the world, she decided. It was unfair that she should suffer for her uncle’s insatiable greed. It was certainly grossly unfair that she would have to die for of it. And, she thought sadly as she studied Harrigan’s strong profile, it was painfully unfair that the man who was going to deliver her to that fate was so handsome, so intriguing, and so dangerously close to invading her heart.
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    Ella started, blinking in confusion. It was now dark and someone was gently shaking her by the arm. She absently swatted away the hand on her arm and looked around, slowly recalling where she was and why. George was missing and Harrigan was sitting next to her watching her with an annoying little grin on his face.
    â€œPerhaps you ought to go to bed before you fall into the fire,” Harrigan said.
    â€œWhere is George?” she asked, troubled by the man’s disappearance.
    â€œHe offered to take the first watch.”
    â€œAha! So you are worried