Free Savage storm by Phoebe Conn

liked them in the first place!"
    Marlene and Margaret continued to eat in embarrassed silence, not wishing to become involved in any conversation based on Iris' complaints. Johanna sat talking quietly with Barbara. Both ignored the striking brunette while Gabrielle and Erica exchanged knowing glances and simply enjoyed their dinner without bothering to respond to Iris' comments. They had decided that afternoon just to ignore her and hope she would soon move to another wagon, but after they had finished eating and all twenty-one young women moved about and got acquainted, it soon became apparent that Iris alienated everyone with whom she spoke. She monopolized each conversation, criticizing anyone who dared to disagree with her opinions, and she soon found herself standing alone while the others chatted happily, filled with excitement at the adventure they'd undertaken. She knew how to captivate men but she did not use that same charm on women. By the time the cooking fires were all extinguished and the girls were getting ready to go to sleep. Iris had not found anyone she liked, nor had she realized that no one had liked her either.
    The bedding was soft, and by trying different positions the young women who shared Gabrielle's wagon soon found they could sleep comfortably. However, they were still too excited to close their eyes. As always, Barbara was in a talkative mood. She described her best friend's reaction to her announcement that she was going to answer Mr. Home's advertisement.
    "She was shocked, absolutely horrified, but for men to seek brides through newspaper advertisements is nothing new and I didn't see it as a scandal. Besides, I didn't want to stay at home and wait years for a man to find me when Oregon seems to be filled with men who want a nice wife. I don't think what we're

    doing is wrong; it's merely sensible. That's the way I look at it, and thank goodness, so did my mother."
    Erica moaned softly. "You should have heard my parents, but I convinced them this is what I want to do, and since I have two older brothers with children who live near them I don't think they'll be too lonely without me. What did your folks say about this, Gabrielle?"
    "My parents died when I was a baby. An aunt raised me and she's gone now too. There was no one I needed to ask, but even if there had been, I would have come whether or not I'd received permission."
    "I hope you marry a man who does not expect obedience then," Iris offered sarcastically. She'd not shared her thoughts with her wagonmates, merely her usual flippant criticisms.
    "I shall make a point of asking each of the bachelors what he thinks on that subject. Iris. Thank you for the wonderful suggestion," Gabrielle replied sweetly but she could not stop her giggle as Erica poked her in the ribs.
    "That's a good idea. We should think of some questions to ask so we can get to know the men quickly. Then we won't waste time on those whose views don't suit us," Barbara stated enthusiastically.
    "Just ask to see their homes, Barbara; they will tell the whole story," Iris recommended, as if she'd given the matter a great deal of thought. "You'll be able to see exactly how the men live and what sort of life each can offer you."
    "Will Mr. Home permit that?" Marlene whispered. "Will he allow us to visit the men's homes without a chaperon?"
    "Certainly not!" Johanna protested sharply. "I'd never go out to a man's farm, why who knows what he might try to do!"
    "I will explain it to you if your mother didn't, Johanna," Iris remarked impatiently, thinking her companions impossibly innocent. "I'll even draw pictures if you need them."
    Before Johanna could summon the courage to respond. Erica spoke up, "I'm certain none of us needs your lessons. Iris, but speaking of drawings, let's ask to see the sketches of

    the men again. I didn't really get a chance to study them very closely and Td like to. We could at least learn each man's name and that would be sure to impress them