Free The Unlikely Wife by Cassandra Austin Page B

said, “love freedom, and sunshine, and riding, and…having donkeys for pets, and parades every day. And happy parents. That was my childhood.”
    “Life will be different now that you’re grown.”
    “I know,” she said, the grin returning. “I’ve found other enjoyable activities.”
    The sparkle in her eyes left little doubt of whatthose activities included. He felt a need to distract her. He hadn’t forgotten about Powers, even if she had—or more likely didn’t care. “You’ll be running your father’s household, managing at least one servant, and directing the social life of the fort.”
    She wrinkled her nose, and he held back a smile. “Aunt Belle will be in charge of all that, even if I wanted the job. Especially if I wanted the job.”
    Clark gave in and smiled. “What will you do?”
    She shrugged, leaning forward to move a piece. “I can teach, improve the deplorable education you mentioned.”
    Clark couldn’t resist a soft chuckle.
    “What?” She sounded offended, but a smile still graced her lips. “You don’t think I could teach?”
    “I’m having trouble picturing it, ma’am.”
    “Shows what you know. It’s your move.”
    He studied the board but knowing those sparkling eyes and sweet lips were right in front of him made it difficult. He found himself playing as quickly as possible so he could return his attention to her face. Such a mischievous smile had never shone from the face of any schoolteacher he had seen. “So how will you convince anyone to hire you?”
    She blinked her eyes with feigned innocence. “You mean, convince Daddy?”
    He nodded. “I see your point.”
    She tipped her head and a speculative light cameinto her eyes. “Your problem, Clark, is that you don’t have enough respect for me.”
    Shocked, Clark started to protest, but she raised her hand.
    “I don’t mean the courteous respect that a gentleman shows a lady. No one could fault you there. I’m talking about respect for me as a person, respect for my intelligence, for my opinion. I could be a very logical person, Lieutenant, if it mattered. But it never does.”
    Clark stared at her. He had a sinking feeling she was right. If he denied it, wouldn’t he be claiming he respected her to win her favor, the same kind of manipulation he believed her guilty of? An apology seemed in order, but he had no idea where to start.
    To his amazement and relief, a smile returned to her lips. “Of course, I’m basing this on my observation of men in general, including my father. I could be wrong about you.”
    Clark opened his mouth to speak and closed it again. Was she offering him a lifeline or a noose? He was afraid to respond.
    She seemed pleased to have struck him speechless. “I believe it’s my turn,” she said, bending over the board. “Let me see…oh, yes.” She moved a piece. He didn’t know which one; his eyes were on her as they had been since she invaded his tent.
    She sat back, satisfied. “Check.”
    He looked down at the board, scarcely comprehending.
    “Mate.”
    His eyes flew back to her face. She wasn’t gloating, at least not as much as he expected. He nodded. “I concede.” He hoped she understood he meant more than the chess game.
    “I believe the rain has nearly stopped.”
    He hadn’t noticed when the pounding on the canvas had lessened. He came to his feet when she did. “Take the blanket with you in case it’s only a momentary reprieve.”
    “Thank you, Clark. A rematch tomorrow?”
    He should refuse. Her presence was too upsetting. In the face of her questioning smile, he found himself relenting. “I’m afraid my ego demands it, ma’am.”
    “Rebecca,” she corrected softly.
    Powers had stepped through the opening and was waiting under the awning, holding her hat. She followed him, readjusting the blanket around her shoulders, smiling sweetly when she took the hat. In a moment she had disappeared into the darkness.
    “Rebecca,” he whispered. The girl was full of