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James nodded. It might be wise to have an alternate plan. He didn't wish to see his daughter hurt or depressed by past events. "I suppose there's some sense to what you suggest."
The smile Granger wore was broad and satisfied. It resembled that of a cat that had just swallowed a rather large bird. "Yes, yes, there is. We should see to this matter without delay."
James reached in his vest for his pocket watch. "I suppose we have time to see to this today. I leave in two day's time; though I could postpone it some until the necessary papers are secured. Zac did say all was fine and not to worry or hurry."
Granger didn't care for the ‘not hurry’ phrase. "Yes, let's arrange for the annulment papers, and then I'll secure a ticket on the same train as you."
James looked at him oddly. "It really isn't necessary for you to join me."
"I understand that, but I would appreciate your permission to go along. I do find myself overwrought by Prudence's absence and wish to ascertain with my own eyes her safety."
James decided to give Granger the benefit of the doubt. After all, it was Prudence's decision whom she would marry, not his. "If you feel that strongly, by all means join me."
Granger reached out grabbing James's hand and shaking it. "Thank you. You won't be sorry. You'll see how relieved Prudence will be to see me and know you've made a wise choice."
James nodded, not worrying about his choice but concerned with his daughter's. He hoped she would choose wisely.
"All set," Zac said, trying to hold back the grin but failing miserably.
"You don't like it," Prudence said, looking down at her long denim skirt, light blue cotton shirt, denim jacket, and pair of sturdy brown boots.
"On the contrary. I love it," he answered, meaning every word. She was ten times more attractive in wilderness clothes than in her Boston attire. "I also love your long hair braided like that and that straw bonnet. It brightens your features."
She opened her mouth but Zac cut her off. "Don't ask me if I mean it. You know damn well I do." He reached for her, grabbing her around her waist. "And don't bother to reprimand me with a Mr. Stewart, unless you want to find yourself dragged back to the cabin and flat on your back, on the bed, under me."
The idea had merit and she smiled wickedly.
"You sinful hussy," he teased, planting a kiss on her lips before hoisting her up onto the wagon seat. He climbed up next to her and leaned close. "I'll take care of you tonight."
He never issued idle threats and Prudence was glad of that. She had thought after last night and this morning that he had had enough of her. But it didn't appear that way, and as long as he still sought her favors, she had no intention of denying him.
He grabbed the reins, and then released the brake. The horses meandered off. Many in the fort waved and called their good-byes as the wagon rolled out the open gates.
Mrs. Hampton had stopped by earlier in the morning just after Prudence and Zac had finished making love. Prudence was flushed from their heated encounter, but if the older woman suspected something, she gracefully kept it to herself.
She had shared a cup of tea with Prudence while Zac went off to see to the preparations for their journey. Prudence had been surprised when Mrs. Hampton presented her with a gift. "For the bride," she had insisted. Prudence had been stunned and grateful for the exquisite hand-embroidered white linen napkins, twelve in all.
Mrs. Hampton had remarked on how much she knew Prudence would appreciate their beauty. They hugged and parted with promises of visiting each other. Prudence only hoped the promises could be kept.
"We'll travel most of the day, only making necessary stops. I had Curly pack us some food—" Zac stopped as though in thought and then continued. "I know you can bake a rum cake, but by any chance can you cook anything else?"
Prudence stuck her chest out proudly. "I’ll have you know I spent a good portion of my days pestering Bessie—she was our cook —to teach me."
"Glad to hear that." Zac couldn't help but wonder what a lonely little girl she must have been to seek out the cook's attention. "And what scrumptious delights did she teach you?"
"All the basics and then some, though—" It was her turn to pause in thought. "I'm afraid some of the ingredients will be difficult, if not impossible, to find out here. But I can adapt many of the recipes."
Zac admired her for that. She did adapt well except where her mother was concerned, but then he couldn't blame her for that, either.
"I would like to try Old Bill's rabbit stew recipe. He told me to make certain the wild onions were picked fresh the day I intended to use them. Will you show me where I can find wild onions?"
