CHAPTER SEVEN

Elena looked up from the work she was doing at her desk. She had brought home paperwork to finish while waiting to talk to Villa’s soldier. She saw that Kate was dressed and ready for her ride. The girl’s nervousness, however, was evident in the way she paced the floor and twisted her hands together.

“I don’t think I can do this,” she muttered.

“Of course you can. You are the woman who crossed the river hidden in a wagon and created a whole new life for herself. You can go on this ride, and you can learn to shoot that gun. Just think—it will make you more able to defend yourself. Don’t worry about Major Fierro. I’ll take care of him. He will not want me to complain to General Villa.”

Just then, Elena heard riders outside and moved to the window. Looking out, she saw Fierro, accompanied by four men, at the front gate of her house. He was a large, handsome man, dark complexioned with high cheekbones, and a carefully trimmed mustache. She guessed his age to be around thirty. Clearly an accomplished rider, he sat tall in the saddle, reins held easily in one hand, guiding the horse with pressure from strong thighs. He was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and silk tie. Leather boots rose past his knees, and his white Stetson hat was expertly shaped to a point. He dismounted easily and after a few words to his men, strode through the gate and up to the house.

Before he could reach the door, she stepped out and walked to meet him. Kate watched from the window as Tía Elena explained matters to the major. His men waited, lounging outside the gate. He stood, listening respectfully with his hat in hand, and then answered quietly. Elena nodded and turned to walk back to the house. She opened the door and motioned for Kate to come out.

With a stern glance at the major, Elena spoke to her ward. “Major Fierro has assured me of his intention to treat you honorably and to keep you safe. He has bodyguards who will accompany the two of you this afternoon and also serve as chaperones. I will expect you back before dark.”

Kate nodded her agreement and gave her guardian a quick hug before turning her attention to the major and his entourage. Her face lit up with pleasure when she saw the two horses tethered outside the gate. One was the white stallion he had ridden and the other a lovely palomino mare. Completely ignoring the men, she walked out to meet the horses. First, the stallion, since he would surely be the boss. She crooned softly to him, telling him how wonderful he looked and how much she admired his strength and beauty. Then she leaned in, gently blew into his nostrils and patted his shoulder. He listened to her carefully and accepted her praise and touch as if it were his due. She turned to the mare and whispered to her, reaching up to scratch her behind one ear. The mare stretched out her neck to nuzzle the side of Kate’s face, and Kate reached both arms around her neck and leaned against her. The men watched with great interest, and Fierro’s eyes registered both surprise an