parties. I'm dying to show you off to my friends. A real live Texan! Won't they be thrilled? How many Indians have you killed? Did you know Wild Bill Hickok? Can you shoot a gun?"
Her laughter was much easier to deal with. He had enough problems of his own without falling for the vulnerability behind that small frown she had shown earlier. He had a weak place for helpless females, which he meant to completely expunge one of these days. He responded to her questions in the same manner they were asked.
"Texans learn how to hold off a tribe of Indians at gunpoint before they learn to walk. Actually, we learn to ride before we can crawl. You can't invite me to parties unless you invite my horse."
She laughed and they exchanged silly pleasantries until the train pulled into the station. They were still laughing as Daniel helped her gather her things and carry them out to the platform. But Daniel stopped laughing the instant they reached the platform, and he saw the disapproval on the faces of the elegant lady and gentleman he knew at once were her parents. Georgina, however, blithely threw herself into their arms without a care in the world.
"Georgina, where in heaven's name is your companion?" Daniel heard the horrified whisper as he lowered the lady's travel bag to the ground.
"Oh, I left her in New York. She really was quite cross with me, and I told her if she couldn't be pleasant, she could stay there. I'm a world traveler now, Mama. I can handle a little journey from New York to Ohio on my own."
Daniel solemnly returned the gaze of the bewhiskered elderly gentleman frowning at him. After facing Indians, bandits, and Tyler, he could handle a pompous old goat in waistcoat and starched collar without a qualm. He didn't bother extending his hand in courtesy until Georgina offered introductions.
At the stiff silence between the two men, his companion jumped from her mother's arms to perform the required etiquette. "Papa, this is Pecos Martin. He's from Texas and he said he'd come to my parties if he could bring his horse. Mr. Martin, this is my father, George Hanover."
As the two men shook hands, she continued to chatter. "Mr. Martin was ever so kind in helping with my luggage. And he didn't even mind listening to my silly prattle." She rummaged in her bag and produced a card case. "You must be certain to call on me so I can see that you get an invitation. Please say you will."
Daniel took the card and slipped it into his vest pocket under the disapproving frown of her father. Somehow, through all her laughter, Miss Georgina Hanover was sending distress signals loud and clear. He wasn't born a Texan, but he knew how to act like one, and there wasn't a Texan alive who wouldn't come to the rescue of a lady in distress.
He bowed, made his excuses, and limped away.
Chapter 2
With an odd feeling of regret, Georgina watched the tall cowboy disappear into the crowd. She knew perfectly well that he would never call on her. They were from two different worlds, but it shouldn't hurt to pretend for a little while. He had been pleasant and undemanding and hadn't patronized her in any way. She needed a friend like that.
But her father was muttering words of disapproval, and her mother was chattering to change the subject, so Georgina allowed them to lead her away. She knew there would be an elegant black carriage waiting outside the station to take them to the gilded cage her father had built for them, and soon she would be back in the round of social activities that would be her life.
As she climbed into the carriage with the help of the uniformed driver, Georgina turned to see a wide-brimmed cowboy hat lif in farewell, and then he was gone.
* * *
"I don't see why we have to make the announcement so soon. I just got home. Are you so eager to be rid of me again?" Georgina asked crossly as a maid straightened the wreath of roses woven into her coiffure. She hated pink roses. They made her look pale and washed out.
Her mother patted the wreath lovingly. "Of course not, Georgina. But you've made poor Peter wait for two years. You can't expect him to keep waiting forever. The two of you can set a date this evening, and we'll make the announcement at your coming-home