“Yes, he does.” She didn’t intend it, but there was anger in her voice. Now that they were getting closer, the reality of Alex’s urgency was beginning to get through to her.
“I heard some things about him,” Thankfull said, her voice so low Cay could hardly hear her. “But I don’t believe them. I don’t think he could do what people say he’s done.”
“He didn’t, and we’re going to prove it.”
“Your brother—” Thankfull began, then stopped because she was giving away the secret.
“It’s all right. Alex says I’m the worst at being a boy he’s ever seen.”
“That’s not true. When you were here before, I thought you were male.”
“Thank you,” Cay said. “I think.” On impulse, she kissed Thankfull’s cheek. “I’ll do what I can to plead your case with Uncle T.C., but he’s a stubborn man. Mother says he’d rather mourn a woman than have to deal with a real one.”
“Your mother sounds like a wise woman.”
“She is, and I miss her very much.”
“You’d better go,” Thankfull said. “Alex is giving us hard looks.” She leaned toward Cay. “Who would have thought he was so handsome under all that hair?”
“I didn’t guess.”
“But you seem to have made up for lost time.”
“We, uh . . . ,” Cay stammered.
“The walls in this place are very thin. Now go, so you can do what you need to. And tell Mr. Connor that . . . that . . .”
Cay swung up onto her horse. “I’ll get you two together and let you tell him.” She looked at Alex. “Are you going to stand there all day?”
Alex reined his horse away. “So are you matchmaking again? First Eli and T.C.’s daughter, and now you’re finding a wife for T.C. himself. Did it ever occur to you that those people can find their own mates?”
“No, I can’t say that it did. Think one of the twins would do for Tally?”
Alex set his horse to a trot.
It was days before they reached New Orleans, and by that time they were exhausted, but reaching their destination made new energy run through them.
“So where do you think your brother would be? Asleep in some rich hotel?” Alex raised an eyebrow at her. “Alone or with someone?”
“I’m sure Tally is a virgin. Adam and Father keep a close watch on him.”
“As they do you?”
Cay grimaced. “I was allowed out by myself because I was believed to be the sane and sensible one.”
“I proved them wrong,” Alex said, and there was such pride in his voice that she laughed.
“I’ve never been in this city before, so I don’t know where the best hotels are.”
Alex looked at her. Her thick auburn hair had grown in some during the last weeks, and it had escaped the tie at the back. It was curling about her shoulders in a way that made him want to pull her off her horse and onto his saddle.
“We don’t have time for that now,” Cay said at his look, but she was smiling. “I think you’ve corrupted me.”
“I did my best.” His eyes were blinking innocently.
“I’m glad it’s only Tally here, because if Adam saw you looking at me like that . . .”
“What would he do?” Alex asked, amusement in his voice. “Slap me with one of his gloves and challenge me to a duel at dawn? Do you think he brought his father’s dueling pistols?”