she did. "It seems Barbara and I both want a fine young man of good character. Since Erica longs for adventure, I'd say she wants a man who'll give her an exciting marriage. Margaret hopes for kindness in a man, Marlene for a man who loves children and Johanna for a man who shares her devotion to God. You are the only one who mentioned money. Iris, so I don't think you need worry the rest of us will want the same man you do."
Erica and Barbara flashed Gabrielle saucy smiles while the other three girls being far more reserved let their approval show in their grateful glances. Iris, however, refused to give in. "We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? I think the men with the best land near town, with the real houses built of finished planks and windows made of glass, and with furniture brought from the East will be more in demand than those with crude log cabins filled with Lord knows what, and you'll be the ones to eat your words." She'd known as soon as they'd entered the carriage that Margaret, Marlene, and Johanna would provide no competition for her. They were attractive but too quiet, rather sweet, she supposed, with their childlike views of men and marriage. They lacked the spirit she knew wealthy men admired. Barbara was attractive, but Erica and Gabrielle were true beauties and they'd undoubtedly have their pick of the men for they were witty and confident as well. She wished she'd gotten a better look at the rest of the young
women, but she'd had such a terrible time convincing Jason Royal she needed all her luggage she'd had no opportunity to assess her other rivals more closely. "Do you suppose since we're riding together to Independence we'll have to share the same wagon for the next five months?"
"I for one won't be offended if you find one of the other groups more compatible, Iris," Gabrielle replied casually, hoping the obnoxious young woman would, indeed, find company she liked better elsewhere. Unfortunately Clayton Home gave her no choice for a while. When they reached the outskirts of Independence where the wagon train was forming he assigned each group of seven which had ridden together to a separate wagon.
"The journey is a long one. You may change your wagon assignments a dozen times if you wish, but please consider your temporary placement the best possible for the time being. The drivers are unloading the carriages now so please check to be certain you have all your belongings before they return the vehicles to Kansas City. Then, no matter what has been forgotten, it will have to be left behind."
Gabrielle watched in astonishment as Iris approached the solidly built man with a coquettish step. She batted her eyelashes coyly and spoke in a seductive whisper, charming Home completely as she told him should anyone be dissatisfied with their assignment she'd be happy to trade places in the interest of achieving harmony for the entire group.
Erica moved close to Gabrielle to whisper. "Did you hear that? How gracious of her!"
"I wondered why so difficult a woman was chosen; now I understand what her interview must have been like. If she manipulates all men as easily as she just did Mr. Home, she should have no trouble finding a rich husband."
"Rich, Miss MacLaren?" Jason had walked up behind the two young women in time to hear only the last of Gabrielle's remark and he sneered in disgust. "I hate to disappoint you, but none of our clients can be classified in that category.
Perhaps with your inspiration, however, your hushand may attain a great deal of weahh which Vm certain you'll be able to tell him how to spend."
Gabrielle wheeled around, angered that he would think her the mercenary sort when she knew she most definitely was not. ''You misunderstood me, Mr. Royal, I—"
''It doesn't matter what you said. Miss MacLaren, when your intention obviously is to do the very best that you can for yourself. Now I would appreciate it if you and Miss Nelson would help the driver remove your belongings
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