Tykota's Woman(65)

"I don't think I even turned over once," Makinna answered, smiling. "The soft bed was wonderful."

"You know, Makinna, I have been thinking," Hannah said. "If you and Adelaide will remain here for a few days, I would like to give a gettogether for the two of you. There hasn't been any laughter in this house for a long time."

"Do you think that is a good idea, Mother?" Tykota asked.

Mrs. Silverhorn looked at her son quizzically. "Yes, I do. I know John Kincaid would attend. John will e enchanted by you, Makinna." She took a sip of coffee and lowered her cup. "And what do you think? I just got a personal letter delivered by an army sergeant this morning after sunup.

"Was it from Major Halloway?" Makinna asked. "He was such a gentleman when we met him yesterday."

"Yes, it was from the major. He has asked to call on you. I told the sergeant I would let him know. Already your presence has the gentlemen in the area all stirred up, Makinna."

Adelaide was watching Tykota's face, and she saw his eyes darken, and his hand ball into a fist against the white tablecloth. "I would love to remain for a while, Mrs. Silverhorn. And a party would be wonderful. Thank you for being so generous to us."

Hannah Silverhorn's face brightened. "Excellent! I will have Frances bring out the good china and the crystal punch bowl."

Tykota stood so quickly he almost knocked over his chair. "I only remained this morning to tell you good-bye, Makinna," he said tightly as he moved to the door. "It seems you are in good hands."

"Ty," his mother said, rising and following him. "Surely you are not going to leave so soon. I was hoping you would stay for the party. You so seldom get to see John. There was a time when the two of you were inseparable."

He turned to the woman he called mother, wanting to yell at her for the first time in his life. But he exercised tolerance and spoke distantly. "I do not like parties." He nodded. "Ladies, I will be leaving now." And he was gone.

Makinna felt miserable. Her eyes were filled with sorrow as she said, "It seems Tykota could not wait to leave once I joined you at breakfast. He doesn't want to be in the same room with me."

She felt her sisters hand on hers. "I am not so sure." She smiled. "I wonder how long he can hold out."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing, really." She picked up the silver coffeepot and poured Makinna a cup. "Just thinking aloud."

Makinna resisted the urge to go to the front door and watch Tykota leave. How long would be the hours of each day when she could not see him, and how empty her heart would be without him.

Over the days that passed, Makinna and Adelaide became better reacquainted, and the always cheerful Hannah Silverhorn was a pleasant hostess. The sisters laughed, rode the ranch, and talked incessantly in the evenings with Mrs. Silverhorn.

Sometimes at night, in their quiet time, Adelaide and Hannah would find Makinna staring into space, and their eyes would meet, knowing she was thinking of Tykota. There was an unspoken alliance forming between them, because they had both come to realize that Tykota and Makinna were in love.

The night of the party was clear and hot, and the usual wind had died down, making it seem even hotter.

Makinna stood in the front room beside her sister and Hannah Silverhorn, being introduced to people as they arrived. She wore a winecolored gown that revealed her shoulders, and its lace bustle dusted the floor in back. The dining room had been cleared of furniture for those who cared to dance, and many young couples were doing just that.

Makinna smiled when she saw a blue army uniform and recognized Matthew Halloway. "Good evening, Major Halloway. It's a pleasure to see you again," she said, offering him her gloved hand.

"Miss Hillyard, you are about the prettiest thing I've ever seen around here," he said, clasping her hand and smiling.

"Before you turn this poor country girl's head, Major, let me introduce you to the real beauty of our family, my sister, Adelaide."

"Miss Hillyard," he acknowledged, smiling and dimpling.

Adelaide laughed, having a wonderful time. "She forgot to mention, Major, that I am Mrs. Adelaide Johnson."

The major gave a dimpled pout. "Well, Mr. Johnson's gain is our loss, madame."

"And you, Major, are more charming than you should be," Adelaide replied, smiling.

Major Halloway turned to Makinna, held out his arm, and asked, "Miss Hillyard, may I claim you for this dance?"

Makinna excused herself and went with the major to the dining room. The music was jaunty, and they joined the other couples, weaving in and out and circling in a country dance.