Tykota's Woman(66)

Makinna had never had a chance to be young and attend parties like other girls her age in New Orleans, and she was having fun!

After the dance ended, the major asked, "Would you like to go out on the veranda for a breath of air, Miss Hillyard?"

She arched an eyebrow at him. "I am not sure that would be proper."

He held up his hands. "I can assure you we do not stand on such ceremony out here in the country, Miss Hillyard. But, if it will make you feel better, I will tell you about the woman I am engaged to marry."

She nodded. "If that is your intention, then I will very definitely accompany you to the veranda. I would like to hear about this fortunate woman."

But as she leaned against the porch railing, Makinna remembered another night when she had stood in this exact spot with Tykota. She did not want to think about him and spoil her evening. She turned to her companion and asked, "Now, Major, tell me about your fiancee."

He gazed up at the stars. "You remind me of her a little. You are both about the same height and have the same color hair. You speak with the same soft Southern accent as Saber."

"Saber?"

"Saber Vincente. Her brother owns a ranch on the Brazos River. I haven't met him yet, and I don't know if he thinks I'm good enough for his sister. You see, they come from a very old Spanish line on their father's side."

Makinna liked the major, and she immediately guessed he was lonesome for the woman he loved. "You miss her a great deal, don't you?"

He smiled at her. "I shouldn't tell a beautiful young woman about another beautiful young woman. My mother did teach me better manners. It's just that you're so easy to talk to."

"Will you soon marry your Saber?"

"I hope to." He turned to brace his back against the post and folded his arms across his chest. "I'm being transferred to Ft. Worth at the end of the month, and I hope we can be married after that."

Makinna saw a tall stranger walk toward them. He smiled and shook hands with Major Halloway. "How are you, Matthew?"

"I'm fine. As you see, I'm with the prettiest girl here." He smiled at Makinna. "Have you met Makinna Hillyard, John?"

"No, but I came tonight for just that purpose. Will you introduce us?"

"Miss Hillyard, meet John Kincaid. He has the next ranch over. Of course, here in Texas, the next ranch over can be a hundred miles away."

Makinna recognized the name. This was Tykota's boyhood friend, who'd gone to school in England with him. He was tall and lanky, he needed a haircut, and he was rugged rather than handsome, but he had the softest gray eyes she'd ever seen. "I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Kincaid. However, I must tell you I do have the advantage over you-I have heard of you through a friend of yours."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hillyard. But you have no advantage. Hannah has talked of nothing but you for weeks. I had to come and meet you for myself."

"Mrs. Silverhorn is too kind."

"So, tell me," he said, smiling, "was Tykota as kind when he told you about me?"

Tykota had tried to stay away, but a power stronger than himself had pulled him here tonight. He'd gone up the back stairs and dressed for the party. He walked through the house, greeting neighbors and stopping to speak to his mother and Makinna's sister.

"Ty!" his mother cried, joyfully. "I didn't know you would be here!" She winked at Adelaide over his shoulder. "How long can you stay, Ty?"

He looked about him, searching for Makinna. "I must return to the valley tomorrow." He frowned at his mother. "Where is she?"

Hannah Silverhorn feigned ignorance. "There are many young woman here who look upon you wistfully. Which one were you referring to?"

He let out an intolerant breath. "Mother, you know very well who I was asking about. Where is Makinna?"

"Why, I don't know. Have you seen her, Adelaide?"

Makinna's sister smiled. "I believe I saw her walk out the door with that handsome cavalry major. What was his name?"

"Oh, yes. I believe you're referring to Major Matthew Halloway. He couldn't wait to dance with her. John Kincaid was here a while ago looking for her, too. It seems that our Makinna will have no trouble getting gentleman to pay court to her when you take her to California. That is, if one of the locals here doesn't snap her up first."

Tykota's expression was murderous as he stalked to the door. He did not see his mother and Adelaide Johnson grin at each other.





"Since we're practically old friends," John said, smiling and extending his arm to Makinna, "would you honor me with the next dance?"

Neither of them had heard Tykota come out of the house and approach them. His hand fell heavily on Makinna's shoulder, and she spun around to face him. When she saw it was Tykota, her heart skipped a beat. Tykota looked so fierce, she almost recoiled. "I-I didn't expect to see you tonight." She hadn't expected to see him again ever, and her heart pounded with excitement.