Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 7

Shock registered on Lottie’s face at the bold actions of Sergeant Kirby. She pushed against his shoulders, but Titus held their contact. It was mere seconds, but a man other than David, was kissing her. She pulled away as quickly as she could, but he refused to release her from his fierce embrace.

“Titus Kirby, if you don’t let me go this instant…” The warning in her voice snapped the man back from his one-sided amorous haze.

 “I-I apologize, Mrs. Harmon.” He stepped back after a moment, raising his hands in a surrender, not sure what to say.

“Don’t ever come back here unaccompanied, do you understand?” She whispered, fuming so that she was afraid she’d hit the man if he came near her again.

“I was out of line. I beg your forgiveness. You were so very distraught, and I was only attempting to offer comfort. I can’t lie to you, L-Lottie. I am most infatuated with you.” Titus bowed his head. pressing his lips together. “I’ll just grab my hat and head out. Again, I am so sorry I offended you. Please, don’t let this end our friendship?”

“Titus, don’t misunderstand. You’ve been a kind and true friend and protector, and I am thankful, but I’ve never once given any sort of invitation. I think you should go.” Lottie walked him to the door.

“Before I leave, am I … forgiven? I really don’t want anything between us that would cause a problem. I do like being your friend, Mrs. Harmon.” Titus smiled, but Lottie remained unfazed by his supposed charm.

“Forgive you? I must if I want to remain in good standing with my Lord, but make no mistakes, Sergeant Kirby; I will not be alone in your company again. You do understand, don’t you?”

“Certainly.” His single-word response was offered with a slight bow. “Good night, Mrs. Harmon.” Tipping his hat, he mounted his horse and rode off.

“Father in Heaven, help me. I don’t know what to do about that man.” Lottie went about her evening chores, checked on her horse, washed the few dishes she had in her sink and finished the laundry she had for the week. Finally content that her work was complete, Lottie started a bath and relaxed with a warm cup of tea.

*****

David was so relieved to see Fort Hays, he almost forgot his mission. They unloaded everything, put the horses away, and reported to Colonel Dudley that all was finished. He dismissed everyone but David and Sergeant Greisen. He motioned for them to follow him to his home, where his wife would have refreshments waiting.

“Well done, gentlemen. Now, of course, you are not to discuss your mission. Even some of the men who went with you to Fort Riley don’t know the full details. Thank you for your discretion. Harmon, there’s a promotion for you coming up. You’re gaining the rank of Sergeant. Congratulations!”

“Thank you, sir. That is certainly unexpected.”

A few more minutes of idle conversation passed before Peter Greisen shook the Colonel’s hand and donned his hat. “Thank you, Greisen. Have a good night.”

David repeated Greisen’s movements, but was stopped by Colonel Dudley.  “One more thing, before you go, Harmon. It has come to my attention that Kirby has been paying more attention than necessary to your wife. Now, my personal feelings aside, you need to make sure everything’s alright.”

Julianna once again interrupted. “I saw Sergeant Kirby when I returned from Mrs. Harmon’s this afternoon. I may have mentioned her state of ill-temperament. She was quite upset by the rumors on the Fort.”

“What rumors?” Nathan Dudley, attempting to hold down his temper, and David exclaimed in unison. David's expression showed that he equally perplexed by the statement.