Tracie Peterson - [New Mexico Sunset 03] by Angel's Cause Page B

say. She makes me read horrible things and tells me what I should feel. She plans my days out in complete detail without ever considering my needs.” Angeline smiled to herself when she thought of Gavin’s surprise arrival. “Of course, Willa didn’t plan on Gavin.” Then a thought crossed her mind. She mustn’t say anything to give away Gavin’s presence. If she told Willa, and Douglas had been responsible for Gavin’s attack, she’d end up being the cause of him being hurt further.
    With a heavy sigh, she let go of the drapes. “Oh, God, please keep him safe. Please don’t let them hurt Gavin again.”

Chapter 12
    T he dry, warm days of mountain summer caused Angeline to think of home. She remembered her father and mother with such fondness that she ached at the thought of the distance between them. Despite their differences, they had always shared a closeness that Angeline cherished. It was that obvious void in her life that began to make her rethink her devotion to the cause of suffrage.
    Twice she’d made her way to the lobby telephone, but both times she’d stopped herself. If Gavin found the proof he was seeking, then she’d be head ed home in a few days anyway. If he didn’t find something substantial to prove Douglas’s involvement in his attack, then Angeline would give her folks a call and let them know about her trip to Washington D.C.
    But Gavin remained mysteriously absent. Angeline had assumed he would spend some time with her now that he was here in Denver. She’d even imagined romantic evenings at the theater or opera with Gavin on her arm. But he never called on her or even so much as sent a message. After nearly a week of this, Angeline began to wonder if he’d admitted defeat and gone home.
    “Maybe he couldn’t find his proof,” she said aloud to herself one day. “At least he could have said good-bye.”
    The hotel room was more confining as the days passed and Angeline decided an outing was in order. Pulling on her well-worn blue serge skirt, she gave serious thought to her wardrobe. If she stayed on with Willa, she’d have to send for more of her things. Trying to look the part of a smart, young suffragette was most difficult when you had to alternate between three or four changes of clothes.
    A knock came at her door, and Angeline found that her heart skipped a beat. Maybe Gavin had come to talk to her again. If so, she’d ask him to accompany her across the street to the lovely park she’d watched for days from her window.
    “Who is it?” she called, unlocking the door.
    “It’s Willa, open up. I have a surprise for you.”
    Angeline opened the door and greeted her friend. “You certainly seem excited about something. Come on in and tell me all about it.”
    Willa entered the room with little flair or grace. Instead, she more or less took over a room as a general would claim a piece of ground. “We leave for Washington in two days. The march is already scheduled, and the president has agreed to receive us in the White House.”
    “Two days?” Angeline questioned, uncertain that she could manage on such short notice.
    “Yes, is that a problem?”
    “Well, I was just considering my clothes,” Angeline replied. “You see, I never planned to be away from home more than a week or two. I only have four outfits at best and they are becoming a little worn.”
    “Umm,” Willa said, surveying Angeline intently. “Yes, it would be appropriate to clothe you better.”
    “I have a vast wardrobe at home in Bandelero, but I would need to send for my things and there’s no real way of knowing whether my folks would send them or not. I have some money, but it certainly isn’t enough to refurbish my attire.” Angeline’s words were straight to the heart of the matter.
    “You can’t very well show up as one of our best speakers and look unkempt. I’ll work on the matter immediately. In the meantime, I’ve brought you these.” Willa pulled out a stack of papers from her