She unfolded the paper and read, "First dance, Ellis. Second dance, Ellis. Third dance, Ellis. Fourth dance—" There were twenty dances, with Ellis as her partner for every one. She looked at him in mock indignation.
"I'm supposed to fill my dance card!"
He grinned. "No harm in hinting, is there?"
"You're impossible!"
"I've always been."
They laughed again, and the horses pricked their ears forward. Following their intent gaze, the pair saw a cavalry patrol come around a hill and, when they drew nearer, Sergeant Dunbar greeted them. Barbara warmed at the sight of her old friend.
"Hello!"
"Hello!" they called in unison.
The patrol reined in, the six privates who accompanied Dunbar gloomy and sullen because they would miss the New Year's festivities at Laramie. For the moment, Barbara recognized no familiar face among them.
Dunbar's eyes twinkled as he glanced from Barbara to Ellis.