DEDICATION
No man (woman) is an island. My family truly proves that truth again and again. They keep me grounded. They encourage me, distract and interrupt me They make me laugh and cry, and want to pull out my hair But I couldn’t live without them The good times and the bad times make my life worthwhile. Some may even make their way into my books.So this book is dedicated to my children Love you all
CONTENTS
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
NOT(THEEND)
AlsobyLindaFord
DearReader
AbouttheAuthor
Canada,1887
Theywerealmostreadytogo.
The wagonwithits white canvas topstoodinfrontofthe house where Marnie Woods hadparkeditandtakenher timefillingit.Shewantedherson,Bertie,togetusedtotheideaofleaving.HewasexcitedtoseehisbrotherinFortTaylor, buttheideaofleavinghome,oftravel,andofstrangersupsethim.
Thewell-wornpaperinherhandcrinkledasshereadoverthelistofsuppliesthefourofthemneededtomakethejourney acrossthenearlythousandmiles.Mentally,onebyone,shetickedthemoff.Itseemedlikesomuch…andyetsolittle,although she’dbeenassureditwouldseethemacrossthecountry Unless
Shewasn’tgoingtodwellonpossibilitiesbutonwhatremainedtobedone.Besides,iftheyneededanythingelsealongthe way, theycould venture into a nearbytown It was 1887 after all, witha railwaythat connected Canada withthe western territoriesandtheprovinceofBritishColumbia.Theymighthavemadethejourneyinrelativecomfortonatrain,butBertie was terrifiedofthe steel monsters.Nottomentiona steadystreamofstrangers comingandgoing.So,they’dtrekacross the countryinawagon Ithadbeendonebefore Othershadcrossedsuccessfully Theycouldfindhelpalongtheway Butallofthe assurancesshe’dreceivedandrepeatedtoherselfdidnotmakethejourneyaheadanyless
Shewouldnotadmitthe fear thatwoundaroundher heartandsqueezed The Lord is my shepherd He leadeth me She clungtoportionsoftheTwenty-ThirdPsalm. Lord, I’m trusting You to guide and protect.
Ruby,Marnie’sseventeen-year-olddaughter,rushedoutsidewithaboxandjammeditbetweenatrunkandabarrel Marnie reviewedthebarrel’scontents rolledoats,drybeans,rice,flour,cornmeal.Butwasitenough?
“Ma.” Ruby’s voice warbled outexcitement. “Ican’twaitto start.” She dropped fromthe wagonboxto the ground and laughed,herfeetdancingwiththeprospectofadventure
Angela,Marnie’sadopteddaughter,joinedthem,herhandstwistedtogetherasshetookinallthesuppliesthey’dcrammed in “AuntMarnie, the wagon’s gettingrather full Do youwantme to tryto rearrange things?” Dear Angela always worried about Marnie. Always went out of her way to be a help. Not that Marnie minded, but the precious child should relax sometimes.
“Thank you for offering but let’s leave it for now. We have a few more days before we set out. We’ll make final adjustmentsthen.”
Anapproachingconveyanceclamoredupthedriveway “It’sHazel Whatanicesurprise”Leavinghereldestdaughterand grandsonbehindwasoneofthehardestthingsaboutthisjourney.
ThedriverjumpeddownandhelpedHazel toalight LittlePetey,clutchedinherarms,laughedwhenhesaw Marnieand reachedforher.Herheartached.Sherushedforwardtotakehimandcuddledhimclose,hissofthairticklinghercheek.How fewdaysshehadlefttoenjoythislittleone.Onlyayearold.Shebreathedinhissweetbabyscent.Whenwouldsheseehim again?Shewouldn’tbearoundtowatchhimgrowanddonewthings.“I’llmissyou.”
“Maybeyouwon’t.”Hazelwavedtowardtheboxesthedrivertookoutofthebackofthecarriageandsetontheground.
“What’sallthis?”
“I’mgoingwithyou. Idon’twantto raise Peteyonmyown. He needs family, and withPeter gone ” She lowered her gaze,swallowingvisibly HerhusbandhadpassedawayunexpectedlyoverayearagoleavingHazelwidowedandwithchild “Butyourhouse ”
“Isoldit.Ma,I’llpaymyshareofexpenses.”
“Ofcourse”They’dfigureouthowtocrowdintwomorepeopleandtheirluggage “IsupposeIcouldgoonthetrain.”Shelookeddowntheroadtowardtown,herteethworryingherbottomlip.
“Thatwon’tbe necessary” Marnie shiftedPeteytoher hipandwrappedanarmaroundher oldestdaughter “Exceptfor Bertie’s fears, we could all have made the journeyinthe comfortofthe train. Butwe will travel together. Ican’tbelieve I
don’thavetoleaveyoutwobehind.”
“Good. Now Ihave somethingto show you.” Hazel tookPeteyand moved awaya few steps. She stood the boyonthe ground “He’slearnedtowalk Petey,gotoGrammie”
Marniesquatted,heldoutherarms,andcaughtthestaggeringlittleone.Thethreeofthemhuggedandlaughed.
Agallopinghorsethunderedcloser Theriderbentlowoverthehorse’sneck,flingingthereinsbackandforthtourgethe animaltoafasterpace.
MarniehuggedPeteyandcuppedherhandoverhisheadasifshecouldprotectthechildfromaracinghorse
Ahatpulledlowontherider’sheadconcealedhisidentity,butheshouldknowbetterthantoapproachatsuchareckless pace.EspeciallygivenherodestraighttowardMarnieandherfamily.
Rubyburstintolaughter “It’sIrene”
“Irene?”Ofallthe Whenwouldthatgirllearn?
“It’smysister Noquestion Dressedlikea ”Hazelexpelledherbreathinagust
“She’s wearingtrousers. Her father would ” But Normanwas no longer at Marnie’s side, leavingher to do what she thought best ArguingwithIrene was not highonher list of things to do Besides, Normanhad done nothingto discourage Irene’swildness.Hadgonesofarastosayherboldnesswouldcarryherfarinlife.
Thehorserearedtoahalt,dirtflyingfromhishooves.
“Hey,Ma I’mreadytogowithyou”
Althoughshetried,Marniecouldn’tpullawordfromherbrain.NotthatIrenenoticed.
“You’llneedsomeonetohuntandtoprotectyou That’swhereIcomein”Herdaughterpattedtherifleinitssockhanging fromhersaddle.Thensheswungherlegoverandjumpedtotheground,landingsquarelyonherfeet,herhandsonhernarrow hipsandasmileaswideasariverinflooduponherlips.
Marnie pressed the heel ofher hand to her forehead. Irene worked for a local familywitha dozenchildrenand hadn’t plannedtojoinMarnieonthisjourney.“WhatabouttheStebers?”Itwastheleastoftheprotestsrisingwithinherbuttheonly oneshecouldsqueezeout
“Isaidgoodbyetothem.TheywishedmeGodspeed.”Shepattedhersaddlebags.“Gotallmythingsrighthere.”
AlumpblockedMarnie’s throat They’dneedGodspeed,His blessing,His provision,andmostofall,His protectionon this journey. And she’d need more supplies since her partyoffour had grownto seven. And where was everyone goingto sleep?Wherewouldallthetrunksandcasesgo?
“Where’sBertie?How’shetakingallthis?”Irenewavedaglovedhandtowardthewagon. Alleyesturnedtothebarn,itbeingBertie’susualplaceofretreat.
“Hedoesn’tlikechange”NotthatMarnieneededtosayit Theywereallawareoftheirbrother’sidiosyncrasies “Ikeep remindinghimhe’llseeCarson.”
Silence andthoughtful looks were the onlyresponse andall she expected The girls hadgrownupwithBertie andknew whattoexpect.Shestifledasnort well,whattoexpectoftenmeantexpectingthattheycouldn’tpredictwhathe’ddo. Ireneleanedbackontheheelsofherwornridingboots.“Doesheknow Aliceisgoingtoo?”Meaningthegoatwhowas amongBertie’spets
“Alice,hiscats,andLimpy.Ievenpromisedhimhisthree-leggeddogcouldrideinthewagon.”
Rubyguffawed “He’llhavealltheanimalsridingwhilethepeoplewalk”
“If his animals are riding, won’t he want to?” Irene turned to stare at the wagon’s interior, the overhead white canvas creatingsome shade over the contents She laughed “He’ll have to perchonthree layers ofcrates and trunks withhis head pressedtothehoops.”
MarniekissedPetey’splumpcheekandhandedhimtohismother.“Ihavetocheckonafew things.”Herheelsstruckthe groundwithunusualforceasshemadeherwaytothehousetogetherpurse
Clutchingthewrinkledpaperlistingtheneededsupplies,sheheadeddowntheroadtowardtown.Howwouldshefitmore bodies,more luggage,andmore supplies intothe wagon? For the mostpart,the people andpets couldwalk,butwhatabout duringinclement weather? She crumpled the paper as her fist clenched. Too bad that wasn’t her onlyconcern. Carsonhad providedherwithamapforthejourney map wasabitoverstated Itcouldbestbedescribedasarudimentarysketchgiving littleinformationastowherethey’dcrossriversor No.Shewouldn’tworry.Itwasawasteoftimeandenergy. The Lord is my guide and my rock.
Sheskirtedrutsonthetwo-miletrektotown Perspirationdampenedherforehead,andshebreathedhardwhenshereached thestoreandpushedopenthewoodendoor.
Mr Dunnglancedupatherrushedentrance “Mrs Woods Nicetoseeyou”Hiseyesnarrowedashetookinherstate “Is somethingwrong?”
Shesuckedinadeepbreathtocalmherself.“I’mgoingtoneedmoresupplies.”She’dcomeupwithalistasshetrottedto town,andsherattleditoffforhim.
“I’llneedafewdaystogetallofthisin.”Hetappedthepaperonwhichhe’dwrittentheitems.“ButIhavetospeakupand
saywhat’sonmymind.Howareyougoingtogetallthisintoyourwagon?”
“Plus,twomorewomenandababy.”ThewordsshotfromhermouthasthetappingofMr.Dunn’sfingerdrummedinside herhead
“MightIsuggestyouprocureanotherwagon?”
“Ican’tdenythethoughtclaimedagooddeal ofmytimeonthewalk”Awagonmeantanotherteamofoxen Themoney Normanleftheronhispassingwasevaporating,butCarsonhadassuredhershe’dhavenotroubleaugmentingwhathecould providefromhismeagerwagesasaNorth-WestMountedPoliceman Laundry,takinginboarders,andsewingwereamongthe thingshe’dsuggested.Marniegroundherteeth.Shewouldbeindependentnomatterhowhardshehadtowork.
Mr.Dunnclearedhisthroat.“AndmightIbesoboldastosuggestyouneedaguide?Ihavejustthemanforyou.Joe.”He wavedforwardamanfromthebackofthestore “Joe,thisisMrs Woods,theladyItoldyouisheadingfortheterritorieswith herfamily.”DirectinghisattentionbacktoMarnie,Mr.Dunnadded,“Joeisfamiliarwiththetrail.He’dbeagoodguide.”
Marniestudiedtheman Bronzedskin,blackhair inabraid Obviously,hehadNativebloodinhis veins Blackeyes as steadyasarock,andyetshesensednoboldnessinhisgaze.Onlyinterestandassessment.
“Aguide?”Someonewhohadexperienceonthetrail?Whoknewmoreaboutwheretogothanthemapprovided?But “I hadn’t planned onit.” Aguide plus another wagonand oxenand supplies. Would it never end? However, the veryidea of having someone who knew the way lifted her biggest worry fromher thoughts. But how would Bertie react to a stranger accompanying them? For that matter, how would the girls? She twisted a thread hanging fromher sleeve until it snapped “Wouldyouconsiderit,sir?”
“Ma’am,I’lllookatyouroutfitbeforeIgivemyanswer”
Howreassuringhisdeepvoicewas.“Fine.I’llneedafewdaystogetorganized.I’llletMr.DunnknowwhenI’mready.” Joedippedhisheadinacknowledgmentandslippedawaybeforeshecouldaskhislastname.
A WEEK LATER, the new wagonand teamofoxenhad beendelivered alongwiththe necessarysupplies. Mr. Dunnsaid Joe wouldbealongafternoon.
ThenewoxenhaddrawnBertiefromthebarn “Mama,theygotnames?”
“Yes ThisoneisSal TheotherisSid” Bertie eased up to the beasts. Mr. Dunn, aware ofBertie’s fondness for all animals, had assured Marnie the oxenwere gentle.Still,sheheldherbreath,waitingfortheirfirstreactiontoherson,abigmanwiththeheartandmindofachild.
“Sal,yousesopretty,”Bertiewhispered.“Youtoo,Sid.”Bothanimalstippedtheirearstowardhim.Hehelduphishand. Salmooed aplaintivesound andBertielaughed.“Ilikeyoutoo.”HewrappedhisarmsaroundSal’sneckandwhispered intheanimal’sear ThenhedidthesametoSid
Marnie’sbreatheasedout.Bertiewasalreadyfriendswiththefirstpair,FredandPat.Itbodedwellfortheirjourney.
Ahorse approached Joe, justas she expected As soonas he agreed to guide them, theycould be ontheir way Alittle tingleslitheredthroughherveins.Tensionorexcitement?
IN THE TWENTYyearssinceGabeMillerhadlastseenBruffin,Manitoba,littleaboutithadchanged.Yes,thetownwasbigger andtheroadsinbettercondition.AMr.DunnnowrantheGeneralStore.Butthestreetswerestillwide.Thesoundofmetalon metalstillrangfromtheblacksmithshop.Horsesandwagonsstillraiseddustastheytraveled.
Guessmaybehe’dbeenexpectingtheplacetohavechangedasmuchashe.
Apartfromhisplans,therewasonlyoneplacehewantedtosee,andhestoppedthewagoninfrontofthechurch Having beenpaintedrecently,itgleamedwhiteandpure,asdidthewhitepicketfencepastthechurch.Beyonditwereneatrowsof headstones
“Pa?”Cecil’scallsetGabeinmotion.
“Let’s gosee your mother.” His boots thuddedonthe ground.The verdantgrass bentbefore his feetas he crossedtothe woodengateandunlatchedittoswingopen.Hepulledhishatfromhisheadandclutcheditinonehand.
CecilandWaltbothfollowedtotheheadstone.EllenMiller.Wife.Mother.Daughter. You’d be so proud of your sons. They are grown big and strong just as we dreamed And now I’m going to repay the debt I owe Norman Woods Andfinallymakeit totheWestashehadplannedtodomorethantwenty-fiveyearsago.
Birds called fromthe nearby trees The wind sighed through the branches Gabe returned his hat to his head while he retracedhissteps.“Boys,takeyourtime.”
Theirstepsechoedhisownastheyfollowedtoresumetheirjourney,takingthestreetoutoftown.Thiswasonethingthat was different The Woods hadlivedinBruffinwhenGabe was lasthere Now,theylivedona farm Normanhadwrittento
informhimofthemovemanyyearsago For Bertie’s sake He loves animals and needs to be away from town Gabeambledatthesideofthelumberingoxentrudgingtheirplacidwayupthelaneway.
Agaggleofwomenclusteredaroundthetwowagonsintheyard Huh Somanyadultwomen Well,sure,heknewthegirls wouldhavegrownupsinceheleftandtwomorehadbeenborn,butseeingthemall inagrouplikethatstill madehimblink andsitupstraight
Cecilletoutalowwhistle.“Fiveofthem.Whichoneyougotpickedoutforyerself,Walton?”
Adarkscowlonhisface,Gabe’soldestsongavetheyoungeraglare “YoucanstartcallingmeWalt AndIain’tcoming alongtofindmeagal.I’llleavethatuptoyou.”
Ignoringhisoffspring,Gabestudiedthetwomen.Onestoodbytheoxenofthefarwagon.Theotherhungbackbythefence asifobserving Ashedrewcloser,GabemadeoutthesecondmantobepartNative Ifhiscoloringhadn’tinformedGabe,his buckskinbreechesandfringedleathervestwouldhavesuggestedhewasanoutdoorman.
AtGabe’scommand,theteamdrawinghiswagonsnortedtoahalt WaltandCecil reinedinoneither sideofhim Gabe chuckled.TheMillerslinedup,readytodobusiness.Fromhere,hehadnotroublemakingoutwhichoftheladieswasMarnie. Herblondehairhadfadedsome,butherblueeyeswerejustasdirectandchallengingasheremembered Andthosefourgirls mustbeherdaughters.Hecouldn’tsaywhichwaswhich.Lasttimehe’dseenthem,Hazelhadbeenathree-year-old,Carson,a toddler,andBertie,averysickfive-year-old.They’dallhadmeasles.Hisboysaswell.
Thatmanclingingtotheoxen,wasitBertie?Ifso,theboyhadgrownintoabigman
“Pa?”Cecil’svoiceremindedGabehewasn’ttheretoreminisce.
Gabejumpedtotheground,hismovementmakingoneoftheoxensnort ThebigmanheguessedtobeBertiebackedaway anddisappearedintothebarn.Gabepattedthenearestbeastofhisteam,gatheredhisthoughts,andstrodeforward.
“Mrs.Woods,Idon’tknowifyourememberme.”
“GabeMiller.Ofcourse,Irememberyou.JustasIrememberyourboys.”Herchucklewasmusicalashergazeswepthis sons.“Thoughtheyweremuchsmaller.It’sasurprisetoseeyou.”
Theunaskedquestionlingeredinhervoice,soheansweredit “I’mheretoaccompanyyoutoFortTaylor”
Blue eyes darkened and narrowed. “Whatmakes youthinkIneed you and your boys, Ipresume to escortme? Ifyou lookaround,you’llseeI’mreadytotravelonmyown Ihavemysonandmydaughters”Sheglancedoverhershoulderasif tryingtolocateherson,thenforgedon,hergazeshiftingtothemanbythecorralfence.“Joeisgoingtobeourguide.”
Themanleanedagainsttherails,hisexpressioninscrutable.
Thegirlscrowdedaroundher.
Gabe adjusted his hat evenas he adjusted his thoughts to come at the situationfroma different direction. “I remember HazelwasthreeorfourwhenIlastsawher WhichoneofyouisHazel?”
Thewomanwhosteppedforwardheldababyboy.Herhairwasthepalestblond.“I’mHazel,nowMrs.Meyer.Ican’tsay thatIrememberyou”
“Don’texpectyouwould.Isyourhusbandaccompanyingyou?”
“Myhusbandisdead.”
Herbluntanswersethimbackonhisheelsthoughhewascertainnoonecouldtell “I’msorry”
The young woman dressed in trousers squinted at Walt. “Didn’t I see youin town some time back? Comingout of the churchyard?”
WalthadvisitedBruffin?Gabestudiedhiselderson.Theboywasdark,darkereventhanGabe.Hewasamanwhokept his thoughts tohimselfthoughGabehadnocomplaints concerningWalt’s loyaltyor his willingness towork Hereturnedhis attentiontothewomen.“Mrs.Woods,mayIpresentmysons,WaltandCecil.”
“Howdy,ma’am.”Bothremovedtheirhatsanddippedtheirheads.
“It’sapleasuretoseeyoubothallgrownup Yourmotherwouldbeproud” “Iagree,”Gabemurmured.
“Thankyou,”Waltsaid “Ihopeso”
Cecilgrinned.“Iknow she’dbeproudofme.” Marniechuckled “Especiallyofyourmodesty?” Cecilgrinnedwider.
“Girls,theMillersusedtobeourneighbors.I’msureyou’veheardbothmeandyourpaspeakofthem.”Hergaze,gentle onthegirls,returnedtoGabewithlittlegentlenesslingering “You’vealreadymetHazel ThisisIrene”
Thetrouser-cladwomangrinned,andherhandshotout.Cecilshookit,butWalthesitated,bringingahootoflaughterfrom theyounglady
“Idon’tbite.Oratleast,Ihaven’tsinceIwasthree.”
Waltshookherhandalbeitbriefly.“I’llbeonguardincaseyourevert.” Irenelaughedagain.“Soundslikefun.”
Walt’sfrownsuggestedotherwise.
“Ruby, say hello to our visitors.” As a pretty gal with rose-tinted blonde hair falling down her back stepped forward, Marniecontinued.“Thisismyyoungestdaughter.”
Shepulledforwardanothergirlslightlydarkerthantheothers “Thisismyadopteddaughter,Angela” Afterappropriategreetings,Gabeglancedaround.“Bertie?”FromthefewlettersNormanhadwritten,Gabeknewtheboy hadsurvivedandgrownintoaman atleastinsize Normanhadn’tsaidmuchmore “Hedoesn’tcareforstrangers.”
He almost winced at the blunt, dismissive response Very well, she didn’t care to discuss her son Warning heard and heeded.
“Itwasniceofyoutocomecalling,butplease,don’ttravelwithus.ItwouldupsetBertieandmakethejourneydifficult.” Havingdismissedhim,Mrs Woodsturnedtotheothers “Irene,wouldyoucheckonyourbrother”
“I’llmakesupper.”Angelahurriedtothehousewherethedoorclosedwithanaudibleclick.
Hazel,withthechildinherarms,followed WaltandCecilledtheirhorsesawayfromthewagons.Didtheythinkthematterwasclosed?
Marnieheldherground,asunmovableasaboulder SodidGabe.He’dcometodosomething,anddoit,hewould.
Joebrokethestalemateashesaunteredforwardonsilentfeet.“Ma’am,ifImayspeakmypiece?”
“Byallmeans”Reliefinhervoicesuggestedshewelcomedanythingtobreakthestaredown Orwassheevenawarethat waswhattheyhadgoingon?
“I’magoodguide,”Joesaidinasoft,huskyvoice “ButIwon’tberesponsibleforawagontrainofnothingbutwomenand achild.It’stoorisky.”
“Haveyouforgottenmyson?”
IfJoeheardthechallengeinhervoice,hegavenosign.“Iwouldconsideryoursona ” “He’sgoodwithanimals.”
“That’saplus ButI’veobservedheisnotgoodwithpeople Thatisnotaplus” “Mrs.Woods?”Gabekepthisvoicegentle.“Pleaseacceptmyoffertotravelwithyou.” She trailed the toe ofher brownbootthroughthe dirt, drawinglittle circles She pushed a strand ofhair offher cheek Finally,sheliftedhergazetohis,eyesdimmed.
“It’safreecountry.Youcangowhereyouchoose.”Shestoodtallerandjuttedoutherchin.“However,Iaskthatyoustay backfrommywagons,andIwillbeinchargeofmyoutfit.Understood?”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Anotherconveyancerattleduptheroadway Marniegroaned.“Whatnow?”
Marniehadaboutreachedhertoleranceofdelays Ithadbeenonethingafteranother Strangersdecidingtoridewith themwas the last straw. She’d spent hours preparing Bertie for Joe and explaining his role. She answered his endlessquestionsandsoothedhisconcerns ButnowthreeMillermen?
She remembered Gabe mostlyas dear Ellen’s husband. Notthatshe recalled muchofhim. Her days had beenfull with lookingafterchildren.Thenmeasleshitthemall.AndEllen well,Ellendidn’tsurvive.Gabewasmuchassheremembered him Big,dark-haired,dark-eyed Histwosonsweremuchlikehim
Butwhatweretheydoinghere?Andtosuggest no,announce theyweregoingtotravelwithherfamily?Well,honestly, itwasmorethanshecoulddealwithletaloneexpectthatBertiecould Littlesurprise,he’dgonetothebarn Itwouldtakea miracletogethimout ortwoweeksofgentlepersuasion.She’dcomeupshortontheformer.Didn’thavetimeforthelatter. Theyneededtobeontheirwayandverysoon
Andnowanothercaller.“Hassomeonesentoutamessageinformingoneandallofmyplanneddeparture?”
Gabechuckled.“Can’tsayabouttheothers.ButCarsonwroteandtoldWaltofyourplansandexpressedhisconcernabout youtravelingonyourown”
“CarsonandWalt?”Hervoicewarbledseveralnoteshigherthannormal.
Gabecrossedhisarms,hisfacetowardtheapproachingcarriage “Whydoesthatsurpriseyou?”
Nomistakingthatwarningnote.Hewasprotectiveofhissonseventhoughtheywerefull-grownmen.Sheunderstoodthat. “OnlyreasonisthatCarsonismoreCecil’sage”
“Guessso.”Washepurposelykeepinghistonebland?Tryingnottobeoffendedbyherremark? Notthatitmattered.She’dmakesuretheysaw littleenoughofeachother evenifhiswagontrailedhers.Butwhywould CarsonsuggestsheneededtheMillerstoaccompanyher?
Before she couldvoice the question,she recognizedthe passenger inthe visitingcarriage.“Louise.” For Gabe’s benefit, sheadded,“MissArchibald”
“Uh-huh.”Thesoundhunglikeaquestion,butshedidn’tfeellikeexplaininganything. “She’scometosaygoodbye,Iexpect.SheandHazelarefriends.”Enoughinformation.Afterall She let her chest muscles relax. Gabe did not deserve to be the recipient of her ire. It wasn’t his fault that well, not everything washisfault.
Louisegotdownwithoutwaitingforassistanceandwaitedwhilethedriver
“Notagain.”Thewordswouldnotbeheldinasasmalltrunkandseveralbagswereunloadedfromthecarriage. Marnieliftedherhandimploringlytowardheaven “Twoweeksago,Iwasalmostreadytogo Fourofusandonewagon Bertiewassomewhatacceptingoftheidea.”Sherockedherheadbackandforth.“Thenweweresix,thenseven,andnow ” Therewerenowords.Absolutelynonetodescribeherfeelings.Thiswasnotthetripshehadenvisioned. Hazel,havingseenLouise’sarrival,hurriedouttohugherfriend.“You’recomingtoo?”
“How could Ipass up this opportunity?” Louise’s deep and mellow voice made itsound like she didn’twantto miss a Sundaypicnic “NursesareneededintheWest OrsoI’veheard”
Asoundofpure,unfetteredexasperationescapedMarnie’spatience.“Mr.Millerandtherestofyou.”Shesweptherarms toincludeJoeandtheMillerboys “Iampullingouttomorrowmorningbeforehalfthetowndecidestoaccompanyme” She was readyexcept for one thing Bertie. She stumped to the barnand eased into the cool, diminterior. Dust motes floatedintheshaftoflightandtickledhernose.Thearomaofanimalshelpedsoothehermountingfrustration.“Bertie,it’sme, Mama”Sheclosedthewalk-indoorandwaitedforhimtoacknowledgeher “Mama?”Thehoarsewhispercamefrominsideapen.
Marnieremainedbythedoor “CanIcomein?” “Onlyyoucome.”
“Nooneelseishere.”Sheeasedforwardonthestraw-strewnfloor. Alicebleatedatherapproach.
“Hello,Alice Howareyou?”
Theblack-and-whitegoatliftedherheadforMarnietopather,thenreturnedtopressingagainstBertie.
Marnieloweredherselftothefloorbesidehersonandleanedagainstthewornwoodenpen,lettingthemusclesinherback relax. Love and tenderness for this son made her speak soft and gentle. “We need to leave tomorrow to go see Carson. Remember?”
“Inotgonow.”HisvoicewasmuffledagainstLimpy’sfurryback.TwocatsloungedonBertie’sshoulders. MarniesmiledatthesightofBertieandhisanimals.“Wecan’tstay.RememberItoldyouwesoldeverythingsowecould goseeCarson”Ifshementionedhisbrotheroftenenough,Bertiemightrememberhisexcitementofvisitinghim
“InotwanttoleavePapa.”
The tears inhis voice heightened the ache inher heart Papa was partofthe reasonMarnie had decided to leave Even thoughherhusbandhadpassedonwelloverayearago,Bertieclungtothehopehewouldonedayreappear,oftenlookingfor himinfamiliarplaces
“Papa is inheaven,buthe’ll be withus wherever we are.Remember,he’s righthere.” She pressedher palmtoBertie’s chest.
Hecoveredherhandwithhis “Mama,younottellmeallthosepeoplecomingwithus” ShestrokedLimpy’sroughfur.“We’llleavethemalone,andthey’llleaveusalone.” Itwasthebestshecouldpromise
TheonlysoundwasmouthnoisesfromAlice,asnuffledsnorefromLimpy,andpurringfromthecatsasBertieconsidered heroffer.Althoughhedidn’tsayanything,shefelthisslowacceptanceinthewayhisfingersuncoiledinLimpy’sfurandhow heleanedintoAlice.
“Areyoureadytocomeinforsupper?Angela’smakingsomething.”Theirlastmealintheirhome,butshewasn’tgoingto pointthatouttoBertie Inorder tostartearlytomorrow as she plannedinthehopes ofgettingawayfromall the men,she’d prepareabreakfasttoeatastheytraveled.
Flecksofhayfloatedaroundherassherose “Bertie,let’sgo”
“Mama,Ieathere?Justlike ”
Marnieknewwhathemeant.AfterNorman’sdeath,Bertiehadeatenmanymealsinthedustybarnsurroundedbyhispets. Perhapsheneededthecomfortofthislasteveninginthefamiliarplace.
“We’llleavebeforedawn.”ShepattedeachanimalandsqueezedBertie’shandbeforeshedepartedthebarnintothebright sunshine
Joehadsaidhe’dsleepunderthestarsandmakehisownmeals.Achoicethatsuitedherfine.Shecrossedthesoftgrass, inhalingthescentsoflatespringassheapproachedwherehecamped “Joe?”
Themanroseinonefluidmovement.
“Iwanttobeonmywaybeforethesunbreaksoverthehorizon”HergazewentpasthimtowheretheMillershadmade campattheendofthelane.Shestudiedthewagon,thehorses,andtheteamofoxen theanimalstetheredsotheycouldgraze. “Noneedtowaitforthem”WasitpossibleJoegotherunspokenmessagethatshedidn’twanttotravelwiththem?
Theguidenodded.“I’llhavetheteamshitchedupandreadytogo.”
“SeeifyoucangetBertietohelpyou”WorkingwiththeanimalswastheonlywayBertiewouldagreetoleave ortobe inJoe’scompany.
DAWN STAINED the easternskyas Gabe builta little fire and sethis coffee to boil. He’d beenup for a time, listeningto the Woodspreparetoleave.TheMillerswouldleavetoobutnotuntil hehadhiscoffee.Cecil,moreinterestedinfood,dugout biscuits.
“Sure would be nice to worktogether withthe ladies,” Cecil mused over his third biscuit. “I’d be willingto do camp choresinexchangeforahotmeal”
ThethoughthadoccurredtoGabeaswell.Itwouldbemoreefficienttocombinethecampsandsharethechores.“I’msure Mrs Woodsisn’tinterestedinanythingofthesort”
Walttightened the cinchofhis saddle before he straightened to consider the Woods wagons. “Theyseemed ina hurryto leave,buttheyhaven’tturnedawheel.”
Thecoffeesputtered,andGabepulledthepotawayfromtheflameswithhisglovedhand “Maybethey’vegotaproblem” Heshookthepottosettlethegrounds,thenpouredhimselfacup.Bothboysheldoutmugsforhimtofill.
Thethreeofthemhunkereddowntowatchthemotionlesswagons
“Irene’sonherhorse,”Waltsaid.“Theoxenareallintheirharnesses.” Gabesuckedbackthescaldingliquid.“Let’sgetouroxenreadytogo.”Noneofthemmoved.“Let’sdoit,”headded. Still,theywatchedtheothercamp Theboysmustbethinkingthesameashe ItwasoddfortheWoodstobedelaying He gulpedthreemoreswallowsofcoffeeandthentossedtherestintothefiretosizzleaprotest.“I’mgoingtoseewhattheholdup is”
Birdssangfromthetreesalongthelaneway.Arefreshingbreezetickledtheleaves.Thebarndoorwasopen.BothMarnie andBertieweremissingthoughtheotherswerewaitinginthewagons “What’stheproblem?”heasked.
Ireneshiftedinhersaddletoregardhim.“YoumightsayBertieisn’treadytogo.”
“Whatdoesheneed?”Themissingmanmustbeinthebarnseeingasalleyesturnedinthatdirection “Youmeanbesideshispa?”Ireneshookherhead.
Notquiteunderstandinghermeaning,Gaberemainedsilentandmotionless “BertiefiguresPa’slostandallhehastodoiskeeplookingforhiminplacesheusedtobeandhe’llfindhim.” “He’sbeenlikethissinceyourpadied?”Poorman Normanhadbeendeadmanymonths “Onlywhensomethingupsetshim.”
“Whichisoften,”Rubyadded.
“MaybeIcanhelp”Gabeskirtedapileofoxdroppingsandstrodetowardthedoor Ireneurgedherhorseforwardtocuthimoff.“Bertiedon’tcareforstrangers.”
“Idon’tintendtoremainastranger”Hesidesteppedthegeldingandcontinuedonward Hazelshiftedherbabytoherotherarm.“Maisnotgoingtobepleased.”
Theothersechoedagreement.
Hewenttothedoorway.“Bertie,it’sme.GabeMiller.Meandmysonshavethewagonattheendofthelane.” Adoggrowled.
Marniehissed “Pleasegoaway” “Bertie,your paandIweregoodfriends.”Nothinginsidethebarnmoved.Thathadtobeagoodsign.“Your pausedto writetome Imissthat Yourpatoldmeaboutyou Saidyouwereabigbraveman”Thewordsechoedoffthebeams Ashaft oflightstabbedthroughtheeastwindowindicatingthesunhadrisenabovethehorizon.Butnotasoundfromtheothers.“He eventoldmeyou’regoodwithanimals.Couldyouhelpmewithmyoxen?I’mnotverygoodwiththem.I’dsoonerhaveanice teamofhorses.” He waited, hoping, prayingfor a response. He needed Bertie to accepthim. Theyneeded to be onthe trail soon.
“Theygotnames?”
Gabe grinned. TalkingaboutNormanor the animals or maybe both had caughtBertie’s interest. “Icall themZeb and Pike LikeZebulonPike”Bertieprobablywouldn’tknowanythingabouttheexplorer “Theymightbecalmerifsomeonelike youhelps.”
“Icome.”Bertieemergedfromtheshadowsandtrotteddownthealleyway,carryingasmoky-graycat.Agoatbleatedathis heels Athree-leggeddogfollowedthegoat,andanothergraycattrottedatBertie’sside Marniefollowed,herexpressionhiddeninthedimlight.
GabeledthewayfromthebarnandtowardhiscampwithBertieathisside ThebigmanslowedatthesightofWaltand Cecil.
“There’sZebandPike”Gabepointedtotheoxen Bertieheadedtowardthepair.
Theboyshaddowsedthefirebutstillnursedcups.“Boys,gojointheotherswhileBertieandItakecareoftheoxen.” Athissoftrequest,theytookupthereinsoftheirhorsesandsaunteredovertostopatthegroupofwomen andJoe “Youstay.”Bertieputhiscarriedcatdownandsignaledtohisotherpets.Theysatinarowtowatchhim.“Mister,which oneisZeb?”
Gabeeasedclosertothefirstanimal,asolidredox.“SayhellotoZeb.”Pikewasasimilarcoloronlywithawhiteblaze onhisface
Makingmurmuringsounds,Bertieintroducedhimselftotheanimalsandgavethemeachahugaroundtheirneck.
Havinghauled freightfor a time, Gabe had methis share ofcantankerous animals, and oxenwere no exception. Butthis pairlowedatBertie’sattention Afterafewminutes,Bertiesaid,“They’sready”GabeandBertieyokedthepairtothewagon, thensidebyside,walkedthewagontowardtheothers.
In one wagon, Hazel held her son Her nurse friend, Louise, sat beside her Ruby and Angela perched on the second wagon’sseat.Bothteamswerecontrolledbylines,whichwouldmakeitpossiblefortheladiestoridemuchoftheway. His pair wasn’ttrained thatway, whichmeantsomeone had to walkbeside them. His sons had grumbled atthe idea of takingturnsatthetask.Gabewasnomoreusedtoshank’sponythanwerethey,butfornow,hewashappyenoughtowalkwith Bertieathisside.
“Whoa.”Hisoxenstoppedbesidetheothers.BertiescoopeduphiscatsandsettheminthebackofthewagonRubyand Angelawerein.
“Youstay”
Marniemust’vebeenexpectingthisforshehandedBertieaworn,hair-coveredblankettoarrangeforthecats.Sheheldout anoldcoat
Heputitinthebackandliftedthedogtositbesidethecats.“Youstay,”hesaidagain.“Alice,walk.”
Thatseemedtohavesettledthematter Withthesnortofoxen,thecreakofwagons,andtheclopofhorses,theysetout One black-and-white goatand three wagons. Four horsebackriders Joe outinfrontwithIrene and Gabe’s sons ridingabreast. Threepeoplewalking him,Bertie,andMarnie,thoughtherewasnoreasonshedidn’trideinoneofthewagons.
Rememberingher suggestion forhimtofollow,helettheotherwagonsprecedehimandhungbacktoavoidthedustkicked upbythewheelsandhooves.
He expected Bertie to join his mother or his sisters, but he stayed at Gabe’s side, murmuring to the oxen with Alice bouncingandjumpingalongsidehim.Hadheeverseenamoreunusualoutfit?Amusementstartedinthepitofhisstomachand roaredupward Hemanagedtocontrolittosoftchuckles Evenso,itdrewMarnie’sattention,andshefellbacktowalkbeside him.Hesquaredhisshoulders,knowingshehadreasontoobjecttothewayhe’doverruledeverywarninghe’dbeengiven.But he’dputupwithherscoldingtoaccomplishthetaskhe’dchosen.
Marnie walked beside Bertie to the end ofthe lane Onlyto make sure he was comfortable, ofcourse Fine!She’d admitit.Theflimsyexcusewasenablinghertoputoffwhatshemustdo swallowherpride.
“Mama, this is Zeb and Pike That man needed my help” Bertie darted a look at Gabe, walking ahead He loweredhisvoicetoawhisper.“He’sPapa’sfriend?”
AwareGabecouldhear everything,Marnienodded.“Atonetime,hewas.”She’dsometimes readhis letterstoNorman. ButneverNorman’sletterstohimalthoughhewouldhaveallowedhertodosoifshe’dasked,butshe’dnointerest Ellenhad beenherfriend,notGabe.
“Bertie,seeallthefreshgrassoverthere?IthinkAlicewouldlikeaquickbreakfast” Bertiecalledhisgoatandturnedasidetolettheanimalchomponthegrass.
OncehewasoutofhearingandshewasalonewithGabe,sheforcedherselftofallinathisside “Mr Miller,thankyoufor helpingwithBertie.”Couldshefullyexpresshergratitudewithoutinsultinghimbyhersurprise?“Iwasnotabletogethimto agreetoleave.”
“Mypleasure”HenoddedtowardBertieandAlice “IrenetoldmehowhecontinuestolookforNorman”
Marniewouldhavekeptthatinformationtoherself,butperhapsitwasforthebestifGaberealizedhow careful she or didshemean,he? mustbearoundBertie “He’sbeenbetteruntilrecently Until ” “Untilus?”
Itwouldbeeasytoblamehimbutuntrueandunfair “It’smorethanthat EverychangeupsetsBertie” “It’sgottobedifficultforyou.”
His understandingofher challenges broughta tightness to her throat, and for three steps onthe dustytrail, she couldn’t respond
Sheclearedherthroat.“Whyhaveyoucome?”
Hardlythedisinterestshemeanttoshow Heshiftedthegoadfromonehandtotheother. Perhapshemeanttoignoreherquestion. Heagaintookthegoadinhisdrivinghand.“Itoldyou.Carsonseemedconcernedand…” “And?”
“IoweNorman It’sbotheredmethathepassedonwithoutmerepayingthedebt,andnow,thisismychance”Hisvoice haddeepenedasifthisdebtweighedonhismind.
The oxen’s slow pace gave her time to come around and face him “I can’t imagine what you mean Norman never mentionedanysortofdebt.”
Theoxenstoppedmovingbecauseofherposition,soshesteppedoutoftheway. Hetappedtheanimalswithhisgoadsticktosignalthemtomoveon.Nobeatingofhisanimals,noharshwords. Bertiewatched,reliefsmoothingthetensiononhisfaceashenotedGabe’sgentlewaywithhisoxen.Aliceonhisheels, Bertie joined them, makingitimpossible for Gabe to explainthis debtand owingbusiness Well, they’d no doubthave time alongthetrailforhertopursuethequestion.
Townwasinsight,andIrenefellbacktoridebehindBertie Marniepositionedherselfathisside Rubyslowedherwagon untilGabe’soxenclosedthedistance.WiththeoxenbesidehimandGabeathiselbow,Bertiecouldn’trunawayinapanic.If onlyGaberealizedhisrole.
Ireneedgedforward,whisperedintheman’sear,andthenfellbackagain WhenGabenodded,Marniereleasedherreliefinasigh.
Theroadwidenedintoastreet Treescastlongshadowsacrosstheirpath Theypassedtendedyards,andthenthelibrary withitslarge-letteredsign.Thechurchwasnext.Aheadofthem,theleadwagonsstopped.Atthesuddencessationofthenoise
theymade,thesoundofacrowdrose.
AngelaleftherwagonandcametoMarnie.“Therearelotsofpeoplethere.I’mthinkingtheywanttosaygoodbye.Yougo upfront,andI’llstaywithBertie”
TearspressedtothebackofMarnie’seyes.She’dsaidallthegoodbyesshewantedto.Allshecouldendure.
Angelatouchedherhand “TakeLouisewithyou”
Thatmade thembothlaugh. Louise was more practical thananyofthem. She’d accepttheir farewells, saygoodbye, and waveastheymovedon
“That’snotabadidea.”ButMarniemovedforwardalonetomeetthecrowd.Afterall,theywereherfriends.Theknotin herstomachnowachedinherlungs.
Mrs Parson,thepreacher’swife,rushedforwardwithabrightquiltfoldedinherarms “Theladiesmadethistohelpyou remember us.” Witha dramatic flourish, she held the quiltaloft. Eachwhite square was embroideredwitha name ina dark color,aBiblereferenceforafavoriteverseinblack,andadecoration mostlypinkorredoryellowflowers,butsometrees orrollinghillsingreenandblue.
“It’sbeautiful NotthatI’deverforgetyou”Thewordssqueezedfreefromherconstrictedthroat,butshewouldn’tcry She wasdoingwhatshethoughtbestandwouldallowherselfnoregrets oratleast,onlyafew.
Mr.Dunncarriedforwarda large boxandstoweditunder the seatinHazel’s wagon.“We’ve puttogether foodfor your firstday”
One byone, or inpairs or small groups, people came to shake her hand and wishher well. Manyof themwent to the wagonstobidfarewelltothegirls Thankfully,theysawBertieatGabe’swagonanddidn’tgotowardhim,thoughseveralsaid goodbye.
The last one to come forward was Annie, Marnie’s best friend for more years thaneither of themliked to count. They hugged.
“Youwriteoften?”Anniesqueezedhertighter,herrosewaterscentassweetastheladyherself.
“Iwill”Apromiseeasilygivenandthoroughlymeant TearscloggedMarnie’sthroat “I’mgoingtomissyou” “ThisisthebestthingforBertie.”AnnietookinthetravelersbehindMarnie.“Itappearsothersalsothinkthejourneyisa goodidea”
Marniemanagedashort,mirthlesschuckle.“Ournumberskeepgrowing.Ibetterleavebeforewecollectmore.”
ShereturnedtoBertie.Angelawentbacktoherwagon,andwitharattleofwheelsandcreakofyokes,theytrundleddown thestreet,shoutsofgoodbyefollowingthem.
Townwasamilebehindthembeforeanyonespoke.
Bertiesaid,“Alicehappytogo?”
Hisinnocentquestion,sofarremovedfromMarnie’sthoughtsoflossandleaving,struckherasamusing,andshelaughed. “Aliceseemstobehappy”
Thegoatbouncedupanddown,rantoBertieforapat,andthendartedtotheroadside. Oh,thattheycouldallbesoinnocentlypleased.
Shecouldbarelybreathepastthelumplodgedinherthroat Butshewouldn’tcry,norwouldshelookback Herheelssank inthedustofthetrail.Herthoughtscircledbeyondwhattheywereleavingtowhattheyhopedtogain.Anewlife.Adventure even Andbeingwithherotherson she’dmissedhissupportthesepasttwoyearsandmorethathe’dbeenaway Mostofall, achanceforBertietomovepastthelossofhispa.
Oneoftheoxenlowed,drawingherattentiontothehereandnow Shematchedherstepstothemanwalkingbytheanimals “Mr.Miller ”
“PleasecallmeGabe.YoudidwhenyouwerefriendswithEllen,ifIremembercorrectly.”
Shehad “Thingsweresodifferentbackthen Wewereyoungandinnocentandfull ofhopesanddreams”Nevertheless, she’dcallhimbyhisnameandallowhimtousehers.PartlybecausebeingcalledMrs.Woodsremindedherofwhathadbeen takenfromherandwhatshewastryingtoforget
“Andnow?Isn’ttherestillroomforhopesanddreams?”
“Idon’tknow Is there? Youmovedafter Ellen’s passing,butInever heardthatyouremarried” NotthatNormanwould thinkitimportantenoughtomention.
“Ididn’t.Imovedhomesomyparentscouldhelpwiththeboys.ThenIwasbusyworkingtoprovidetheirneeds.Icarried freightforawhile Learnedhowtoworkwithmules,oxen ”Apause “Andmen”
She studied him. He seemed disappointed or weary. “Are yousayingthatinsucha wayas to suggestmenpresented the biggestchallenge?”
“Sorry.IsupposeIdidmakeitsoundthatway.”Heshrugged.“Unfortunately,itissometimestrue.” “Youwon’thearanargumentfromme.”
Theystudiedeachotheruntilitgrewawkward.
Hebrokethesilence.“Imightliketohearyourexperiencesinthematter.”
“And Iyours.” Something perhaps a promise ofmore time to talkand share their experiences passed betweenthem. That,andifshewaswillingtoadmitit,asenseofcamaraderie.Well,whynotenjoytheMillers’company?“Whatdidyoudo besidescarryfreight?”
“Ididsomeblacksmithing.HelpedPaonthefarm,butWaltkindoftookoverrunningtheplacewhenitgottobetoomuch formypa”
“Whereareyourfolksnow?Itmustbehardleavingthem.”Evenifitwasonlytoseeheracrossthecountry.
“Theyhavebothpassedaway PaeightyearsagonowandMatwoyearspast”
“I’msorry.”HadNormanmentionedit,andshehadn’ttakennote?
“Wedon’tgettochoosewhathappensinourlives,butwedogettochoosehowwe’regoingtorespondtoit.”
Thewords,sounexpectedlywise,suggestedhe’dfaceddifficultchoicesandchoseapaththatavoidedbitterness Maybe somedayshe’dgatherupthecouragetoaskforspecificdetails.
Alicegallopedovertoatasty-lookingbushbesidetheroad,Bertieinherwake Theleadwagonscontinuedontheirway, butwhenMarnieslowedtostaywithherson,Gabestoppedhisoxen.
“Youdon’tneedtowaitforme”
“It’s kind offunto watchAlice standingonher hind legs to reachthe tastiestleaves.” He laughed,a pleasant, contented sound.“Atleast,Iassumethat’swhyshe’sreachingforthem.”
Contented? Whyhad thatword crossed her mind? She knew far too little ofhimto make suchanassumption And yetif someonehadaskedhertogiveawordofassessmentregardinghim,it’stheoneshe’duse.
SheshiftedtowatchBertiemoreclosely,andifthatallowedhertostudyGabeoutofthecornerofhereye,surelynoone wouldnotice.Hisfacehadweatheredintopleasantlinesthatindicatedeithersquintinginthesunorsmilingatthings.Both,she guessed.Hisjawwasfirm,darkenedbytheblackshadowofhiswhiskers.Normanhadoncecalledhim“aman’sman.”She’d askedwhere he’dheardsucha termandwhatitmeant.Apparently,he’dreaditina news article andtookittomeana man peoplelookeduptoandothermenadmired.Stillnotquitesurewhatthedescriptionmeant,shecouldneverthelessseeGabe hadanauraabouthimofconfidenceblendedwithkindness
Sheadmiredthequalities.
Notthatshemeanttoletthatadmirationmeananythingbutapassingacknowledgment “Ma?Somethingwrong?”Irenecalled,jerkingMarnieawayfromherthoughts.
“Just waiting for ” But Bertie and Alice were several yards ahead at the back of Ruby’s wagon. He appeared to be talkingtohispet.
“Ma!”Irene’salarmjabbedupanddownMarnie’sspine.
THE WARNING NOTE inIrene’s voice broughtGabe’s head up. He scanned their surroundings butsaw nothingconcerning. He eased to his leftto see pastthe other wagons Ahorsebackrider approached Had ittriggered suchreaction? Marnie raced aheadtowalkatBertie’sside.Irenerodeclosetohisotherside.Justasthey’ddoneapproachingBruffin.
Bertiedidn’tlikestrangers
WhenBertiewasupset,itseemedheran.
Gabe urged his oxenforward to close the distance betweenhis wagonand Ruby’s as he had done earlier intown. They breatheddownBertieandMarnie’snecks.Sheglancedback,sawtheanimals,andmouthedathankyou,thenrefocusedonher son,pettingthecatsinthebackofthewagon,talkingtoBertie,anddistractinghimfromtheriderwhorodebywithapolitetip ofhishat
Thewagonscreaked.Walt’shorse,walkingbesideRuby’swagon,snortedandtosseditshead,bringingafirmwordfrom Walt NotuntilBertiechasedAlicetothesideofthetraildidthetravelersrelax Marnieslowedtowalkbyhisside.“ThanksforhelpingwithBertie.” “AllIdidwaskeepmyoxenmoving.”
Shelookedreadytoargue,thenchangedhermind.“CanyoutellmeaboutthisdebtyouthinkyouoweNorman?”
Thememoriesrushedforwardastheyalwaysdidwhenherecalledthosedays.Memoriesthatwerenolongerpainfulbuta darkpartofhislife “WhenEllendiedsounexpectedlyandleftmewithtwolittleboystoraise,IguessyoucouldsayIkindof lostmyway.Ididn’tseehowIcouldgoon.”She’dbetternothearthewayhisthroathadgrowntight.“IaskedNormantotake myboys”Theconstrictionstoppedanyfurtherwords “What?”Marniestaredathim.“Normanneversaidawordtome.”
Gabefoundhisvoice.“Becausehetalkedsensetomeinstead.Hespentmanyhourswithme.Iapologizetoyouforthat.I knowyouhadyourhandsfullwithsickbabiesandcouldhaveusedhishelp” “Ihad no idea. Ithoughthe was busywithprojects. His carpentryworkoftenhad himputtinginlonghours.” Her arms creptaroundhermiddle,andsheduckedherhead,growingthoughtful “Idon’tseethatasbeinganythingbutagoodfriendand
agoodneighbor.”
“There’smore.”Somuchmore.Heavoidedasteamingpileofmanureandusedthediversiontogatherhisthoughts.“He cametoofferhiscondolencesandfoundmeintheverypitofdespair I’venevertoldanyonebutNormanwhatadarkplaceI wasin.HowwasItoburymywifeandthemotherofmyboys?Normangotaneighborwomanintowatchtheboys,thentook metotheundertakerandpreachertoarrangetheburialandfuneral”Eachwordgrateduphisthroat “Hereturnedonthedayto helpmedresstheboysandsetoutclothesforme.ThenhemadesureIgottothechurch.”
Marnie’shandbrushedhis “Iwasn’tabletoattend It’ssomethingIregret” Hisfistrelaxedunderhertouch.“Ellenwouldhaveunderstood.Itwasatoughtimeformanyofus.”
“Still,Normanwasonlydoingwhatagoodneighborwoulddo.”
“Hearrangedformetoreturnhome Evenboughttheticketsforthethreeofusonthestagecoach Iwantedtorefuse,butit wasalreadydone.AllIhadtodowastakemybagsandmyboysandclimbintothecoach.”
Marniestopped,hereyeswideasshestaredstraightahead “Ineverknewanyofthis” Didaccusationunderplayhersurprise?
“Hewouldneverletmepayhimbackwithmoney ButIcandothis”Hepointedtowardthewagonsinfrontofthem Marniewalkedaheadthenstoppedandturnedtofacehim.“Heneveroncesaidawordaboutit.”
WhensheturnedherbackandhurriedforwardtoRuby’swagon,helethergo.He’dgivehertime.Thenmaybeshe’dtell himhowshefelt Thepungentsmelloffreshhorsedroppingsalertedhimtosteparoundthepileandpayattentiontowherehe walked.
Oneoftheyoungladies shoutedsomething,andIreneurgedher horseforwardataraceandskiddedtoahaltatthelead wagon.
Marnieshookherheadandmuttered.
“Settledown.”Waltspokeinavoicethatmatchedthetonehe’dusedwithhishorsewhentheanimalwasmisbehaving. Ireneracedbackatthesamefranticpaceandhadherhorserearonhishindlegs.WhileMarniesteppedbacktoavoidboth thehorseandthesprayofdirt,Ireneflashedawidesmile
Thegirlwaswild.Itbetternotcauseproblemsonthistrip.
“Ma,Hazelsaysthesmelloffoodfromtheboxremindsherhowhungrysheisandasksifwecantakeanoonbreak” Gabejerkedhisheadupward.Whoa.Wasthesunalreadydirectlyoverhead?Howwasthatevenpossible?
“Guessitisabouttime.RideonaheadandtellJoetofindagoodspot.” Irenewheeledherhorseaboutandracedaway.
WalthadfallenbacktoGabe’sside.“Seemsthatgal issetongettingherselfandmaybeeveryoneelseintotrouble.”His piecespoken,hemovedahead
Gabewinced.WhenwouldWaltlearnnottobeinsensitiveenoughtospeaklikethatwhenthegirl’smothercouldhear? “I don’t care to have my children criticized” Marnie raised her chin, each of her words dropping with the weight of disapproval.
Not that he was responsible for how his eldest son spoke. After all, Walt was now twenty-four and a full-grown man entitledtohisopinions Andreapingtheharvestforeveryword Nevertheless “I’msorryforwhathesaid He’salwayshad firmopinionsanddoesn’tmindspeakingthem.Sometimesthat’sagoodthing.”Hesuckedindustyair.“Sometimesitisn’t.”
Marnielookedtothesky Perhapstoassessthetime,checktheweather,orseekpatiencefromonhigh Thebreathshedrew inseemedenoughtofill threepairsoflungs.Shestopped,crossedher arms,andfacedhim.“Ireneisonthewildside,butI don’tbelieveshe’sreckless However,Istilldon’tcaretohaveherfaultspointedouttome” “Ifeelthesameaboutmysons.”
Thelookbetweenthemsparkedwithwarningandperhapschallenge.Didhehavethefeelingthatshedidn’tobjecttothe latter? Or was that acknowledgment of something beginning inside him? Abit of banter would help pass the time on this journey.
Joerodetothem “Ma’am,agoodspotahead Waterandgrassfortheanimals Shelteredfromtheroad” “Thanks,Joe.”Aftertheguiderodeaway,sheraisedhergazeagain.Again,thesparkofchallengeflashedinhereyes.
Very well, Mrs Woods, we will be the iron that sharpens iron for each other Orwasheonlyhopingfortheamusementofsuch?
Noneedtoadmitshewasfarmoreinterestedinrestingherfeetthanfillingherstomach,butnodoubt,theotherswere hungryandthirsty.Joedirectedthemtoaplacebyatumblingstreamwithleafytreesshelteringtheclearing.Abreeze carriedthescentofwaterandgreenery Marnieliftedherfacetothesky Lord, it’s been a good start to our journey Thank You.
BertieandAliceracedtotheriver’sedgewhereBertielayonhisstomachanddippedhisfacetothewater.Alicedrank greedily Marniesmiledatherbig,gentleson Withhischildlikeinnocence,hewasapleasuretohavearound HarnessesrattledwhereRubyandHazelwerepreparingtofreetheoxenfromthewagonstoletthemgrazeanddrink.Walt andCecilhurriedtohelp Neitherofherdaughtersprotested,butIreneshookherheadindisgust
“Idon’tneedanymantodomychoresforme,”shemutteredassheledherhorsetowater.
“NordoIseeanyoneoffering”Walt’swords,althoughsoft-spoken,carriedcriticism Irenetossedherhead,causingherhairtoflyinalldirections.Hadn’tshestartedoutwithherhairtiedintoabraid?When andwhyhadsheloosenedit?
Marnieletoutalong-sufferingsigh HavingtheMillersaccompanyingthemwasgoingtocomplicatethingsandchangethe moodfromrelaxedtoalmostquarrelsome.Butthenwhatcouldsheexpect?Itwasn’tpossibletoputyoungwomenandyoung mentogetherwithoutsparksofonesortortheotherflying Betterasparkofannoyancethanasparkofattractionthoughhow longbeforethere’dbeboth?
She’d do everythingshe could to keep the peace Startingwithnot lettingherselfbe upset byGabe’s news It was like Normantohelpsomeoneandnotthinktomentionit.
HazelreturnedtotheirwagonandscoopedPeteyfromhisperch.Hefussedandthrewhimselfbackward.
“Heneedstomoveaboutbut ”Hazelsurveyedthegrassyarea Hergazewenttowardtheriver,afewyardsaway Joeturnedfromtendinghishorse.“He’ssafehere.”
Hazelhesitated,butwhenPeteywhinedandsquirmed,sheputhimdown Thegrasscaughtonhisfeet,andhetripped,let outashort-livedwail,andthencrawledthroughthegrass,lettingitticklehischin,ashemadehiswaytowardAlice. “Limpy,Fluff,andSmokewalktoo.”Bertierantothewagonandliftedhispetsdown.“StaywithAlice.”Thethreesmaller animalsdrankandthenpokedthroughthegrass.
“Dotheyunderstandhim?”Gabe’ssoftwordswerecuriousbutnotunkind. “I’mnever sure Buttheydon’tgo far fromhim, so Idon’tneed to worry” The trees and bushes were thickbeyond the clearing.IfthecatsorLimpydecidedtogoadventuring “Thenwhyareyoubitingyourlip?”
Shelaughed.“IsupposeIcan’thelpbutbealittle” shewouldn’tsayworried,notafterinforminghimshewasn’t “um, concerned. ”
Witha dark-colored patchworkquiltslungover her shoulder, Louise staggered under the weightofthe boxoffood she carried. She lowered it to a grassy spot, shook the folds fromthe quilt, and spread it beside the box before kneeling and diggingoutthecontents “Thissmellsheavenly Anyoneelsehungry?”
BertiewipedhismouthonhisshirtsleeveandhurriedtokneelatLouise’sside.“Me.Ihungry.”
Louise draped her armacross Bertie’s shoulders, thoughshe had to stretchto do so She was one ofthe few outside the familyheallowedtotouchhim.
Theothersstoodatthequilt’sedgeexceptJoe,whostayedbackperhapsnotfeelinghebelonged.Perhapshe’dbeenmade tofeelthatwaybecauseofhisrace
Marniehopedshecoulddispelhimofthatfeelingbeforelong.ShewelcomedhimsolongasBertiedidn’toverreact. “Canweeat?”Rubyasked “I’mstarvedtoashadow”
Theynever ate without askinga blessing, but withmenpresent, Marnie was uncomfortable beingthe one to saygrace.
“Gabe,wouldyouprayoverourfood?”
“Mypleasure.”
Her breath eased out She knew nothing of his beliefs or faith He and Ellen had been churchgoers and seemed keen adherents,butthatwas twentyyears ago.Hecouldhaveturnedhis backonGod,or his relationshipmighthavedeepened.It wasnicetothinkhestillfollowedHim
TheMillersall removedtheirhatsasGabebowedhishead.“FatherGod,thankYoufortheseprovisions.ThankYoufor thejourneyaheadthatwilltakeustonewopportunities Pleasekeepussafe Amen”
HiswordssettledthroughMarnielikeasweetdrink.Notjustthanksforthefoodbutaprayerfortheirjourneythatseemed likeabenediction.
Louiseliftedthelidfromasquaretinandsniffed “Friedchicken IknewIcouldsmellit Theymusthavebutcheredthree henstomakethismuch.”ShepassedthetintoCecilwhostoodatherside.Heselectedapieceandpassediton.Assheate, shedugfurtherintothebox “Biscuits,cheese,ham,twocakes,severalkindsofcookies,twoloavesofbreadalreadysliced, andadozenboiledeggs.Wesurearen’tgoingtogohungryforamealortwo.”
Onlyanoccasional commentonthe food or Hazel callingPeteyinterrupted as theyate Their appetite satisfied, atJoe’s instructions,theyrestedwhiletheoxenate.
“I’llwatchPetey,”MarnieofferedHazel.“Youtakeanapwhileyoucan.”
SoonHazelwascurledonhersideundertheshadeofatoweringmapletree,herbreathingdeepening Peteyonallfours,scrambledtowardtheriver,butbeforeMarniecouldgettoherfeet,Joereachedthebaby,liftedhimby thebackofhisgarment,andturnedhimabout,marchinghisfingersupanddownPetey’sspineashereleasedhim Peteylaughedandrolledoveronhisbacktolookattheman.
JoehunkeredbesidePetey,brokeoffabladeofgrass,andranitacrossPetey’sface,elicitinggiggles.Theguidelookedup, sawMarniewatching,andpushedtohisfeet.“Timetomove.”Hesteppedawayfromthebaby.“Mrs.Woods,ifyoucontinue ontheroad,wewillreachanothertowninfivemiles.”HisgazeshiftedtoBertiewhosatnearby,hispetssurroundinghim.“Or wecouldcrossthisriverandfollowanoldless-usedtrail”
Marniestudiedthewater thatrandeepandswift.Atinglestartedatthebaseofher spine.Butthis river wouldn’tbethe onlyonetheymustconquer
“It’sbestifweavoidtowns.Takeustotheoldtrail.”
Murmursofagreementrosefromhergirls.Gabewatchedwithoutcommentbuttippedhisheadtoindicateheagreed.Not thatsheneededhisagreement.She’dbeenclear thatshe’dmakethedecisionsonthisjourney.Butwhendidshestartfeeling morecomfortablewiththethreeMillermenaccompanyingher?Whendidsheadmitthattheirpresencecouldbeahelp?
Theoxenlowedastheywerebroughtbacktothewagons PeteysquealedwithdelightasHazelscoopedhimup Harnesses rattledastheysetout.Forhalfanhour,theyfollowedtheriverastreescrowdedcloser.
Joeliftedhisarmtosignalthemtostop “Wecrosshere I’llgofirsttocheckit ThenI’llcomebackandguideyouover” He rode his horse into the water, anglingupstream. The currentflowed around himwithbarelya breakinits rush. The water deepened,rosetohisstirrups.Heliftedhisfeettokeepthemfromgettingwetandloweredthemoncethewater grew shalloweragain
Hereachedtheotherside,thenrodeback.“Easycrossing.”
JoerodeattheheadoftheteampullingthefirstwagonwithHazel,Petey,andLouise Heclickedhistonguetomakethem movewhileWaltrodeontheothersidetoensuretheoxendidn’tswingoffcourse.Waterveedaroundthewheels,anddrops splatteredthecanvastop
Louisecalledout,“Hiyah.”
Awheeldroppedintoadeepspot,andthewagondipped.
Marniegaspedandclosedhereyes Lord, keep them safe Keep them safe “They’reacross.”
Gabe’sreassuringvoicemadeherjerkhereyesopen Whenhadshegrabbedhisarm?Herfaceburning,shesteppedaway Hegrinned.“Idon’tmindhavingmyarminavise.”
Shesniffed “Youcouldpretendnottonotice”
Themanhadthenervetoguffaw,drawingeveryone’sattention. “Pa?”Cecilsoundedamused.
Irene studied her mother, no doubt noticing her burning cheeks Then grinning, she followed Ruby’s wagon across the stream.Bertierodeintheback,hisarmsaroundAlice’sneck.
“Guessyou’llhavetorideinmywagon”Gabewavedhishandinacourtlygesture
ToolateforMarnietoboardoneoftheotherwagons.Now,shehadnochoicebuttoaccepthisofferunlessshewantedto wade.Whichshemostcertainlydidnot.
“Theremusthavebeensomethinginthatfood.”Shemadenoattempttohideherannoyance. “Oh,whatmakesyousaythat?”Heheldouthishandtohelpherclimbup.
She only half graciouslyaccepted his help and settled herself on the hard wooden bench. “Because everyone is acting strangely.”
“Ormaybethey’rejustenjoyingthemselves”Hehitchedhimselfupbesideher Shehadn’texpectedthatandforcedherselfnottoslideaway.“Who’sgoingtodrivetheoxen?”
“Mysons WhydoyouthinkIbroughtthemalong?”Smirking,hepointedtothem,oneridingoneithersideoftheteam Theyenteredthestream.Watersloshedaroundthewheels.
Shegrippedthebenchhardenoughtocrampherhands “We’resafe.”Hisvoicedidlittletocalmher.
“Idon’tcareforwateranydeeperthanmyankles.”Notwaterlikethisthatrosetotheoxen’sbellies,splashedupwardand wetherhands,andflowedonunmindfulofawagonandanimalsinitsmidst
“Noteventhesolesofyourshoesaregoingtogetwet.”
Thewagonlurched,andshedaredtolookup Theyhadreachedthefarbankandclimbedtosafety Sheuncoiledherfingers untilshecouldmoveherhandstoherlap.
Joeledthemtoanalmostnonexistenttrail,andCecilandWaltstayedbesideGabe’steam “Thoughtwecouldbothrideforabit.”Gabeansweredbeforeshecouldask.
“ButIshould ” She pointed to the wagons ahead. “Peteyand Hazel.” She’d thoughtto take Peteyand letHazel take a break
“They’ll be fine. Louise can take care of anything.” A smile grew on his lips as he looked toward the wagon. “And everything,Ithink”
Marnie’stensemusclesrelaxed,andshelaughedathisastuteobservation.“Ofcourseshecan.After all,thatwomanhad thefortitudetotrainasanurse.”
“Sitbackandenjoythescenery.”
Nopointinarguing.Theskywasblue,thetreesbrimmingwithnewlife.Shebreathedin,fillingherlungstocapacity.“It’s nice Notasmuchdust”
“Treesareclosertoo.Youcanhearthebirdssinging.”
“Hmm Arobin”
Gabecockedhisheadtooneside.“Achickadee.”
Araucousbirdflewoverhead.“Acrow,”theysaidinunisonandlaughed.
ThecrowflewclosetoRubyandAngela’swagon,settingLimpytobarking.Bertie,stillridingintheback,pattedthedog andgothisfacelicked.
MarnieandGabelookedateachother Somethingwarmandreassuringcamefromhisgaze
Thisjourneymightbemorefunthanshe’dexpected.
HIS SONS KEPT GIVING himglancesandlookingateachother.Cecilgrinned,andWaltshookhishead.He,nodoubt,thoughthis pawastoooldtoenjoythecompanyofaprettywoman Thetruthwas,itrathersurprisedGabetorealizehewasn’t Nortoo oldtohaveforgottenthefunofmildteasingandthescentofawoman’ssoap.
Whoa.Noneedforsuchwaywardthoughts.Now wasagoodtimetoaskaboutthemoneyNormanhadlent no,given him.
“IknowyouwereunawareofhowNormanhelpedme.”
“Normanwaslikethat Hedidthingsoutofthegoodnessofhisheartwithoutanyfurtherthoughtofit”
Aporcupineambledalongsidethetrail,ignoringthepassingwagons.Gabepointeditout.“Ineedtoknowifitcausedyou anyhardship”Whatwouldhedotoerasethatstruggleifshesaidithad?
“Not that I’maware of. I’ve beenthinkingabout what yousaid and remembered something. He had a gold watchhe’d inheritedfromhisgrandfather.Itseemedtodisappear.Ican’tsaywhenIfirstnoticedit,butIwondernowifhedidn’tsellitto helpyou.”
Her voicecarriednocondemnation,nosurprise,butshockatNormanmakingsuchasacrificegrabbedatGabe’sgut.He wishedhehadreinstograsp Instead,hecurledhisfistsandstaredattheoxen’sswishingtails
“Marnie,Iamsosorry.Icanpaybackthemoneyhegaveme.IcanrepaythefavorbygoingwithyoutoFortTaylor,butI canneverreplaceafamilytreasure”Atleast,hisvoicesoundedstrong,althoughhisinsidesquakedsomethingfearsome Sheswattedawayafly.“IbelieveNormanwouldbeoffendedthatyoufeelyouneedto.Hebelievedagiftwasgivenwith nostringsattached.Hewasafirmbelieverintherighthandnotknowingwhatthelefthanddid.”
“ThatsoundslikeNorman Hewasagenerousman”
“Hewasagoodman.”
“I’msorryfor your loss”Words weresoinadequate He’dlostEllenwhentheywereyoung Hadhis hopes anddreams
snatchedfromhim.Buttoloseyourmatelaterinlifesomehowseemedharder.
“Thankyou.”Sheturnedherpalmsupwardandappearedtostudythem.Asighsiftedpastherlips.
Theybumpedoverthenarrowtrailafewminutes “Somethingtroublingyou?”heasked.
“LosingNormanwasn’ttheworstpart Itwasseeinghiminsuchpain”Sherubbedherfingersonherchest,suckedinair, andloweredherhandtoherlap.Ashuddershookher.“Theendwasamercifulrelief.”
“Marnie,Iamdoublysorry”Ignoringeverycodeofconductheknewabouttouchingawomanhewasn’tmarriedtoorat leastbetrothedto,herestedhishandoverhers,keepingitthereuntilhefeltherrelax.Thenhereturnedtofollowingtherules andwovehisfingerstogether.
Aheadofthem,thewagonsslowedandstopped WaltandCecilrodeuptotalktoJoe Irenejoinedthem
“I’llseewhattheproblemis.”Gabe’sbootslandedonsoftgrassashejumpedfromthewagonandstrodealongthetrail whereJoewaitedforhim
“I’mgoingtoscoutahead.Justfollowthetrail.”ThewayJoelookedfromoneofthemtotheother,theremustbesomething hewasn’tsaying
“I’llridelead,”Waltsaid.
AtJoe’snod,Gabewinced.Obviously,hisson’ssuggestionwaswhatJoewanted.SomethingGabeshouldhavethoughtof himself
“I’llridealong.”IreneflashedagrinatWalt,almostasiftryingtoannoyhim.
Anditworked Waltscowledattheprettygal
“Soundslikefun.”Laughing,Cecilfellinbesidethepair.
Gaberetracedhissteps,hisstridelongandhurried.Heglancedatthepassengersinthefirsttwowagons,hisgazehurrying tohisownwagonwhereMarniewaited tohearwhatthediscussionwas.Nootherreason.Nordidheexpectone. Bertieswungonelegovertheendgate.“Iwalk.”Hisfootdangledabovethetuftsofgrass.
GabereachedouttoassistBertietotheground
“Thanks,Mr.Gabe.”Bertie’ssmilefilledhisfaceandeyesasitclearlyalsofilledhisheart.Theyoungmanshowedevery evidenceofbeinghappy
GabeloweredtheendgatesoAlicecouldjumpdown.Limpywasabouttojointhem,butBertiestoppedhim. “YoustaywithFluffandSmoke.”
OddnamesforcatsbutmaybenostrangerthancallingacowStellawhichiswhatManamedhermilkcow.
Grinning, Gabe turned to his wagon where Marnie sat watching his interaction with her son. He’d expected gratitude. Instead, her eyes were hard His steps slowed, and he glanced back What had he done to annoy her? Unable to think of anything,hepattedZeb’sheadashereconsideredhisplantoenjoyridingbesideMarnieagain.WithCecilandWaltgoingin front,he’dhavetoguidetheoxen,leavinghertoridealone Unless AheadWaltshouted,“Let’smove.”
Irene’slaughterrangout.Thewheelscreaked.Overhead,ahawksoared.
“I’ll have to walkbeside the oxen” Gabe retrieved the goad fromunder the benchand hesitated Notlongenoughto be obviousabouthopingshe’dsayshe’dwalkbesidehim,butlongenoughtogivehertheopportunitytodoso.
Marniepushedtoherfeet “I’llgetdown”
Sheacceptedthehandheofferedtoassisther,her palmwarmandsmall insidehis.Her feetreachedtheground.“Thank you”
Shesteppedbacktobrushherskirtintoplace.Thegentlebreeze,fullofthescentofpineandoxen,ruffledastrandofhair thathadescapedtheknotathernape.Thelookshegavehimwasfullofcaution.“Arewereadytogo?”
Headjustedhishat
“I’mready”Theoxenleanedintotheirtask,andthewagonrolleddownthegrass-coveredtrail “This is the route used by the Boundary Commission a few years back as they marked out the boundary between Canada and America”Hehaddonesomepreparationforthisjourney,notknowingMarniewouldhireaguide Carson’sletterhadstated he’dprovidedasimplemapbasedonhistravels.He’dbeenclearabouthisworriesitmightprovedifficultforhismotherto follow
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Yup.”Nicetohavesomethingtooffer.
The afternoonwarmth, the drone of hoveringinsects, and the monotonyof ploddingonward numbed his brain Soonhe thoughtofnothingbutputtingonefootinfrontoftheotherandguidingtheoxen.
ThethudofhoofbeatsjerkedhimfromhisinertiaasIrenerodetowardthem “Ma,Ma Yougottaseethis” Thewagonsstoppedasifgivenasignalfromthefront.
“Comeon.”ShedroppedtothegroundandgrabbedMarnie’shand.“Therestofyoucometoo.”Shewavedthemtofollow. TheoxenwerehappytobelefttorestwhilethetravelersfollowedIrenethroughlowbushes,pastleafypoplars,andintoa clearing.Theystoodonahillthatrolledawaybeforethemlikehugegreenrollsofbread.
“It’sbeautiful,”Marniewhispered.Everyoneofthegirlsechoedhercomment. Ireneskiddeddownthehillanddrewtoahalt.“Seetheflowers.”
“Icertainlydo,”hermothercalled Gabe’sgazehadbeenonthedistance,hismindonthechallengeofcrossingthosehills.Butnow hebroughthisattention closertotheslopeawashinpinkandblueandyellow
The sapphire ofthe sky, the emerald ofthe hills, and the jewel tones ofthe flowers filled his heartwithamazement. He could thinkofonlyone wayto express his feelings and, takingoffhis hat, beganto sing, “‘FairestLord Jesus, Ruler ofall nature,OThouofGodandmantheSon,TheewillIcherish,TheewillIhonor,Thou,mysoul’sglory,joyandcrown.’”
Beforehe’dsungthreewords,hissonsjoinedtheir voicestohis.AsMarnieandthegirlssangalong,Ireneracedupthe hilltostandbyhermotherandaddhervoice Bertiedidn’tknowthewords,butheknewthetuneandhummedalonginavoice surprisinglydeep.
Theyfinishedandweresilent Withholyawe
“That’sbetter’nchurchsinging,”Irenesaid.
“Itwasbeautiful”Marnie’swordsseemedalittledamp ShetouchedGabe’selbow “Thankyou”
BeforeGabecouldfeelanymoreawkward,Joerodetowardthem.“Wemoveontoaspotforcampingtonight.”Hereined away,pausedtotouchPetey’sheadbeforehereturnedtothesimpleroad.
Thegrassrustled,andbranchessighedastheothersfollowed Marniehadn’tmoved,andGabestayedatherside,waiting andwonderingatthewayshetwinedherfingerstogetheruntilthetipsreddened.
Thisdecisiontoleaveall thatwassafeandfamiliar hadbeendifficultfor Marnieeventhoughshebelieveditwasthe bestthingtodo.
“Issomethingwrong?”
As Gabe’s gentle voice broke into her thoughts, she drankinthe scene before her. How could she bestexplainso many feelings?“Thisplaceisbeautiful.It’sasifGodhaspreparedablessing,orperhapsapromise,forourjourney.”
Gabenodded,buthisbrowremainedcrinkled
“I’mleavingbehind everythingI’ve known. Myhome, myfriends. Well, notmyfamily.” Her laughwas halfamusement, halfembarrassment “Ishouldhavementionedthemfirst Trustme,theyare never anafterthought Iamgrateful tohavethem withme.”
Ahawkflewhighoverhead Itspiercingscreamfloateddowntothem Sheshadedhereyestowatchthebird
“IthinkgoingWesttojoinCarsonisawisethingtodo.Icanbeginlifeagainasawomanwithoutaman.”She’dgrown wearyofpeoplebringingforwardmenshemightconsiderasahusband.“Bertiecanstoplookingforhispa.Butithasn’tbeen easy Somanydecisions Somanygoodbyes Bertiegettingupset Buteachstepoftheway,Godhasprovided Thesaleofour farmand possessions wentwell. Thenthe girls decided theywere comingtoo whichmeantone less loved one Ihad to say goodbyeto”EventhewayBertiehadallowedGabeintohissmallworld,butshewouldn’tmentionthatattheriskofmaking himuncomfortableatknowingshewatched.“AndJoe.Ibelievehe’sagodsend.”
Gabewaitedasifexpectingmore Perhapswonderingwhyshechosetotellhimallthisatthismoment,inthisspot Could shemakehimunderstand?Because,forsomereason,itwasimportantthathedid.
“Nowtoseethis.”Shewavedtoindicatetherollinghills,thepatchworkofflowers…everythingthatlaybeforethemlikea huge canvas “Itreminds me ofa verse Ilearnedas a child Isaiah58:11: ‘The Lordwill guide youalways;He will satisfy yourneedsinasun-scorchedlandandwillstrengthenyourframe.Youwillbelikeawell-wateredgarden,likeaspringwhose watersneverfail’”Herthroattightenedwithanemotionsostrongsheachedbreathingpastit
“IknowHeisguidingusevenasHeguidedthechildrenofIsraelastheyfledEgyptbuttoseetheevidenceofHispromise insuchaway…”Shecouldn’tfinish.Couldn’tlookathim.
Forcingthe words fromher constricted throat, she added, “ThenGod added one more thing thatbeautiful hymn. Thank youforthereminderofGod’sgoodness.”Shebrushedherhandoverhisforearm,thenhurriedthroughthetrees.
“Wait Marnie,wait”Somethinginhisvoicemadeherstop,thoughshecouldn’tsaywhatshethoughtsheheard Orwhatit meant.
Hecaughtuptoherandstopped,lookingdownonher,hisdarkeyeslikeglowingcoals
Sheblinkedatheroddassessment.
“Marnie,Godhasledmeonthisjourneytoo.”
“Howso?”
“Ma!”Achorusofvoicescamethroughthetrees.
“Pa,”Cecilcalled
“We’recoming,”Gabecalled.“I’lltellyouaboutitsometimeifyou’reinterested.”
“Iam”Itwassomethingtolookforwardtoonthelongdaysahead
Rubywalked beside her wagon, leavingAngela to drive the oxen, and Marnie fell inather daughter’s side. She wasn’t surprisedwhenBertiewalkedbesideGabe,hisgoatprancingathisside.
“Whattookyousolong,Mama?”Rubyasked
“Iwantedtoadmirethesceneryamomentlonger.”Shetoldhowshe’dfeltlikeitwasablessingandapromisefromGod. RubygaveMarnieaone-armedhug “Iknowit’sharderforyouthanme Ithinkthewholethingisawonderfuladventure And atthe end, we see Carson.” She slid her armfromMarnie’s backand lowered her voice. “Ican’twaitto see all those
Mounties.”ThesighsaidevenmorethanRuby’swords.
Marniechuckled.“Don’tbefallinginlovewithsomethinginyourimagination.”
“Nope ButtheremustbesomegoodMountieshopingandprayingforsomeonetosharetheiradventures” Marnieheldherpeace.Nopointinworryingandwarningaboutsomethingmonthsdowntheroad.Rubymighthavehadher fillofadventurebythetimetheyreachedtheirdestination
Theytrundledonthetrackthroughthegrass,pointingouttoeachotherandtoAngelathedifferentbirdstheysaworheard, thelittleredflowersbesidethetrail,andthefunny-shapedclouds Joerodeback.“Ma’am,I’vepickedoutaspotwherewecancampforthenight.”
“Wonderful.”Wearyandhot,shecouldhardlywait.
Theydroveoffthetrailintoaclearing Anarrowstreamrushedby,anddownedlimbsprovidedplentyofwoodforafire Agoodcupofteawoulddowonders.Butfirst,theyhadtosetupcamp.
AtJoe’sinstruction,theyparkedthewagonstoformacorner
Gabestoppedhiswagonadistanceaway.
“Ma,thatain’tright,”Irenesaid
MarniewouldhavelikedtokeepGabeandhisboysaway.ForBertie’ssake.Herheartthuddedinherthroat,andshehad toamendher reason.No,itwasfor her sake.Theyhadweeksor monthstotravel together.Thelastthingshewantedwasto growtoousedtoGabe’scompanyandthepleasureofadultconversation Sure,forthemostpart,hergirlsweregrownup,but itwasdifferent.Nevertheless,shecouldn’tbepettyandsticktoherdecreethattheMillersstayawayfromhercamp.
“Iagree”ShewavedtoGabe “Bringyouroutfitoverhere”
Hehesitatedasifwonderingifshemeantit.Thenhedrovecloseenoughtoformathree-sidedshelter.
The oxenwere unyokedandtakentowater,thenhobbledtograze while Marnie,Angela,andLouise gatheredwoodand startedafire.HazelhadherhandsfulltendingPetey.
Beforelong,thekettlehungonthetripod,fullofwaterforthetea.Thegirlssetuptwotentsfortheladiestoshare.Marnie hopedBertiewouldsleepunderthewagonwithhispets AstotheMillersandJoe,she’dletthemworryaboutwherethey’d sleep.
Hazelputalogbyoneofthewagons “Ma,sitdownandrest YoucanamusePeteywhileIhelpwithsupper”
Marniereadilyagreed.Notthatshe’dletanyoneknowhowtiredshewasnorhowherfeethurt.
The girls decided to keep the food provided bytheir friends for the noonbreaktomorrow and setaboutpreparinga hot meal.Soonthearomaofstewedmeatscentedtheevening.
WhenAngelabroughtacupofaromatictea,Marniedippedherheadoverthesteamrisingfromthecup.“Oh,thankyou.I neededthat”
“Here’sabiscuitforPeteytoholdhimoveruntilthefoodiscooked.”
“Where’sBertie?”He’dhelpedgatherwood,butMarniehadn’tseenhimsince “He’sfollowingGabe.Havealook?”
Marnieleanedforwardenoughtoseethemandlaughed.GabehadslowedhispacesoBertiekeptup.Theyseemedtobein conversation AlicefollowedBertie LimpyfollowedAlice “Wherearethecats?” “Sunningbythewater.”Angelareturnedtomealpreparation.
Peteypokedattheendofthelogwithonehandandheldthebiscuitintheother Marnie sat back, content that all was right for the moment. Her cup of tea was drained, and her spirits refreshed when Louisecalled,“Comeandgetit”
Shedidn’tneedtocalltwice.Gabeandhisboysstrodetothecampfire,Bertietrailingthem. AknotbetweenMarnie’sshouldersreleasedassherealizedBertiewasn’thidingfromtheMillers. “Joe?”Hazellookedaroundforthemissingman
Waltnoddedtowhere,closertothestream,Joearrangedwood.“Seemsheprefershisowncompany.” “Ormaybehethinkswedon’twanthis Ma?”HazelwaitedforMarnie’sresponse Marnie’s only reason for ever being grateful that Joe kept his distance was to protect Bertie. But they couldn’t spend monthsavoidingeachother Besides,Bertieseemedtobeacceptingallthesemen ShenoddedtoHazel.
Hazelmarchedovertothescout.“Pleasejoinus.”
MarniewastoofarawaytoseeJoe’sexpression,butshesawthewaythemanstraightened,lookedleftandright,andthen gaveanod.Buthedidn’tmove.NeitherdidHazel.Marniemanagedtocontainhersmile.Hereldestdaughterwassweetand compliantbutstubborntoo Andshelikedtoseeeveryoneincluded
Joe must have realized she didn’t intend to leave until he joined themand tooka tentative step and thenanother, Hazel keepingpaceuntiltheyreachedtheothers.
Gabegavethanksforthefood.Thentheyfilledtheirplateswitharichstewandfreshlybakedbiscuits.Angelahadbakeda rhubarbpieyesterday,sotheyhadthatfordessert.
The sundippedtothe westernhorizonsendinglongshadows across the grass,yettheylingeredaroundthe fire,drinking twopotsofteaanddiscussingtheday’stravel.
“ItwaseasierthanIexpectedittobe”Angela’scommentbroughtamurmurofagreement Joepushedtohisfeet.“Don’texpectittobeeasyalltheway.”HehandedHazelhiscup.“Thankyouforthemeal.Bestwe all rest I’ll take the first watch Mr Miller, youcanrelieve me intwo hours” His feet whispered throughthe grass as he strodetotheedgeofthewater,lookedrightandleft,thencircledtheclearing.
Hiswordshadservedtosoberthegroup,andtheyhurriedtotheirbeds BertiespreadhisblanketsunderRuby’swagon, close to the tentMarnie would share withRubyand Angela. Justas theyhad planned and had discussed endlessly. His pets snuggledinbesidehim.
Inthetent,Marnieandherdaughterspreparedforbedandcrowdedcloseintheirbedrolls “AuntMarnie?”Angelawhispered.“Joekindoffrightenedmewithhiswarning.”
“We’rereadyforchallengesandadventure”Ruby’slowvoicecarriedconviction “Isn’tthatright,Ma?” “Ofcourse.”Therewouldbechallengesalongtheway.AndMarniewasreadytoconfrontthem.She’draisedhergirlsto takeonchallengesaswell Notthatshehadanyotherchoicesinceshe’dsetherfacetothewest
JOE’S TOEnudgedGabeawake “Yourwatch” Gabebeganpullingonhisboots.
“Getoneofyoursonstorelieveyouintwohours.”Joeslippedawayassoundlessasamoonbeam. Carefulnottowakentheothers,Gabepickeduphisrifleandeasedfromthecampsite Hereturnedtothetrail,listened,and hearingnothing,circledthewagons.Thenhewenttocheckontheoxen.Everythingwasquiet,andhesettledonarockwhere hecouldwatchthearea
Thethudofastephadhimonhisfeet,holdinghisrifle.HerelaxedwhenherecognizedBertie’sgait. “Whyareyouup?”heaskedwhenthemanwascloseenoughtohear “Itnottimetogetup?”
“No,Bertie,it’sthemiddleofthenight.Gobacktobed.” Instead,BertiesatbesideGabe,hislegscrossed “Papalikedbirds Isheouttherelisteningtothem?” Goodness.Howwashesupposedtoanswerthat?“Didheteachyoutolistentothebirdsandknowwhattheywere?” “Yup,hedid”
“Whatdoyouhearnow?”
Agentlehootcamefromthetrees
Bertieturnedfromsidetoside.“Ihearowl.Maybe.” Therecameacroakingsound.
“Thatnotabird”Bertieshookhishead,theemphaticgesturefloppingathatchofdark-blondhairoverhisforehead “Itcouldbeaheron.Theymakeaharshsound.”
“Birds’posedtobeprettysounding” “Someare.Somearen’t.Likeacrow.” “Crowsoundbad.”Hecawed. “Shh.Theothersareasleep.”
Peteycried,andHazel’scalmingvoicesettledhim.
“Ibequiet”Forthespaceoffiveseconds,hedidn’tspeak “Limpynotlikecrows”Herestedhishandonthedog’shead “Yourdoghasonlythreelegs.”
“ThatwhyIcallhimLimpy”Thedogstirredatthementionofhisname Bertiepattedhim “It’sagoodname.Whathappenedtohim?”
“Hebornthatway.Mamasayssometimesbadthingshappenandsometimesyoujustbebornthatway.ButGodlovesyou justasmuchasanybodyelse.”
Marniemust’vespokenthosewordstocomfortherson.“Yourmamaisawisewoman.”
Bertienodded “Iknow”HestudiedGabe,tippinghisheadfromsidetoside “Ithinkyoualmostassmartasmypapa” Gabecoughedtodispeltheemotionrushinguphisthroat.“Thankyou.That’shighpraise.” “Iknow”
“Youshouldgobacktobed.”
Bertiescrambledtohisfeet,thedogandcatsspringingawake.“Igonow.”Then,asifrealizinghowloudlyhe’dspoken,he puthisfingertohismouth “IbequietsoIdon’twakeupMama”
Thebigmantiptoedacrossthedewygrassandcrawledunderthewagon,hispetsfollowinghim.Alice,whohadn’tlefther comfortablebed,bleated
“Youbequiet,”Bertiewhispered.
EveryoneincampmustbehearingBertieandhispets,butnoonestirred.Smiling,Gabepushedtohisfeetandcircledthe clearingagain His route completed, he stopped bythe wagons to listen Hearingnothingbut gentle snores, probablyfrom Bertie,hereturnedtohisperchontherock.
Theowl calledagain,andGabeyawnedhissilentresponse Alittlelater,hedecideditmustbetimeforWalttotakehis turnaswatchman.Hissonhadstretchedsomecanvasagainstthewagonasprotectionshoulditrain.Gabenudgedhimawake, thenreturnedtohisbedroll Heworkedhisbootsoff,crawledbetweenhiscovers,andputhishatoverhisface
He should have fallen asleep right away, but something nagged at his thoughts. Something Marnie had said about her reasons for making this journey. So she could manage as a single woman. He rolled the sentence round and round in his thoughts,tryingtounderstandhermeaning Wasshehavingtroublemanagingonherown?
Surely,someone would be willingto marryher evenwithtwo daughters still athome andBertie as partofthe package. After all, she was a fine-looking womanwith a depth that drew one to her Was she going West in the hopes of finding a husband?
Now why should that idea bother him? Or even concern him? He meant to see themto Fort Taylor and then cross the RockiesintoBritishColumbia.Hehopedtofindapermanentpositiononabigranchintheinteriorofthatprovince.Perhaps he’devenbuyafewacresandstarthisownranch.
Smiling,hefellasleepthinkingofhisfutureandthefulfillmentofadreamhe’dheldsincebeforeheandEllenhadmarried
Thesunhadn’treachedthehorizonwhenJoe’scalltogetmovingwakenedMarnie Rubygroaned.“It’stooearlytogetup.”
Joemighthaveheardherforheadded “We’vegotalongwaytogo” “Whathappenedtothisbeinganadventure?”Angelateasedasshewormedher wayintoher dressandcrawledfromthe tent.
“Itstillis,butitcouldbesoafterwesleep”Rubywasdressedandoutofthetentinrecordtime
Althoughtempted to stayabed, Marnie had to setanexample, so she dressed, paused to brushher hair, and tie itback. Nevermindputtingitup She’dwearabonnetanyway,andthiswasfaster Withdeftmovements,herheadrubbingagainstthe overheadcanvas,sherolledthebeddingup,backedfromthetent,andcarriedthebedrollstothewagon.Bertie’sbeddingwas stowedaway Rolledneatly
Louise had a fire going and a coffeepot hanging over the flames. The anticipation of a cup of the morning brew lifted Marnie’sspirits.Asdidthepinkskysignalingthesoon-to-comesunrise.Forthefirsttimesinceshe’ddecidedtostartthistrek, shelookedforwardtoanotherdayoftravel PerhapsRuby’sattitudewascontagiousforMarnieliftedherhandsintotheairas iftoembracethemorningandchuckled.
Aware ofAngela’s gaze onher, Marnie lowered her arms Buther smile remained The menwere bringinginthe oxen Bertie followed onGabe’s heels. Marnie had heard himinthe nightand was aboutto crawl fromher tentto checkonhim beforeGabetalkedtohim She’dlainawake,waitingtoseeifsheneededtogetup Shecouldn’tmakeoutwhattheysaid,but whateveritwas,Bertiehadsettledagain.
Withoutherhavingtodealwithhim.
WasshehappybecauseGabeseemedtohaveawaywithhersonthatcalmedBertie’sfears?Perhapsbecausehe’dbeena friendofNorman’s.OrperhapsBertiewasattachinghimselftoanotherman.
Marniescrubbedher lipstogether Ifitwasthelatter,Bertiewouldundergoanother losswhentheyreachedthefort But Carsonwouldbethere.WhatdidGabeandhissonsplantodoafterthisjourney?She’dassumedthey’dturnaroundandreturn. Perhapsbytrain.Buthavingneverasked,shecouldn’tsayforsure.Itwassomethingtoaddtoherlistofthingstotalkaboutas theyjourneyed.
Thefirstdayoftravel hadbeenfarmorepleasantthanshe’danticipated.Ofcourse,therewouldbedifficult,challenging timesahead Butapartfromcrossingtheriveryesterday,ithadbeenlikeaSundayafternoonspentwithfriends Friends?She’d havetoallowthatGabewassuch.
The aroma ofcoffee broughther attentionto the day The smell musthave reached the others for the menjogged over to acceptthesteamingcupsAngelaofferedthem.Louiseturnedtheporkshefriedbeforeshetookacup.
The girls had prepared a bountiful breakfast offried porkand griddle cakes served withjamand eggs. Too bad they’d decidedbringingthehenswasnotagoodidea.Howweretheytoprovidethemwithfoodandwater?Plus,Bertiewouldhave beenupsetathavingthemcagedandtheirenclosureshangingfromthewagon.Besides,someonecouldrideintoanearbytown andpurchasesome Thoughthefurtherwesttheywent,themorescatteredthetownswouldbe
AfterGabeofferedaprayerforthefoodandsafetyfortheday’stravel,theyhunkeredaroundthecampfire,gratefulforits warmth
“Wewon’tmakeasmanymilestoday.”Joepausedfromeatingtomakesurehehadeveryone’sattention.“Oryoumightsay we’lltravelmoremiles,butthey’llbemostlyupanddown.”Apause.“Upanddown,upanddown.”Hedidn’tsmile.Infact, hisexpressiondidn’tchangebuthumorglintedinhisdarkeyes WasMarnietheonlyonetonoticeit?
Gabemethergazeandgaveatinynod.Sohe’dnoticedJoe’samusementtoo. Metalscrapedagainstmetalwhiletheyate
Hisplateclean,Waltrose.“Let’sgettheoxenhitchedup.”
Hiswordshurriedtheothersintoaction.Tinplatesrattledastheywerestacked.Watersloshedoutofthewashbasinwhen Louisestartedscrubbingdishes.RubydowsedthefirewhileMarnieheldPetey,helpinghimfinishhismeal.Everyonehada jobandtendedtoit
Howpleasanttowatchtheworkflowing.
Theymovedoutbeforethefirstwinkofthesunoverthehorizon MarnieheadedtoHazelandLouise’swagon “I’llwatch Petey,”shesaidtoHazel.“Youcanwalkabit.I’llentertainhim.”She’dhelpedthegirlsadjustthewagon’scontentstoleavea spacebigenoughforhertositandPeteytoplay
Hazelhesitatedlongenoughtoblinkhereyes.“Thankyou.Iadmitmybottomistiredofbouncingonthathardseat.” TheytraveledonlyashorttimebeforeJoecalledahalt.
Marnieedgedforwardtoseetheproblemandgasped Beforethem,asteepdeclinegavewaytoanarrow valley Bushes grewupanddowntheslopes.Largertreesheldoutleaf-ladenbranchesonthevalleyfloor,asightshemighthaveconsidered welcomingexcept shegulped Howweretheytonavigatethesehills?Perhapstherehadn’tbeenanyamusementinJoe’seyes atbreakfast.
Theothershadcomeforwardtolookatwhatlayahead
Irenesatonhergelding,studyingthelayout.Waltrodehisbayhorsewithitsblacksocksalongthehilltopasifanalyzing theoptions.GabelookedatMarnie.Somethingsilentandpromisingpassedbetweenthem.Avowtoseetheirfamiliessafely acrossthisscenery
“It’s steep and rocky.” Joe hooked his thumbs inthe beltholdinga knife over his buckskinbreeches. The fringes ofhis leathervestdangled
ThatmanbetterbeasgoodaguideasMr.Dunnhadsaid.
“We’llcutagood-sizedbranchandputitbetweenthespokestoslow thewagons.I’llguideonewagondownatatime.” Hepointed.“Thereisatrail.”
OnlybysquintingcouldMarniemakeoutanysuggestionofatrail anglingdowntheslope.“Won’tthewagonstipover?” Despiteherplantosoundbrave,hervoicequivered “Couldhappen,butImeantomakesureitdoesn’t.”
“I’mwalking”Shescrambleddownandreacheduptotakethebaby “I’llcarryhim” “No,Ma.”HazeltuckedPeteybackintothewagon,thenbeganrummagingaroundinabox.“You’llneedyourhandsfree. I’llstraphimtomyback.”Shepulledoutalengthoffabricandbegantodoso.
Marnieclosedhereyestoblockimagesofherdaughterandgrandsontakingatumble.
“They’llbefine.”Gabe’sgentlewordswhisperedthroughhermind.Buttheydidn’teraseherfears.Onlyonethingwould, andthatwasbeingsafelydown Shewouldn’tthinkabouttheclimbuptheother sideandprayednoonewouldaskJoehow manyofthesehillslayahead.
WaltandCecilcarriedabranchandblockedthefirstwagon’swheels
BertiegatheredhispetsandhoveredasclosetoMarnieashecouldandasfarfromthewagonsasthatallowed.
Perhaps seeinghis anxiety, Gabe removed his hat. “I’d like to prayfor safety.” No one objected, nor did Marnie expect theywould Notifthey’dnoticed,thatbrokenwagonwheelhalfburiedindirtonthevalleyfloor Indeed,othershadcomethis wayinthepast,andnoteverywagonhaddescendedsuccessfully.TherebutforthegraceofGod…Shebowedherheadand letGabe’swordsofseekingGod’shelpcomforther
“Amen.”Heputhishatbackonhisheadasdidtheothermen.
“Doyouwantmetodriveyourwagon?”CecilaskedLouise
Shegrippedtheleadsandshookherhead.Herlipssetinatightline.Shelookedneithertotherightnortotheleft.“Ican dothis.”Thewordspassedgrittedteeth.
“Suityourself”Hereinedaway
Marnieopenedhermouthtosaysomethingtoeasethestrain,butonlyarushofaircameout.Allherattentionwasonthe wagonasJoesignaledLouisetodriveforward Theoxengroanedbeneaththestrainofpullingawagonwiththewheelslocked up,butoncethewagonheadeddownhill,theymovedatagoodclip.Thewagontippedontheslope,theupperwheelsleaving theground
Howwasitnotfallingover?ButJoeguidedtheoxentoadifferentangle,anditrighted. Theyreachedthebottom.Marnie’sbreathwhooshedout.WaltrodedowntohelpJoeremovethetreebranch,andthefirst wagontrundledawaytomakeroomforthenext
Gabe and Cecil putthe branchthroughthe wheels ofthe second wagon, and thenCecil jumped to the seat. “Ladies, I’m drivingthisdown Youcanwalk AndIdon’tintendtoargueaboutit”
“Ididn’texpecttohearthattonefromhim.”MarniewhisperedtoGabe. Gabechuckled.“Hecanbedemandingwhenhewants.”
ThegirlsclambereddownandstoodbyMarnieasCeciltookcontrol.
Thewheelsskiddedacrossthegroundtakingclumpsofgrasswithit.Thewagonjoltedasitbeganitsdescent.Whywas
shenoticingsomanymoredetailswiththiswagon?Well,becausenoneofherdaughterswasinit.
Perhaps a different matter for Gabe. His curled fists jabbed into his hips, and his eyes narrowed as the wagonrushed downward Whentheyreachedthebottom,hereleasedagustybreath Shepattedhisarm.“He’ssafe.” “ThankGod”
Shewasn’tabouttoargue.
WalthelpedGabeputthebranchinthewheelsofthelastwagon,andGabeguidedtheoxenovertheedge Onewheelhitarockandbounced.Thebackofthewagonflewupward.
Gabe, get out of the way! ButGabegoadedtheoxentowalkon,andthewagonlandedagainonallfourswithathudthat shookMarnie’sbones Bythetimethewagonreachedthebottom,herheadspunfromhowshe’dheldherbreath Wait.Whywasheclimbingthehill?Whathadheforgotten?Butshesawnothing. “Okay,ladies,let’sgetdown”HesatbesideBertie “Areyoureadytogo?” He’dcometohelpthem.Alumpcloggedherchest.
“It’sscary,”Bertiewhimpered
“I’llshowyouwhattodo.Seewedon’tactuallywalk.Westaysittingandmovejustalittleatatime.You’llhavetoletgo ofLimpyandAlicethough.Theyknowwhattodo.”
BertielookedtoMarnie “Mama?”
“Mr.Gabeisright.You’llonlyhinderthembyhangingontothem.”
BertiehuggedAlice “Wegodown”HesqueezedLimpy “Yougotoo”
Thecatssatpreeningthemselvesinthesunshine.
“Youcome.”Hischestexpandedashedrewinabreath.“Mama,Igowhenyougo.”
“Ofcourse.”Itwouldn’tbegracefulbutnecessary,andshesatbesidehim,herskirtsdrawnaroundherlegs.Butshewaited until the girls started downand she had some assurance Hazel could manage. “I’mready.” She kepta slow pace as she and GabeescortedBertiedownhill
Waltrode his horse alongthe trail the wagons had taken, leadingCecil’s. The cats stayed where theywere until Bertie reachedthebottomandcalledthem
MarnielookedupwardinsilentprayerofgratitudeforGod’ssafeguidance.
Thewagonstrundledacrossthenarrow valleyandcametorestatthefootofanequallysteephill.How wouldtheyever reachthetop?Whyhadshethoughtthisjourneywasagoodidea?
GABE KNEW whattheyhadtodoevenbeforeJoespoke.
“We’llhitchalltheoxentoonewagon.”
Someone gasped, butGabe didn’tturnto see who itwas Itwould take the restofthe morning, and the oxenwould be needingabreakbeforeallthreewagonsreachedthetop.Hedidn’taskJoeiftherewasagoodplaceupaheadtostop.Theman seemedtoknow thetrail Certainly,better thananyoftheothersincludingGabe Buthow wereBertieandtheladiesfaring? Thishadn’tbeenaneasymorning.
Hazel,especially,hadadifficulttask.He’doffer tocarrythebabyupthehill,butshe’dprobablyrefuse.Atthemoment, shewasgivingPeteyasnack.
Marnie,sittingwiththeladies,reachedoverandtookAngela’shand.Whatevershesaidmadeallthegirlssmile. Gaberefocusedongettingtheoxenintoplace SidandSalbellowedandrefusedtobackuptoFredandPat Theytossed theirheadsandbalked.
Bertie,seeingtheirnervousness,trottedover,andwhisperedinSid’searandthenSal’s Hesteppedbackbutstayedclose totheanimals.“Theygonow.”
Thepairofoxendippedtheirheadsandcooperated.
HadMarnienoticedhowBertiehandledtheoxen?Fromhersatisfiednod,shemust’ve.
BythetimeSalandSidwereinplace,CecilhadbroughtZebandPike.Again,Bertiewhisperedthemintoplace. “We’reready”Gabewavedtowardthewomen “Anyonewantaride?” “Nothanks,”theychorused.
Hegrinnedback “WhyamInotsurprised?”
Irene,aboardherhorse,starteduptheslope,hootingandleaningforward. Waltcalledafterher.“Don’texpectmetocometoyourrescuewhenyou’retossed.” Laughterwasheronlyanswer
CecilandWaltrodeattheheadoftheoxenwhileJoerodeahead,guidingthemalongthebestroute.
Gaberemainedbehindtomakesuresomeonewaswiththewomen
Behindhim,theyreleasedacollectivesighwhenthewagonreachedthetop.Waltunhitchedtheoxenandbroughtthemback tothewagonswaitingontheverdantvalleyfloortorepeattheprocedure.
Thesunwasbeyonditszenithbythetimethelastwagoncompleteditsjourneyandthewomenclimbedthehillonallfours MarnieagainmadethetripbesideBertiewithGabeonhisotherside.AliceracedaheadandturnedtobleatatBertieasifto askwhatwastakinghimsolong
Bertielaughed.“Inotagoat.”
JoeandGabe’ssonshadeachteambacktoitsoriginalwagonbythetimethebreathlesspassengersreachedthetop Gabeheldbackagroanasgoldenlightslantedoffmorehillsdippingandrollingahead.
Joesathishorse,studyingthescene.“Ma’am,”hesaidinhisquiet,deepvoiceandpointedtothevalley.“Downthereisa nicespottostopfornoon”
Marnietentedherhandsoverhereyes.“Howmanyhillsaheadofus?”
“Ma’am,I’venevercountedthem,buttheonebeforeusiseasy”HadJoe’slipscurvedintoasmile?
Marniestaredamomentlonger,thenturnedaway.“Soyousay.”
Yep,nodoubtaboutit,Joesmiled
Assoonaseveryonewasready,theymovedforwardfollowingJoewhosomehowfoundatraildownthatwasn’tassteep aswhatthey’dalreadynavigated.Theyreachedthebottomwithoutincidentandtrundledovertall grassintoagroveoftrees andstopped
“We’llnoonhereandgivetheoxenarest.”
Withpalpablereliefandeasylaughter,thegroupgatheredtoenjoythelastofthefoodtheirfriendssent “Thatwasanamazingadventure.”Ruby’sflashingeyesindicatedhowmuchshehadenjoyedit. Irenelaughed.“Surewas.”
CecilgrinnedinwhatGabetookasagreementwhileWalt’sscowlsuggestedhefoughttoholdbackdisagreement.
Marnie shot her daughters a peeved look, maybe with a touch of anger heating it. She pushed to her feet. “There’s somethingIwantallofyoutounderstand”
Thewords,althoughsoft-spoken,rangwithconvictionthatdrewalleyestowardher. Gabeblinkedwithaflashofremembrance Morethantwentyyearsago,heandEllenhadmetMarnieandNorman They’d becomefriends becauseofsharedvalues.FaithinGod,beliefinlivingbygoodmoral standards,thepracticeofkindness to others.
Thefourofthemhadbeenvisitingonthestore’sstepsinBruffin.Theladiesmight’vebeenplanningasharedmeal,butthat detail wasvague.Aruckusinthestreetsilencedtheirconversation.Awomanwhohadachildbutnohusbandandwhomno one believedwas a widow hadfalleninthe muddystreetandstruggledtoregainher feetwhile holdingher childabove the mud.Four youthswatched,jeeringather misery.Infact,asthere’dbeenlittlemudelsewhere,perhapstheyouthshaddriven herintothepuddle
“Howcruel.”Marniehadstompedafoot,thehollowsoundechoingagainstthewoodenplanks,thewordsstillclearasifit hadbeenyesterday.Beforeanyonecouldsuggestshenotgetinvolved,shepickedherwayacrossthestreettotheyoungmen, allbiggerthanher,makingGabethinkNormanshouldrescuehiswife
ButNormanhadleanedbackagainstthewall,hisarmscrossed.“Thisoughttobeinteresting.”
Marniehadplantedherhandsonherhipsandleanedforward,herjawjuttedout “Takesatinypersontopickonsomeone smalleranddefenseless.Youlittleboysrunonhometoyourmamas.”
The boys had tried to stare her down, butglancingover their shoulders to where Normanand Gabe stood, theymust’ve thoughtbetterofitandslunkaway.
“Humph.”Marnie’ssoundofdisgusthadcarriedupanddownthestreet.Shetooktwomoresteps,rightintothepuddle,and heldoutahandtoassistthewomantoherfeet Assoonasthewomanwassafe,Marniereturnedtoherhusband
Othershadbeenwatching,andsomeonemuttered,“Shouldhaveleftherthere.Inthedirtwhereshebelongs.”
Butratherthanissuingjudgmentalwords,she’dshakenthemudfromherskirt,thensmiled “‘Inasmuchasyehavedoneit untooneoftheleastofthese,yehavedoneituntome.’”Thenshe’dtakenNorman’selbow andthefour ofthemhadgone Gabecouldn’trememberwhere
He’dseenthesamelookonherfacehe’dseenthen.AndjustasNormanhaddoneallthoseyearsago,Gabeleanedbackon hisheels.Thisoughttobeinteresting.
