Bride of the Wild (28 page)

I glanced at pa. “We are the only survivors.”

He inhaled deeply. “Lord in heaven.”

“We’re lucky to be alive,” said Micah. “We were ambushed by the Ute.”

“That would explain Silas’s wound.”

“They forced us to jump into the river from a cliff,” I said. “We should have died. That was their plan. We managed to avoid the rocks, but my arm wasn’t as lucky.”

Amelia’s mouth fell open. “That’s shocking.”

“There’s so much more too.” We had nearly reached the doctor’s office. “I need to see Silas. He was forced to jump before us. We thought he’d died.”

Pa noted my clothing. “That’s not your dress.”

“We spent the night at the Goldman farm.” Micah reached for the door, holding it open. “We were on the road this morning, waiting for someone to drive by. That’s when Farmer Pete found us.”

“Don’t look like that, Pa,” I said, stopping in the doorway. “I broke it off with Silas, because I’ve had a change of heart.”

“I can see that. It’s written all over your face.”

“I need to speak to you later, sir.” Micah glanced at me. “There’s something important I need your permission for.”

Pa chuckled, “I wonder what
that
might be?”

Not wanting to linger in the doorway, as people loitered on the boardwalk (some listening to our conversation) I ventured into the doctor’s office, glancing at the woman behind the desk. “Is Doc Walker in?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She had been writing, but now I had her full attention. “Saffron Fossett?” A huge smile lit her face. “Good Lord. I’m so glad y’all came back. Leah Thompson is nearly out of her mind worrying about her husband. She’ll be relieved he’s all right.”

I struggled not to reveal anything, knowing Leah’s husband, Bryce, had died along with nearly all the other men on the journey. “I need to see Silas.”

“Go right on in. First door on the left.” I glanced at my family, who waited in the reception area. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Not wanting to do this alone, I stared at Micah. “Would you come with me?”

“Certainly.”

Together we ventured down the hallway, finding the door in question open. A man wearing a bandage on his head lay upon a bed, while Doctor Walker spoke with Mrs. Hefferman, Silas’s mother. Clarissa Faris sat on the other side of the room, holding a handkerchief, her eyes red-rimmed. She shot to her feet when she saw me.

“Miss Fossett!”

Everyone turned then. “Hello.”

“My word,” uttered Mrs. Hefferman. “Are they all back?” She looked hopeful. “Mrs. Palmer is terribly worried about her husband. Deputy Thomas’s wife is beside herself. Everyone has been on pins and needles with worry, especially after Silas said he was the only survivor. I’m so glad he was wrong.” She smiled kindly. “It’s very good to see you, my dear.”

“How’s Silas?” I approached the bed, concerned over how pale he looked. “He was shot through with an arrow, and the Utes forced him into the gorge.”

Her mouth fell open. “Heavens to Betsy.”

“We know what happened,” said Micah, his expression bleak. “Saffron’s arm is broken, Doc Walker. She’ll need it set.”

“Of course.” His concerned eyes roamed over me. “The Utes?”

“Yes. We were attacked. We’ll tell everyone what happened, but I must know if Silas will be all right. What is his prognosis?”

“He’s fighting an infection,” said Doctor Walker. “I’ve given him some medication, but it’s too early to tell right this minute. Why don’t we have a look at that arm.”

I nodded. “All right.”

“We prayed for your well-being,” said Mrs. Hefferman. “We’re so glad you’ve returned. It’ll be a great relief for all the ladies. Did you kill the bear?”

“Saffron did.” Micah’s frown faltered. “She’s a true outdoorswoman. She’s made her pa proud. She’s made everyone proud.”

I could not rejoice in this, because the bad news had yet to be imparted. “Yes, I killed it. I’ll tell you how later. What’s important is Silas. He looks dreadfully white. He was brave too. He jumped into the abyss and survived.” I prayed his infection abated. He had to live, because, although I did not love him, I would always care about his health and happiness. The woman who did adore him sat across the room, her look betraying the truth of her feelings. I smiled at her. “You should know I’ve broken it off with Silas. We’re no longer courting.”

This startled Mrs. Hefferman, her eyes widening. “I had no idea.”

“He’s yours now, Mrs. Faris. For your sake, I hope he recovers.”

She got to her feet, swaying slightly. “Oh. Oh … my goodness.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Two weeks later …

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes—though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Peter 1:6)

The brief time we had spent on the mountain, fighting for our lives against man and beast, had tested us. For the few who had survived, the guilt would linger—possibly forever, because far too many widows and orphans had resulted from the death of good, strong men.

“There you are.” Amelia approached. “I wondered where you went.”

“It’s no secret.” I stuck a wooden pin into the sleeve of a shirt, attaching it to a rope. “Someone had to do this.”

“You’ve been rather quiet.” She smiled slightly. “I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’ll just feel better once pa and Micah are home.” The thought of them in the wilderness sent a tremor of terror through me. I had been plagued by dreams—scary, frightening images of things lurking in the shadows, waiting to cause harm. “I hope they’re well.”

“They won’t stop until they bring all the bodies home. You know that. The families demand the bodies for a proper burial.”

“Yes, they do.” I stuck another clothespin into a square cloth. “I’d want that too. I just worry, is all. There are things in those woods … ” I shuddered, fighting off an unwanted image … “that are dangerous.”

“Let me help you. You shouldn’t move that arm.”

“I’ve learned how to do everything with just one.” I forced a smile, wishing I felt better about the situation, but I would not until my father and my love returned. They had been gone a little over a week now, and it tore at my mind, knowing how fraught with danger such a trek could be. Micah was mad to do this, and I had begged him not to, yet he insisted on it.

“You look like you’re about to cry.” She took a pair of trousers from my hand. “Go make a pot of tea. Have a rest.”

“Why aren’t they back yet?” A festering bubble of panic swelled and popped within me. “What could possibly be taking this long?”

“They’re looking for the bodies. They have mules and things, and it’s slow work. Try not to think about it. We’ve been keeping ourselves nice and busy. The house is marvelous again. The new wallpaper is rather beautiful, if I do say so myself. You’ve been so strong, Saffron. You’ll see Micah again. Pa will bring him home. He adores your beau almost as much as Tom and I do.” She smiled kindly. “It’s going to be all right.”

“I wish I could stop thinking about everything. If they were here now, we could have the funerals and grieve. I hate waiting. Every minute feels like an eternity. Every day is a lifetime of endless worry and waiting. I’m so tired of it all.”

She finished hanging the pants, picking the basket off the ground. “I’m sure Micah feels the same. He didn’t want to leave you, that much was evident, but he had to show the men where the bodies were. He was the only one who could do it.”

“At least Tom’s with us.” My younger brother took care of the animals, tending to them while pa was away. “It’ll be harvest soon. If they don’t come back—”

“Shush,” she admonished. “They will. The rabid bears are all gone. The Indians have run further into the mountains, and the cavalry just arrived yesterday. They’ll be hunting for them soon enough.”

“That disturbs me as well, but I shouldn’t feel sorry for them. They treated us abominably.”

“You worry for Daisy. What a miracle she lived! With any luck, they’ll outrun the Army, but who can say. It’s up to God to decide and mete out the punishments or none at all.” Her look hardened. “I know what happened to you was inexcusable, especially the ambush and aftermath, but you’ll have to try to forgive them, if you’re to go on. Holding onto these resentments will turn you into something harsh and bitter. I hope you realize that, Saffron. I’ve been watching you closely. I see that look on your face. It’s a mixture of fear and hate. Both of those things will eat you from the inside, if you can’t let them go.”

“I was never fond of the Indians. You know that, and you know why.”

“But you liked Deer Runner. They’re not all bloodthirsty savages.”

“No, not all.”

“It’s trauma. You’ve suffered quite the ordeal. If I’d been forced to jump from a cliff, I’d have nightmares too.”

“I can’t look at swirling water without thinking about it.”

“That will go away in time.”

“You’re far too wise for your age.” I felt better having spoken with my sister. “Wait until you face calamity. Then you’ll know how it feels.”

“I was with you on the wagon train. I had nightmares for a long time after that. I always worried one of us would be kidnapped and murdered.”

“Me too.”

“You’ve held together very well. Even Silas is on the mend.”

“Indeed. Clarissa Faris couldn’t be happier about that. She’s thick as thieves with his mother. That woman never warmed to me. I suppose they’re a better match. I’m happy for them, but I would really prefer my beau to be here. I want to marry him. I refuse to wait through another year of mourning. I’m sick and tired of crying. I’m alive, and I want to live now.”

“No one will ask you to wait. You may do as you wish.”

“I hope so.”

“You’ll buy the Goldman farm. Then you’ll be only a few minutes down the road. I can’t think of anything more perfect.”

“That all depends on whether or not they return, Amelia. Anything can happen out there. It’s later in the season now. The rains we had three days ago were more than likely snow for them. It’s hazardous and scary.” I shuddered. “I never want to go there again.”

“In time that’ll go away.”

I gave her a look. “I doubt it.”

“Let’s have tea, and we can finish our chores later. The more we do, the faster the time will go by. It’s not good to be too idle, especially when you’re waiting for something.”

“Fine.”

Having my sister as a companion suited me perfectly, our temperaments being similar. When Tom returned from the paddock, we ate supper in the kitchen, the fare consisting of baked chicken with rice and greens. Afterwards, Amelia and I settled on the porch to watch the sun go down, as the front of the house faced west. The clouds looked pink and purple with streaks of orange, the beauty of the offering breathtaking. From where we sat, we could see for miles across the property to the fields of neighbors, a light or two twinkling from a two-story window. The lack of conversation left only the sound of the wind, passing through the trees, rustling the leaves.

“I see someone,” said Amelia.

“Where?”

“A speck on the road. It’s a ways off still.”

“Probably the Guthries or the Sanfords or whoever lives down that way.”

“I suppose.” She rocked back and forth, her expression questioning. “We shall see soon enough. They’re more than one. They’re on horseback.”

I felt a little thrill, knowing Pa and Micah had traveled in this manner, hoping they came now, but, as the pair continued on, they did not turn onto our road. “I guess that wasn’t them.” My spirits sank slightly. “I wonder how much longer? I’m going to town tomorrow to inquire. I can’t wait another second.”

“So much for patience.”

“All I’ve done is sit around and wait.”

“I have to use the privy.” She got to her feet. “I’ll be back.”

I rocked, while the chair creaked beneath me. “Don’t let the spiders bite,” I giggled.

“Ugh. Stop it. Don’t say that.”

Tom appeared a moment later. “I’m bored. Why don’t we play cards? How about some Faro or three-card monte? All you girls do is sit and stare into the distance. You can pine all you want for Micah, but have some sympathy for your poor brother.”

I scowled at him. “One day you’ll be in love with a lovely young woman, and you’ll look forward to seeing her too. Then you’ll know what it’s like to want something that’s denied.”

He made a face. “Girls are a nuisance. Pesky, whiny, and silly. No, thank you.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’ll be singing a different tune in a few years, and then I shall laugh at you.”

“Are we expecting anyone?” He glanced into the distance.

“No, but I wish.”

“That looks like pa.” He pointed towards the road.

Jumping to my feet, I stared. “Where?”

“That fella on horseback.”

I had been too busy talking to Tom to notice, squinting my eyes to get a better look. “I hope so. Is there only one?”

“I see someone behind him. They’re coming fast.”

The riders had kicked up dust, having spurred their animals to a gallop. “I can’t believe it.” My heart began to pound, hammering in my chest. “I do hope it’s them.”

“Who’s coming?” Amelia had returned, standing with her hands on her hips. “Is that pa?”

“I say yes,” said Tom. “If it’s not, then I’ve lost my mind.”

“And Micah,” I cried. “It’s Micah!”

Tom made a face. “Oh, lordy. Oh, Micah! Oh, Micah!” His voice sounded high-pitched and teasing.

I hit him on the arm. “Stop that, you annoying boy.” Scrambling down the steps, I began to run, as the horse approached. Micah had come in first, galloping and grinning beneath a wide-brimmed hat. He dismounted, his booted feet hitting the ground. I flung myself at him, his arms going around me. “Oh, I’m so glad. I worried something had happened.” He smelled of dust and wind and musk.

“It’s good to see you.” He kissed my cheek, his eyes shining with affection. “We had some trouble finding the bodies, but you’ll never believe this. Deputy Thomas survived! His wounds were significant, but not life-threatening. He survived on water and berries.”