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  “I’m sorry Fiona, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Being cooped up in here all day long is driving me insane.” Tilly reached out to touch Fiona’s hand. “Forgive me?”

  Fiona nodded and smiled, giving Tilly’s hand a quick squeeze. “What do you think of Almanzo? You were blushing when Walking Tall was teasing you. I like him a lot but he hasn’t looked at me twice. He is mesmerized by you.”

  Was he really? Could Fiona be right? Tilly hoped she was but although Fiona was her best friend, she couldn’t admit her feelings.

  “Hush Fiona, he is not. He is only interested in his mother. Can you imagine finding out, after all these years, that your mother was living with Indians and raising a child?”

  “He must be very hurt.”

  Fiona’s statement confused Tilly. “Why? I should think he would be relieved to find her alive.”

  “Tilly! You sound like your father and Richard.”

  That was just about the biggest insult Fiona could throw at her. Tilly gulped for a couple of seconds trying to stop tears from filling her eyes.

  “I didn’t mean it nastily. But if you found your parents wouldn’t you be happy?” Tilly tried to explain her thought process.

  “Yes, but not if they were living with a brother or sister. It would make me feel they really didn’t want me.”

  Tilly didn’t say anything. She hadn’t thought of it from that point of view. Fiona was right.

  “I mean, you don’t leave a baby you want on a doorstep but I believe my ma wanted me but couldn’t afford to keep me. Or she was in trouble and not allowed to have me or come back and find me,” Fiona explained quietly. “It would be different if I found her years later and she was healthy and living with her own child.”

  Tilly took the beading work from her friend and put it to one side. She hugged Fiona close, both letting the tears fall freely for the first time since they had been taken to the Indian village.

  “I never thought about what it was like not to know your parents, Fiona. I am so sorry. You must think I am very selfish.”

  “You aren’t selfish, Tilly. To be honest, I think it is better not to have known my parents. I can pretend they were nice people. You don’t have that luxury.”

  Tilly held Fiona at arm's length.

  “Are you telling me you didn’t appreciate my parents and all they did for you, Miss Murphy? After all who would have given you such a good position, working fourteen hours a day without pay?”

  The girls giggled as Tilly imitated her mother’s strident tones. Then they fell quiet, each wondering what lay ahead of them.

  “Tilly, if you marry Richard, what will happen to me? He won’t let me stay with you. I might not be able to get a decent position. You know what they say about women who were rescued from Indians. They are never allowed to live a normal life.”

  “Fiona Murphy, where has your fighting spirit gone?” Tilly responded quickly. “I am not going to marry Richard and we will stick together. Nothing has happened to us. We still have our virtue. Any man who gets you as his wife will be lucky. You are so beautiful, inside and out, and you can cook and do stuff like that. Men like that.”

  Tilly hoped she sounded convincing. In her limited experience of men, she had no idea what they looked for in a girl who didn’t have any money. She guessed they were both about to find out.

  Yawning, she suggested they take a nap. It would help pass the time. Fiona fell asleep quickly leaving Tilly to think in private. Was Almanzo looking for a wife? She told herself she wasn’t interested in the answer, yet she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

  Fiona would make a better match for him. She was pretty and she knew how to keep house, to cook, do laundry and grow vegetables. Tilly didn’t know how to do any of those things. She barely knew how to make a bed.

  She didn’t like how she felt about Almanzo with Fiona. Closing her eyes she imagined them kissing and laughing together. Her stomach churned. She wanted Fiona to be happy, of course, she did. But she didn’t want her to find happiness with Almanzo. She beat the ground in frustration. She was a horrible friend. Fiona deserved the best in life and if that meant Fiona had set her heart on Almanzo, Tilly should do everything to help her friend.

  Chapter 17

  Walking Tall found Almanzo by the river later that afternoon. He was concerned, Almanzo could see that from the expression in his eyes, but he didn’t ask any questions. He simply sat and waited. He knew Almanzo would talk if he wanted to.

  After a few minutes in silence, Almanzo asked what the Chief had decided to do.

  “He is going to let the women return with us. Your mother spoke with him. For a long time.”

  “She said she would.”

  “Al, is she coming back with us?” Walking Tall asked, a worried expression on his face. “Did you tell her it was too dangerous for her to stay here?”

  Almanzo stared into the river. He had told her but had he made it clear just how much danger she was in? He had said she and his sister were welcome to come with them but had he meant it? How would he feel when Harvey and his friends found out his ma was a squaw and his sister a half breed?

  “You are finding it hard to understand her actions?” Walking Tall guessed, as always he was very good at reading Almanzo.

  “Yes. I don’t blame her anymore for leaving me behind. She gave me good reasons for that. But, why didn’t she come looking for me? When she was better? The tribe would have…”

  “What? Driven her, a white woman, into Portland? Can you really see that happening?” Walking Tall sounded sarcastic but the look he gave him was full of concern.

  Almanzo shrugged but at the piercing look from his friend agreed it was a stupid thought.

  “Your mother survived as best she could. From what has been said, she found happiness for a while. She has a child. Perhaps it is best to leave the past behind. Let her stay with the people she calls her own.”

  “But you know…” Almanzo started to speak but Walking Tall interrupted him.

  “I know more than most her chances of living to old age are slim. Your sister’s chances of living to adulthood are almost non-existent. But what would you have me say? Do you want me to force them to come with us?” Walking Tall asked before standing up. “We live in difficult times my friend. You cannot make this decision for your mother. She is grown woman who has had much sadness. She deserves to live out her life, however long it may be, in happiness.”

  Almanzo gazed at his friend. Although of similar age, Walking Tall was so wise. He understood more about human nature than Almanzo ever would.

  “It is not true. In time, you will find understanding. Our paths have been different so our minds are too,” Walking Tall said as if to underline the point.

  “How do you do that? How do you know what I am thinking?” Almanzo asked in wonder.

  “Most white people think with their heart and tell us with their eyes.” Walking Tall smiled, his tone teasing. “Good white people.” He put his arm around Almanzo’s shoulders. “Come, my friend, we must go. We have spent too long here. People will be worried. I do not want to face Becky or Johanna if we stay too much longer.”

  “Are you admitting to fearing women?”

  “Any man who says the Thompson women do not scare them is lying. Their husbands are brave and to be admired.”

  Almanzo burst out laughing. He knew Walking Tall adored the Thompson girls as he called Becky, Jo, and Eva despite them being married with different surnames. They were all strong-willed women but had hearts so big they would help the world if they could. He felt a strong need to be back with them. To tell them his story. Most of all to tell them he was no relation of Price. As they packed up their things, he wondered it was too late for Rick to formally adopt him. Almanzo Hughes had a much nicer sound than Almanzo Price.

  “Fire Daughter and her friend are worried too. They feel your people will not accept them.”

  Almanzo frowned at his friend’s words. He should have done more
to put the women’s minds at ease. He didn’t like to think of Tilly being worried.

  “Fire Daughter not wish to marry what you call fiancé?” Walking Tall stumbled over the unfamiliar word.

  “She doesn’t?” Almanzo wasn’t questioning Walking Tall’s knowledge but playing for time. He tried to sound casual, closing his eyes so Walking Tall couldn’t do his usual thing and read his thoughts.

  Walking Tall pushed Almanzo’s shoulder playfully. “You cannot hide your feelings from me, my friend. This is first time a woman light big spark,” he chuckled as Almanzo tried hard not to respond. “Fire Daughter feel the same way.”

  Almanzo’s eyes widened. She did? How did Walking Tall know? Had she said something? No, she couldn’t have. White women didn’t talk about such stuff and certainly not with Indians.

  “Fire Daughter make you a good wife. She is strong woman. I told her you make her good husband.”

  Almanzo groaned, feeling very sick. Although he knew Walking Tall was telling the truth, he begged “please say you didn’t.”

  “Why? I did. I do not understand you white people. Men need women. Life is too hard without a good woman at your side. Why make it so difficult when you find the right one?”

  Almanzo wasn’t about to explain white courtship to his best friend. He was dying to know how Tilly had responded. He looked into his friend’s face, surprised to see a concerned expression in Walking Tall’s eyes. “Do not take long to make up mind. Things change quickly.”

  With that Walking Tall walked away leaving Almanzo alone with his thoughts. Things change quickly? That was an understatement. A week ago his life was normal, understandable if not enjoyable. Now, he had found his long lost ma, a sister he never knew he had, and a woman who lit up his body and mind like a piece of kindling.

  Chapter 18

  He waited with his mother while Walking Tall and the Chief spoke about the women.

  “I will come back soon to check on you both. Can you introduce me to Mia then?” Almanzo asked.

  “Would you not like to meet her today? She is curious about you,” Broken Wing said.

  “She knows about me?”

  “Yes Almanzo. I told her about you from the first day she was born. Of course, I believed you were dead then. Yesterday when you turned up here, she saw I was shocked. When she heard the other men calling your name, she asked were you my Almanzo?”

  “Yes I would like to meet her,” Almanzo pushed the words out past the lump in his throat. His mother hadn’t forgotten about him or willingly abandoned him. He waited impatiently while Broken Wing, as she preferred to be called, came back with Mia. The young girl’s eyes were wide open with curiosity. She was lighter skinned than Walking Tall but her hair was as dark as his. Her big brown eyes were so dark, they were almost black.

  “Nice to meet you, Mia,” he said rather formally.

  “You make mama happy. I thank you for this,” Mia said.

  Her English although stilted was more fluent than he expected. “Are you happy here Mia?”

  She looked at him, a confused expression on her face. “Yes, of course. This is my home.”

  He caught his mother’s gaze over the young child’s head. They exchanged a smile of understanding. Then Almanzo bent down to kiss Mia on the cheek.

  “Next time I come I will bring you a gift. What would you like?” he asked her.

  “Food. Sometimes we are hungry,” Mia said emphasizing her point by rubbing her stomach.

  “I will bring food but what about for you Mia? Would you like a doll?” Almanzo asked, keen to make a good impression on his sister.

  “What is doll?” Mia asked in confusion.

  “Bring her one with you when you return, Almanzo.” His ma said smiling at him. “It will make a nice surprise.”

  Mia took her mother’s hand as she asked. “Will you come back, big brother?”

  He liked being called brother. He smiled warmly at the child before confirming “Yes Mia. Soon.”

  “Will you bring Fire Daughter back too? I like her a lot.”

  Looking up, Almanzo caught his ma’s stare. She was waiting for his answer.

  “Fire Daughter may not be able to come with me. She has other plans,” he explained quickly and quietly.

  “Oh, I thought you were going to share her blanket. Have you not asked her?”

  Almanzo flushed bright red. He knew Indian children were far more open about romance than whites were but still this was a little too much for him to take in. He looked to his ma for help but she was smiling widely.

  “I have only just met her, Mia. I can’t ask her that.”

  “She likes you a lot. She is always looking at you. Like you look at her. Under your eyes like this.”

  Mia did a good impression of looking at Almanzo sheepishly. He had to change the conversation. If Tilly heard what his sister was saying…

  He kissed her cheek again and swung her into the air making her laugh. Then he turned to his mother. “Thank you, Ma.” It was only three little words but they spoke volumes. He pulled his mother into a hug. She nestled her head on his shoulder.

  “I am so proud of the man you became Almanzo.”

  He gulped back the lump in his throat and resisted the urge to pick her up, put her on his horse and take her back to the Hughes where she would be safe.

  Chapter 19

  Hughes Homestead

  Della looked up as Scott rode into the homestead.

  White faced, Della faced her son in law, her back stiff. “What prognosis did the Doc give?”

  Scott wished he hadn’t met Jo in town and she hadn’t asked him to do this task. He couldn’t look Della in the face. It wasn’t his place to tell her she would be burying Rick soon enough. Instead he played for time.

  “Doc wouldn’t comment. On a better note, I’ve heard Almanzo and the women are on their way home.”

  “Praise be,” Bridget announced, revealing the fact she was listening to their conversation.

  “Bridget, come out here and show yourself woman. You shouldn’t be eavesdropping. You might not hear good things,” Scott teased, thanking God Bridget was there.

  Bridget came out smiling. “The news I just heard was the best ever. I am going to go bake Mr. Almanzo’s favorite dinner.”

  “Maybe just bake him a few pies, Bridget. He may want to stay in town for a night or two until we know more.”

  Bridget’s face turned as pale as Della’s. Scott wanted to shoot himself.

  “Don’t look at me like that. The sheriff wants to talk to Almanzo about the ladies and what happened. There are some details about the massacre that don’t make sense. Almanzo will want to visit with Rick too. Now put that smile back on your face and make me a coffee please, Miss Bridget.”

  Scott’s flirting made her smile. When she had gone back into the kitchen he suggested to Della the adults come back into town. “David and Eva, Becky and yourself. Do you want to get Paddy? There is bound to be trouble. Harvey is baying for blood and there is some new guy around, a suited up guy who presents himself as a gentleman. Name of Richard Weston. Heard of him?”

  Della shook her head.

  “Something funny about him. Wouldn’t take my eyes off his right hand. He seems to be very friendly with Harvey for someone who just supposedly arrived in town.”

  “Scott Jones, your instincts have never let you down before. Trust them now. I will leave Paddy where he is. Someone in this family might as well have a little peace as there is bound to be more trouble down the line.”

  “Della, wouldn’t you prefer him by your side?” Scott couldn’t help asking, wondering if his mother in law had misunderstood how seriously ill Rick was.

  “I surely would Scott love but Paddy isn’t as young as he was. He will want to be in the middle of the fight. We will need his strength later.”

  Scott looked in admiration at the woman by his side. The true strength behind the Thompson family, this frail looking woman had protected her family from th
e first day he’d known her. She would go on doing that for as long as she is able.

  “You are some woman, Della Thompson,” he said placing a kiss on her cheek.

  She was so flustered she was unable to respond.

  “I will go get Becky and the children. Bridget and Carrie can mind them here. I’ve sent a man to David’s to tell him to meet us in town. Can you be ready in a couple of hours?”

  Della nodded, her gaze focused on some point behind him. He squeezed her arm once more before moving to the kitchen. He needed his coffee before he went home. He wasn’t looking forward to breaking the news about Rick to Becky. At least she would be relieved to hear Almanzo was coming home.

  Chapter 20

  Almanzo rode in front leaving the white women with Walking Tall. He said he was scouting ahead but he needed some space to sort out his feelings. He hated leaving his ma with the tribe. It would be so much safer if she came with them. Would it really? White women who lived with the Indians, whether by choice or not, were never accepted back into white society, not fully anyway. The children of such liaisons were always outsiders too. Maybe his ma had made the correct choice.

  When they camped for the night, Tilly sought him out.

  “Are you feeling any better?” she asked.

  He was grateful for her concern but wished she had left him alone. He nodded, hoping by staying silent she would take the hint but instead, she took it as an invitation to sit down. He couldn’t ask her to leave as that would be very rude.

  “Do you know who survived the attack?” she asked, her voice trembling.

  “No, I’m sorry but I don’t. Were you traveling with your family?”

  “My father and my fiancé. I know my father was hurt as I saw him fall off his horse but I didn’t see Richard after the Indians arrived. I was with Fiona at the river bank. We’d sneaked off for a talk.” At Almanzo’s confused expression Tilly explained, “My Father didn’t approve of our friendship.”