Bile rose in Eva's mouth at the sight of two small dents in the leather.

  “Thank God granny got them for you,” Johanna said smiling at him. “She obviously approves of your plan to marry my sister.”

  With that Johanna walked toward the wagons with Sam circling between her and David.

  “How does she know I want to marry you? I thought that was a secret,” David asked, a bemused expression on his face.

  “It is or, at least, it should be. But Johanna is different than the others. She always seems to know things she shouldn’t. She won’t say anything, don’t worry,” Eva said quietly not wanting Julia to repeat anything to her parents.

  “I am not worried. Today is further proof we never know what will happen. I wish I could speak to your pa.”

  “I do too, David, but he won’t listen. Give him time.”

  David looked at her as if to ask how much time does he need but he didn’t say anything. He shuffled Julia to a more comfortable position and started walking back to the wagons.

  Eva walked beside David, thanking God for him and Granny. She had come so close to losing him. Few people recovered from snake bites at home in Virgil. Never mind out here in the middle of nowhere. More than anything, Eva wanted to turn around and head home. Back to Virgil. To her granny and the safety of their town. There was nice food and clean water and few snakes.

  Chapter 20

  As they got nearer to the caravan train, Mrs. Long came running, holding her skirts up around her ankles. “My baby!” she screamed. “Is she de…hurt?”

  “No, Mrs. Long. She just needs a cuddle and something to eat and drink,” David said, his tone reassuring as the woman drew closer.

  “Thanks to Sam and David,” Johanna added.

  “Sam?” Mrs. Long took her child from David as Mr. Long came running.

  “Sam found her and stayed with her until we arrived. Johanna, I mean Miss Thompson, had the bright idea of tracking Sam as she believed he would be with Julia. She was right.”

  Johanna backed away from the crowd. Eva knew her sister didn’t like being the center of attention. Their pa and ma arrived just as Johanna had turned toward their wagon.

  “What’s going on? Where were you girls? Your mother was frantic,” Pa said, anger making his tone severe.

  “Please don’t be cross with them. They saved young Julia, with David,” Mr. Long replied.

  “You were with him?” Pa said crossly.

  Eva had to take a couple of deep breaths as she fought her instinct to scream back at her father.

  “David saved Julia’s life, Pa. There was a rattler sunning itself on a stone near to where she was lying. If David hadn’t killed it, well…” Johanna left the rest unsaid.

  Eva sent her sister a look of gratitude before checking her father’s reaction. He looked stunned and dare she believe it, a little ashamed.

  “A rattlesnake. It didn’t hurt Julia, did it?” Mrs. Long checked her daughter.

  “No, ma’am. Julia is a little sunburnt and got a bad scare,” David confirmed.

  “It’s true, Pa. Look at his boot. The snake left its mark.” Stephen crouched down to see David’s boot. “Wow, that looks like a big one. How did you kill it? Did you shoot it?”

  “Never mind about that. I am sure Mr. Clarke and our girls could do with some coffee and something to eat. Why don’t you and your family join us for breakfast, Mr. Long? I will take something to your wife to eat once she sees to Julia. I have some salve to help with her sunburn.” Ma quickly took charge.

  Eva was relieved. Now that they were all safe, she felt her body tremble. It must be some sort of delayed reaction to the shock.

  “Thank ye kindly,” Mr. Long replied watching his wife carry their little one into the wagon. “Thank you, David, and both of you, young ladies, for saving my girl. I don’t know what the missus would have done if anything had happened.”

  Eva saw his eyes glistening just as he turned away. He was probably embarrassed. Men never cried, particularly in front of strangers. Her pa and ma walked back to the wagon deep in conversation. She gave David a quick hug before following them.

  David sounded the signal to let the other men know the danger was over. Captain Jones returned soon afterward with the men from the other search parties.

  “How is the girl?” he asked.

  “She is much better thanks to Mr. Clarke and my sisters,” Becky announced. “You would think she had rescued Julia all by herself.” Johanna whispered to Eva who watched as Becky put her arm through Captain Jones’ who looked stunned. It was rather amusing to see the confidant captain looking unsure of himself. Becky drew him toward the Long wagon.

  “You will see for yourself she is alright. A little burned and, of course, the poor child was awfully scared. When I think of the dangers she faced, I could swoon.”

  At that last remark, Eva had to turn away for fear of laughing. The idea of Becky swooning over anything was so farfetched it was funny. She was glad she could feel amused. After the events of this morning, she thought she would never feel anything but fear again.

  They were allowed a quick breakfast before Captain Jones gave the instruction to move out.

  “He could have given us a little more time to get over what happened,” Eva moaned, feeling very tired after her long walk combined with the sleepless night.

  “We have to make up lost ground. You know we need to be over the mountains before winter closes in. Captain Jones knows what he is doing,” Becky snapped.

  “Don’t bite my head off, Becky. I was just saying.”

  “Well, don’t. We have enough to put up with. We don’t need your whining on top of it.” Becky marched off leaving Eva staring after her.

  “Don’t mind her. I heard Captain Jones tell her he wasn’t the marrying kind.”

  “Pa would have a fit if he knew they were talking like that,” Eva responded, more than a little shocked. She knew her sister was forward but hadn’t realized she was that bad.

  “I think he was trying to let her down gently,” Johanna said looking after her twin. “Pity it will have the completely opposite effect.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Eva, I know you think I am totally naïve but even I know Becky always wants what she can’t have.” Johanna walked on after their sister leaving Eva to trail along behind. It was true what Johanna had said but if Becky thought anyone would agree to a match between her and the captain, she was in for a shock.

  Chapter 21

  “We will arrive at Fort Kearney the day after tomorrow. Can you imagine all those dashing young soldiers? I heard a rumor Captain Jones has agreed to camp there for a couple of nights. There is going to be a dance and everything,” Becky said swaying back and forth as if she was dancing.

  “What may I ask is everything?”

  Becky's face fell. “Sorry, Pa, I didn’t know you were there.”

  “Obviously. You won't be going to any dances. You are far too young.”

  “But, Pa, I am sixteen, nearly seventeen. You met Ma when she was younger than me.”

  Eva sneaked a look at her ma and saw her blushing. She waited for Pa's response to Becky, but it seemed his daughter had done something rare and left him speechless.

  “Please, Pa. You and Ma will be there to make sure nothing happens. I will only be dancing, not kissing or...”

  “Kissing? Who said anything about that? I think you read too many of those trashy dime novels, young lady.”

  “She didn’t mean anything by it, Pa. She's just excited and wants to go to the dance,” Eva intervened quickly on her sister’s behalf. “We all do. It would be good to have a night away from the trail and the dust and the...”

  “Alright, you can go to the dance. I can't fight all the women in my house. But you remember your manners.”

  Becky threw her arms around Pa nearly knocking him over in the process. “You are the best pa in the whole world.”

  Eva wasn’t looking forward to the dance as she knew her pa wouldn’t let her dance with David. The thought of Harold holding her in his arms made her ill. The only light on the horizon was the fact that her pa seemed to be less fond of Harold than he had been at home. Maybe he was seeing him for the person he really was. Captain Jones certainly didn’t like him—having told him off more than once—for his treatment of his team as well as the load in his wagon.

  “Pa, did you know the army bought the fort from a fur trading company and it hasn’t been here that long either?” Stephen said excitedly. He couldn’t wait to see the soldiers. He wanted to ask them about the Indians they had fought.

  Eva went down to the stream to rinse out some clothes. Gracie, Becky’s friend from Virgil, was already there.

  “Eva, did you hear about the dance?”

  “Yes, Gracie, Becky was telling Pa all about it at suppertime.”

  “Wont it be nice to do something other than walking and chores?”

  “Yes, I suppose,” Eva answered trying for her friend’s sake to sound optimistic.

  “What's wrong with you? I thought you liked dancing.”

  “I do, it’s just.... Oh, never mind me. I'm tired is all.”

  Gracie looked at her but Eva wasn’t going to tell her friend the real reason. She liked Gracie a lot but she tended to gossip.

  “Who are you looking to dance with, Gracie?”

  Gracie blushed. “You won't believe me.”

  “Captain Jones,” Eva said joking but then caught the look in her friend's eyes. “Really? You want to dance with the captain? But he is about fifteen years older than you.”

  “So what. There is a lot to be said for a mature man.” Gracie had a dreamy look in her eyes.

  Eva sighed. Becky and her best friend were both fascinated by the same man. There was bound to be trouble. “But maybe he is already married.”

  “He isn’t. He told Pa this was likely to be his last train. He wants to claim some of the Oregon land himself.”

  Funny Eva couldn’t see Captain Jones in the role of a farmer. He seemed too...

  “And if he gets his land, he'll need someone to set up home with. Won’t he?”

  “I take it that will be you,” Eva said, thinking not if Becky gets to him first. She liked Gracie but next to her sister her friend wouldn’t stand a chance.

  “Why not? I am old enough to be wed. I know how to run a home. Ma's showed me everything. I can make him a good wife.”

  “Gracie, I know all that. You will make any man a fantastic wife. I just wondered about the age difference. What will your pa think?” Eva was hoping to put Gracie off. She didn’t want her friend getting hurt.

  “I think Pa is quite taken with him.”

  Eva was surprised. She didn’t think her own pa would agree to a match with a man so much older.

  “Does Joey Freeman know you are interested in Captain Jones?”

  Gracie’s cheeks flushed. “Why would Joey Freeman care?”

  “Come on, Gracie, you know Joey has liked you for years. He used to follow you home from school.”

  “That was when we were kids. I am grown up now. I need a man.”

  “What of Captain Jones? Does he know anything of this?”

  Gracie blushed even more. “He hasn't said anything but he has been giving me the look. He comes to eat a lot at our fire too.”

  “He comes to eat at our fire, too, but nobody has decided he wants to marry Becky.” Eva teased her. Apart from Becky.

  “Don’t tease me, Eva. It’s mean. You don’t understand what it’s like to love someone.”

  Eva wanted to correct her but couldn’t.

  Chapter 22

  Eva took some water back to her ma.

  “It’s very sandy, Ma.”

  “Captain Jones suggested putting corn meal into it before we sieve it. Seems it will remove most of the sand.”

  “Ma, can the girls do it? I want to check on Milly, she’s been ill and looked very pale earlier.”

  “Of course, Eva, just don’t be late for supper.”

  Eva found her sitting beside the wagon with no sign of a fire going.

  “I have had enough, Eva, I want to go home.”

  “Milly, stop distressing yourself so much. It isn't good for you. Why don't you lie down for a while? The sickness is making you feel weak.”

  “I am so sick every morning and now my...well, I feel very sore.” Milly's face flushed red as her eyes fell on her chest. “I think I might be having a baby.”

  “Congratulations.” Eva hugged her friend but she couldn’t help think this was the last place she would want to be pregnant. The trek was hard enough without having to cope with being pregnant too. “Have you told Stan?”

  “Not yet. I know he will be thrilled but it’s alright for him. He isn’t sick every minute of the day.” Milly held a hand to her mouth. “I'm sorry, Eva, I shouldn’t have said that. I just... I want to go home to my mother.”

  Eva held Milly while she cried. It took a while for the tears to stop. “Milly, you are exhausted. You need to sleep. I will bring over dinner for you and Stan. You need to speak to him. Tell him your news, your fears, everything. He loves you, it will be fine.”

  Eva walked back to her wagon, thankful they were staying at the fort for a few days. If Milly was determined to go back to Boston, then maybe they would meet other travelers here. That's assuming Stan agreed to go back.

  “What has you upset, Eva?” Her ma asked gently as her eyes ran over her body.

  “Ma, Milly thinks she is having a baby. She is real scared and she wants to go home. She's been crying for ages.”

  “Ah, the poor girl. If she is, her body is all over the place. I remember finding out I was carrying you, I couldn’t stop crying for two weeks. Your pa threatened to drown me in the river.”

  “Did he really?”

  “No, love. He was joking as he said I was in danger of drowning both of us with all my tears. I was so happy too. I had no idea why I was crying. Women go through all sorts of moods when they are carrying a young'un. You take over preparing dinner and I will go have a chat with your friend.” Ma took off the apron she insisted on wearing, even though they were in the middle of the wilds. She gave it to Eva. Then she packed up a small basket with dinner and some biscuits with a small loaf of bread.

  “Remind me to try the fort for some ginger tomorrow, Eva. Ginger cookies will help with the nausea.”

  Ma was gone for ages. Eva dished up dinner to her pa, brother and sisters as they were complaining of being hungry. She kept her own for later so Ma wouldn’t have to eat alone.

  She came back soon after the dishes had been done. She took Eva to one side.

  “Milly feels a bit better now. I explained what it's like being pregnant. Poor girl, her ma never told her anything.”

  “Is she still intent on going back to Boston?” Eva hoped Milly wasn’t. She loved talking to her and it made the time pass quicker. However, maybe she was being selfish. Milly might be better off in Boston.

  “She's talking about it but I don't know if Stan will turn back. Anyway, that’s for them to sort out.”

  “Being married is difficult, isn’t it Ma?”

  Ma laughed. “That it is, Eva, but it’s wonderful too. So long as you pick the right man, of course. Now where is my dinner? I am hungry enough to eat an ox.”

  Eva gave her ma an impulsive hug. She hadn’t heard the woman complain once on the trail, yet she must have found it difficult at times too. She was lucky to have a mother like her.

  “This is Fort Kearney?” Becky looked at the vision in front of her, unable to hide her disappointment. “There isn’t even a wall around it?”

  “Not what you were expecting, is it?” Eva murmured. She found it quite fascinating. There were soldiers and Indians walking around with people from other wagon trains. All sorts of people coming and going. It reminded her of market day in Virgil.

  “Captain Jones said we were stopping for a couple of days so we can catch up on everything. Our laundry, chores and, of course, shopping,” Ma said.

  “Not too much shopping. The prices charged at these places make Harold look generous,” Pa said grumpily.

  “Aw, Pa, we won't buy much, but I really want a pair of moccasins. They look so pretty.” Becky gave her father the look that always won him around.

  “Don't spend too much, lass. We still have a long way to go.”

  “Thanks, Pa, you're the best.” Becky gave her pa a big hug before grabbing Johanna's arm and almost running up to the vendors.

  “Della, you need to have a word with that young lady. She is past the age of behaving like a child. She'll never make a good match if she runs everywhere.”

  “I did a lot of running and I don’t think I fared too badly,” Ma answered.

  Eva moved away embarrassed to see her parents sharing affectionate glances. While she was pleased their arguments seemed to be a thing of the past, they were still her parents.

  Chapter 23

  Eva went looking for the post office. She wanted to send her letters to Granny, but she was hoping there might be some for her to collect too. She didn’t see the officer until she walked right into him.

  “I am so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” she stammered as she stared up into a very attractive man's face.

  He took off his hat and bowed to her. “No problem, ma'am. Not every day a pretty lady walks into me. Can I escort you to wherever you were going?”

  “I was just looking to collect some posts.” Eva was flustered. She wasn’t used to older men taking notice of her, never mind acting in such a charming manner.

  “Allow me.” The officer offered his arm and she was just about to take it when she heard a shout.

  “Take your hands off my fiancée.”

  Eva felt her face heat up as she turned to find Harold looking threateningly at the officer who immediately apologized.

  “I am very sorry. I was only offering to help your young lady in her time of need.”

 

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