Undesirable

by Laura Stapleton

  Marie smiled at the argument. “Exactly. I may have to remind him of this being his original and best idea.”

  “Do you think it will work?” asked Jenny.

  The breeze chilled Marie. “I hope so.” The flat road, barren of sagebrush, gave them an easy surface to cross. She listened to her friends, distracted whenever spotting Sam riding past them. Her step felt light and happiness seemed to radiate from her like smoke from a chimney. Guilt over last night’s kiss tugged at her a little. She shook her head as if to erase the memory from her mind.

  “Are you well?” Ellen asked, frowning a little.

  “Yes, very well! I just had a little ugly thought about Hester.”

  “I so understand!” As if realizing she spoke too loudly, Jenny placed a hand over her mouth in shock.

  Ellen grinned before asking Marie, “Did you know her before you married Mr. Warren?”

  “I’d met her, but never imagined having to live with her. I do remember being glad the two weren’t more alike.”

  “Did you have a grand wedding? If Lucky would propose, I could start planning ours. He’s so shy. Gosh, I may just ask him myself.” Jenny’s cheeks still blushed from her gaffe.

  “Ours was very grand. However, you’ll most likely have a wild frontier wedding. Not many women can say such a thing.”

  Ellen nodded ahead of them. “You could tell us how you met and married your husband.”

  Jenny added, “I’ll bet it was a grand event.”

  Marie glanced over to see her husband and Hester waiting for them. She said, “Yes, let’s do that. Maybe this afternoon.”

  Once within earshot, Charles grinned and hollered, “Dearest, time to say goodbye to your friends.”

  She stated in a quiet voice to the girls, “Let me have one last chance at convincing him to stay with everyone here. We can catch up later.” They left, Jenny with an audible sniff and Marie began, “Charles, I feel I must say something to you first.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes.” She wrung her hands at his scowl. “Your idea of going north to settle was the best one you’ve ever had. I’ve heard how Oregon’s statehood is all but official, and they’re granting land to homesteaders. Think of all the people needing to buy lumber and dry goods once they arrive there when the territory is a part of the United States.”

  “No.” Charles shook his head. “Nothing up there is guaranteed. California is already a state and has the population to make me rich. They have all this gold and money, and I intend to give them a place to spend it.”

  “You make a good point, however, I think…”

  “Enough!” he bellowed. “I have decided we’re to leave the group today and that’s final.”

  “Very well.” To her embarrassment, tears began rolling down her face. “I’ll go say goodbye.”

  “Is there a problem?” asked Sam, leading Scamp behind him. He smacked his thigh with the riding gloves he held.

  “Yes, sir, a huge one.” Charles gave Marie a glare. “But I think she’s back in line.”

  “Oh?” He looked at her. “You don’t seem well.”

  “I am and am being foolish in not wanting to leave my friends today.” She wiped her face dry and sniffed.

  He turned back to her husband, “So you’ve decided to head south. It’s a valid choice, one several have made.”

  Charles crossed his arms. “I’m so glad you approve. That was so important to me.”

  Sam’s head snapped up at the sarcastic tone. “Actually, I don’t approve. You’ll be traversing a difficult route, I assume without a guide.”

  “I’ll hire one before we leave Fort Bridger.” Charles grinned. “Problem solved. Now do I have your all important blessing to go?”

  “By leaving now, you’d be heading across Mormon country,” said Sam

  “I don’t care,” Charles interjected.

  Sam’s eyebrows raised. “You’ve not heard of last year’s massacre, I assume?”

  Hester gave an unladylike snort. “The Indians did the worst of it, everyone knows that,” the older woman snapped at him.

  Sam ignored her and addressed Marie. “The Mormons used the Indians to take the blame, but they actually did very little violence. The whites divided up the spoils. I’m not sure if the Indians got much out of the deal.” He paused before telling Charles, “Getting a guide at Fort Bridger is an option, but it’s not the only way to the gold. I can think of two others that I’m certain are safer and faster. Any expert worth his skin will take your money and lead you to one of the other roads headed south. You’ve already paid me. At least let me get you to Fort Hall or even the next cutoff after that.”

  In what Marie considered was his imperial voice, Charles said, “Very well. We’ll stay on until Fort Hall at the least. I didn’t come all this way and make this much of an investment to end up in a shallow grave.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Sam nodded. “There’s a dry stretch before we reach tonight’s camp at Big Sandy River. If you’ll excuse me.”

  Marie watched him walk to Scamp and swing himself into the saddle. A little flutter of happiness tickled her heart. She’d need to read up on how much time they had between here and Fort Hall. He tipped his hat at her before riding away, and she grinned at how this wouldn’t be the last time she’d see him. Catching a glimpse of Jenny and Ellen, she hurried to catch up to them.

  Jenny spoke first. “You convinced him?”

  Marie laughed. “I did! Charles has decided we’ll stay on until Fort Hall.”

  “How wonderful!” Ellen clapped her hands. “We were already missing you.”

  “We’d also planned on kidnapping you sometime today,” Jenny added.

  Her eyebrows raised at such an idea. “As much as a plan?”

  The girls had exchanged a look before Ellen said, “There were a few details we needed to work out, but yes. Kidnap.”

  Nodding at the wagons rolling further ahead, Marie said, “I may be more interested in your ideas as we get closer to Fort Hall.” She linked arms with them and began walking. “In the meantime, I’d much rather talk about Jenny’s romance with Lucky.”

  The girl’s eyes sparkled, “I agree!”

  Marie smiled, half listening as the other two women discussed the young man’s possible interest in settling on his own land. The day grew warmer as they descended into the vast desert basin. Bones of large animals and weathered belongings littered the trail. They passed over the Little Sandy River. Parts of the riverbed were just damp sand with no standing water. The day wore on with no cooling relief. In the afternoon heat, gusts increased until sand grains stung exposed skin. Marie and her friends didn’t talk. They kept their bonnet brims low over their eyes. Occasionally, one or the other risked the grit to peer ahead for the others.

  “Oh no! Look!”

  Ellen pointed west, and Marie saw the leading wagons increase in speed. Those on horseback galloped to the runaway teams. Hearing distant screams, she held her breath. The wagons in front pushed their animals into the water. Those running close behind crashed into those wheel deep in the river. The decline too gentle to justify their pace, she knew the animals stampeded when smelling the Big Sandy River. Shaking free her shock at the chaos ahead, Marie said, “Let’s hurry. I’m sure people have been hurt.”

  Her friends nodded in unison and hurried to the accident. When close, she saw teams still axle deep in the water. The Marshall wagon had overturned. She’d not seen when it happened, the dust obscuring her view. Three of the oxen, still yoked, pulled and tugged at their restraints. The fourth lay on the ground, crying whenever one of the others stepped on him. She saw how its leg twisted, showing tendons and bone. At another jostle, Marie shuddered at the pain the animal must feel.

  “What can we do?” Jenny cried to a passing Arnold.

  The young man pulled his horse to a halt. He ran a hand through his pale hair, frowning. “Nothing for now.”

  Marie looked behind them as Arnold rode off to assist others.
People now wiser from viewing the disaster in front of them held firm on their own animals. One man from another group leaned far back, almost lying down to keep his team from bolting. She was torn between her urge to help and the need to stay out of the way. Turning to Ellen and Jenny, she said, “Let’s split up to check our own families, then see if others need our help.”

  The fairer girl nodded and hurried to her parents. Ellen stayed only long enough to say, “I’m sure mine will need me. It may be tonight before I’m able to do anything else but tend to them.”

  “I understand,” Marie said and gave her a smile as Ellen left. With a sketchy father, wilting stepmother, and two rambunctious little brothers, the tall and slender girl found little free time, especially with the wagons halted like now. Marie sought out the twins, not seeing them anywhere nearby. She frowned, looking to the east, then west.

  “They’re not around here, Mrs. Warren.”

  Sam’s voice caught her unawares, and she startled. Looking up at him as he sat astride, she felt her face heat. “Oh? Since you have the ability to read minds, maybe you can read theirs and tell me where they are.”

  He grinned at her teasing before going back to frowning. “They wandered off the main trail a while ago. I’d been keeping an eye on them. I rode over to let them know where the rest of us were.”

  She could imagine how Charles took the advice, judging by Sam’s current scowl. “Very well. It’s up to them to comply.” She nodded in the direction of Uncle Joe and Lucky unhitching the injured oxen from the yoke. “In the meantime, how can I help?”

  Tipping his hat, he said, “You can stay out of the way for now. No one is hurt.” He glanced around before adding, “I’d like to keep it that way, more so where you’re concerned.”

  “Keep yourself safe as well.” She stopped just short of adding more and hoped that he read her feelings in her eyes.

  How could cold blue eyes be so warm when they looked at her? Marie shook herself. The man turned her into a dreamy schoolgirl. Determined to act her age, she went to help the unfortunate family. She saw an empty bucket hanging from their wagon. Knowing they’d be thirsty, she hurried to her family’s wagon. Neither of the Warren twins was nearby. Marie wondered why they’d leave, but dismissed the thought when finding their own water jar. The Marshall children needed this far more than they did.

  She knocked on the Marshalls’ wagon where Mrs. Marshall and Ruby, their baby girl, lay inside. Marie hoped the woman was already awake. “Eliza?”

  “Yes?”

  Marie climbed up to where Mrs. Marshall laid, Ruby asleep beside her. “I have something to drink for you. Why don’t you try a little sip?” She knew where the family kept their dishes and found a cup. After dipping out a drink, she handed it to the woman, now seated.

  “I’ll try a little. Are you sure it’s fine?”

  “Yes, it’s better than anything in the past two days. The livestock and other animals are on down from here, already getting their fill.”

  A gunshot cracked through the air as it killed the wounded ox. The noise stirred little Ruby. Her eyes popped open; she saw her mother and began to whimper. Mrs. Marshall picked up her infant daughter. “I need to feed her, would you mind washing some of her diapers?”

  Marie smiled. She didn’t want to do such a chore at all. However, doing such a thing would help the woman and the child even more so. “Yes, of course.” She refilled Mrs. Marshall’s cup. “Here you go. Drink as much as you can, and I’ll be back soon.”

  She took the bundle of diapers and tried not to choke. Ruby was a little angel, but the smell proved her more earthly than heavenly. Marie walked back toward the Big Sandy. Once downstream from where the animals were staked, she stopped. She unwrapped the bundle there, believing the beasts deserved better than to drink wash water from diapers. When the last cloth rectangle was cleaned, wrung out, and folded, she sat back on her heels. The task became easier with practice. Marie gathered up the damp clothes and headed back to the family.

  After a while, her arms shook from the extra weight trapped in the fibers. She stopped holding the bundle away from her, allowing her dress to become even wetter. Marie pushed aside her annoyance, remembering how the baby needed her help. At the Marshall’s wagon, she peered in, her eyes struggling to adjust to the darkness. Mrs. Marshall was asleep again, while the child cooed and chewed on a rag doll. She decided to leave the pair alone for the moment and went to hang each diaper to dry on the wheels’ spokes.

  Mr. Marshall turned the corner as she finished. He nodded at the dripping diapers. “Much obliged for all your help, Mrs. Warren.”

  She smiled at him. “I’m glad to help. Your wife is resting right now, though Ruby is still awake.” The young man, shoulders bent from hardship, stood taller than Marie’s husband and far thinner than Charles had ever been. “The baby might need watching. She’s already good at crawling.”

  Mr. Marshall indicated the small cut of beef in his hands. “Do you mind staying until I can get this dressed and in the pot? Won’t take long.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll take the baby with me to tell Charles where I am if he needs anything.”

  “Thank you, ma’am, I appreciate it.”

  Marie picked up Ruby and held the baby against her shoulder while patting the infant’s back. The child nuzzled Marie, her little face shielded against the wind and dirt. She hoped one of the Warrens was at their own camp. As she approached, she saw Samuel talking with Charles. The two stopped when seeing her with Ruby.

  Samuel walked up to her. “Hello, Mrs. Warren. Is this a new friend?”

  “It is! This is Ruby Marshall.”

  He took the baby’s hand, “How do you do? It’s a pleasure meeting such a beautiful young lady.”

  When Ruby cooed and reached her arms out to him, Marie laughed. “You are such the ladies’ man!”

  “I can’t help it.” He looked her square in the eyes. “Name the man able to resist such a beautiful face.”

  Charles cleared his throat. “Granville, if you don’t mind I’d like to continue our discussion.”

  Not breaking eye contact, Samuel replied, “Of course, Warren, I’ll be right there.”

  “Charles,” Marie said and paused, grinning at Samuel. He smiled back at her. “I’d like to ask you-”

  “Marie,” he interrupted, “I’m hungry. Stop wasting time and give the child back to her mother so you can start our dinner, please.”

  “Very well,” she said, trying to keep her tone from being sharp with him. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Samuel winked at Marie and tickled Ruby’s chin. “Good night, ladies.”

  “Good evening, sir.” She walked back to the Marshall’s, struggling and failing to keep a silly grin off of her face.

  Mr. Marshall took the baby, a stew cooking on the fire. “Thank you for helping me and my family. I don’t know what we would have done without you and the other ladies.”

  “You’re welcome. We’re glad to help,” she replied. “I see and smell supper is started. Do you need help with the beds?”

  Bouncing Ruby on his knee and smiling at her giggles, he quietly answered, “If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it. My wife is still resting.” He stood, holding his daughter close. “I’ll get the bedding if you’ll spread them out for us.”

  She took the material he pulled from their wagon. “I’m glad Mrs. Marshall is resting, she needs her strength.” Marie laid out the bedrolls. “She might want some broth later. It’ll do her good.” While smoothing the blankets, she added, “That will do it. You all have a good night.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Have a good one yourself.”

  Marie left the small camp, her heart still broken over Jimmy’s death. The Marshalls never spoke of him, but the pain showed in their manners and appearance. She hoped Ruby would comfort them both.

  At their camp, Charles glanced up from his Bible. “It took you long enough. Were they camped back in Missouri?”

  She prefer
red being given the silent treatment far better than his sarcasm. “Mrs. Marshall has cholera, and I wanted to make sure the Marshall baby was settled for the night.”

  “Doesn’t she have parents?”

  She didn’t want to argue or discuss this with him in a bad mood. “Yes, and neither are doing well, either.”

  “I suppose it is better you help them than adopt various children around here if their parents die.” He closed his book and stood.

  “Heavens, yes. Charles has enough of a child on his hands in you without you adding more.” She smiled at Marie. “Despite what you say, you being barren has been a blessing for us all.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” Judging by Hester’s frown, Marie had failed to keep the sarcasm out of her tone. The pulse pounded in her head as she stood, holding out her hands for everyone else’s dishes. “I’ll wash.” She ignored the glance passing between the siblings while taking their plates. The cook pot would need a soak, so she took a bucket with her to the Big Sandy. Every blood vessel, still full of anger, seemed too large in her body. She ran through all the retorts she could have said to Hester and even Charles. Passing Sam’s men around their own campfire, she kept her head down, not wanting to stop and chat until her mood improved.

  She knelt at the river’s edge; glad others had worn down the tall grasses to a dense matt. The sandy bank lay far under the water’s surface. Marie grimaced at her lack of foresight to bring a washrag. With a sigh, she used the end of her sleeve to scrub the most stubborn food.

  Soon finished, she dipped the pail half full and placed the clean dishes in the water. Marie carried everything back to camp, again passing the Granville camp along the way. The water and work had helped dissipate her irritation, so when Sam smiled at her, she felt able to smile back at him. Marie made a point of giving a nod to those who noticed her passing by. She’d much rather stay with them. Their group seemed much more amicable. She repressed a sigh and instead went back to her own wagon.

  A quick search turned up no one else at her camp. Marie shrugged and poured water into the cook pot, extracting each dish and utensil as she could. The pail empty and the drying dishes on the wagon’s tailgate, she retrieved her sewing. She tried to focus on every little stitch, instead of how her hands still shook. After a couple of needle sticks, Marie quit. She exchanged her sewing kit for bedrolls. Soon, she had everyone’s beds turned down and was reading Sam’s guidebook.