Melody

by Caroline Clemmons

  He took a sip and closed his eyes as he swallowed. “Ahh, thank you. Wapun was asleep and guess I dropped off without intending to do so.”

  “We said we were going to rest today.” She gestured to the book on the other end of the kitchen table. “I borrowed that from Becca to use to teach Wapun English while she teaches me Blackfoot. What do you think?”

  “Great if it works.” He picked up the book and leafed through the pages. “Nice pictures but only of white families. There’s nothing in here that relates to Blackfoot lives.”

  She’d noticed that. “I don’t know how to find anything more applicable, do you?”

  He shook his head. “You should ask Mrs. Shulz, the school teacher. Or, check with Cassie Weston at the Mercantile. They’ve ordered books for me. Takes forever for them to arrive, though.”

  “I’ll start with this. Wapun may not be interested in learning English or teaching me her language. Surely she’ll be gone before anything we ordered arrived.”

  “I should hope so but she’s still bleeding slightly. Her legs appear all right so I don’t know what kept her from walking unless it was panic and exhaustion.”

  “Here’s your stew and cornbread.”

  He caught her hand when she’d set his food in front of him. “Eat with me before you take Wapun her dinner. She was still asleep when I left the bedroom.”

  “I’d love to.” She sat at her place at his right, overjoyed that he’d requested her presence.

  He offered a brief blessing then shoveled in a spoonful of stew accompanied by a bite of cornbread. When he’d swallowed, he grinned. “Good stew. Not the way my mom makes it but delicious.”

  “Thank you. The weather is colder than yesterday and there are dark clouds in the north.”

  He reached for another bite of his cornbread. “More snow on the way. Those other Southern Belles better hurry or the river will be frozen and the boat won’t be able to get close enough.”

  “Sarah said they’ll arrive Friday. I suppose that means they’re about to leave the river behind. Emma is going to stay with Sarah and Quinn.”

  “So I’d heard. They only have two bedrooms so they’ll be cozy. I think Becca is sharing with the guest.”

  “Too bad we’re full or someone could stay here.” She spoke before considering that, as happy as she was to have her friends here, she didn’t want anyone staying with her and Nick.

  She figured it would be her luck to host Elizabeth, the real nurse. Not that she resented Elizabeth or her abilities. As a matter of fact, Elizabeth was a lovely, kind-hearted woman. Knowing that she was exactly what Nick had wanted made Melody sad and uncomfortable. She so wanted him to ask her to stay as his wife and partner for life.

  After they’d eaten, Melody held the book and followed while Nick carried Wapun’s food to her. Now the young girl was eating whatever Nick and she ate. Although Wapun still suffered from pain, her bruises were fading and she appeared stronger and less afraid. That she still lost a small amount of blood concerned Nick but he confessed he hesitated to try an invasive examination. They fed the young woman nourishing food and tonics to strengthen her and build up her blood.

  When they entered the bedroom, she greeted them with a smile and scooted up on her pillows. Melody pulled a shawl from the wardrobe and draped it around the girl’s shoulders. The room was warm, but she was wearing so little she could get chilled.

  Melody’s heart rejoiced that Wapun was recovering. She’d come to care for her as one would a favorite niece or cousin. “Good evening, Wapun. We have your supper, stew and cornbread and milk.”

  Nick set the tray on the bed beside the girl then stepped away from the bed.

  At least she no longer thought they would feed her poison or tainted food. She used her spoon to eat the stew. “Good.”

  Melody smiled at the girl for her efforts at English. Her accent made the word sound odd, but the fact Wapun tried encouraged Melody.

  Nick sat beside Melody on the small bed. “Maybe this would be a good time to try your chess set.”

  She stood. “It’s just over here in the trunk.” She retrieved the set that had belonged to her grandfather. After removing the pillowcase she’d used as a protective cover, she set the box on the bed. The top was the board, bordered in green marble with a wooden rail outlining the squares. She opened the drawer and gained access to the pieces.

  Nick ran his finger along the decorative carving of the side. “No wonder you saved this. I’ve never before seen such a fancy set. Looks Oriental. Do you know where your grandfather got it?”

  “Grandpa was given it when he went to China to arrange for the silks his company imported for British, French, and American buyers. He thought it was very old when the set was given to him.”

  Nick held the knight in his hand. “I thought at first that the pieces were ivory but I see now they’re jade.”

  “Yes, rare colors for jade and the box is lacquered. Chinese are great with lacquer. I have a lovely jewelry box from China. Grandpa traveled there twice in his lifetime. The trip was long and he didn’t like to be away from home that length of time. The jewelry box I have is actually one that had belonged to my grandmother.”

  Nick set the knight on the square used for starting the game. “Amazing to have seen all those sights and to have done so twice. I imagine he had a lot of stories to tell you.”

  She giggled at the memory. “He… um, embellished them, or I think he did. Even so, he was in some tight spots a few times on his trips. He had wonderful stories to tell of all the places he visited that were different from ours.”

  The two of them played the game and Wapun watched. What seemed like only a short while later had Wapun yawning. Nick won again and they returned the chess pieces to the drawers designed for them.

  He stood and stretched his arms over his head. “I’ll let you ladies turn in now. I’ll check on you during the night and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The following morning when Melody woke, she hurried to prepare breakfast. She had a pan of biscuits ready for the oven when rapping startled her. She set the pan on the counter.

  “I’ll get the door.” Nick appeared, shoving his shirt’s tail into his pants.

  Curious about visitors this early, she peeked around the kitchen doorjamb. Mingan entered followed by a woman and the most fearsome creature she’d ever seen. He—or she supposed the figure to be a man—wore a grizzly bear head and skin. Attached to the bear’s fur were skins of small animals and frogs and snakes. Bird tail feathers, beaks, and toes were also attached as were the hooves of medium size animals, perhaps deer or goats.

  Nick gestured toward the parlor. “You honor us with your visit. Please come inside.”

  Chief Mingan strode in as if he owned the place. At least he and his braves didn’t wear war paint today. The woman with him surveyed the space as if curious. The other person, who must be a medicine man, strode proudly. The five braves accompanying them were the same as had been with the chief on his previous visit. They sat on the parlor floor as they had previously.

  Melody popped back into her kitchen and mixed up quite a bit more biscuit dough. No doubt they’d have eight more for breakfast. She slid the biscuits into the oven and started frying sausages and bacon.

  What about enough eggs? They hadn’t nearly the number she’d need. Slipping on her cloak, she started for Flora’s to see if she had any eggs.

  Obviously, the neighbor had seen the arrivals and headed her way with a basket of eggs. “I saw them ride up and thought you’d be feeding them breakfast.”

  Melody gave thanks she had a good neighbor. “Flora, you’re a blessing. They have large appetites.”

  “I’ll look forward to hearing about that alarming creature with them. Let me know if you need anything else I can supply.” Flora hurried back into her home.

  Inside, Melody hung her cloak on the hall tree and hurried back to check on the meat. After she tended to it, she star
ted a skillet warming for the eggs. How she would love to see what was happening in the bedroom with Wapun.

  Nick walked behind the three heading to see Wapun. He judged the woman to be the girl’s mother, although she looked not much more than his own age. He hoped this medicine man agreed with the treatment he’d provided. He had no idea what would happen if the shaman didn’t think he’d done a good job.

  When they entered the bedroom, Wapun cried, “Maan!” She talked rapidly as her parents and the medicine man listened.

  The woman caressed Wapun’s face and spoke soothingly.

  The chief smiled at his wife and daughter. “I bring Hurit, her mother, to see our daughter.”

  Mingan directed a gaze at Nick. “Wapun appears to be well. Apisi, our medicine man will see if your doctoring has as much magic as his.” He spoke in his language to the shaman and gestured at Nick.

  Nick had no idea how to speak to this shaman or if the man spoke English. He offered a slight smile as he nodded then adopted what he hoped was an inscrutable expression and remembered to stand military straight.

  The medicine man spoke to Wapun for some time. Occasionally he glared at Nick.

  Nick didn’t change his expression. However, when he heard familiar boot treads approach, he had trouble not cheering.

  Quinn entered the room breathing as if he’d run. “Great Chief Mingan, good to see you again. Your daughter is recovering well, is she not?”

  Mingan crossed his arms. “We will see when Apisi speaks.”

  Quinn stood by Nick.

  The shaman set fire to the contents of a small pot he’d brought. Sweet-smelling smoke filled the room. He chanted low and then his sing-song chant became louder as he moved an object similar to a tambourine about a foot above Wapun’s body from head to toe. His chant droned on and on. Wapun closed her eyes and lay immobile while her mother held her hand.

  Nick had stood at attention for long periods as a soldier but he was no longer used to the drill. He supposed Quinn felt the same way. Nick was relieved when Melody slipped in beside him. The room was a nice size but there was barely room for so many people, especially with the small bed in the room.

  Melody whispered, “I’ve fed the five braves in the parlor. Hank has collected food for him and Mr. Tate.”

  She earned a glare from Apisi. Nick was proud of her for not cowering. She returned the shaman’s stare with her chin held high. He had to admit that Jenny would not have come into the room but would have tried to remain out of sight. Jenny was a shy, sweet woman but she would probably not have been able to face the Blackfeet, especially the medicine man.

  Dadburn, there he went comparing them again.

  When the shaman finished, he spoke to Mingan, gesturing at Melody, Quinn, and Nick.

  Mingan stood tall. “Apisi says if the medicine does not work it will be the fault of you three for not respecting his magic.”

  Nick gestured to the shaman. “Tell him we do respect his medicine. But I also respect mine. Wapun will recover soon. For now, she still needs to remain here for another few weeks. Since I respect his medicine, he must respect mine.”

  Mingan pursed his lips and frowned but he spoke to Apisi. When the shaman had answered, the chief nodded and turned. “He says perhaps your medicine will work. We will see when Wapun can return home. For now, we will go but my wife will stay with our daughter.”

  Nick bowed slightly toward the woman. “She is very welcome. My wife has food prepared for you. We can bring it here or you are welcome to eat in our kitchen. Your braves have already eaten.”

  “Apisi and I will go with you. Hurit will remain with our daughter. They have much to say to one another.”

  Nick had to admire Melody’s matter-of-fact actions as she dished up breakfast for the chief and his shaman as well as Quinn and himself. She poured coffee for each of them.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I will take food to Hurit and Wapun and eat with them.” She set the plates on a tray.

  Nick would have carried it for her but the chief shouted, “Chogan.”

  Immediately one of the braves rushed in as if ready to defend his chief.

  Mingan indicated the man carry the heavy tray for Melody.

  The brave hefted the food and followed Melody. Nick listened until he heard the man called Chogan return to the parlor.

  The chief chuckled. “You watch to protect your woman. That is wise of you. Woman-with sunset-hair is very pretty and makes good meals.” He stuffed a biscuit into his mouth.

  “I’ll tell her you said so.” He’d tell her about the food, at least. That’s all. She was his woman as far as the Blackfeet were concerned. He wasn’t certain whose woman she was in fact.

  Melody led the brave to the bedroom and gestured for him to set the tray on the foot of the bed. He did so and looked around the room with much curiosity.

  “Thank you,” she told him.

  He said something she didn’t understand then left. He was no taller than her, yet he had intimidated her. She hoped she hid that fact. After giving Hurit her plate of food and coffee, she gave a plate and glass of milk to Wapun. Melody moved the tray and gestured to the bed, trying to ask permission to sit beside Hurrit.

  The woman smiled and beckoned with a hand.

  Melody sat and held her plate in her lap. The eggs and biscuits were cold and the meat lukewarm but she was grateful she’d had enough food to serve everyone. This meal was not as successful as the soup had been.

  She wondered what the chief and his medicine man thought of their breakfast. To have arrived this early, they must have left their village very early indeed, if not last night. With snow on the ground, surely they didn’t sleep in the open.

  Hurit wore a decorated leather dress. Beads and what looked like fine wire of some sort but was probably something from nature created a beautiful design. Bead, animal teeth, and shell necklaces were around her neck. Fringe hung from the hem and along the sleeves. She had removed a robe sewn of animal skins with the fur left on and had laid the cloak aside on the bed. Her moccasins also had fringe on the legging portion and were painted red on the instep and black on the bottom.

  Melody rose and fed another log onto the fire. At least the room was warm even if the food wasn’t. She waited until the other two women had finished eating then took their plates and Wapun’s glass and her mother’s cup. After placing them on the tray, she wondered if she should stay or take the tray to the kitchen.

  Her decision was made for her when the chief appeared at the door. He spoke to his wife but what he said was in Blackfeet so Melody couldn’t understand.

  Nick followed him into the room. He came to Melody. “I’ll carry the tray for you while we go back to the kitchen.” He lifted the tray and let her precede him into the hall.

  Speaking softly, she glanced over her shoulder, “Thank you for coming for me. I didn’t know what to do. I think they wished to be alone to talk but I can’t speak to them.”

  “She’s here to insure Wapun is allowed to leave as soon as she’s healed. Plus, I suppose any mother would be concerned. Chief Mingan doesn’t really trust us.”

  “That’s not fair. He should by now. We had nothing to do with her kidnapping and torture. Instead, we’ve tried to help her.”

  Quinn waited in the kitchen. “He believes if we had to choose between protecting his daughter or a white man, we’d choose the white man.”

  “What? Not over those horrible men who tortured Wapun?” Melody poured hot water into the dishpan. “He’ll see you’re a good lawman when you’ve caught all of the men.”

  Quinn smiled and toasted her with his coffee cup. “Thank you for the vote of confidence.”

  Apisi stared at whichever one of them spoke. He said nothing.

  Melody dried her hands and offered to pour him more coffee and he held out his cup. At least he communicated his wishes. She topped off the other two men’s cups before she went back to washing dishes.

  Quinn spoke to Apisi but the medicin
e man only grunted a few words. Clearly he had no wish to consort with white men.

  Chief Mingan strode down the hall, his moccasins barely making enough noise to be heard. He paused to utter something to the men in the parlor. When he did, Apisi stood and joined them. He didn’t bother thanking them for the food or welcome.

  When they’d gone, Melody collapsed onto a chair. “That was not a fun visit.”

  Nick set down his coffee cup. “No, I didn’t appreciate having the care of my patient questioned. I don’t know what would have happened if that wild-looking medicine man had thought I had done a poor job with Wapun.”

  Quinn chuckled. “Believe me, we don’t want to find out. Since your guests have gone, I’ll get back to searching for Clyde Prescott.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Melody was pleased with Hurit caring for Wapun, but she missed being with Nick at his clinic or driving to visit patients. Her days followed the same pattern. She cooked, cleaned, visited with Wapun occasionally, and sewed.

  This was nothing like the life she had imagined for herself. What did she want? That question was easy to answer. Or, was it?

  She enjoyed her home. As much as she liked and sympathized with the girl, Melody had liked her home much better before Wapun arrived. She longed for time alone with her husband so they could become better acquainted.

  Nick gave no indication whether or not he reciprocated. He complimented her cooking but that was all. He’d never mentioned her care of Wapun. Melody considered that nursing. If Nick did, he hadn’t mentioned it.

  Friday morning at breakfast, she decided she needed clarification. “Nick, three other girls arrive this afternoon. What shall I tell them about our… situation?”

  A puzzled expression appeared on his face. “What do you mean?” He laid a hand on either side of his plate. “Oh, I see what you’re asking. I thought we agreed we’d proceed as if this arrangement is permanent. Is that what you wanted to know?”