“If…if you insist I’ll leave you to your pallet. Goodnight.” He staggered through the door and into the hall.
Melody wondered at the distant note in his voice, as if he was only half present. She put it down to fatigue and upset at having to redo his work on Wapun.
Nick stumbled to the bedroom he’d been using. She’d known the soldiers were coming and made plans to escape. For weeks she’d planned what she’d do. He remembered Melody saying that before but he only now let it sink in and realized that that meant.
Why hadn’t Jenny done the same?
His parents were not that far away nor were hers but both were safe from the fighting. Yet, she’d hidden inside their home. She had to have known the house would be destroyed. She would have heard the artillery getting closer and closer. How could she not save their children?
All this time he hadn’t realized Jenny could have saved her and their sweet children if only she’d have had the gumption to act instead of hide. His father told him her cheeks had streaks of tears on them when he’d dug down to her and the children. She was lying over both children and under a table. His children’s faces were contorted from fear and crying.
He felt sick to his stomach.
He’d idolized Jenny since her death. Mourned her as if she were a saint. Blamed the war for her demise.
Tonight the scales had fallen from his eyes.
Recalling her more clearly now, he realized she was spoiled and immature. Prone to avoid any confrontation. She’d always done whatever he asked and he thought that was great.
Had she had dreams and desires never fulfilled? Was being married with children all she’d ever wanted? He wondered what she’d hoped for from life. Certainly not to be buried under a kitchen table by the rubble of her home.
He’d trusted her to care for his children in his absence. His heart broke again and he crushed the pillow to his aching chest. Oh, my poor, sweet babies need not have died.
Chapter Nineteen
Warm but a bit stiff, Melody woke and stretched the kinks out of her back. She opened her eyes and saw that Hurit had placed the fur robe over her during the night. When she sat up, Wapun was awake and smiled. Melody’s stirring around must have waked Hurit because the woman sat up and yawned.
Grateful for the nice house in which she lived, Melody stirred the embers and added a couple of logs to the fire. Living in a tipi was beyond her, but Hurit appeared healthy and happy. Obviously, there must be something good about the Blackfoot lifestyle.
To avoid a repeat of yesterday, Melody helped Wapun relieve herself. She poured some of the water she had left warming near the fire over Wapun’s pelvic area.
The girl gave a sigh and smiled. “Good.”
When she had helped her back into bed, she signaled cooking and eating—at least that’s what she intended. The two other women nodded as if they understood. On her way to the kitchen, she met Nick in the hall. He had dark circles under his bloodshot eyes.
She put a hand on his arm. “Good morning, didn’t you sleep well?”
He shook his head. “Bad dreams, and I’m the one with the good bed. Go figure. Are you stiff and sore this morning?” He followed her into the kitchen.
She drew water to make coffee. “Not much. When I woke, Hurit had put her fur robe over me. Wasn’t that nice?”
“They seem like nice women, or woman and girl.”
When she had coffee on to boil, he held her shoulders. “Look, why don’t I pick us up lunch from the Eatery? Or, we could ask Flora to stay here and you and I could go.”
His offer surprised her. “That’s very thoughtful, Nick, but not practical. I’ll prepare something and perhaps you can relax this afternoon,” she grinned at him, “after you split wood.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’d heard perfect wives soon turned into nags.”
She couldn’t believe her ears. “I-I wish I were the perfect wife for you, Nick.”
He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. “I can’t find any fault with you. Well, other than nagging me about wood, of course.” He poured a bit of the water she kept warming on the stove into a pan and began his shaving routine.
Stunned, she mixed up the biscuit dough.
He shaved and brushed his hair. “I wonder when Chief Grey Wolf will show up to collect his daughter and wife?”
Sure enough, there was a rap at the door.
He raised his eyebrows. “I believe my question has been answered.” He hung his towel on a hook and went to the door.
Melody heard him invite the chief in and paused to see how many were with him. The same five braves went into the parlor. She measured out more flour, lard, and milk to increase the number of biscuits.
Those braves packed away food as if they’d been starving. From the looks of them, they hadn’t missed any meals. She had been taught it was impolite to arrive at mealtime unless invited. In her opinion, Chief Mingan timed his arrival precisely to partake of her cooking.
Nick let the chief lead the way to the bedroom. The man strode as if completely at ease. Nick wondered what Hurit and Wapun would have to say to the mighty chieftan.
Whoa, he wasn’t prepared for what he heard.
Hurit advanced on Chief Mingan and pounded on his chest with her fists. Although Nick couldn’t understand what she said, he understood she was angry with her husband and letting him know in detail.
Mingan grabbed her wrists and held them while sounding as if he were trying to soothe her. He also spoke to Wapun as if apologizing or explaining.
Wapun lowered her gaze respectfully and spoke only a couple of words.
Hurit wasn’t finished, however. She gestured and blistered her husband’s ears.
Finally, the chief silenced her then sat on the small bed and looked at Nick. “My wife says Wapun suffered because she tried to walk. For this I have great sorrow. I only wanted my family at home with me.”
“I understand, Chief Gray Wolf, but I told you she wasn’t ready to leave yet. She also has cracked ribs.” He shook his head. “She is torn where the old stitches were so I had to make many new ones. She will be here several weeks now.”
“So my wife tells me at length. I need my family near where I can protect them. I failed Wapun by giving her too much freedom to ride her pony. That is how those white men caught her. This will not happen again.”
“You must have patience, Chief. I have given you my word that I will tell you as soon as she is able to travel. We will keep her safe here. The sheriff lives only across the street. Even when at work, I am just at the clinic next to my home. The people who come to me for help also watch for bad men.”
Mingan sent him a disbelieving stare. “And your woman, does she feel safe?”
“She does. She has a revolver and knows how to use it well. I was in the Army and am a good marksman. We can protect your wife and daughter.”
“I will leave some of my braves here on guard.”
Nick shook his head and raised a hand in protest. “No, if there is trouble, you and your people must not be involved. You have been a good spokesman for peace between Blackfeet and whites, mighty Chief Grey Wolf. We must safeguard that reputation.”
The chief grunted. Nick wasn’t certain whether or not the sound was in approval. “Your friend the sheriff doesn’t come today?”
“He and his deputy are searching for the third man who kidnapped your daughter. He will capture him and see that the man is punished. Since you’re here, my wife and I hope you will join us for our meal.”
Then the chief sent a sideways glance at Nick. “Your woman makes the puffy small breads today?”
“If you mean biscuits, yes, she is making many of them now with meat and eggs. We will be honored if you and your braves eat with us.”
“We will share your food. I will have my meal with my wife and daughter.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“If you will excuse me, I will tell my wife you have agreed to honor us at a meal.”
<
br /> Chief Grey Wolf flicked a hand as if in dismissal.
Nick sped to the kitchen to deliver the news, as if she wasn’t expecting it. “He feels he’s providing us with an honor.”
Melody grinned at him. “He is—he isn’t killing us.” She resumed frying slices of ham and bacon.
Nick clutched a strand of her long curls in his fingers. “He called you woman-with-sunset-hair.” He yanked on the strand. “I’ll bet he’d love to have that auburn hair on his coup stick. Too bad, I’m saving it for mine.”
She pulled free of his hand. “I didn’t realize you had a coup stick—or that he did either.”
He leaned against the table and grinned at her. “I have no idea about him but I don’t have one yet. But, I’m thinking I’ll keep you around in case I decide to start one. Don’t know anyone else with hair just this color.” He pretended to be joking in case she told him she wanted to leave.
Instead, her blue eyes sparkled with humor. “There are a lot of us. You were just born on the wrong side of the Mason-Dixon line.”
He waggled his forefinger at her. “South Carolina doesn’t have all the redheads, you know. We have a lot of Irish and Scottish and Scandinavian redheads in New England. Haven’t seen your precise shade of auburn, though.”
“You do remember my maiden name was Scottish, don’t you?”
“I had forgotten. I can see you now in a tartan dancing.”
“No, you can’t, Nick. Trust me, you can’t. And, I forgot about the people who entered America in Boston and New York. A lot have come into the Carolinas, some in Georgia.”
“Hmm, I thought the ones who came to Georgia were convicts and that’s how you Rebs got started.”
She sent him a glare but her eyes sparkled with mischief. “The convicts were over two hundred years ago, Nick Walker, as I’m sure you know. Don’t you start making fun of the South or Southerners or I’ll have to get my revolver.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Not me. I saw what an angry wife can do by watching Hurit and Chief Mingan. Wow, she gave him the sharp side of her tongue. From the way he reacted, I don’t think that’s the first time either. He may be a great man in his tribe, but there is no doubt who rules his tipi. Like at our house.”
Melody laughed. “I can tell you’re shaking in your boots.”
“I’m trying to hide my fear. I don’t want to appear a coward. If one of those is for the chief, pile on extra biscuits. He asked for the white puffy breads.”
She added three more to one of the plates. “You’re successful at hiding your terror of your wife. Take these plates to the bedroom while I serve those hungry braves.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll do that. If I’m not back by the time you get the men’s food ready, call Chogan. Let him carry the plates.”
She sent him an appreciative glance. “That’s a good idea. Hurry back so you can take Hank and Mr. Tate their food.”
He leaned near her ear. “I’m staying here until the chief and his braves leave.”
The look she sent him carried a world of emotion. “Thank you, Nick. I appreciate your help and protection.”
Now didn’t that make him feel like a king?
He delivered the food and handed a plate to each person.
Chief Gray Wolf or Mingan smiled at the pile of biscuits on his plate. Melody had included a small jar of grape jelly on the tray. The chief looked at it curiously and held it up to the light then poked it with his finger.
Wapun spoke to him. Obviously, Melody had shown her how to put jelly in her biscuit. When her father handed the jar to her, Wapun dipped out some and spread it between the halves of her biscuit then handed the jar back to her father.
The chief did the same with one of his biscuits and tasted it. “Hmmm, tell woman-with-sunset-hair she is good cook.”
“I will, Chief. While you and your family share your meal, I will return to the kitchen and eat with my wife.” He left them and hurried to the kitchen.
“I was about to call for help.” She whispered, “Do you think it’s all right in their minds if you help me?”
He shrugged. “Better be, because I am.” He picked up the heavy tray.
With cups of coffee, there wasn’t room for five plates so Melody carried two. He was embarrassed she’d managed this alone previously. Obviously she hadn’t carried all the food at once.
The men appeared pleased to have the meal. Nick thought they must have eaten before they arrived but he couldn’t be certain. Melody had added a couple of extra biscuits on each plate. At this rate, their food bill would quadruple, not that he could do anything to remedy the fact.
After the braves ate, Chogan brought the tray back loaded with their plates and cups and eating utensils. Nick could tell the utensils had not been used. She hadn’t sent jelly with their food. He doubted they’d had more than the one jar.
The braves sat and spoke quietly while waiting for their chief. Nick ate with Melody then went to the bedroom to collect the plates. He stopped at the door when he heard unmistakable noises.
He saw that Wapun had pulled the covers over her head but didn’t go any further. Whoa, copulating in broad daylight with their daughter in the room? He supposed if they all lived in the same tent that would be the situation at home.
As quietly as possible, he backed up and went back to the kitchen.
Melody looked up. “They’re not through yet?”
For some reason, he couldn’t look her in the eye. “Um, right, they’re not finished. I’ll go back in a little while. In the meantime, perhaps I have time to deliver food to Hank and Mr. Tate if you don’t mind.”
“Thank you for asking. You should go. I’m sure they’re hungry.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ll hurry back.”
He took the two plates she’d prepared and covered with a towel and headed to the clinic. Although he could see patients waited, he intended to return home.
Addressing those in the waiting room, he looked from face to face. “If no one has an emergency, I ask you to wait. Chief Gray Wolf and five of his braves are visiting in my home right now. I’ll wait until he leaves before I return to the clinic. I hope you’ll understand.”
When those in the room nodded or commented, he headed back to his house.
Chapter Twenty
An hour later, the chief and his braves left.
Melody watched through the window as the six men rode away. “I’d begun to wonder if they were spending the day.”
“Me, too. I’ll help you collect the breakfast things from the bedroom.” He carried everything for her.
Melody followed him to the kitchen. “I know you’re eager to get to the clinic but you got out of the bedroom like your britches were on fire. Is everything all right?”
He acted odd, almost as if he was embarrassed. “There are patients waiting. I feel guilty because I’d really like to remain here today. Not like me to resent patients.”
She laid a hand on his arm. “Wanting to rest after a hectic time is hardly the same as resentment, Nick.” She tiptoed and kissed his cheek. “Take care of yourself.”
He paused and regarded her a few seconds. “Uh, I’ll be home as soon after one o’clock as I can.”
When Nick had gone she put a hand to each of her cheeks. Melody couldn’t believe she’d been bold enough to initiate a kiss, even if he was her husband. He’d appeared so forlorn he’d reminded her of how he’d looked the other day while asleep. At least he wasn’t eager to leave her—well, maybe just not his home.
Something had changed, though. He acted differently toward her today. Out of the ordinary about everything. He had since she told him she was sleeping in her old blanket.
After the kitchen was clean she went to sit with Hurit and Wapun for a while. She showed them the book and started her language exchange lessons. The other two women acted pleased to learn English. If they spent an hour a day, they could make great headway.
With the reservation so near, Nick was boun
d to have another Blackfoot patient eventually. She planned to be able to converse with him or her. Surely that wild medicine man wouldn’t use his chanting on broken bones—or she didn’t think he would.
By the time Nick returned, she had their meal ready. Hank accompanied him to collect food for himself and Mr. Tate.
Melody asked the young man. “Are you still a captive of your patient?”
He grinned. “I did what you said and told him I had chores to do. Which I do, but when they were done I went to my room and read.”
Nick looked from Hank to her. “What’s this?”
Hank glanced at her then at Nick. “Mr. Tate was making me entertain him all the time. He doesn’t like to read so he wanted me to play cards or checkers. I mentioned I was tired of cards and Mrs. Melody said in a hospital he would have to amuse himself most of the time. She suggested what I should say and it worked.”
Nick acted annoyed and she braced herself. “I should hope so. You’re not his servant. All that’s required is that you make sure he stays off that leg. I’m sorry that means bedpan duty, but that and meals are all you owe him.”
“You’re not angry with me?” she asked.
He put his arm around her waist. “Of course not, I’m glad you spoke up for Hank. Tate wouldn’t be here now if he’d followed my instructions.”
She sighed with relief.
When Hank had gone back to the clinic and Hurit and Wapun had been fed, Melody and Nick ate in the kitchen. They ate beans with the hambone cooked in them and cornbread with butter and honey.
She drank the last sip of her milk. “I suppose you were busy since you got a late start.”
“Fortunately all routine things. I’m glad there was nothing major. I’m tired. I’m sure you are, too. I think we should take a nap this afternoon.”
“Sounds good. I’m tired but I think it’s from all that’s happened lately. Too much excitement takes a toll on a body.”
“We’ve definitely had a lot of excitement. Come on, I’ll help you with the dishes and then we can take a nap.”
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