Bride of the Wild

by Carré White

  “Yes, it’s a bit strange, but we’ll manage.”

  “I’m so tired.”

  “Come sit in the kitchen. I’ll make tea.”

  “Do they even have any tea?” That had my attention, my mouth watering at the thought. The last thing I had drunk all day had been smelly river water, which might make me sick. I hurried towards the back of the house, finding a musty room with cloth over the table and chairs. “I’ll look for a kettle.”

  “I’ll go get water. They’ve a pump out back.” He had broken through the door, splintering it off its hinges.

  “You kicked it in?”

  “I did. I’m at the end of my patience. I can pick a lock, but I just couldn’t care at the moment.”

  “I feel the same.”

  A short while later, having gotten well water, which was then boiled, we sat at the table with a lantern, sipping hot tea and eating biscuits we had found in a jar. The fare, although slightly stale, tasted heavenly, filling my belly.

  “There are preserves in the larder,” said Micah. “Pears and tomatoes and pickles and things.”

  “That’ll make a strange supper.”

  “It will.”

  “I don’t mind. I’d eat the leather off my boot, I’m so hungry.”

  “I’ve done that before.”

  “What?”

  “A storm caught me once on one of the mountain passes. I was holed up in a cave for five days without a thing to eat. I soaked my boots and ate the leather. It wasn’t the best tasting thing I’ve ever eaten, but it kept me alive.”

  “That’s rather disgusting.”

  “If you were starving, you’d consider it.”

  “I suppose.”

  “I’ll bring up the jars. We can have a feast with it all. There’s even pickled eggs.”

  I smiled, feeling gladdened we had made it to safety. “Then it shall be a grand meal. I’ll look for a candle.”

  “There’s brandy as well.”

  “Is there really?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Oh, bring it up. I’d love some. Anything to ease this infernal throbbing.” I rubbed my arm gently. “I shall feel no pain soon.”

  “I adore your smile.”

  “I finally have something to smile about.”

  He reached for me, carefully drawing me into his arms, for fear of upsetting my arm. “I love you, Saffron.”

  “I love you.” Safe and protected, we were surrounded by things to eat and drink, and I at last felt a measure of peace. “I’m so glad we jumped together.”

  “You are?”

  “It was a leap of faith.”

  “Indeed it was.”

  His look held all the promise of dreams yet to come true, of undertakings not realized, and I knew in my heart they would be in time, because we had found love.

  Chapter Thirty

  Although in pain that evening, I managed to clean up using a bucket of water and a square of soap, scrubbing the smell of the river from my skin and hair. I struggled with my clothing, as my broken arm throbbed with pain each time I moved it, but I was determined to make myself as presentable as possible, knowing I would see my family in the morning. Mrs. Goldman had dresses that fit and shoes, although they were a size too small.

  Micah had said, “Wear his boots. It’s better to have them too big than too small. I don’t know how long we’ll have to walk tomorrow.”

  He washed as well and changed, and once we had gotten ready for bed, we slept fully clothed on Mr. and Mrs. Goldman’s bed, lying side-by-side listening to the sounds of crickets through the partially opened window. The house had been closed up for some time, and it smelled musty. I wasn’t able to lie on my left side, tossing and turning, the arm throbbing most of the night. By morning, I felt exhausted, but ready and eager to see my family.

  “I’ve breakfast!” called Micah from the kitchen. “Come get it.”

  I smiled into a dusty mirror, chagrinned at the condition of my hair, because with only one hand free, it had been impossible to tame. “I’ll be there!” Mrs. Goldman’s bonnet would cover most of it, but tangled strands hung down my back. I left the room a moment later, finding Micah in the kitchen, whistling. “Are you always this cheerful first thing in the morning?”

  “Only after I’ve slept with the love of my life.”

  “Oh, gosh, that’s ridiculous. Who slept? All I did was toss and turn.”

  “I know. You need to see a doctor.”

  “How’s your face?”

  “It’s a scratch, nothing more. Come have some coffee. I made griddlecakes. There’s no butter or milk, but there is sugar.”

  “It’s fine. I can eat it with preserves. They’re delicious that way.”

  His eyes roamed over me. “That color suits you.”

  “I like purple. I wonder what will happen to all these things?”

  “The entire family perished. I don’t know. If they had relatives nearby, they’d inherit, but like most people, their extended families are back east.”

  I reached for a griddlecake. “True.”

  “I’m grateful the house was here. We needed a reprieve.”

  I smiled. “We did.”

  Sleeping with Micah and sharing breakfast like a married couple felt entirely natural. I could envision this type of future, of spending my life with him, until I died of old age. Nothing appealed to me more.

  “What are you thinking?” He took a sip of coffee.

  “I … it’s like it’s our house. The land here is pretty and verdant. I know they were successful at farming. It’s too bad it’ll stand abandoned. Someone went through a great deal of trouble to bring the furniture out. I looked beneath some of the dust covers. There are some very well-made things.”

  “I’ll ask if I can buy the place.”

  My mouth fell open. “You’d buy it?”

  “Only if you wanted it. It would save me the trouble of building a house.” He glanced around. “It could use some work, but the changes would be superficial. The roof was built well. I don’t see any water damage in the ceiling.”

  “And it’s a short drive from pa’s farm.”

  “It is.”

  “Maybe we’ll inquire about it?”

  “I don’t see why not.” He eyed my food. “You should eat. Let’s get going soon. There are families who need to know what happened. We have some grave information to pass along.”

  My smile fell, and the pleasure of the moment faded. “Oh, my word. How awful. I’d forgotten about it. Now I feel guilty. We’re sitting here, pretty as you please, and Silas is missing. Everyone else is dead.”

  “Don’t feel guilty. We just survived an ordeal that should’ve killed us. We were very close to death ourselves, Saffron.”

  “I know.”

  “Eat. We’ve a long walk ahead.”

  “Yes, Micah.”

  After tidying up, we left the house in good condition, although the backdoor needed fixing. Winding our way down towards the road, with lush fields on either side spotted with purple and yellow weeds, it wasn’t long before a farmer ambled by in a wagon, and Micah and I waved to him.

  “Saffron Fossett?” he called. “Is that you?”

  Relief washed over me. “It is!” Farmer Pete had found us.

  He brought his horse alongside, encouraging the animal to stop. “We’ve been on the watch for you. Ever since they found Silas Hefferman yesterday, everybody’s in a tizzy, worrying about the hunting party.”

  “Is he alive?” I asked.

  “Yes, ma’am. He is.”

  Micah glanced at me. “Well, that’s good news.” He grinned.

  That was astonishing. “Where did they find him? We were in the same river, and we didn’t see him.”

  “Hop in the back. I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

  “I need to see my family,” I said, scrambling into the bed of the wagon, although I had to be careful about my arm.

  “Everyone’s in town, even your family. T
hat’s where I’m headin’. A meeting’s scheduled at ten to discuss everything’s that happened.”

  “Then we’re going to town.” Micah sat with his back to the seat, and I joined him, gazing into the field before us, as Farmer Pete called to the horse. The wagon jerked, the wheels turning.

  “Silas is in sorry shape,” he said. “He’s got an infection, and he nearly drowned. He broke his leg as well. A fisherman found him downstream.”

  “I’m so glad he’s alive.” What a happy coincidence and a relief, but I worried about his illness. I prayed he recovered.

  “He was able to tell us a bit about what happened, but he’s on a heavy dose of laudanum, so some of what he said didn’t make much sense. They were waiting for him to be lucid before asking more questions. Women want to know what happened to their husbands. There are a coupla ladies in near hysterics at the moment.”

  “We can discuss that at the meeting,” said Micah, a frown now replacing his smile. We knew the truth, we had lived the horror, but no one else could guess just how awful the experience had been, especially for those who had been murdered.

  “Your pa’s very worried about you, young lady. He’s fixin’ to get a group of men together to go after you. Your brother Tom is going too.”

  “That won’t be necessary now.” I hated that I would have to relay the events of the last forty-eight hours in detail, reliving every terrible moment, but it could not be helped. Those families deserved to know what happened to their loved ones. “We can fill everyone in on the details. We saw what happened.” I met Micah’s gaze, and he took my hand. “I’m going to need whatever strength I have left to get through this.”

  He nodded in agreement. “It’s going to be a sad day for everyone.”

  “I can’t celebrate having survived, because so many didn’t.”

  “We’ll do it in private. We shouldn’t be made to feel ashamed for having lived through it. It’s quite a tale. It’s an adventure for the history books, to be sure.”

  “I don’t care if I make history. I’d rather not. I’d give anything to have those men here with us. We should have all emerged triumphant, having killed the bear.”

  Fresh air filled my lungs with each fortifying breath I took, in preparation of what was to come. The outlines of buildings lay ahead. The town bustled with activity, the streets filled with carriages, and several freight wagons had arrived, bringing goods to the businesses. I did not think I would ever see this again, because death had been a constant threat. Now it was over.

  Someone shouted then. “Saffron Fossett!”

  I waved, but refrained from smiling. People gathered, coming out from shops and the saloon to watch as Farmer Pete pulled the wagon towards the hotel, where the meeting would be held. Many other wagons and carriages had been left here, while a group of people had gathered out front.

  “You need to see Doctor Walker,” said Micah. “That should be your first priority.”

  “I will.” I craned my neck, hoping to glimpse my family. Pa appeared then with Tom and Amelia in tow. “Pa!” I shouted, my smile bright. I could not contain my happiness at seeing my family again.

  “Saffron!”

  Micah threw down the back, helping me out, and, as my feet hit the ground, I ran towards them. They stood on the boardwalk before the hotel. “Amelia! Tom!” My sister went to hug me, but I gasped from the pain. “Ouch.”

  “What happened to you?” asked pa. “Where is everyone else?”

  “I’ve a lot to say, but I really want to see Silas. Doc Walker has to set this arm.”

  “Then we’ll do that.” He glanced at Tom. “Tell them to delay the meeting. She needs medical attention. We’ll have all the answers as soon as she’s seen to.”

  “Yes, Pa.” He grinned, rushing into the building.

  Micah led me away, his arm possessively around my shoulder. Pa, noting this asked, “So, my dear. It looks like you’ve had quite the adventure.”

  “I have.”

  Amelia was by my side. “You have to tell us what happened. We’ve been terribly worried, but even more so after Silas returned. He said something about everyone dying. That was truly shocking, and none of us wanted to believe it.”

  I glanced at pa. “We are the only survivors.”

  He inhaled deeply. “Lord in heaven.”

  “We’re lucky to be alive,” said Micah. “We were ambushed by the Ute.”

  “That would explain Silas’s wound.”

  “They forced us to jump into the river from a cliff,” I said. “We should have died. That was their plan. We managed to avoid the rocks, but my arm wasn’t as lucky.”

  Amelia’s mouth fell open. “That’s shocking.”

  “There’s so much more too.” We had nearly reached the doctor’s office. “I need to see Silas. He was forced to jump before us. We thought he’d died.”

  Pa noted my clothing. “That’s not your dress.”

  “We spent the night at the Goldman farm.” Micah reached for the door, holding it open. “We were on the road this morning, waiting for someone to drive by. That’s when Farmer Pete found us.”

  “Don’t look like that, Pa,” I said, stopping in the doorway. “I broke it off with Silas, because I’ve had a change of heart.”

  “I can see that. It’s written all over your face.”

  “I need to speak to you later, sir.” Micah glanced at me. “There’s something important I need your permission for.”

  Pa chuckled, “I wonder what that might be?”

  Not wanting to linger in the doorway, as people loitered on the boardwalk (some listening to our conversation) I ventured into the doctor’s office, glancing at the woman behind the desk. “Is Doc Walker in?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She had been writing, but now I had her full attention. “Saffron Fossett?” A huge smile lit her face. “Good Lord. I’m so glad y’all came back. Leah Thompson is nearly out of her mind worrying about her husband. She’ll be relieved he’s all right.”

  I struggled not to reveal anything, knowing Leah’s husband, Bryce, had died along with nearly all the other men on the journey. “I need to see Silas.”

  “Go right on in. First door on the left.” I glanced at my family, who waited in the reception area. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Not wanting to do this alone, I stared at Micah. “Would you come with me?”

  “Certainly.”

  Together we ventured down the hallway, finding the door in question open. A man wearing a bandage on his head lay upon a bed, while Doctor Walker spoke with Mrs. Hefferman, Silas’s mother. Clarissa Faris sat on the other side of the room, holding a handkerchief, her eyes red-rimmed. She shot to her feet when she saw me.

  “Miss Fossett!”

  Everyone turned then. “Hello.”

  “My word,” uttered Mrs. Hefferman. “Are they all back?” She looked hopeful. “Mrs. Palmer is terribly worried about her husband. Deputy Thomas’s wife is beside herself. Everyone has been on pins and needles with worry, especially after Silas said he was the only survivor. I’m so glad he was wrong.” She smiled kindly. “It’s very good to see you, my dear.”

  “How’s Silas?” I approached the bed, concerned over how pale he looked. “He was shot through with an arrow, and the Utes forced him into the gorge.”

  Her mouth fell open. “Heavens to Betsy.”

  “We know what happened,” said Micah, his expression bleak. “Saffron’s arm is broken, Doc Walker. She’ll need it set.”

  “Of course.” His concerned eyes roamed over me. “The Utes?”

  “Yes. We were attacked. We’ll tell everyone what happened, but I must know if Silas will be all right. What is his prognosis?”

  “He’s fighting an infection,” said Doctor Walker. “I’ve given him some medication, but it’s too early to tell right this minute. Why don’t we have a look at that arm.”

  I nodded. “All right.”

  “We prayed for your well-being,” said Mrs. Hefferman. “We’re so glad y
ou’ve returned. It’ll be a great relief for all the ladies. Did you kill the bear?”

  “Saffron did.” Micah’s frown faltered. “She’s a true outdoorswoman. She’s made her pa proud. She’s made everyone proud.”

  I could not rejoice in this, because the bad news had yet to be imparted. “Yes, I killed it. I’ll tell you how later. What’s important is Silas. He looks dreadfully white. He was brave too. He jumped into the abyss and survived.” I prayed his infection abated. He had to live, because, although I did not love him, I would always care about his health and happiness. The woman who did adore him sat across the room, her look betraying the truth of her feelings. I smiled at her. “You should know I’ve broken it off with Silas. We’re no longer courting.”

  This startled Mrs. Hefferman, her eyes widening. “I had no idea.”

  “He’s yours now, Mrs. Faris. For your sake, I hope he recovers.”

  She got to her feet, swaying slightly. “Oh. Oh … my goodness.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Two weeks later …

  “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes—though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Peter 1:6)

  The brief time we had spent on the mountain, fighting for our lives against man and beast, had tested us. For the few who had survived, the guilt would linger—possibly forever, because far too many widows and orphans had resulted from the death of good, strong men.

  “There you are.” Amelia approached. “I wondered where you went.”

  “It’s no secret.” I stuck a wooden pin into the sleeve of a shirt, attaching it to a rope. “Someone had to do this.”

  “You’ve been rather quiet.” She smiled slightly. “I’ve been worried about you.”

  “I’ll just feel better once pa and Micah are home.” The thought of them in the wilderness sent a tremor of terror through me. I had been plagued by dreams—scary, frightening images of things lurking in the shadows, waiting to cause harm. “I hope they’re well.”