Woman of Courage (Four Full length Historical Christian Romances in One Volume): Woman of Courage Series

by Cynthia Hickey

  The group of onlookers stepped back, clearly in agreement Oglesby earned the knock to the ground.

  With one hand, Zeke gripped the older man’s shirt. “You mind your manners, or I’ll mind them for you. I was hired to get this group through, and that’s what I’ll do. Resting on Sundays, travel permitting, is good for the stock. Surely you care about your beasts, if not your family. If we can afford a day of rest, we’ll take one. And we’re taking the whole day today.” He released the man and gave him a shove. “Get back to your wagon.”

  Mr. Oglesby brushed the dust from his pants. “You’ll regret this, Williams. Mark my words. Nothing good comes from stopping. We can be overcome by Indians, disease, the other wagon trains can pass us and get the best grazing. There’s a million reasons to keep going.” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t force us to hire another wagon master when we reach Fort Laramie.” He squared his shoulders and left at a trot.

  The other men glanced from Zeke to Oglesby and back to their own wagons, yet not one followed the irate man. Instead, they shuffled back to their families.

  Delly smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude over Zeke’s defending her. “You’re welcome to join us. You too, Mr. Oglesby,” she called then nodded to the others watching her. “Any of you. We’ll be reading from the book of Genesis in thirty minutes.” With a swish of her skirts, she turned and marched back to her wagon.

  ###

  Zeke shook his head as Delly stalked away. The girl had grit, that’s for sure.

  “My wife’s pretty keen on stopping.” Mr. Robbins said. “I’m not willing to argue with her over this. I see the wisdom in it.” Others raised their voices in agreement.

  Zeke grinned. “Thank you. Now, I’m going to listen to a pretty girl read from the Good Book.” He slapped his hat on his head and followed Delly.

  She’d pulled up a three-legged stool by the time he joined them. Several others sat around her in a semi-circle. Delly’s gaze fell on them one by one. “We’ll start at the beginning,” she said. “Since this is the beginning of a new life for us.”

  Sadie scooted over on the quilt she sat on, and motioned for Zeke to join her. “Are you a religious man, Mr. Williams?”

  “No, ma’am. I reckon I’m not. But I do enjoy a relationship with my Savior. Will that do?”

  She nodded. “I reckon that’ll do just fine.”

  Close to half the travelers joined them as Delly read. Several of the women mended as they listened. Children sat enthralled or dozing. When she’d finished and closed in prayer, someone pulled out a harmonica and played a soft hymn. Voices rose as they recognized the song. Spirit refreshed, Zeke vowed that as long as it was in his power, they’d take this day of rest. Especially if it let him spend some time in his sister-in-law’s presence.

  Delly approached him after the others had left for their own fires. She laid a hand on his arm, sending trickles of heat through his skin. “Thank you for standing up to Mr. Oglesby. It meant a lot to me. I think this time of prayer and scripture helped, don’t you?”

  “It helped me.” He took her hand in his, noticing the new calluses. “Are you using the salve in the medicine box?”

  “Can you imagine what they’d be like if I didn’t?” A dimple winked close to her mouth.

  Zeke couldn’t believe how much this little bit of a girl could rattle him. She took his breath away with one glance from her eyes. What a fool he was to think he could look at her as only a friend. But that’s all they could be. He dropped her hand as if burned. She bit her lower lip and turned her face away.

  “Uh, Delly, do you want to ride my horse?”

  “What?” She clasped a hand to her throat. “He’s a beast.”

  “With me. Do you want to take a ride with me?” Good grief. Was he back to talking in circles around her? “We’ll ride double. I’ll have you back in plenty of time to help with the noon meal.” He held his breath waiting for her answer.

  She stared at him for a moment, then smiled and nodded. Zeke put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Cyclone trotted to his side. Delly held her ground, despite the widening of her eyes, and the increased rapidity of her breathing. Zeke hoisted himself into the saddle and offered a hand down to help her. She perched sideways in front of him and called to Sadie that she’d be back soon.

  “We’ll head toward the river.” Zeke turned the horse’s head. The grass grew tall and green, waving in the breeze. Rising and falling like the waves he’d seen in the ocean. Wildflowers broke up the expanse with splashes of color. Across the river, the mountain range painted a line of purple across the horizon.

  “It’s beautiful.” Delly turned her face to his, and set his blood racing. “Is Oregon as wonderful?”

  “Better. Waterfalls flowing over rocks taller than a church steeple, falling with enough power to send spray into the air. Trees so tall they brush heaven’s floor, flowers so colorful they hurt your eyes, and dirt so rich you can grow anything. Rains as much as it doesn’t. My land is only a few days ride from the ocean. I’ll take you there sometime. There’s nothing like it.”

  “I can picture it. A piece of Eden right here. I can’t wait to get settled in a place to call my own.”

  Zeke spurred the horse into a gallop and tightened his hold around Delly’s waist, relishing in the feel of her back against his chest. He was tempted to ask her about handing the deed into his safe keeping but didn’t want to spoil the moment.

  Her bonnet fell between them, and her curly locks brushed his face. He breathed in the scent of her: flour, soap, and something uniquely Delicious. He could stay that way forever. On Cyclone, with this girl in his arms, racing across the prairie.

  “This is glorious!” She held her arms out. “Like flying.”

  “Yah!” Zeke laughed and kicked the horse’s sides. “Let’s fly faster.”

  By the time they reached the river, they were short of breath, and Delly’s face had flushed to the color of the sunset. With one arm, Zeke lowered her to the ground before sliding off himself.

  She bent and plucked a handful of flowers. “We should have brought us a picnic.” She gasped. “That was forward of me. Presuming you’d want to stay out here for lunch.”

  “No more so than letting me take you away on my horse.” Oglesby would have a field day when he found out.

  Delly’s face reddened deeper and she turned, squinting against the sun, to stare across the expanse spread before them. In the distance, the river shimmered like a ribbon. Zeke took her arm and pulled her to face him. “I’m joshing. There’s no need for formalities here.” He took a flower from her hand and tucked it into her curls. He grinned. “Things are different out west. They move faster. Not as much time for courtship. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, but you can be as forward with me as you want. We’re family, remember?”

  She smacked his chest and stepped back. “You didn’t hurt my feelings. I don’t know how to be coy or to play feminine games. My mouth has loose hinges. Whatever I think, I say. And who said anything about courtship?”

  He laughed. “Forward speaking is one of your endearing charms.” He took her hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s walk.”

  They stopped beneath a tree. Delly spread her skirts and sat. Her fingers deftly formed the flowers she’d picked into a chain.

  Zeke leaned against the tree’s trunk. “What do you want, Delly? When we reach our destination.”

  She lifted her head and glanced toward the west. “My own place. To be my own boss, no longer fetching at another person’s whim. To care for my children and teach them to be self-reliant.”

  Figured she’d want something other than a husband to care for her. He tangled his finger in one of her curls, and smiled as her fingers stilled their work on the flower chain. “We’ve got the sweetest place in Oregon. I hope to build my share into a fine ranch.” Before he did something that might get him in trouble, he released her hair and straightened.

  “Cyclone will father many b
eautiful horses. I’ve three mares with wonderful lines being cared for by my uncle Rupert, and along with fifty head of cattle, I’ve got a right good start to my ranch.”

  “I’d like to see it.” Her whispered words drifted on the breeze. “I’ve got a gourd filled with vegetable and apple seeds, two mangy dogs, a passel of kids, a goat, and an ornery mule.” Laughter burst from her. “It isn’t much, but it’s a start.”

  “You’ll be settled before you know it.” Zeke’s heart plummeted. “Some man will snatch you up and take care of you. With your face, you’ll have your every whim satisfied.”

  Her face paled and she jumped to her feet. “How many times do I have to tell you, I didn’t come out west to catch a man!”

  “I didn’t mean to imply that.” He rose and captured her hand. “But women are scarce out here. The men will be lining up.”

  “Then I’ll run them off with a shotgun!” She whirled and marched away.

  Independent little minx. He grinned and caught up with her to reclaim her hand. “I’m glad to hear that, Delicious Williams.” Glad indeed.

  His stomach started grumbling before they headed back, and he let Cyclone have his head until they reached the train. He stayed on the horse’s back, safe from temptation. He’d make do with some hard tack from his saddlebag.

  He wanted to grab Delly to him and claim one powerful kiss after another. But that would tarnish her reputation, and he wouldn’t risk it. Not to mention the punch in the jaw he’d receive for his effort. Who would’ve thought that a day spent doing nothing but strolling with a woman on his arm could make him so happy?

  Delly smiled. “Thank you for a pleasant morning.”

  “My pleasure.” He tipped his hat and rode toward the front of the train. Yep, he was in danger of being smitten. His stomach dropped to his knees with the knowledge. He saw everything he’d sworn against falling to the wayside like discarded belongings.

  Giving his heart to a woman on this trail could only lead to heartbreak.

  11

  Three days later, they camped on the banks of the Platte River. Dorcas and the three younger children, along with the dogs, ran circles around the wagon, screaming and barking. When they knocked over a rack of fresh laundry, Delly had enough. “Take those dogs somewhere else. Now I’ve got to rewash everything!”

  “Sorry.” Dorcas took to amusing her siblings by skipping stones and was soon joined by Seth and Abby Johnson.

  Delly gathered the muddy clothes and strolled upriver away from them.

  “Good morning, miss.” A man’s deep voice broke the peace.

  She glanced up into the face of a dandy. The man twirled a finger in his mustache. He tipped his hat and glanced around them. “Where’s that unfriendly wagon master?”

  “Have we met?” She set her laundry on the river bank. Her skin prickled at the nearness of the stranger.

  “Not officially. I attempted to join your train and was declined. Ira Bodine’s the name.”

  Delly’s mouth dried. This was the man Ezra warned her about. “Sorry to hear that, Mr. Bodine.” She turned back to her wash, wishing for her knife.

  “You don’t appear very friendly either.” He sat and leaned against a fallen log. “Not friendly at all. And here I am hoping to enjoy the company of a lovely woman.”

  “You are mistaken. I’m a widowed woman with no interest in a man’s attentions.” Delly scrubbed a shirt on the washboard and glanced up in time to see the children race toward the wagons.

  “My mistake. Maybe I can remedy that.” He pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it with a match he struck on a rock. “I sometimes ride short distances with wagon trains I meet up with. Since finding you here, I might have to spend a bit more time with yours.”

  She tossed the clothing into a basket and straightened. “Don’t waste your time on me. I’m not interested.” She turned to leave. He grabbed her arm and the fresh laundry landed in the mud beside the water.

  She glared at him. “I’m not interested in your attention,” she repeated. Didn’t the man understand? “And you’ve muddied my clothes. You’re wasting your time and mine.” She stared into his sharp angled face. Dark brown eyes were shaded by the brim of a black hat.

  “It’s my time to use as I see fit.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I could take you away from all this, Mrs. Williams. Yes, I know who you are.” He waved his arm toward the wagons. “I’m a man of rather comfortable circumstances. A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be slaving over a washboard.” He reached a hand to her curls. “A pity you cut your hair, but it’ll grow back. As thick and gorgeous as before.”

  He gripped her hands and scowled. “Hands like a scullery maid. Expensive creams would repair most of the damage.” He stepped back as his gaze traveled over her. “And a beautiful gown would show off your assets. Yes, I think we could have a mutually satisfactory relationship.”

  She glanced at the wagons too far away to hear if she screamed. Why hadn’t she stuck her knife in her pocket? Delly stiffened her back and jerked free. “I’m perfectly content where I am.” She bent to retrieve her fallen wash.

  Bodine grabbed her arm again and yanked her to him. She yelped against the pain in her wrists. “We’ll see about that.” He pulled her to him, his mouth reaching for hers and grinding her lips against her teeth.

  She placed both hands against the purple brocade vest he wore and shoved. “Get off me!” The man stumbled back.

  “Step away from her, Bodine, or I’ll put a bullet through you.” Zeke stepped from around a tree, a revolver in his hand. Delly dashed to his side. With a swift move of his arm, Zeke thrust her behind him.

  Bodine held up his hands. “I see how it is. Guess you’ve already won the prize. Thanks for the kiss, Mrs. Williams.” He winked at her and sauntered to his tethered horse. “I’m sure we’ll meet again. You let me know when you’re tired of hanging with cowboys and want the pleasure of a real gentleman’s company.”

  Zeke tensed beside her. Delly laid a hand on his arm. “He’s not worth it.” She stepped away and retrieved the clothes. Luckily, only one shirt landed in the dirt this time. With Zeke standing silent guard, she washed it before tossing it in the basket.

  Back at the wagon, Zeke spun her to face him. “Don’t go off alone anymore. We’re in Indian Territory. With them, snakes, and lowlifes like Bodine, it’s not safe. Not even for your necessary time. Understand? Take a group with you—always.” He pulled a pistol from the waistband of his pants. “And this. I’ll teach you to shoot it.”

  Her face heating at his casual reference to private things, she accepted the gun. “I know how.”

  She watched him march away. Indians! She stretched to locate her children. Junior led the animals to the river for water. The others played near the Johnson wagon. Delly sighed and hung clothes to dry for the second time that day.

  When she had the laundry finally completed, she stretched, popping the kinks from her back. She realized she hadn’t seen Sadie since before she’d headed to the river. Keeping the wagons in sight, she headed for a grove of trees set away from where they’d camped.

  She found Sadie in the embrace of the largest man Delly had ever seen. His ebony skin glistened beneath overalls. Toes protruded through holes in tattered boots.

  “Delly!” Sadie stepped away, a sheepish smile on her face. Her cheeks flushed scarlet. “This is Luke. My intended.”

  Luke lowered his eyes. “Ma’am.”

  “She’s all right.” Sadie placed a hand on his arm. “She’s good people.”

  Delly rubbed the back of her neck then extended her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.” Luke stared impassively at her hand.

  Sadie gripped it instead. “He’s escaped that wagon train we passed a day ago. He’s a trained blacksmith. We can’t send him back. I’ll tell anyone that asks he met up with me. It’ll be the truth.”

  “Was he following you? You said he’d catch up in Oregon.” Delly planted fists on her hips. “You li
ed to me.” Couldn’t anyone in this life tell the truth?

  “I’m sorry.” Tears trickled down Sadie’s face. “He’s been checking every train until he found me. Please don’t send him back.”

  What more could this day hold? Delly took a deep breath. “Can I get into trouble over this?”

  “It’s Indian Territory. Free land.” Sadie released her and folded her hands. “Please.”

  “All right. I’ll have to tell Zeke, though. What if the rest of the train makes a fuss? He’ll have to do what they vote. I guarantee Mr. Oglesby won’t want to shelter a runaway.”

  “He don’t have to know Luke’s a runaway. I’m freed, they’ll think he is too.” Sadie rejoined Luke. “All the others need to know is that Luke is with me. They’ll want to keep him once they find out he’s a blacksmith.”

  “Who’s he going to ride with?” Delly wouldn’t lie to Zeke, not even for her love struck friend. She caught a glimpse of Sadie’s determined expression. “Oh no. He can’t ride with us. It wouldn’t be proper.”

  “Not any more proper than you riding off alone with Mr. Williams? He can stay with Junior by the animals. He’ll just take his meals with us. You chaperone me, and I’ll do the same with you. Nothing wrong with that.”

  “Fine.” Delly stood in front of Luke and waited until he lifted his head. “But you’ll have to sleep out by the stock. No offense.”

  He smiled. His teeth flashed bright as stars against a moonless sky. “That’s right fine with me, ma’am.”

  “Call me Delly. I’m not your mistress, nor do I want to be. Never cottoned to slavery.” Good Lord, what would she do now? Harboring a runaway. What would Zeke say?

  A large rain drop plopped on her head, followed by a close second. “My laundry!” She hitched up her skirts and sprinted for the clothes.

  The rain continued into the evening and, as there was no wind, Delly consented to let the children sit in the back of the wagon. They perched wherever they could in the tight space. She gathered together some quilt pieces from her trunk while Sadie worked on the never ending pile of mending. The children practiced their letters.