“Yes,” Claire replied, her own voice cracking. It was not of French origin but German. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
“Sing it for me.”
Heart in her throat, Claire did her best to sing her mother’s favorite hymn but found she could only hum it at first. Recognizing the tune, Pierre came to join them, adding his own comforting baritone to the small choir. Claire’s faith and voice strengthened as they plunged further into the verses.
“‘Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also, the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever...’”
Listening, Evening Sky closed her eyes. The faintest of smiles graced her lips. When the song was finished, she looked at her daughter.
“Your father would be so proud of the woman you have become,” she whispered.
“Give him my love,” Claire said. She held her mother’s hand to the last, and only after her mother’s eyes closed for the final time did Claire allow herself to give in to tears.
This time she let Pierre console her.
* * *
The children were beginning to stir, but Pierre did not move from his post. Instead he cradled Claire’s head against his chest. Her sobs were almost voiceless, but they shook her entire frame. As a man, he wanted nothing more than to dry her tears and promise her everything would be alright. He couldn’t. Evening Sky might have passed into her eternal rest, but the trials for her daughter were only heightening.
Running Wolf chose that exact moment to return, breaking them abruptly apart. Apparently Chief Black Cat had informed him of the news of his sister’s passing, so he did not look surprised, nor did he ask questions. Neither did he voice objection at Pierre’s presence. He was, however, far from willing to let his niece grieve in peace.
Running Wolf had returned with Little Flower, whom he had apparently snatched from Three Horses’s lodge. In a forceful tongue, he instructed his daughter to prepare Evening Sky’s body for a Mandan funeral, and for Spotted Eagle to remove the children from the lodge.
The words were no sooner out of his mouth when the medicine man, Walks with the Sun, arrived. He’d brought with him his son, Golden Hawk. Pierre knew exactly what was about to happen. Claire did, as well. The moment Golden Hawk lifted his hands to recite an incantation, she objected.
“Uncle, please...my mother would not wish for this.”
Pierre stood beside her, guarding her. He didn’t like the way Golden Hawk was looking at her. It was not so much a look of desire, although Pierre would not have liked that, either. It was more one of determination. The kind one showed a wild horse he intended to break.
Pierre was just about to step in front of her, deny the man his view, when Running Wolf shouted something at her in Mandan.
Pierre couldn’t recognize the words, but whatever he had said drained the color from Claire’s face. Everything within Pierre wanted to attack the Indian, but Claire’s knees were buckling. He quickly steadied her instead.
The older medicine man said something. Golden Hawk and Running Wolf seemed to agree. Without the aid of translation, Pierre had no idea what was happening until Golden Hawk and Running Wolf moved to the pallet and lifted Evening Sky’s lifeless body from it.
They are going to carry her away. “Stop!” Pierre shouted, but it was Claire who stopped him.
“Let them go,” she said. “It is better if you do.”
“What?”
“Pierre, please...”
Her words were more than a polite entreaty. She was practically begging him not to interfere, yet she offered no explanation. As the Indians carried Evening Sky to the door, Pierre looked to Little Flower. She offered no explanation, either. At her father’s command, she gathered up items for her children and hurried to the door.
He and Claire were now completely alone, and Pierre was thoroughly confused. Why had Claire allowed her uncle to take her mother’s body away? It was obvious some tribal medicine rite was to be performed, and he knew she did not wish for it.
“Why didn’t you let me stop them?”
“There was nothing you could do.”
“I’d like to think there was. What did Running Wolf say to you?”
Her breath hitched. Her chin quivered. “He forbade me to attend my mother’s funeral.”
Anger surged within him. She might be bound by some tribal custom of respect that kept her from disobeying her uncle, but he was not. “I’ll go to Black Cat. I’ll go to the captains. I’ll make this right.”
She caught his arm as he turned for the door. “My uncle said he would make war on the men of the fort if I disobeyed his commands.”
A chill raced up his spine. Now he understood why she’d done it, but still. “One man could hardly—”
“It would not be just one man. He says there are others. Many others.”
Many? No. Pierre didn’t believe that. The Mandans had shown them extreme generosity. “He’s bluffing.”
“Would you take that chance?”
Captain Lewis’s words echoed through his mind. “We are sixteen hundred miles up the Missouri.” There was more at stake here than a family funeral. He didn’t like it, but he knew she was right. How can she do that? he wondered. How can she separate her personal emotions from facts of the matter? He admired her coolheaded demeanor, yet it irritated him at the same time. He realized he wanted her to need him more than she did.
“Let my uncle claim what he wishes,” Claire said, “but my people will know the truth. He will confer it with his own lips.”
“He will tell them why he has not allowed you to attend the ceremony,” Pierre reasoned. “He will tell them that you worship Christ.”
She nodded slowly. “I know where my mother is. I know Whom she served...”
He marveled at her strength, but she was a human being with limitations, and her strength waned. Her chin began to quiver again, her eyes to cloud, but before he could take her hand or offer any physical comfort, she moved away from him.
Outside the drums were beating. They had begun sometime late last night. Their pounding matched the rhythm of his heart. She does not belong here, any more than I do.
She was wiping her eyes, trying to regain her composure.
Ask me to take you from this place and I will, he thought. Ask me...
“You should return to the fort.”
“Come with me.”
Her eyes flickered with surprise and something else, something he couldn’t quite identify. Offense? Fear? She shook her head. “No. I cannot come to the fort.”
“Why not?”
“My presence there will only cause trouble, as your continued presence here may well do.”
She might be right about that, but he didn’t like the fact that she seemed determined to handle this on her own. “I promised you once that I would look after you.”
“And you have. But there are others whom you must protect, as well. You should tell your captains what Running Wolf said. It may well be just an idle threat, but—”
“—they should be aware.”
She nodded.
“What will you do?” He wasn’t going anywhere until he got a satisfactory answer on that point.
She drew in a breath. “I shall ask Three Horses for permission to shelter in his lodge for a few days. One Who Smiles will be in need of help.”
So far Three Horses had proven to be an honorable man, but would the new believer have the strength to defend Claire or her faith if Running Wolf mounted an attack? It is there or the fort, he thought, and she had already told him she wouldn’t come to the latter. Why must you be so obstinate?
He let out a sigh. “Then allow me to escort you to Three Horses’s lodge.”
“I would appreciate that.”
Pierre watched
her quietly while she gathered what few belongings she possessed. A couple of deerskin pouches, one that looked to contain the dress she had worn the night they danced. He also thought he caught a glimpse of his letter and the pages of Scripture he had sent her before she hid them away. Last she claimed her mother’s cross necklace, and her bag of beads.
He took the bundles from her. She then glanced about the lodge. Tears glistened in her eyes. This had been her home for nearly a year. No matter what difficulties had transpired here, she was having trouble leaving it.
She might not allow him to do much for her, but he would see to this. “Before we go...” He took her hands in his. Pierre couldn’t help but notice how perfectly they fit in his. “Let’s pray.”
She offered no objections, but bowed her head.
“Father God, I ask You to comfort Claire in this time of loss. I ask for Your protection on her, on this village and on the occupants of the fort. Grant her people knowledge and understanding of You, and may this particular lodge come to know Your peace and salvation.”
When she lifted her head, there were tears in her eyes, but Pierre thought she had never looked more beautiful. There was a light in her face, one of hope, of strength and renewal. It quickened his heart.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“It is my honor and privilege, mademoiselle.” He led her to the door.
* * *
To Claire’s great relief, Three Horses welcomed her with open arms. He invited her at once to lay her pallet beside One Who Smiles. By signs and gestures, he offered Pierre a seat at the center fire.
“It is not right that your uncle forbid you to attend your mother’s ceremony. I will go,” he said. “I will tell Running Wolf you will remain here in my lodge until my wife recovers. Perhaps longer.”
Claire bowed graciously. One Who Smiles’s time of confinement would last at least a month. If Claire was permitted to stay, she could mourn her mother’s passing in safety and in the comfort of those who shared her faith. “Perhaps longer...” If Running Wolf allowed her to remain here, if Three Horses would claim her as an adopted sister, then she could be freed from her uncle’s marriage demand. Her Christian brother would surely understand her refusal to marry a nonbeliever.
She explained all of this to Pierre when Three Horses left to speak with her uncle. Upon hearing the last part, he looked as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He can stop worrying about me now, she thought. She knew he had been or he would not have offered to take her back to the fort. Deep down, however, she wanted to believe there was more to his offer than that. She wanted to believe he was willing to claim her.
Nothing would make her happier than to know the comfort and shelter of his arms—not for a moment but forever—but such a thing could never be. The captains would never allow him to take her westward with the expedition. There were already enough mouths to feed. Likewise, Pierre could not remain in this village. It was far too dangerous for him to do so. We’d be forced to travel elsewhere. He would lose his promised land grant, and she would lose what remained of her family.
He would become a displaced adventurer saddled with a half-breed wife. He couldn’t return to his wealthy family in New Orleans. White society would not accept her. Mr. Granger back in Illinois had proven that.
Pierre might care for her as a friend, as a Christian brother, but without love, the pure passionate bond between a husband and wife, how long could it last? What if he encountered a woman he truly did love? Surely the sacrifice would be too great. He would come to despise me.
But all of this was foolish thought, a waste of time and energy. He had not indicated any interest in marriage to her and he never would. Her mind was simply searching for happiness no matter how fanciful. She was exhausted, worn out from fear and grief.
“I am pleased to know he will look after you,” Pierre said. “He is a good man. You will be safe with him and his family.”
“Yes, and now you can return to your true duties. The captains have been most gracious concerning your attention to me, but I would not wish to trespass upon their favor any longer. I would not wish for them to hold it against you.”
“You need not worry about me,” he said.
“I cannot help but do so.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Claire felt herself flush, hoping he hadn’t read more into the comment.
“Any more than I can stop worrying about you,” he said. He offered her a sad although still handsome smile. “Are you certain I can’t convince you to come to the fort?”
“Yes,” she said. Go, she silently willed him. Please go before I tell you that I want to go with you. That I want to be with you no matter where you are.
“Do not hesitate to send for me if there is the slightest need,” he said.
“I won’t,” she promised.
With visible reluctance, he turned for the door. The ache in her heart swelled. I am not alone, she told herself as he left the lodge. God has provided refuge. He will fill my needs.
She prayed He would fill her heart, as well.
Chapter Fourteen
Pierre trudged back through the snow toward the fort. He could hear the chants rising from the village. Captain Lewis’s order again came to mind.
“Do not interfere with tribal customs. Respect the culture...”
There were many things he dearly admired about the Mandan people—their hard work, their knowledge and ability to live off the land, their hospitality... Chief Black Cat had been the epitome of graciousness when it came to welcoming strangers into his territory. Running Wolf, however, had not shown graciousness, even when it came to his own flesh and blood. He was a controlling, wrathful, manipulative man. How was Pierre to respect someone who did not respect the rights of others?
Claire isn’t even permitted to attend her mother’s funeral, let alone have any say in how it should be conducted.
He told himself that she was safe, at least for now. Three Horses would look after her while Claire helped tend to his wife and newborn son. But then what? One Who Smiles’s time of confinement would last until the end of the month. It was early March now, and Lewis and Clark hoped to resume their westward journey by the first week of April.
He remembered that he once couldn’t wait to be on his way. Now the idea of a lengthy winter did not frustrate him so. The thought of leaving this place did.
What will happen to Claire?
It was obvious Captain Lewis was itching to move. Last week he had ordered the keelboat hauled ashore so that repairs could be made to it. It was some feat breaking her from the ice, but the men accomplished it and were presently getting her ready for sail. The boat was to return to Saint Louis with the mail, the scientific specimens, the French oarsmen and disgraced Private Newman. The two pirogues, along with others they planned to build, would convey Pierre and the rest of the party on to the Pacific. Pausing for a moment, he studied the canoes. Was there room in them for one more passenger?
He continued on to the fort. Captain Lewis had asked him to report to his quarters immediately upon arrival. Pierre wondered if the man had been expecting trouble with Running Wolf. He knocked upon the man’s door.
“Enter.”
Pierre stomped the snow from his feet before stepping inside the hut. Lewis, as usual, was at his desk.
“Ah, Lafayette. How is Miss Manette?”
Pierre noted he didn’t ask about Madame Manette. Apparently the wind carried so today that he too could hear the sounds of the funeral procession. Pierre told him of the older woman’s final hours. “In the end she passed peacefully, and her daughter was beside her.”
Pierre’s heart quickened then with the memory of holding Claire in his arms. He pushed the thought aside as Lewis asked, “And her uncle?”
�
��There lies the issue, sir.”
“In what way, pray tell?”
Pierre informed him of Running Wolf’s declaration that Claire was unwelcome at her mother’s funeral. Then he told him what the warrior had threatened if she disobeyed his command.
The captain’s eyes widened with alarm. “Did he speak to you directly? Did he make any signs or gestures?”
“No sir,” Pierre replied, “and I can assure you that Claire—” He caught himself. “That is, Miss Manette has no intention of disobeying her uncle’s command.”
Lewis nodded gravely. “Did you observe any changes of behavior or attitude toward you or our other men by the villagers? Did Chief Black Cat offer any cause for alarm?”
“No, sir. In fact, it was quite the opposite.” Pierre told him what Three Horses had done, how he had welcomed Claire into his lodge and had given Pierre a seat of honor at his fire.
The captain visibly exhaled. “Then in all likelihood, Running Wolf is simply blustering. He is, after all, experiencing his own grief.”
“Yes, sir, but with all due respect, I believe it is more than that. With the exception of our efforts to locate the Sioux, this man has offered little cooperation toward us, and from what I have observed, he even has issues with his own chief.”
Lewis again nodded. “He has proven himself in a land of war. Now that he sees that way changing, be it by tribal alliances, trade or the spread of Christianity, he fears he will have no place in the future.”
“Frankly, sir, I’m rather concerned for the future.”
“You need not be. We’ll post extra sentries. Scrutinize our visitors a little more carefully before allowing them admittance into the fort, and keep the men from the village for a few days.”
Pierre appreciated Lewis’s efforts, and while he was concerned for the captain’s well-being and the safety of his comrades here at the fort, that was not his only thought. If he was to remain here, how could he look after Claire? Her mother has just died. She needs a friend now more than ever. “If I may ask, sir, how long do you think that will be necessary?”
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