Maggie's Dreams (Book Five of the Red River Valley Brides)

by Rita Hestand

  She cut him a piece and he ate and they talked forever. It had been a while since they had really visited what with his job and the new house and baby.

  "So I haven't seen Jo in a while, how are things?" Ma asked.

  "Great Ma. She made curtains for every room and tablecloths and all kinds of little touches. Said she couldn't have done it if you hadn't taught her to tat and embroidery. I want you to come see us soon, but give her time to get everything put up. That baby ought to be showing up soon."

  "Nonsense, I want to help her. She doesn't need to work that hard, it's getting close to her time."

  "She said you'd say that." He chuckled.

  "She knows me well." Ma laughed.

  "Oh yeah, there is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about. Maggie's contract to marry. I've taken care of that for her. She doesn't have to worry about that any longer. I figured with all their troubles, I could at least take care of that."

  "Really, what did you do?" Ma asked curiously.

  "Well, I talked to Judge Morrison since the contract was drawn up, and the man that wrote it is dead, it actually becomes null and void as far as the judge sees it. So she is free and clear, besides, they married and that is what it was about. It never stipulated that it couldn't be another race. So there is no break in the contract anyway."

  "Wonderful, she'll be relieved to hear that. Dakota was just by the other day. But I wonder. Would you have time to go out to the Indian camp and let them know what's about to happen, and also warn them about the soldiers? I so want Little Bear to know how much we care about him and his people."

  Harry looked slyly at his mother. "You're always taking care of people Ma. Someday, I'm going to take care of you. Yes, of course I will ride out there. They need to all be prepared so that there are no problems. The more we all cooperate with each other the more things end peacefully."

  Ma nodded. "You know it's strange I reckon, but well, we haven't had any Indian problems around here in years. However, just the sight of the blue coats might stir things up a bit. I hope not, it would make things harder on Maggie and Dakota."

  "Yeah, I've talked with the commanding officer about the Indians in this area, but he's a stickler to carry out the orders. I ask him if he would be respectful of them as they have caused no trouble in Vada."

  "What did he say?"

  "He said there would be no trouble unless they started it. But you know how that goes. All it takes is one person to get out of line on either side and then there is plenty of trouble. The old chief wants peace, but he also doesn't want to move either. The young ones, they are restless and it wouldn't take much for there to be trouble here."

  "I hope they can settle it where no one gets hurt."

  "Me too! Gotta run Ma." He kissed her on the cheek. "Hey, thanks for the cake. I timed that just about right, didn't I?"

  "You rascal," she swatted at him.

  "Love you Ma."

  "Always running off from me these days. You come here and eat and leave." She protested. "Tell Jo I'll be over for a visit real soon."

  "Will do. Love you." He said, kissed her on the cheek and walked out.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Harry went to the Indian camp early that next morning so he could get back to town before late morning. The Indian camp was about fifteen miles to the south of Vada and a pleasant but long ride for Harry.

  The sun was barely rising and the leaves had already fallen from most of the trees. The wind blew a soft and lonely tune.

  As he approached the village, he entered with caution. He kept his gun in his holster and his eyes ever watchful. The camp was quiet, and peaceful. He glanced around and saw kids playing some stick game, and women weaving baskets and the men were talking of a hunting party. It was a peaceful little village and he hated bringing them bad news. But he had a job to do and it was best if he did it.

  He noticed he had only seen a few animals as he rode out here. The dead of winter could be very harsh. There were snow flurries in the air. If they were going to move the Indians, they had better hurry it up. Dead of winter was no time to be doing it.

  Little Bear greeted him and as they knew each other well it was a warm greeting between old friends. Thank God, Little Bear trusted him.

  "What brings you here, my friend." The old chief asked as he wrestled a piece of tobacco against his jaw.

  "I'm looking for Dakota and Maggie. There are things I must tell them, and you." Harry informed him.

  The chief nodded and they walked toward the tipis where Dakota and Maggie lived. The chief talking small talk with him all the way.

  Harry followed him and they went in.

  Dakota and Maggie were surprised but pleased to see him. Maggie made some coffee and they sat down around the fire, taking the chill off.

  Little Bear stayed to listen. His expression was bland, as though he knew Harry brought bad news.

  "My friends I bring disturbing news for you. The army is moving into town." Harry told them flatly. "They'll be here by next week."

  "The army?" Dakota asked his concern obvious.

  Little Bear soaked up the news with a frown, but he wasn't shocked.

  "They want to move the Indians onto the reservations again." Harry told them, and watched their faces. "All of them."

  Little Bear sighed aloud now, "This is not good news, my friend. Some of my people have set down roots here. This is our winter home. But I am not surprised. In fact, I expected them sooner."

  "I know that. And I will talk to them for you, if you like. I can tell them that we have been getting along fine with you and that your tribe has never caused any trouble." Harry assured the chief. "I'm not sure it will do any good, as they take their orders from the big white chief."

  Dakota looked at Little Bear. There was a true sadness in Little Bear's expression but he nodded slowly. "I've been expecting it to happen for a while too. I just wondered why they waited so long, our people have set down roots, as you say. It is because of the reservation; we have to honor the agreement. They will not change their minds."

  "It isn't a pleasant task. I'm sure there was a lot of talk about it, before they came to town. And I'm sure they'll be talking to Little Bear too. To all the scattered tribes that have drifted away from the reservations."

  Little Bear looked at Harry now, he was slowly chewing the tobacco and he spit occasionally. "We must go?" He hung his head.

  "I'm afraid that's what it amounts to." Harry hated giving the old man that news. They had caused no trouble in decades and the army should know this. But they had orders to carry out and Harry knew he couldn't sway them. However, he also knew there might be branches of tribes that didn't want to go and would put up a fight. That would cause some problems. He was sure of it.

  "Then we will go." Little Bear told him after a long silence. His face held wisdom and thoughtfulness now. "There is no fight left in us now. But we had hoped that our peaceful living here had been noticed. We wanted to show them that maybe we can all live together in peace. But the treaties are signed and we must obey them. Even I can understand it."

  "You've set a great example Little Bear; I can tell them that." Harry assured him. "Just like that, no fighting?" Harry turned his head in question.

  "We no longer have the desire or wish to fight the white man. We will go. It does not mean we will stay, but to appease them we will go." Little Bear announced and got up. "To live like a caged animal is not living, but we must make up our minds that it is not the end but a new beginning. A beginning of peace with the white man. Someday a trust may come from it. Someday, many moons from now, the white man and the red man might live in peace together."

  Harry stood up, "Is that what you want me to tell them?"

  "Yes, we've been waiting for them to come." Little Bear informed him. "We knew they would. We will go in peace, my friend."

  Harry nodded. "I'm sorry Little Bear. You've been good neighbors."

  Little Bear was about to leave when he turned an
d told Harry, "Thank you for telling us. It is better to hear it from you, a friend than a stranger."

  Harry nodded.

  Then Harry sat down to talk to Dakota. "Of course it means you won't be able to stay here long. But I think between Ma and Nadine, things will work out fine for the two of you."

  Dakota smiled, "You have not heard. We are to have a baby in the summer."

  "A baby?" Harry nearly shouted, a slow smile burning his face. "Well that's great. Congratulations." He shook his hand and kissed Maggie on the cheek.

  Dakota's smile spread across his face and Maggie watched it grow. He was so proud, and she was proud of him.

  As soon as they can figure out what they can do, we'll let you know. I'm excited for you two."

  "Thanks Harry," Dakota shook his hand, "And thanks for coming out to tell Little Bear yourself. It is good that he did not hear it from a stranger, but from one that cares. It will be hard on him, he has never lived in captivity, but he has learned to mend his ways in his old age. He won't give them any trouble."

  "That's a very good thing. We all have to change from time to time and learning to adapt is a good thing. It won't be all bad. They will have food, clothing, shelter. Their needs will be met. I wish there was a better answer, but there are still ones who would want to fight about it."

  "They will have everything but freedom to roam the country," Dakota said sadly.

  Harry nodded. "Another thing, the army is building a fort about twenty miles from town. So it looks as though they don't intend to leave for a long while either."

  "Will this be a problem for me?"

  "If you come to town it could. That is unless you want to cut your hair and wear white man's clothes all the time." Harry chuckled. "They might not notice you so easily."

  Dakota nodded.

  "I wouldn't let him cut his beautiful hair," Maggie cried.

  Harry laughed. "Good luck, my friend." He shook Dakota's hand and nodded to Maggie.

  "Thanks for coming by, Harry." Maggie called to him as he mounted.

  Harry tipped his hat and left.

  He felt bad that Little Bear and his people would have to live on the reservation. It was a sad ending to a proud people. And he only hoped that Dakota and Maggie could find a way to live peacefully too. He couldn't see Maggie going to a reservation, nor even Dakota. Dakota was well educated and had lived in the white world too long to go back to the Indian ways. He was sure that was why Dakota had told Ma he wouldn't stay here in the Indian camp.

  ***

  "What's wrong?" Maggie asked the next morning as she found her husband looking about the place.

  "My knife, it is missing. I have not seen it since we left the cabin." His face mirrored his concern.

  "Perhaps it fell out of your scabbard there." Maggie suggested.

  "It is not good to leave things behind." Dakota fretted.

  Maggie went to soothe his brow. "I will get you another one." She smiled as though that took care of the problem.

  "I do not remember losing it, is all." Dakota frowned then looked down into her face. "I'm sorry. It is only a knife."

  Maggie reached to kiss his jaw. "Come eat your breakfast."

  She could tell the knife was on his mind all through breakfast though and wished she could console him about it.

  Ma came riding out to the camp and asked around for Dakota and Maggie.

  Little Bear spotted her and pointed to their tipis.

  Ma shouted at him, "Thanks," and smiled.

  She cleared her throat before she went in, after all, she couldn't very well knock to let them know she was there.

  "Ma?" Maggie went to greet her, hugging her to her. "What are you doing out here?"

  "I've talked to Gabe and Nadine, and Gabe has come up with a nifty idea. He said he's got plenty of land, and if you are willing to help him with the harvest and around the place, you and him could build you a place on the back end of his land. He said very few go there and you wouldn't be bothering anyone, you'd have plenty of privacy and all he asked was that you help him farm the place, said it was too big for one man to handle. So…what do you say?"

  Dakota looked at her and then came to hug her, "I say, it sounds great. I will be glad to help him and glad to build a place too."

  "Good, how soon you want to get started?" Ma asked him.

  "As soon as he likes. Harry was just out yesterday telling us about the army. I think we should get out of the way as soon as we can." Dakota added. "If the army sees me, they may want me to go with them to the reservation."

  "That's a right smart idea. Well, I tell you what, I'll help you load the wagon with your stuff. If need be you can stow it at my place, and Maggie can pick it up later." Ma told them.

  "Might be a good idea. Well, we don't have a lot to pack." Maggie told her.

  "Good."

  As Maggie gathered what little they had together, Dakota went to tell Little Bear they would be leaving. He would understand.

  "So there will be changes for all," Little Bear stared at him. "I see the love between you. I know it is true, but the way is not so clear. Be careful my son."

  "I will. And you are right, our love is true. We will have a baby this spring."

  "I am proud for you. For you live in two worlds and balance them." Little Bear smiled sadly at him.

  "You just take care of yourself. And if you ever need me, send me word, somehow."

  "I promise, now go." Little Bear told him.

  By the time he returned they were ready to move out.

  "How did the chief take the news?" Maggie asked him, as her face mirrored her concern.

  "He expected it. I told him where I'd be."

  Dakota looked at Ma before she got up in the wagon, "What about the other black folks. Is it alright with them?"

  Ma looked quite serious for a moment. "Nadine said no one objected, they didn't care. I'm sure in time they will be used to you and see you cause them no trouble."

  Dakota nodded. "It will take some time for them to get used to us."

  "At least the army won't be bothering you out there." Ma added.

  "That's a good thing." Dakota smiled.

  "How you been feeling, Maggie?" Ma asked her as Dakota helped her up.

  "Just fine, Ma. So far, so good, except, I get sleepy a lot."

  "That'll wear off in time, don't you fret. A lot of women have it rough the first few months with morning sickness." Ma told her.

  "Well thank God I haven't been blessed with that yet." Maggie chuckled.

  "Good."

  "You just show me which way, Ma." Dakota grabbed the reins.

  Ma nodded. The Indians waved to them as they were leaving.

  "Were your friends upset that you were leaving?" Ma asked.

  "No, they understood. Little Bear said we would have a hard road to travel, but if we truly loved each other, it would be worth it." Dakota sent them both smile.

  "He's a wise old man."

  "I fear I may not see them again." Dakota sounds suddenly serious.

  "They are the ones with the hard road ahead. As much as we fought with them, I still don't wish them this." Ma said in a strangled voice.

  The three of them grew quiet for a while, reflecting on the changes.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Dakota drove the wagon to the Negro community and Ma directed him to Nadine's place.

  Nadine's house was beautiful now as she had planted flowers near the porch and the trees around the place had grown and shaded the whole house. It was lovely. In fact, their place was the nicest in the community. Gabe had a fair first crop and his land was ready for spring planting, but winter had set in hard and mostly through the winter he fed his stock, kept the ice broken and waited for spring to come.

  Nadine rushed out to greet them and invite them in.

  "I'm so glad you've come. My baby's due in five months and you can be here to help me through it. And then we can help you through yours." Maggie had jumped down from the wagon,
eager to greet her friend. Nadine smiled and took Maggie's arm in hers.

  Dakota helped Ma down from the wagon.

  As they went inside Nadine had coffee and pie waiting for them.

  "You sit yourselves down there and let me get you some pie and coffee." Nadine told them.

  "Is Gabe here?" Dakota asked, realizing he was among all women and feeling out of place.

  "Yes, he's out in the barn." Nadine smiled at him. "Go on out if you like, I'll save you both some coffee and pie."

  He smiled and nodded then went outside to the barn.

  When he opened the door, he saw Gabe cleaning out the stalls. The stirring of the hay made him sneeze, as a couple of chickens scurried out the door.

  "So you made it, good. I'm glad to see you." Gabe met him half way and shook his hand.

  Dakota seemed a bit bashful, so Gabe tried to set him at ease.

  "I guess Ma explained everything to you?" Gabe asked.

  Dakota nodded, "Yes, it is very generous of you to offer us such a thing."

  "Not generous at all, there's a lot of work to be done and then we'll have to get that house up soon too. Probably early spring." Gabe stood leaning against a stall. "You see, you saved me from going to the trouble of hiring me someone. This place is so big, too big for one man to handle. I can't do it all justice by myself, Nadine and I had discussed putting on a man, but you know, unless a man has an investment in the land himself, he's not apt to do as much work. That's why I think this arrangement will work out mutually for both of us. I figure with both of us working toward the same thing, maybe we could really make a go of this place. And if you have any ideas about how to improve upon things you just let me know. I'm not a farmer by profession, although I did farm a bit as a young man. Now I tell you, there are horse ranches out here and they need feed for them, so I figure we could use a good quantity of land for that purpose. It would sure bring a profit. The rest we could farm for eating purposes. Nadine's got a bunch of wild ideas about orchard's but one man can't do it all, maybe two can't, but it's sure a start and since I wouldn't really have to pay you, except in crop yield, that would suit me fine. What do you think?"