Providence

by Karen Noland

  “Thank you. You came along just when we needed you.” Kate said.

  Tochoway smiled briefly and watched the woman before him intently.

  “I guess we had better be getting home before they worry too much and start looking for us.” Kate said, watching Jo, and stooping to pick up the shawl she had dropped. As she reached for it, Tochoway picked it up and held it for a moment, fingering the soft material, before handing it to her. “Thank you,” she said. His dark eyes held hers, and she felt the heat rising within her in response to his intent gaze. At last, she dropped her eyes to the ground, and turned to leave.

  “Wait.” Tochoway said quietly, placing a hand lightly upon her arm.

  Kate turned, her heart racing.

  He paused for a moment before taking her gently by the arm, and leading her toward the ponies that were tethered near the shelter.

  “Nocona’s father sends you this horse in exchange for his son’s life.”

  Kate beheld a beautiful white mare, heavily muscled, her coat still glistening from the rains. Upon a closer inspection, Kate realized that the horse was not completely white, but had chestnut over the ears and poll and a patch of the same color over one eye. Her eyes were blue, something Kate had never seen before. She had heard this type of horse described as a medicine hat, and she knew that they were held in the highest esteem by the native people. Two hawk feathers braided together on a narrow leather thong were intertwined in the mane just behind her ears, and draped gracefully down her neck, the deep red shading on their ends matching perfectly the red accents of the horse.

  “Oh, but I couldn’t...” she gasped.

  “Yes, she is yours.”

  Kate stared at the mare, speechless. She tentatively reached a hand out to the magnificent animal. The horse quivered beneath her touch, turning her head, and nudging the woman in return. Kate ran her hand firmly down the horse’s neck and up over the withers, feeling the power within the taut muscles.

  Tochoway placed a hand-tied rope halter over the mare’s head, untethered her leg and handed the lead to Kate. She still couldn’t believe this was happening. How had Tochoway found them that day?

  Returning to the buggy, Kate let out a sigh of relief to see the mare standing calmly where she had been tied. Their packages had survived safely packed away beneath the seat in the storage box. Tochoway tied the white horse behind the buggy, and lifted Jo up to the bench.

  Turning to Kate, he held out a hand to assist her into the buggy. She paused for a moment, searching his face.

  “Why?” she asked finally.

  He said nothing, but helped her up to the high seat. Picking up the reins, she looked at him one last time, before clucking to the mare and giving a flick of her wrist to start her down the road to Providence.

  “What you have done for the least of these....” he spoke quietly.

  Kate’s heart soared as she heard the parting words, and her mind finished the phrase, “....you have done to me.”

  Chapter nine

  Kate could see Nana peering anxiously through the kitchen window as they approached the house. Bringing the horse to a stop near the porch, Kate and Jo jumped down, happy to be safely home. Jake came from the barn as Nana appeared from the back door.

  “Where have you been?” they both asked at once.

  Kate laughed, “To town of course, but it’s good to be home.”

  “We expected you back near an hour ago!” Nana scolded.

  “What’s this?” Jake asked, seeing the white mare tied behind the buggy.

  “It’s a horse.” Kate answered mischievously, unpacking the buggy as she spoke, and handing the parcels to Jon, who had appeared from the bunkhouse with Luke.

  “Well, I can see that. Where did it come from?” Jake asked, annoyed.

  “She was a gift.”

  Luke let out a low whistle, Jake’s eyes narrowed, and Jon nearly dropped his burden at her declaration.

  “Get those things in the house, Jon, and we can have supper if it’s ready.” Kate said looking at Nana.

  “It’s ready,” came the terse reply. “Has been for a while now.” Nana turned and entered the kitchen without another comment.

  “Luke, will you unhitch the buggy and see to Rosie. I want to settle this new mare in before we eat.”

  “Sure,” he replied, shooting a questioning glance at Jake.

  Jake shrugged, watching Kate lead the mare to the barn.

  Kate turned the mare into an empty paddock, removed the halter and leaned on the rail to watch as she ran the fence line for a moment before dropping her head to graze on the sparse grass. Watching the graceful beauty of the mare, her mind turned to the man who had given her the horse. She wanted to tell Jake about Tochoway, but she didn’t know how. Her feelings for him were confused. She was very attracted to him, but he was from such a different world, though his actions and words showed him to be a Godly man, more so than many “Christian men” she could think of.

  Lord, protect him and keep him. Let your spirit fill his soul, and let his feet continue to walk in Your ways. She prayed silently.

  “Beautiful animal.” Luke said walking up behind her.

  “Isn’t she?”

  They watched the mare trot toward the fence adjacent to the pasture where the remuda grazed quietly in the gathering dusk. Her flowing tail flagged over her back, neck proudly arched, she cantered along the fence, neighing to the others. Several mares and geldings from the herd lifted their heads, nostrils flaring, as they eyed the newcomer.

  “How soon before you turn her out?”

  “I’ll give them a few days to get acquainted over the fence first. And I want to see if we can get her in foal to Raven. I think they’d make an outstanding cross.” Kate replied, voicing her thoughts aloud.

  “Good idea.”

  “I think Nana’s probably going to be livid if we don’t get in to dinner soon.” Kate sighed, not wanting to leave the peaceful sight.

  “I believe you’re right. Shall we?” He asked holding out his arm for her.

  She hesitated a moment before reaching up and tucking her hand into his secure grasp.

  ***

  After the dinner dishes were cleared away, Jo was given the task of distributing the gifts from Martha. As each was opened and exclaimed over, the air of tension that had been present since their return began to ease. There was a new wild rag for Jon, a beautiful blue silk neckerchief just like all good cowboys wore. He put it on with pride, and Luke helped him to tie it just so. For Jake there was a new Farmer’s Almanac, and for Nana, a crisp new apron with bib and pockets. Lastly, Jo pulled out a small wrapped package for Luke.

  “Me?” Luke exclaimed taking the package.

  “Why not?” Jo asked ingenuously, “You’re a part of the family now, aren’t you?”

  The innocent remark struck him like a blow. A part of the family? No, anything but that.

  “Well, Jo, don’t forget, I’m just the hired hand around here. I’ll be moving on once the steers are sent to market.” Luke said stiffly, the weight of the gift heavy in his hands.

  The stricken look on Jo’s face tore at his heart. Better that she realize now, though, than become too attached. Silence filled the room. The tick of the old grandfather clock in the corner loud in his ears.

  “What did Martha send for you?” Kate asked, breaking the awkward moment.

  Opening the colorful paper revealed a leather-bound volume. The Tragedy of Pudd'n Head Wilson by Mark Twain, was emblazoned across the spine. “Well, I haven’t read this one, though I do like Twain.” he said attempting a cheerful tone, sorry for the grief he had caused.

  “Do you like to read?” Kate inquired.

  “It passes the time,” Luke shrugged.

  “Well, I have a small collection in the living room you’re more than welcome to browse through.”

  “Thanks.”

  The atmosphere was still grim despite their best efforts to lighten the mood. Jo approached her mother a
nd climbed up into her lap, tired after the long day and saddened by Luke’s outburst.

  “Come on, punkin, I think it’s time you were in bed.” Kate placed a kiss on the sleepy girl’s soft hair as the others prepared to leave. “Jake, would you mind waiting? I want to talk to you.”

  “Sure. Jon, you walk Nana home.”

  “Yes, sir.” Jon said, helping Nana with her shawl and opening the door for her.

  Luke watched Kate accompany Jo to her loft, and listened to the quiet murmurings of prayers. He stared blankly into the dying embers of the fireplace.

  “You really planning to move on this fall?” Jake asked.

  “Well, that was the agreement.”

  “I don’t expect Kate would mind an extension of that agreement, seeing as how you seem to be working out all right.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Think about it.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning, Jake.” Luke grabbed his hat from the peg by the door, and strode out into the clear night air. The clouds had departed with the passing of the storm and the stars shone brightly against the deep black of the heavens. His heart raged within him. Why had he done that? It was one thing to separate himself from his growing feelings for this family, but it was something else entirely to crush the spirit of a child.

  Of course Kate wouldn’t want him to stay on, not after that little episode tonight. He’d be surprised if she didn’t ask him to leave in the morning. He reached the bunkhouse, slamming the door as he entered. Seeing the Bible laying among the other books on the small shelf, he grabbed it and threw it against the wall. Just another example of God’s work in his life. Give him a taste of something tangible and sweet, then yank it away again. Anger coursed through his body. Unable to quell the storm within, he burst through the door into the night. The house glowed from within with the warm inviting light of a spirit filled home. Tearing his eyes away from the sight, he strode off into the dark, breathing heavily, tight bands of pain constricting his chest, not knowing or caring where his path would lead.

  ***

  Jake sat staring into the dying fire as Kate returned from tucking Jo in for the night. The glow illuminated his tired features, and Kate was struck by how much he had aged in the months since Will’s death. Had she been so caught up in her own grief and anxieties that she had failed to notice the effect on others?

  “Would you like another cup of coffee, Jake?” Kate asked, startling him from his thoughts.

  “Sure, sounds like just the thing,” he replied, joining her at the kitchen table.

  “You look tired, is everything all right?”

  “Oh, yeah, just the spring planting and all, keeps me pretty busy, probably not getting as much sleep as I should, you know.”

  Kate took a long sip of the black coffee, mulling over what it was she wanted to say.

  “You didn’t ask me to stay to tell me I look tired. What’s eating at you, Kate?” Jake asked laying a hand on hers.

  Sighing, she stood and walked over to her desk. Withdrawing her journal from the bottom drawer, she opened it to the last entry, and took out a small scrap of paper with charred edges. Silently she handed it to him.

  “What’s this?” Jake asked studying the paper.

  “We found it last week, where the fence had been cut.”

  “Yeah, you said y’all had scared off some rustlers.”

  “That’s just it, I’m not sure now that it was rustlers.”

  Jake peered at her intently, “You want to tell me what this is all about?”

  In a rush of words, Kate told him Martha’s story. “So I don’t know what to think! If Little Dick West is working for Matt Johnson, then is that receipt his? And if so, is Matt trying to run me off this place? But why would he have asked me to marry him, if he’s going to try to strong arm me off of here?”

  “Whoa there, slow down a minute.” Jake said, grabbing her hand and steadying her. “First, you don’t even know if this paper has anything to do with that man. It’s a very common name, and could be pure coincidence.”

  “Don’t you think I’ve told myself that a thousand times?”

  Jake nodded. “You know how I feel about Johnson. If anyone’s gonna think the worst, it’d be me.”

  “I know.” Kate answered quietly.

  “But I can’t convict a man based on this alone.” Jake paused head bent in thought. “How seriously are you entertaining his proposal?” he finally asked in a low voice.

  “Oh, Jake, I’m not, not at all!” she cried.

  Kate could see relief flood Jake’s features. In a matter of moments, it seemed as though he had shed ten years of grief. “Oh, Jake, I’m so sorry to have caused you so much pain. I just didn’t know what to do. For an instant that day in Fallis, it all seemed so easy, just marry the man, and have done with it, but you know I could never do that! I realize now that I could never let this place fall into his hands.”

  “You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say that.”

  “I think I have some idea!” She laughed.

  The tension between them melted slowly as they talked far into the night about plans for the branding. Jake related the news of the calf lost to predation, and the fact that Luke planned to carry his rifle from now on.

  “Do you think it was wolves, Jake? We haven’t had any sign of them for so long now.”

  “Can’t rightly say, could be wolves, could be stray dogs gone feral. Smoke was worryin’ at the door t’other night, and I thought I heard something prowling.”

  “What about a cougar?”

  “Possible, but they’re pretty scarce ‘round these parts, too.”

  “Well, whatever it is, we’d better get it soon, before it gets to liking the meals around here,” Kate said grimly.

  “We’ll put a stop to it,” Jake agreed. “Do you want to tell me about that new mare you dragged home?” he asked with a familiar twinkle back in his eye.

  Kate smiled shyly, “A gift from Nocona’s father. Seems the boy is going to be just fine, and his father is well pleased.”

  “Delivered by Tochoway?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know, I used to trade throughout the Territory. The natives here have very funny ideas when it comes to paying a debt of honor, especially to a white, and a woman at that.” He paused a moment searching for the right words. “I like Tochoway, he seems a decent man, but be careful, Kate, you just never know with a Comanche.”

  Kate’s eyes sparked with an indignant rage. “Jake Insley! I cannot believe that you, of all people, would speak like that! Tochoway is no different than you or Luke or .... or...” she sputtered with anger.

  “I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just that...”

  “To think that a Christian would condemn his fellow man just on the basis of his birth, why it absolutely makes me ill!” Kate continued her tirade. “Maybe one of the problems with this whole Territory is that us good, upstanding Christian settlers keep an entire race of people locked on reservations and quell any spirit they have with our prejudices. Did you know that he could be shot on sight and the killer would be upheld by the law? Do you realize that he risks his very life every time he sets foot off of the reservation? And you dare to say that they have a funny idea of how to pay a debt? He owes me no debt and yet he risks his very life to show me the kind of Christian love that no white man has ever shown him!”

  Jake hung his head feeling the sting of her chastisement.

  Kate’s features softened as she approached the man she thought of as a father. Kneeling before him, she took his rough work worn hand in hers. “Jake, I know what Nana went through, the horror of seeing her parents killed by Indians. But the men that attacked her family were acting as individuals. They do not represent Indians as a whole anymore than the white men who have perpetrated such atrocities on the Indian tribes represent you and me.” She paused for a moment searching his face, wanting desperately for him to see Tochoway as a man, not some representative of a p
eople. “God’s love extends to all of His creation, not just certain select groups. Should we do any less?”

  Jake lifted his head to meet her steady gaze. He could see the tears of anguish brimming in her eyes. “Kate, you might as well be my own daughter, the way I feel about you. I know in my heart you’re right, but I can’t help remembering the past, and thinking they’re different. They have beliefs and customs that....” He shook his head wearily, at a loss for words. “I worry about you, is that so wrong?”

  “No, Jake, of course it’s not wrong,” Kate sighed.

  ***

  Luke sat on a small outcrop of rock nearly half a mile from the main house. The dark night enveloped him like a shroud. He had stumbled several times, and hit his knee against a fallen trunk hard enough to make him cry out in pain. The throbbing sensation coursing through his knee began to move inexorably down his leg, and he knew that he would be in agony by morning.

  Sitting quietly, he began to hear the myriad sounds that make up the songs of night. Crickets chirruped in chorus, joined by the rasping of cicadas among the trees. Frogs boomed and croaked near the pond in the pasture below. A cow lowed softly in the distance. Night birds sang their gentle melodies, lulling him into a state of watchful rest.

  The tension within him eased, and he started thinking over his actions that evening. He felt miserable over the hurt he had inflicted on Jo, and yet Kate hadn’t seemed upset at all. In fact, she had tried to come to his rescue and lighten the mood now that he looked back on it. His heart tightened thinking of Kate. His growing feelings were beginning to cloud his judgment.