Sorcha: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides

by Rachel Wesson

  She worked quickly as the new arrivals huddled around the fire. Soon she had plates of steaming food set out on the table.

  “Would you like me to hold the baby while you eat?” She smiled at the Indian girl. When she hesitated, Sorcha moved slowly toward her. “You need to eat. Your milk will dry up if you don’t and your baby will starve.”

  “Thank you.” The girl said formally before handing over her precious bundle. Sorcha was astonished to see the baby staring back at her. He was so little but he didn’t seem afraid.

  “What’s his name?”

  “Mohe. And this is Ama and Salali.”

  Sorcha smiled at the little girls but they just gazed back at her.

  “I am sorry. They are very, how you say it, shy. They no see white woman before.”

  “I haven’t met an Indian before.” Sorcha laughed softly before looking at Nandita. “Your face looks very sore. My granny always told me to cut a potato in half and rub it over a bruise. Would you like to do that?”

  Nandita touched the side of her face gingerly. “Tomorrow I will collect some herbs. For now, I will try the potato. What is granny?”

  Sorcha tried but couldn’t stop the giggle. “My granny was my mother’s mother. She came from Cork in Ireland. To be honest, I think the potato was used to cure everything, not just bruises. I don’t know how much help it will be but it won’t hurt. I can make you some willow bark tea if you are in a lot of pain.”

  Tears filled the Indian’s eyes. She looked away, obviously trying to compose herself. A few seconds passed. Sorcha wished she could think of something to say to make the girl feel better.

  “You are very kind to feed us like this. I sorry we took shelter in your barn. I didn’t… I mean, I wasn’t sure where to go. We will leave tomorrow.”

  “Please don’t leave. Stay a few days until you recover. My husband is away. It is only the girls and me. It gets lonely out here. You need to rest. Please.”

  Nandita stared back at Sorcha. She thought she was going to say no but eventually the girl shrugged. “We will stay for one more day then we must leave. I have to find other members of my tribe.”

  Sorcha didn’t want to ask about her husband. Was he the one who had bruised her face?

  Once everyone had eaten, the children started yawning. “You are welcome to sleep here in front of the fire if you wish?”

  Nandita smiled. “Thank you. But what about your daughters? Will they not be frightened?”

  Sorcha hadn’t considered that. “Jenny is a sensible girl. She will understand. I am usually up before them so I don’t think it will be an issue.”

  The Indians had turned in for the evening and Sorcha returned to her bedroom. She pulled the covers back up on Meggie, who had crawled into her bed the first night Brian left for Denver. She refused to sleep alone since. Sorcha turned down the light and slipped into bed. Shivering slightly, she said a silent prayer to keep everyone safe.

  Chapter 41

  The next morning Sorcha was surprised to find Nandita up and preparing breakfast.

  “I hope you don’t mind. You were so kind to us last night.”

  “But you are my guest. You should be taking it easy.”

  Nandita smiled back. “I slept in front of a warm fire with a full belly. I am taking it… easy.” Nandita stumbled over the English words but she was catching on quickly.

  They smiled at each other before Jenny’s gasp interrupted them. Sorcha moved toward her step daughter, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I asked Nandita and her family to take shelter with us.”

  “Your face looks very sore.” Jenny said staring. “Sorcha knows ways to make it better. She’s very good at doctoring, aren’t you?”

  Sorcha couldn’t help smiling at her step daughter’s praise. She hugged the girl before setting the table. They had a very enjoyable breakfast, teaching the Indian family how the white people ate. Some time later, Sorcha spotted a young Indian boy standing on the rise staring down at the house. She called Nandita. “I think someone is looking for you? Do I need to go get Brian’s shotgun?”

  Nandita shielded her eyes as she looked in the direction Sorcha had pointed. “It is Little Beaver. He is the son of my husband’s first wife. He means me, us, no harm.”

  “But his father…”

  “He hates his father too. Sleeping Bear doesn’t believe he has what it takes to be a real brave.”

  “He’s only a child. I do not like your husband.” Sorcha said, so vehemently Nandita laughed out loud.

  “Sorry but you should see your face. It is all screwed up like an animal who ate a sour berry.”

  Nandita beckoned to Little Beaver to come closer. She spoke to him in her own language. Sorcha didn’t understand one word but it was obvious Little Beaver wasn’t happy. He kept making hand gestures. Nandita frowned.

  “What is it? The boy seems upset.”

  “He says Sleeping Bear is still ill and it is time for us to run away. He thinks we can reach safety before his father recovers to ride after us.”

  “So why don’t you go? Do you not think he is right?” Sorcha’s stomach clenched with worry. Not just for her friend but for the little girls she looked on as her own. She didn’t want an angry Indian brave putting their lives at risk.

  “I cannot move quickly, the little ones slow me down. I must rest for a day or so to recover my strength. Then we will find shelter with the nearest tribe.”

  Nandita spoke to Little Beaver again. Judging by her sharp tone and his sullen face, they didn’t agree on the plan of action. Nandita turned to Sorcha. “Can we stay one more day and night?”

  “Yes, of course. We will make some food for you to take with you. The tribe might be more accommodating if you bring them some cakes.”

  Nandita grinned. She said something to the boy and he smiled too. “Many Indians have sweet tooth. This is a good idea.”

  “Works with white men too.” Sometimes. Sorcha wished it was that easy to find the way to Brian’s heart.

  It was such a lovely day, they raced through their chores and took a picnic outside. Meggie played with the two young girls while Mohe gurgled in his mother’s arms. Little Beaver and Jenny chatted some distance away.

  “Pa saw a light and it wasn’t a candle.” Jenny gave Little Beaver a dirty look. His face remained impassive. “He said it was electricity. It was in Denver.” Jenny pointed at Sorcha. “Shortly before she came here.”

  Nandita looked at Sorcha but now wasn’t the time to answer the questions the brown eyes held. She corrected Jenny’s behavior. “Jenny, don’t be rude to our guests please.”

  “Little Beaver didn’t believe me. He thought I was lying.”

  “I did not say you speak with forked tongue. I said I have not heard of this thing you call a light. It is like a fire but inside a glass.”

  Jenny nodded. “You have oil lamps right?”

  “What are oil lamps?” The boy stumbled over the foreign word.

  “Don’t boys know anything?”

  Sorcha exchanged a look of amusement with Nandita. “Jenny, why don’t you take Little Beaver into the house and show him the oil lamps? I don’t know what Indians use for light after it falls dark. Perhaps he has never seen a lamp before.”

  Jenny stood but the look she gave Little Beaver said it all. Sorcha had to turn her face away so the boy wouldn’t see her amusement. She didn’t want him to think he was being made fun of.

  “I am sorry, Nandita. Jenny is quite straight speaking at times.”

  “She does not like you coming to live here?”

  Sorcha pulled at the threads in her skirt. “No, she thinks I want to take her Ma’s place. I don’t know if she will ever accept me.”

  “It is the same in our tribe when the man takes a second wife. Often there is jealousy. Little Beaver was not happy when I took his mother’s place but she wasn’t dead. Not then.” Nandita looked down taking a few seconds to compose herself. “But now we are good friends. It will
be the same for you with time and kindness. She has sad eyes. She needs you.”

  Sorcha hoped the girl was right but every time she thought she had made some progress with Jenny, something happened to disillusion her. Like the day she took the curtains down to wash them. Jenny had accused her of ripping all traces of Abby from the house. If only it was as easy as stripping down curtains. But the woman was everywhere. The children weren’t the only constant reminders of her presence. There was also the distance between herself and Brian. He was her husband but in name only.

  Chapter 42

  The next few days passed quickly. Every day, Nandita said she would leave but Sorcha begged her to stay. She enjoyed her company and hated the thought of being alone with the girls at the homestead.

  The children ran squealing as she chased them around the yard. They giggled and screamed for mercy when she caught and tickled them. They all laughed so much, most of them ended up crying. Sorcha saw tears of laughter on Nandita’s face too.

  “They are so innocent. Why do children like this grow up to become people who hate? “

  “I don’t know.” Sorcha shrugged. “Maybe it’s because we keep them apart. Back in Ireland, the Protestant and Catholic children are not allowed to play together. You can’t learn about someone else’s way of doing things if you never spend time together. You grow up frightened and fear drives people to do horrible things.”

  “I long for the day my people can wander the land free again. The buffalo will be many and our tribe will be happy.”

  “Do you think that day will ever happen?”

  “I don’t know. I hope so. “

  “Let’s not think about that now. I’m starving and I guess the kids are too. Why don’t we take our picnic over under that big tree over there? It will give shade to the younger ones.”

  The children followed them still laughing. They helped the adults set out the food. Peace reigned as everyone ate their fill. Sorcha’s heart melted at the little brown faces whose eyes popped out of their head. They grabbed for whatever foods took their fancy. Jenny and Meggie stared at them for a few minutes before following their example.

  “Don’t you get enough to eat?”

  Nandita shook her head. “Our men used to hunt but since the railroad and the white man came, it is different. The buffalo have left. We still gather fruit and berries but it is more difficult to find meat. The children are hungry. The adults too, but it is harder on the young.”

  “You are never going hungry again.” Sorcha was determined her new friend would be better off. “As long as we have food, you are welcome to share.”

  “But your husband, he is coming. He may not like this.” Nandita said.

  Sorcha looked where Nandita had pointed. Brian was back. Her stomach heaved but she tried to keep her voice calm. “Leave him to me. He is a kind man.” Well, sometimes and only to his animals. But Sorcha wasn’t going to dwell on that now. She tried to walk toward Brian but her feet refused to move. Instead she waited for him, rubbing her sweaty palms down the side of her dress.

  “What are you doing? With them?”

  “Having a picnic.” Sorcha tried but failed to stop her voice shaking. Anger radiated from him, his face stony, his large fists clenched at his sides. Glancing at Nandita, she found a reflection of her own fear. The children had stopped playing. Everyone was looking at Brian.

  “You know what I mean, Sorcha. I told you my children were not to be around savages.”

  Sorcha jumped to her feet. “They aren’t. Nandita is my friend and these are her beautiful children. Jenny and Meggie are happy, for once. Can’t you see that?” Please don’t make a scene. Don’t ruin it for everyone.

  Brian addressed Nandita. “Get off my land. My wife had no business inviting your kind here. Leave now.”

  “Or what?” Sorcha stood in front of her husband, hands on hips. Her heart was beating wildly. Just how far would he go?

  “Don’t push me, Sorcha. If they don’t leave now, I won’t be responsible for what happens next.”

  Nandita’s sharp intake of breath was like a red rag to Sorcha. “So you would turn your gun on a woman and her children? What sort of man are you? Your parents must be very proud.” As soon as she spat out the word, she regretted them. The pain in his eyes was evident to see. He seemed to deflate right in front of her.

  “Finish your picnic, then leave. Do not come back. Sorcha, take my children home.”

  “But…”

  “Now Sorcha.”

  He stalked off before she could say anything else. She stared after him willing him to change his mind but he didn’t. Aware of the silence behind her, she turned around to find the children huddled together. Tears streaming down the little ones faces. The older ones looked just as terrified. Going toward them, she held her arms out and gathered them into a hug.

  “Please don’t be scared. You are safe here.” But were they? Her husband hated Indians. She hadn’t known that. Well, it was hardly something to come up in everyday conversation. But he wouldn’t harm a child, would he? She sent the children away to play and began helping Nandita pack up.

  “I am so sorry. I promised you shelter. I didn’t know he would react this way.”

  “It is not your fault. Your man is in pain. His eyes have deep shadows.”

  “Never mind him. What will you do?”

  “We will return to my people. It is time. Thank you for your kindness. You are a true friend to Nandita and her little ones.”

  Chapter 43

  Sorcha, Jenny and Meggie stood waving as they watched the little group walk away over the prairie. “Why did they have to go? I hate Pa.”

  “Don’t speak about your Pa like that, Jenny. He has his reasons.”

  “They were my friends. Now I am left to play with Meggie again. It’s not fair.”

  “I will talk to your Pa, Jenny. But don’t say anything to him now. You will only make it worse.”

  Together, they walked slowly back to the house. There was no sign of Brian.

  Later that evening, when the girls were in bed, Sorcha headed to the barn. Brian hadn’t come in for dinner and was obviously avoiding her. Bracing herself, she opened the barn door. She knew he had heard her but he didn’t stop grooming his horse. How can a man so kind to animals be so horrible to people?

  “Brian… I am sorry, I…”

  “Go to bed.”

  “No. I want to know why you behaved like you did.”

  “Why? What came over you to bring those, those…? “

  “People?”

  “Sorcha, they aren’t people. Do you not know what they do to the whites?

  “Those children and Nandita have done nothing to anyone. They are the victims. They are dying from starvation and disease.”

  “They brought it on themselves. They should have moved west like they agreed.”

  “How dare you speak about people as if they were cattle? Why should anyone give up their homes just to accommodate strangers coming into their land? Look what that did to Ireland.”

  “This isn’t Ireland, Sorcha. It’s not the same.”

  “It’s exactly the same. The Indians lived here first and then people like us came and set up homes without even asking. We killed their source of food, we brought in the illnesses they have never seen before and then, when they try to protect what is theirs, we kill them.”

  “It’s never that simple!”

  Sorcha stepped back, the anger in his face frightening her as much as it had the children earlier.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to shout. But life is not black and white, Sorcha. I do not want those Indians on my land again.”

  “I thought this was my home too.”

  “It is.”

  “No, it isn’t. If it was, then I would be free to bring home my friends and have a picnic. That is all we were doing today. Having fun. You should try it sometime.” Sorcha swallowed hard. She wasn’t going to let him see her cry. She had some pride. “I best get back to m
y chores before you kick me off your land too.”

  “Sorcha, wait. You’re being childish.”

  She stormed back to the house, banging the door behind her. Of all the mule-headed, inconsiderate men she had ever met, how had she fallen in love with the biggest one of all?

  Love? She didn’t love him. She hated him. If it weren’t for Jenny and Meggie, she would leave tomorrow. But where would you go? Nobody wants a love child.

  Sorcha flung herself on the bed, sobbing. If only there was someone who would listen to her. Her sister. If she could find her, they could be a real family. But where would she start looking? It was hopeless. She could no more leave Jenny and Meggie now, than she could go work for Mr. Shepherd. This was the life she choose. There was no going back now.

  Chapter 44

  The door banging echoed across the yard. Stroking the horse, the tears fell unheeded down his face. He hated the fear in her eyes when she had looked at him. Did she think he was a monster?

  Well, he was, wasn’t he? The son of one anyway. Didn’t the good book say the sins of the fathers followed through? Maybe that’s why God had taken Ethan and Abby – to punish him.

  He opened his eyes trying to dispel the image he had come across earlier. Why had he gone to investigate the laughter? He wanted to be part of it. That hope had died as soon as he came over the top of the hill and saw the scene below him. The nut brown bodies running around his children had frozen his heart. What were they doing? He had started running, yelling for them to leave his kids alone before he realized they had just been playing. It was so innocent yet it wasn’t. Despite what Sorcha had said, those kids would one day be full of hatred. So bad they would give their right hand to kill his family.

  They were full of hatred? What was he? He had threatened a bunch of youngsters and their mother who stood half his size. Was she even their mother? She looked younger than Sorcha. She had stared back at him, her eyes not reflecting his hatred but full of pity and something else.