“Th-thank you.” Her eyes moistened. God was with her and had given her a path to follow.
“Well since you’re family…” Zander stood and then bent to scoop her up. “I think it’s fine if I carry you—or Heath or Declan. We’re trying to survive out here, not put on a society party.”
Declan laughed. “Society party?”
“You know all those rules bowing and kissing a lady’s hands and standing up when a lady stands.”
“You mean the rules of society. Those are rules of people in England. I think the manners your poor mother had to beat into your head will be just fine here.” Declan’s smile widened.
“My mother was a saint. We will have no more talk about the sainted woman. Come along Luella.”
She couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of her. “I go where you go. You’re carrying me.”
Zander didn’t say a word he just started off to the wagon. “Heath and I will be around just as much as Declan so no one can say you’re acting improper with Declan.”
“Just all three of you?”
“You don’t have to look for flaws in my plans. They tend to come out on their own.” He nodded to Sally and Rod Waverly. “Don’t smile or laugh or talk. People will talk.”
“Am I allowed to breathe?”
“If you’d be quiet, you wouldn’t need to breathe as often.” His boyish grin was too much, and she laughed loud and hard. She laughed even harder at his grumbling as he set her in the wagon.
“Cora will be here to do anything you need. We wouldn’t want to tarnish my reputation any.” He yelled it, and she expected the whole party heard him.
She’d never thought to use humor to dispel rumors.
Chapter Three
Every day must seem like the one before to Luella. Sitting inside the wagon, riding the rutted and bumpy trail, nothing to do but read his Bible or stare at the land they passed. Declan wished there was something he could do for her or with her to brighten her day. She was healing nicely, and she hoped to walk by the time they got to Fort Laramie.
Sally Waverly, Emily Swatt, Sue Bandor and Cora sewed Luella a dress in record time. It was an ugly gray dress with black buttons all down the front. Frankly, he hated it but it was practical he supposed.
He tried to avoid the bumps, but it was a useless job; many trains had passed before them, and the ruts were all over the road. She was cheerful and never complained, though. She had stopped asking about her family over a week ago. He often saw her gazing at her brothers with sadness in her eyes, but they never seemed to notice. Many people had talked to her father to no avail. He refused to listen to anyone including the captain and the preacher.
If anyone had asked him, he would have told them that her father was a fool. Luella was delightful and smart. Declan enjoyed their conversations. It was as though she could never express her opinion before, and knowing her father, it was probably forbidden. She had been quiet at first but after learning what she had to say mattered, she kept talking.
It was a bit like watching a flower bloom. She had him entranced, but he stepped away often. He needed to honor Alana’s memory. He saw the questions in her eyes when he withdrew but he didn’t want to talk about it.
“I’m going to walk today,” she shouted from inside the wagon.
“It’s probably not a good idea.”
“Declan, I know you mean well, but my health and soundness has nothing to do with you. I’ve offered my friendship, and you’ve spurned it many times. My feelings can’t take much more so I’ll let you be.”
He didn’t know what to say, so he said nothing. He didn’t blame her, yet he would give anything if he could make her his own. It just wasn’t possible. But he couldn’t stay away either. Being near her was like basking in the most illuminating glow. Walking away was like walking into a dark chasm. Zander teased him about it, while Heath fretted over it.
Truth was, he had nothing to offer her. He didn’t even own a wagon. He was just a poor Irishman trying to make a new life for himself. What did his future hold? He and Zander and Heath planned to get land and build a ranch. If that didn’t work out, they knew how to farm too. Or maybe they would end up doing both. This land was certainly different from Ireland, and once they claimed their free land, they wouldn’t have rents to pay. No one would throw their things out into the road and burn down their homes. There were those in the world with no mercy. Some English landholders had learned that more money could be paid if they raised cattle on the land instead of having tenants. Too often the landholders had waited until there was no food or money to be had before turning their tenants out. He relaxed his hands that had balled into fists as he thought about all the injustice. God would deal with them and their greed. Of that Declan was certain. He shuddered, remembering people crying out to God before they dropped dead while building government funded roads. They were skeletons paid a mere pittance, not nearly enough for them to afford to feed their families.
No, it would be too disloyal to Alana to keep basking in Luella’s glow.
The wagons ahead began circling for the night, and he followed them into the formation. Tomorrow around midday they were supposed to be at Fort Laramie. Maybe they’d get an extra day to rest. He could always spend time with Harrison’s horses.
Declan put on the brake and wrapped the lines around it. He went to the back and Luella already had the tailgate down. He went to swing her up in his arms but she stepped back.
“You’ll set me on my feet?”
He wasn’t happy about it, but he nodded. Carefully, he lifted and set her down right in front of him. He wanted to groan at the way she looked up at him. It was as if she was inviting him to kiss her. He could see she cared for him. Moving back, he held out his hands for her to take. Then he retreated another step and watched her take a step forward. The happiness on her face was too much. He ground his teeth. It was all too much.
“Heath, would you mind stepping in for me? I have something I need to take care of.”
Heath took Luella’s hands. “You’re doing really well.”
Declan kept walking until he found a spot to be alone. How was he going to make it to Oregon without going mad? Maybe now that she could walk, her parents would want her back. But he shook his head. He didn’t want that for her. He wanted her to be safe and happy. It just could never happen with him. Maybe he just needed time and distance from her.
* * *
That was the last time she would allow him to hurt her. She had her pride, and she should have given up weeks ago. The problem was she loved him. He felt a connection to her she knew he did. Her heart ached worse now than it had when her parents rejected her. Her future didn’t worry her any longer, now that the Walshes had said she was welcome to live with them. But what about Declan? Would she ever learn to not love him? There wasn’t anything she could do about it, but that didn’t stop her heart from speeding up whenever he was near, didn’t stop that fluttering in her stomach when he glanced her way.
“Look at you walking!” Cora exclaimed. “That’s wonderful.”
Luella gave her a ghost of a smile. “Thank you.”
Heath shuffled his feet. “I’d best see to the oxen.” And with that, he settled Luella’s hands on the wagon so she could steady herself and then walked off.
Cora waited until it was just the two of them and Essie before she spoke again. “What’s wrong? You look as though you’ve just lost your best friend.”
“An interesting way to put it.”
Cora covered her mouth with her hand. “It’s Declan, isn’t it?”
Luella stared at the ground in silence.
“I’m so sorry,” murmured Cora.
The realization that Cora had noticed her feelings for Declan was disturbing, and Luella started to feel unsteady so she sat on a crate Heath had set beside the wagon. “I know there have been times when he’s avoided me, but I figured we’d be together in the end.”
“It’s not the end yet.”
“He’s walked away from me for the last time. My heart can’t take much more. Why couldn’t I have fallen for Heath or Zander?” She didn’t wait for Cora to answer before she shook her head. “I’ll be fine. It’s just going to take some time, I suppose.”
“We’re having a dance tomorrow night at the fort. A change will do you good.”
“Yes, I think it will.” She smiled for Cora’s sake. But that smile faded as the night went on. Declan didn’t have dinner with them. Zander told her Declan volunteered for double guard duty. As soon as she helped with the dishes she, begged off, declaring she was exhausted.
Heath walked her to the wagon and helped her in.
“He’s a fool, you know,” Heath said.
“I know, and so am I.” Did everyone know? Her throat went dry as sand. “Good night.”
Sleep didn’t come easy. A little while into the night, she heard someone outside the wagon. She thought it was Zander waking Heath up for guard duty until a shot rang out.
She wanted to run, but she stayed still and listened.
Sounds of a scuffle reached her, and then Heath yelled, “I got him. See if he brought any friends.”
“Where is Luella? Where is she?” It was Declan.
“Look in the wagon. She’s fine, I expect.”
“You expect?” Declan opened the canvas in the back and jumped right into the wagon. He looked like a mighty warrior frantically glancing around.
“I’m here.” She crawled out behind a trunk. “What happened? Was anyone hurt?”
Declan took her into his arms and held her tight. He didn’t say anything for a while. Then he let go and sat back. “Heath got him. The tracks lead right to the back of the wagon.”
“Him who?”
“An Indian. Maybe he’s the one that’s been watching us. I’ve felt it more than a few times, a tingling on the back of my neck. I knew someone was watching the group. Stay here while we look around.” He climbed out.
Harrison stood at the end. “Wrap that quilt around you. You’re staying in the wagon with Cora and Essie for the rest of the night.”
She wrapped herself and before she knew it she was being carried by Harrison. What would the gossips have to say about this?
“I got her. You ladies stay put so I know you’re safe.”
“We will,” Cora assured him.
Luella climbed into the back.
“Was it scary?” asked Cora
Luella shook her head. “I didn’t even know what was happening until they got him. Declan thinks the Indian has been following the train for a while?”
“He mentioned it a time or two,” admitted Cora. “He told us to be careful because he was sure someone was watching the train. I didn’t think much of it. Those prints found were from people in our own party. I found an arrowhead but learned that Ash Hollow was once a place where Indians lived. Strange. How many were there?”
“Only the one and he was outside my wagon.”
“Oh, my. I’m glad we’ll be at the fort tomorrow,” Cora said as she shuddered.
“If they think they can sneak into camp and steal our women they are mistaken!” The women stared at each other when they heard the angry words.
“Steal?” A lightheaded sensation assaulted Luella as she felt the blood drain from her face. “I think I need to lie down.”
Cora moved over. “Here lie next to me. He must have seen you and took a liking to you. We’d best wait to find out the truth before we get ourselves too upset. I could come up with a couple dozen stories but none are probably what really happened.”
Luella tried to put it all out of her mind, though a chill rippled through her at the thought of an Indian taking a liking to her. She glanced over at Cora’s baby. “Essie is getting so big.”
Cora smiled proudly. “She sure is, and she’s got Harrison wrapped around her little finger. I’m blessed to have both Harrison and Nessie. Sometimes you think you’re headed one way and God opens another path and gives you a nudge in the right direction.”
“You’re happy.”
“Yes, I am.” Cora’s eyes lit. “I’ll tell you a secret. I think I’m carrying another baby. I haven’t told Harrison, so please don’t say anything. I want to be sure before he starts hovering over me and asking after my well-being at all times. But I felt like I was going to just burst if I didn’t tell anyone. I’m so glad we’re friends.”
“I’m so excited for you. There is such a sparkle in your eyes. I hope you are.”
“Me too.”
“Luella, get out here at once!” a man’s voice bellowed.
“That’s my father,” Luella whispered.
“Don’t make me come in there!” he shouted.
Cora went to the back of the wagon. “I have a sleeping baby in here. I insist you leave!”
Luella watched in horror as her father reached in and pulled Cora out of the wagon. Swallowing hard, she crawled to the back and climbed out. Her body was beginning to hurt from all the activity. “Leave Cora alone, Pa.”
Her father slapped her across the face. “That—that Indian said you invited him to come take you! How dare you endanger the rest of us with your foolish girlish ideas?”
Cora stepped forward, but Luella held up a hand to stop her.
“Cora, make sure Essie isn’t scared. I’ll be fine.”
Luella and Cora shared a look; they both knew it was anything but fine. Cora nodded and climbed back into the wagon.
“Where did you meet him? Start talking girl!” He raised his arm to slap her again.
Out of nowhere Declan appeared and grabbed her father’s arm. “We don’t hit women,” he said in a low warning voice.
“She’s mine, and I’ll do what I like. Until she weds, she belongs to me.” Her father’s smile bordered on evil.
Declan stood in front of her. “She is a free woman in a free land.”
“No, you’ve got that wrong,” her father corrected. “You are a free man in a free country. She is my daughter, which by law makes her mine. Now I suggest you get out of my way and let me have her.”
“So if she belongs to you, when she weds she belongs to her husband?”
Auggie Barnes puffed out his chest. “Yes, it’s finally getting through your thick Irish head.”
“Well, we’re getting married so you see you have no standing here.”
“Just the person I was looking for,” Captain London said, eyeing the two men. “Luella, after you are dressed I will require your presence.”
Harrison stepped up and swung her up into his arms. It happened so fast she screamed.
“Let’s get you to your wagon. You can get dressed and then answer the captain’s questions. I’ll wait outside to make sure you’re not disturbed.” He took long strides toward the wagon she’d been riding in. “You’re shaking,” he murmured.
“I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I know that, but the Indian says you asked him to be your husband so you could escape your family.”
“For heaven’s sake. Why would I do that?”
“You wouldn’t.” He deposited her inside the wagon. “Don’t take too long. People are getting anxious.”
She hurried and slipped into one of her two clean dresses, put her hair up, and picked up Declan’s Bible. She stood at the back of the wagon, shocked by the number of people standing there. Declan stepped forward and helped her down. He offered her his arm. She curled her arm through and held on to him. The sun was rising but today it didn’t give her much hope.
“You’ll be just fine,” he whispered.
She didn’t believe him so she said nothing.
They had set up a rather large tent next to the captain’s wagon. Declan escorted her to the entrance and opened the flap for her. Then he let her go.
Captain London sat on a crate that was higher than the crates her and the Indian were to sit on. The Scout, Simps, stood behind the Indian who had his hands tied behind him and his feet tied so he couldn’
t walk.
“Have a seat, Luella,” Captain London said. He waited until she was seated before he sat. The higher crate gave the illusion that he was more important.
There was another crate that sat empty.
“This is how this is going to work. I will tell you what the claims are, and then you both can call two witnesses if you have them.”
She stole a glance at the Indian. She half expected him to be bare-chested, but he was all dressed in buckskins. She didn’t see malice in his eyes.
“Does he understand us?” she asked.
“Yes,” the Indian answered for himself.
“Listen carefully. You, Luella, are charged with inviting this Indian to our camp so he could take you away. You promised to be his wife.” He tilted his head toward the Indian. “I charge him with sneaking into our camp with dangerous weapons.”
“My charges sound worse than his,” she objected.
“Name your first witness.”
“I go first?” Hopefully that would be in her favor. “Very well, Cora please.”
The captain asked Cora a few things but his last question had Luella paying close attention.
“Cora do you have any information about Luella’s plans for her future? Has she ever named a man she’d like to marry?”
“We, Harrison and I, have offered her a home with us. There is a young man she likes, but they are just getting to know each other.”
“Who is this man?”
Cora hesitated, her gaze darting toward Luella, almost in apology. “It’s Declan,” she answered.
“Thank you, Cora, you may leave and please don’t repeat what was said in here.”
Heat licked at Luella’s cheeks. Why would Cora tell the captain her private thoughts?
“Luella, I will call in Declan as your other witness.”
What type of proceeding was this? She waited in dread.
Declan walked through the flap. He didn’t even glance at her. He probably thought she had called on him to be her witness.
Luella’s Longing: Romance on the Oregon Trail Book Two Page 3
