They found the horses, rounded them up, pulled in the stragglers and headed down. They kept a steady pace. Elizabeth felt she’d never rode so hard, cutting in and out of the herd. Bringing them together in the right direction.
They were half way down when the rain started. Slowly at first, fine as it often was, getting heavier the longer it remained.
The Indians didn’t use wet clothes and Elizabeth decided not to stop to put hers on. She noticed Carl didn’t bother either. By the time they’d got the horses back to the meeting point, everything and everyone was soaked to the skin.
Elizabeth rode in she was a sight. Red Wolf was waiting for her. Elizabeth indicated to the men to take the horses over. Carl came to her and didn’t hide his concern.
“Mam, you’ll excuse me for saying, but you need to get out of those clothes and fast.”
“Thank you. I’m fine Carl, we need to get this job done.” Just as she said it Elizabeth made a fundamental mistake. She was colder than she thought. Her hands struggled to hold them. Lightning struck in the hills. Her pony became skittish. Carl put out his hand and held her steady.
“Hoo there. The jobs over mam, the men can push the herds down.” At that moment Red Wolf who’d been watching the exchange, came up, he looked tired and strained and was clearly in some pain.
“Esa, I’m joining the herds and sending them down now with Black Dog, the fencing is done, we’re going home.”
“She needs to rest.” Carl told him. Red Wolf stared at him. “And she’s wet through, she needs to dry off.” Carl told him undeterred.
Red Wolf looked at Elizabeth and registered her condition. “Your job is the herds. Not my woman,” he told him. Pulling her reins over to his mount. Carl wasn’t sure he’d heard right, it didn’t sound much like a sisterly thing. But he nodded and rode over to the other hands and started to muster.
“That was rude and uncalled for.” Elizabeth complained to him suddenly struggling to remain in her seat. Red Wolf gave instructions to the hands and decided to ride on with Elizabeth. They would make it in half the time and she did look exhausted. But before going, he rode them over to the side of an enclave.
Stopping by some sheltered rocks and with some difficulty got down off his horse.
“Get down, take your clothes off and put on these.” he told her. Elizabeth just stared at him.
“Take them off?” she squeaked looking around him.
“Yes.” Red Wolf got a blanket, holding it out. Elizabeth got down. He put it around her and turned away. Elizabeth removed all her outer clothing and asked for the others.
“No, take it all off or there’s no point, I cannot warm you here in the open, this is all we’ve got.” He told her.
“I can’t. It wouldn’t be right.” Red Wolf gritted his teeth.
“Esa, this is your doing, now take them off or I’ll do it for you.” He was clearly angry and meant every word.
Elizabeth was embarrassed. She knew this country. Knew how the weather could be and she’d ignored it and placed herself in this position. She removed the remaining clothes from inside the blanket. Red Wolf passed her the fresh ones. She put them on. He rubbed warmth into her skin. Then removed the blanket and passed her the wet weather clothes and helped her put those on too.
Taking her head in his hands he held her. “Don’t ever ride in the rain without it again. It can kill you. You know that.” She nodded. “Now let’s get back.”
He helped her re-mount, covered her in two blankets and in some pain remounted himself and they rode for the ranch house.
By the time they arrived, Elizabeth was cold, very cold. Red Wolf helped her down and into the house. She was shuddering. White Dove was sent to run a bath and blankets came from the store. Red Wolf took off the blankets and wet clothing. It had saved her a second drenching and rubbed Elizabeth warm with the dry towels. She stood in front of the roaring fire. Red Wolf handing her a slog of brandy. Grasping it with both hands, she shakily dank it.
Once White Dove called to say the bath was ready. Red Wolf helped her into the bathroom. He started to remove her clothes. Elizabeth knew she should protest. But she was past caring. White Dove entered the bathroom, just in time. Spoke to Red Wolf and took over.
Elizabeth descended into the hot water and stayed there. The staff changed the water keeping it hot. They even fed her soup in there. By the time she was desperate to get out, the herds were in as were the horses and the hands were back. Her temperature was good and White Dove agreed she could leave it and get dressed. As she was coming out the bathroom door, Elizabeth heard Carl at the front door, he was talking to Ben.
“I was just concerned sir, she was worn out and about done, I hope I didn’t over step the mark.”
“That kind of over stepping is just fine Carl, I appreciate that kind of thinking.” Ben offered his hand and Carl took it. Carl turned to walk to the bunk house. Ben had second thoughts. “Carl join us for dinner.”
Carl turned. “Thank you sir. I’d like that.”
“Good it’s at 7”.
Elizabeth thought it was nice that Ben had asked Carl to dinner. Not many were coming tonight which was good, it had been a hard day. Elizabeth hauled herself up the stairs and fell into her bed. She must have fallen asleep. White Dove woke her.
“Dinner, do you want to come down?”
“Thank you, yes I’m starving.”
“Good” White Dove said. “Hurry.” She left her and Elizabeth changed her clothes, brushed her hair and came down.
Realising she was late, she made a quick entrance. Ben, Carl and neighbours Mr. and Mrs. McKenna were already seated. As were Jeb and his sisters. Elizabeth made a beeline for the girls. Pleasantries were exchanged, she was genuinely glad to see them. And she took time to talk to Jeb about his stock.
The gesture was not lost on Red Wolf who came in the front door at the same time and sat straight down. Several old hands came with him. Elizabeth acknowledged Carl and Jeb standing for her and smiled.
“Please sit gentleman we don’t do that here.”
She walked over to Ben and kissed him. “Good evening everyone,” she called out taking her seat. A chorus of good evenings followed. Elizabeth indicated that Carl should sit again, and Red Wolf gave an impatient stare.
Carl sat opposite her. Red Wolf had his usual seat at the end of the table. Dinner was light and fun. Elizabeth had plenty to say and was enjoying herself catching up with her neighbours and old friends. The conversation came around to the round of the last couple of days. Elizabeth felt she should leave the conversation to the men and choose to say nothing. She was a little embarrassed about the way she’d came back.
“If you don’t mind me saying sir, Ms. Elizabeth worked real hard today. It’s a lot for a lady.” Carl said.
Ben was about to answer when Red Wolf beat him to it. “It’s our land. She’ll need to do a lot to keep it!”
Ben gave him a hard look. “We all will.” Ben added to the whole table. “This life is hard, and Elizabeth has a large heritage to keep going, many people depend on it and it was her parents wish that she knows every stick and every blade of grass. In the end, she will need to know first-hand what it takes to run the Double T.”
“And both my fathers would expect nothing less.” Elizabeth added joining in. “More importantly, I want to know, so that’s settled.”
Ben laughed. “And no more ignoring the weather,” she told them.
“Rightly so.” He told her.
They naturally moved to the parlour after dinner. Men smoked on the veranda and came in for brandy or whisky. Elizabeth could see Red Wolf was eager to go. He’d been edging the conversations for some time and stood hesitantly by the doorway. He spoke to Ben and Elizabeth moved over to join them. Outlining the plans for tomorrow. It was agreed that Elizabeth would ride over the North ridge and check out the watering holes.
Red Wolf would be going back to the village tonight to see his father. Ben decided to let Elizabeth give out
the mornings orders and helped her to format them.
Carl had been watching the family work together. Then Red Wolf took his leave. Elizabeth touched his arm as he turned to go, what passed between them could not be heard.
Carl took a walk outside. It was a lovely evening. Red Wolf walked right passed him shortly followed by Elizabeth. She stared after him for some time. Eventually she turned and noticed that Carl was sitting behind her.
“Nice evening.” Carl said.
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, it is isn’t it.”.
Elizabeth walked over and sat next to him. Carl pointed in Red Wolf direction.
“He doesn’t look too happy.”
“No.” She sighed. “He’s not.”
“I don’t think I helped in there. Sorry if I put my foot in it.” Carl said.
She shook her head. “You didn’t. I shouldn’t worry about that, he wasn’t going to be happy no matter what.” Elizabeth replied with a sigh.
“Want to talk about it?” Carl asked.
Elizabeth laughed. “I don’t think that will help and its far too complicated to even get into, but thank you, good night Carl.” Elizabeth got up to go inside.
“You know the thing about love, is that the heart wants, what the heart wants Elizabeth, you cannot change that.”
He’d never used her first name before and he wasn’t sure why he used it now, but he liked the sound of her name on his lips very much.
“And I’m not sure I’d want to.” Was all he heard her say, as she climbed the stairs back into the house. Carls heart sunk.
Red Wolf was angry. He’d checked the horses twice, trying to calm down. ‘Can’t she see?’ he thought. ‘She’s a target for every roving man for miles, they would all love to have the Double T, she had to be careful who she let in.’ He’d tried telling her, but it came out wrong and she’d got annoyed too. He was jealous, he knew that and couldn’t help himself. Elizabeth had said as much, and he’d acted stupid and stormed off. Things were getting out of control he told himself. He felt out of control. His side a reminder of what could happen to her. He would have to talk to Elizabeth. Now, before it’s too late.
Red Wolf came back passed Carl without an acknowledgement and went inside. Carl knew there was no point in saying anything. It wasn’t his place.
Red Wolf ran up the stairs into the house. Entered and charged the stairs two at a time and entered Elizabeth’s room. Elizabeth was sitting at her desk. She turned as he came in and stood to face him.
“I can’t help what upsets you. I acted stupid today and I’m sorry.” she said calmly and quietly.
Red Wolf’s anger evaporated. She spoke on. “This is the life we have. I cannot change that either. You’ve said you do not want me to leave and I don’t want to go. Then we must decide and now. How we can make this work?”
Red Wolf walked towards her.
“I can’t do this Esa. Being around you is too difficult. Being with you but not, worse. I worry about what might happen. What might befall you. It affects my job, my life, my responsibilities. I’ll leave the ranch and go back to the village. Ben can manage without me it will be summer soon. I’ll come back for the Harvest and we can see what happens then.” He told her knowing deep down, that he hoped she would reject his offer and tell him to stay.
Elizabeth smiled and looked at him, “You say you can’t do without me, but you are going to leave me anyway,” she spoke sadly.
Red Wolf folded her in his embrace. Resting her head on his chest. He traced the line of her cheek with his fingertips. “If you ask me to stay I will. If I stay, this, as it is now, would never be enough Elizabeth. I want it all.” Both stood there knowing to give way would undo all their good intentions.
“The summers a long time,” she whispered holding him tightly to her. Red Wolf smiled. “I will always be with you.” He whispered. “This land is as much mine, as it is yours, no journey you take, will be without my knowledge or protection.” He reassured her.
Dropping his hands, he moved back and waited for her to let him go. Then he backed away towards her door.
“I’ll speak to Ben tonight and say that I am returning to the village and that I will be staying there for a while.” Without knowing it, Elizabeth was silently crying.
“Don’t leave me. Not like this.” She whispered to him. Red Wolf stood in the doorway with his back to her. He fought not to go to her or say the words his heart demanded. He dare not turn around. He would declare his love for her and make promises, neither of them could keep. They had no agreement or their family’s permission.
“Never. I will always be with you.” He told her emotionally and closed the door behind him. Elizabeth burst into tears. She could not control them. What was wrong with her? She barely knew him! And still the tears came. She felt empty, lost. In the morning she knew he would be long gone and he would not be coming back.
***
The days that followed, took on a pattern of their own. Elizabeth withdrew. Became a robot. She would rise before dawn. Eat a little. Take her orders from Ben and move out with her men. The days were long and hard. Over the next 4 weeks into summer, Elizabeth spent more time in Black Dog and Carls company, than she did with Ben and White Dove. The herds needed grazing land and had to be on the constant move.
Elizabeth went through the motions. The joy in being home diminished. She lost weight, her body changed with the physical demands of the work she put herself through. She became more defined. Lost the puppy fat she’d been carrying, and the sun tanned her skin.
She no longer made small talk. Laughed with gayety or showed much interest in anything. She lost much of her light and free spirit. Now, she was all business. Carl felt the change as did them all. It had been commented on by more than a few hands, that it coincided with Red Wolf leaving. To those who did not understand as Carl did, it seemed like a minor family rift.
CHAPTER FIVE
Summer
1879
Carl started a system of his own. He would rise before the others. Check the horses. Seek out Ben and check the day’s work. He would confirm that he would ride with Elizabeth and Ben would ask that he kept his eye on her. Carl was always happy to oblige.
He would help pack the horses for the day or the days they were out. Including Elizabeth’s. By the time she came down as dawn was on the horizon. Carl was sitting ready for the day ahead. Elizabeth barely noticed. She expected things to be ready for her and they were. She didn’t speak to anyone. Just carried water and some biscuits with her, from a saddle bag left on the dining table and walked to her horse. The only real communication she had these days was with Patches and signing with the men.
The weeks rolled past. Summer came early that year just as calving ended. Ben kept the working groups as they had been in the Spring. Carl remained with Elizabeth and her braves and they worked herding the steers and cows down for branding. Cook outs were the order of the day, as it was impossible to cover such ground and return to the ranch each night. Elizabeth and Carl got into a routine of securing a base camp and spending several days out at a time.
The braves would hunt along with the day. Carl would cook and try to show Elizabeth. Much to her amusement and that of the braves, they knew Elizabeth could not cook, she had no interest in it and had been poor at it as a child. And as time worn on, Elizabeth eventually, unknowingly, found herself becoming comfortable in Carls quiet company.
He often knew what she was thinking before it was said, and if he disagreed with her, he said so and she came to listen to him. Black Dog had also come to respect Carl. He would give orders and they took them without question. If they had a problem, they would discuss it with him. Elizabeth would always return home from such a trip, feeling that even if her life were in turmoil, at least it was a job she did well.
***
It had been 4 long, hard months since Red Wolf had left her. The only break from the routine was the occasional trip to town or Vera’s visits with her new acquisitions. Eliz
abeth enjoyed her company and they became firm friends.
This particular morning Elizabeth had risen early. She no longer slept well since Red Wolf had left her. Images from her dreams disturbed her. There was nothing she could put her finger on, but it continued to prevent her from sleeping well. Elizabeth tossed restlessly. Finally giving up. Well before dawn. She dressed and headed down stairs.
As she did so, she spoke to Anna and the house staff just arriving for breakfast preparations and went outside. Elizabeth found a spot on the porch swing and sat in darkness. The sun would be up soon.
Elizabeth felt herself wake up with the new day. The sunrise beautiful and majestic. She felt lighter. Freer. Gazing around the yard. Elizabeth noticed men walking around by lamplight. She noticed Carl, across the yard, surprised to see him up so early. Tending the horses and going about his business.
She watched him realising he had a commanding manner about him. He gave orders to a couple of the ranch staff. Who did as he asked without question. It did not escape her notice that Ben spoke to him often and listened to what he had to say, or that Carl saw to her pony himself and spoke to Black Dog who responded in a mutually respected way. Elizabeth frowned. Why was he seeing to her pony?
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