Elizabeth smiled and stretched, she would see her father and Running Elk today and the village would get new provisions they relied on. It felt good to be renewing her father’s promises. Getting up quickly, she stored the beds away and climbed down from the wagon.
Carl was up and seeing to the horses. His bed roll already stowed away. Elizabeth was unsure where Red Wolf had spent the night and it only crossed her mind briefly as she helped prepare for the day. She went to relieve herself and wash up, then returned to White Dove making biscuits with the help of her kitchen staff and dishing up bacon and beans.
The smell was heavenly. As Elizabeth joined them, White Dove asked her to call the people in. Breakfast was ready. They fed the whole group in one sitting. A line of food was prepared and several of the house staff, including White Dove and Elizabeth helped serve. The men came first, followed by the children and then the women ate. Only Red Wolf and Carl broke with tradition. Carl ate when Elizabeth and White Dove did. Red Wolf ate after everyone else had been served, he sat alone.
Within an hour of breakfast, all was cleared and put away, the men took the stock for watering, the milk cows were milked and given to the children and women and the animals fed. By the time the stock returned. All were ready to continue their journey to the village.
Red Wolf had not spoken to her since the day before. He watched as she mounted her horse as before and wait for him. He rode up from the stock and stopped before her. His gaze hot as he took his fill of her. Her hair. Her clothes. The way she held herself. He would not wait any longer.
“Have you had enough time Esa?” he asked. Elizabeth looked back at him remembering two nights ago.
“Yes.” She told him without hesitation.
“It is time then.” And with determination in his soul, he turned and headed out, the rest including Carl, following them.
Before reaching the village, Elizabeth sort out Carl and explained that he must be with her as they entered the village. That he must address Dull Knife when confronted by him and offer him his returning daughter. Carl nodded his understanding and asked to be prompted. Elizabeth smiled, and agreed. It was clear to her that Carl was nervous.
Elizabeth didn’t mentioned it, but she was nervous herself. Not for seeing her father or family, but for what Red Wolf was going to do. He’d asked her if she’d had enough time. She knew immediately what he was asking her. She had no doubt she did not want to be without him. Her body sang every time he looked at her or was within his company. No male had ever stirred her like he did.
He was passionate, and she had no doubt he would be a demanding husband. The thought made her heart leap. She hoped he didn’t do anything that would spoil their homecoming or upset her father. She wasn’t sure how he’d take it. As she approached the village she became more and more apprehensive. White Dove must have felt it too. Grasping her hand, she asked her.
“Esa, are you alright?” Elizabeth smiled and said she was but found it hard to keep White Doves eyes.
“Red Wolf, he distresses you?” White Dove continued.
“It is nothing.” Elizabeth reassured her.
“Esa, when a man distresses a woman, it is not nothing.” White Dove told her.
Elizabeth smiled tightly and sighed. “Yes, I expect your right.”
She held her hand tightly. “Are you sure you know and want, what he is offering?” White Dove asked her.
Elizabeth looked ahead over the horizon. “Is it that obvious White Dove?”
She laughed. “A blind man could see it Esa.”
Elizabeth frowned. “I’m scared of what it will mean. I don’t want things to change, but also do want them to be more. I’ve just come home and got used to it all again, but, the time he was not with me was so hard. I missed him and the thought of losing him…. I felt so empty and alone knowing he was not there. It crept up on me from out of the blue it seems but in reality, I think I came back for him. It’s crazy, I know I’m making no sense. I didn’t want to carry on without him. I wasn’t doing so well, and it was only in the last week or so, that I began to function outside of work again.”
While Dove nodded. “We were aware Esa. And Red Wolf turned up just when you found yourself again.”
“You think he knew?” Elizabeth asked
White Dove smiled. “Esa, what doesn’t he know?” Elizabeth burst out laughing and White Dove joined in. Laughingly Elizabeth hugged her.
“Yes, what doesn’t he know”.
Red Wolf heard the laughter, turned and rode back. Elizabeth gained some composure as he approached.
“Do I look so funny.” He asked them bemused. It had been a long time since he had seen her so happy.
“No, you do not, but I am reminded that you are never far away or without knowing everything.” Elizabeth answered him pointedly.
“Is it not my job to look out for you?” He countered.
“As your sister?” Elizabeth asked teasingly.
Red Wolf looked intensely at her.
“You know the answer to that Esa.” He spoke quietly.
Elizabeth waited before answering.
“Then, before we stand before our father, you should tell me, in what manner you wish to protect me, for I would not wish, to be surprised on hearing my own life.”
Elizabeth spoke challengingly. Red Wolf was amused. He liked the playful Elizabeth. Clearly, White Dove had spoken to Elizabeth and unsaid words were no longer enough. They were out of time and in sight of the village. He would have to declare himself. Red Wolf had not considered actually having to do that for her.
They had known each other so well as children. Maybe being apart for these years made her uncertain of him. He had never thought she would need the words. Their father would be different. Did she need the words not so much for herself but for others? Did she feel the need to prepare them? Or was it that she was still uncertain. There would be no going back.
“Esa, you have always had my heart. I asked if you were ready and you said you were. I will go to my father to offer bridal gifts to Ben and White Dove for you. I would have you to wife Esa. I cannot be without you.”
There was no humour there. No doubt. He would be standing up for her. Hearing it aloud. It sounded so …… final.
“Do you accept me Esa?” Red Wolf demanded. They were alone, the three of them, the others holding back as if knowing this was important to them all.
Carl could see the tension in the three of them ahead. Everyone had stopped. They couldn’t hear what was being said. But it was an unspoken bonding moment. In all the world, he would never have such sway over her he realised and a feeling of despair rushed over him. She was not his. Elizabeth wanted this man, he had no doubt about that. He could imagine he was all she ever dreamed of in a husband. Maybe she had not known it coming back from New York. Or maybe she did and chose to ignore it. But it was clear she wasn’t ignoring it anymore.
Elizabeth knew she couldn’t hold out any longer. She was not letting him go. She knew it would not be easy. They would have many barriers to cross. There would be people who would not accept it. And yet, she wanted it more than life itself. She couldn’t bear the thought of being without him.
“I accept you, should our father agree.” Elizabeth wisely answered. For in this world, it was not her decision or his to make. It was for the tribal Chief, their King, to give in marriage, not only his eldest son but his beloved adopted daughter.
Red Wolf gave her a sharp nod.
“So be it.” He told her and rode back to his position. Secure in having spoken at last and sure of his father’s approval.
***
They entered the village, crossing the stream that carried so many of Elizabeth’s memories. They had been spotted for some time and the villagers came running out to meet and welcome them. Many waved and called to her and White Dove and Elizabeth called back laughing and greeting them, telling of the wonders they had for them.
Running Elk and Clear Water were waiting at the meeting
place to greet them.
“Esa, White Dove, it’s been so long, welcome home sister and cousin.” Running Elk called to them. White Dove stopped the wagon, climbed down and went to hug her cousin.
“It’s has been too long, cousin.” She turned to greet Clear Water. “I hear you are to be married this harvest. I hope my cousin knows how lucky he is.” She chided. Clear Water smiled embarrassed and proud.
“If he does not. I will remind him daily.” She smiled. White Dove laughed.
“I’m sure you will.” They both answered together.
Elizabeth couldn’t stop grinning looking around her. It warmed her to see family and friends reunited. Carl rode up beside her, aware that his duty was nearing its time.
“Mam, remember to kick me, should I forget my duty to you.” He told her. Elizabeth smiled at his jest. She could tell his nerves were getting the better of him. Surrounded as he was.
“You will do just fine Carl, you’re not asking for my hand or anything.” Elizabeth responded in kind and it was Carls turn to smile.
“Mam, that would easier.” They both had silly grins on their faces.
The familiarity that passed between them, was noted by Dull Knife as he came forward. His adopted daughter had affection for this young man and he her. This pleased him. She was of age and needed a husband. She had great responsibility to her people and this land and would need a strong man to hold it and her.
He came to stand before her and asked the village for silence. Red Wolf moved to join them. Dull knife looked around him and raised his arms in the formal greeting. Elizabeth was glad to see him well. Wearing the full Indian ceremonial clothing and headdress.
“It has been too long since I enjoyed the company of my adopted daughter at Harvest. You bring with you many gifts of friendship from your clan to ours. Who gives us such gifts and brings me my daughter?”
Elizabeth looked at Carl, he took the hint when he saw it. Clearly and loudly he spoke.
“I sir, bring gifts from our clan to yours and return your daughter to you.” There was riotous applause and Elizabeth got down from her horse and embraced Dull Knife.
The place erupted. The drums beat, and dancing started. Dull Knife turned to his oldest son.
“Son, welcome.” Red Wolf dismounted and embraced his father. Both Elizabeth, Carl and Red Wolf joined Dull Knife as he went along the line of wagons. Dull knife seemed well pleased and not just with the goods. As he continued along the line he greeted extended family and met new additions and Elizabeth showed him the gifts for the tribe.
As they did the traditional walk. They were shadowed by Red Wolf and Carl. On several occasions, Dull Knife turned to Carl and enquired on items in the wagons, the herd and men. Carl answered honestly and in a friendly way without being overeager.
That his father would do so, was strange to Red Wolf. To find favour with a stranger unusual but knew better than to question him. Dull Knife seemed a very happy man. Red Wolf was glad to see it. The illness his father had, would be long and the outcome unpleasant. They had all seen it before. No medicine could help him.
As the wagons started to move off, the families of those in them came to claim their kin and take them back to their tepees. Others were being set up where land had been cleared for them.
Dull Knife gestured to Elizabeth.
“I have a surprise for you daughter, come, and C-a-r-l? You come to.” He turned to Red Wolf. “Son we will talk soon.” The three of them left Red Wolf and walked through the village greeting many as they went. Elizabeth wondered where they were going. Then spotted a tepee near her favourite spot. She turned to Dull Knife.
“Father, is this for me? I thought it was not right that a single woman lives alone?”
“It is for you and your clan, including Carl and White Dove.” Dull Knife told her. “You are to stay with us for many weeks and you are a women, and not a child no longer.”
Elizabeth was both shocked and elated.
“Thank you father.” She replied with tears in her eyes.
“I leave you now, go and make your home, I will send White Dove to you.” And with that, Dull Knife hugged his daughter and left them.
As he walked away, Carl turned to Elizabeth.
“Are we to share it mam, live together in it through the next few weeks?” Carl asked a little bewildered.
She smiled. “Yes we are Carl, but in the Indian manner. Families live, sleep, eat, sweat and die together. It bonds them. So we shall live as one with White Dove playing chaperone I fear. Not that we will need one.” Elizabeth answered a little bemused by Carls shock.
“Mam, I can live outside, I do not have to intrude on your privacy.” He responded a little sheepishly.
“I’m sorry Carl, you have no choice as I do not, Dull Knife has made a decision and we have to accept it.”
“But, Mam, we are not married, and we are not kin. This feels all wrong.” Carl protested as he followed her to the tepee.
“Carl, accept it. Anything else will not do I’m afraid come, let’s see what awaits us.”
Elizabeth entered the door. Inside the room was warm and airy, the flaps were held back to allow air to circulate. A small fire had been lit in the centre as was the custom. And a cooking rack placed above it. An area had been put aside for cooking utensils and makings.
Blankets were scattered on the floor and hung around the walls. Bedding had been placed in four places around the outside rolled to make seating. Elizabeth found it to be both welcoming and comfortable. She turned to Carl.
“Carl would you go and get our bed rolls and the items we brought with us? I will start to make this home.” Elizabeth smiled at the confused look on Carls face and watched him leave.
Elizabeth chuckled busying herself with fetching fresh water and brushing out the living area. By the time she’d finished, Carl was back. Elizabeth took her items from him and indicated where he should put his things. Elizabeth put down rugs on the floor around the fire place. Carl made himself busy on the other side of the room.
He had decided it prudent to be as far away as possible. Before long, White Dove appeared at the doorway and knocked.
“Hello, may I come in?” she asked. Elizabeth laughed and welcomed her. It was clear to her that Carl was not entirely happy about the shared accommodation and was making the best of it. White Dove smiled to herself and took her belongings and posted them between them.
“I shall be here,” she told them. “Now children we are asked to join the festivities.” She told them happily and she guided them both out and across the village to the meeting area. Red Wolf had been sent to secure the stock brought to the village. His return coincided with their arrival at the feast.
It was in full swing as Elizabeth arrived. White Dove and Elizabeth were seated next to Dull Knife. Next to Elizabeth sat Carl. Red Wolf, joined them and sat to his father’s right next to Running Elk and his wife to be.
The food and drink flowed. It was followed by dancing and music and singing that went well into the night. The young men of the tribe danced to show their prowess.
When the young women joined them, it was to show their fertility. Dull Knife turned to Elizabeth.
“You should be dancing with them my daughter.”
“Father, there is no man dancing who would wish my burden on them,” she replied smiling.
Dull Knife slapped his thigh and laughed out loud. “Child, that cannot be so.” He told her.
Their banter continued for many hours. Carl sat watching them in fascination. It seemed unimaginable that such a warm loving relationship could have been forged in such a harsh beginning.
When the time seemed right. Elizabeth excused herself and said goodnight. Carl rose to follow her. White Dove informed them that she would be in shortly. Within a few moments it was clear to Red Wolf, that Elizabeth was not going to retire to his father’s tepee. He frowned and asked his father where she was going.
Dull Knife told him of the tepee made up for he
r near her favourite spot. It was clear from the look on his face, Red Wolf was far from happy by the answer. He would not be allowed to join her. In his father’s home it would be expected that he spent time there. In her home, he would not unless he was visiting. Red Wolf stood and walked away.
Elizabeth walked in the cool air towards her home for the next 6 weeks. Carl accompanied her. “It’s truly beautiful here.” She whispered.
“Yes mam it is.”
“Carl, I think it is time you called me by my given name, you have only ever done so when I’ve annoyed you.” Elizabeth told him smiling.
Carl laughed, “Yes and that was often but I bit my tongue most times.” He told her returning the jest. As the tepee came into view, Elizabeth turned and informed Carl that she would go and prepare for bed and that she would not need his company.
Carl understood her, and willingly allowed her to leave. He carried on to their fire pit and set about boiling some water to make coffee.
Elizabeth walked down to the stream and took her toilette. She was suddenly overcome by the coolness of the water and the clearness of the night and on impulse, checking she was alone, removed her clothes and walked into the water. It was shockingly cool to the skin, breathtakingly so. She swam to the middle and surrendered herself to its rejuvenating powers.
Always Page 12
