Carl nodded. “Ty, looked after our father, he’s the older one, the responsible one. I feel I owe him. I didn’t know he’d been ill for so long, they went through a lot.”
“Where is he? His not outside?”
Carl shook his head. “I settled him in on my bunk before coming here.
“Carl, go get him, I’d like to meet him.” Elizabeth told him.
Carl came back with a tall stocky man who looked a great deal like him. He was blonder than Carl. Heavier set, and seemed only a little older. He held his hat in his hand, unsure of his place in this world. Elizabeth warmed to him.
“Elizabeth, White Dove, Vera, this is Ty, my brother.” Carl told them placing his hand on his back. Elizabeth came to him and held out her hand.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, your brother is like family to us and you are welcome to stay as long as you wish.” She told him meaning it.
“If you have any problems finding anything, you can ask me, I’m new here too.” Vera told him, holding out her hand, for him to take. Clearly she was smitten. “I’m Vera.” She told him.
Ty barely acknowledged her. He was looking at White Dove, she had not spoken. Elizabeth looked from one to the other.
“Your Indian?” he asked her directly.
“White Dove is a member of my family.” Elizabeth cut in.
Ty frowned. “I meant no disrespect mam.” He said turning to her.
“You will find that here,” Elizabeth told him kindly “there are many, that are from the Indian nation, they are my family.”
“Carl did tell me mam, I apologise, I was surprised is all. The lady is beautiful.” He said turning back towards White Dove, he spoke directly to her. “Forgive me mam. That was rude of me and not intentional.”
White Dove inclined her head and looked away.
“We will see you tomorrow then Elizabeth, ladies.” Carl told them.
“Good night Carl, Ty.” Elizabeth told them. “And Ty welcome to the family.”
Vera called good night after them as Elizabeth saw them to the door. “I will also say good night,” White Dove told her on her return and kissed them both and retired upstairs. Vera was quite excited, she chatted on throughout the night, leaving Elizabeth little room to join in. Next morning was Christmas Eve and a very long day began.
When Elizabeth came down the next morning it was to find White Dove, Carl and Ty arranging the Christmas Tree in a corner of the parlour. Decorations from previous years lay out on several chairs. Elizabeth wished them good morning and each in their turn returned it to her.
Elizabeth went up to White Dove and kissed her.
“It looks lovely,” she told them.
“I thought we’d bring it in now.” Carl told her. “It will give you ladies plenty of time to decorate it.” Elizabeth smiled, indeed it would take hours.
“I would be happy to help.” Offered Ty.
“That’s just what we need.” Elizabeth told him. “A man to do the higher bits. Thank you.”
Ty visibly reddened. She left the two of them and walked with Carl to the door.
“Everything ready out there?” she asked him.
“Jakes and his men will be seeing to carriage housing for those coming from town, the boys will take it in turns to drive them into the barns, keeping the front clear, horses will be doubled up in the new stables, there’s plenty of feed there ready.” Elizabeth nodded it sounded perfect.
She went to the kitchens and talked with Anna. There were food preparations everywhere and plenty of help. She was assured all was well. Elizabeth helped herself to coffee and food and retired to the dining table. The dinning doors were open, and she observed the dressing of the tree. She sat there remembering other times the tree had been dressed, with her parents, then with Ben and White Dove. It brought back a mixture of love and sadness.
She went and replenished both her coffee and her plate.
“Hungry?” Anna had mocked her.
“Yes very, these are just too good Anna.” Elizabeth took a couple of small cakes with her.
Anna had laughed. “You’ll get fat.” She told her kind heartedly and for a split-second Elizabeth thought she was right and took them anyway with a smile.
She re-took her set and watched White Dove and Ty at work. What surprised her, was their warm manner towards each other. Ty was careful and considerate. He asked White Dove her thoughts. Asked for direction in where things should go and looked to her for advice. White Dove responded openly and seemed almost eager to help him.
Elizabeth wondered if their bereavements drew them to each other and if so, she was very happy for them. Vera came down after lunch. She apologised for the tardiness of her start to the day and could only think that it was a combination of the excitement of the moment and her visit, she exclaimed.
Elizabeth laughed. “Or too much chat and one or two too many glasses.” She told her warmly. Vera burst out laughing.
“Maybe so.”
They spent the afternoon in decorating the house. Time was soon gone, and Anna reminded them that guests were due in an hour. Vera had brought dresses for them both. White Dove chose to wear ceremonial dress as was her custom on this occasion. Vera helped Elizabeth. Strangely, her dress was a little snug in the bust and waist, she had put on weight. Vera tried to tighten the corsetry, but Elizabeth complained it hurt her stomach and breasts. Vera commented on it and was able to let out the sides a little, it helped. Vera told her to stay away from the cakes. Elizabeth had laughed remembering Anna’s comments from this morning.
They came down as the first of the guests arrived. Music was provided from town. Dancing and celebration was the order of the day. Furniture had been moved out to make room. Elizabeth stood at the door with White Dove and Vera to greet her guests. Several mentioned how well Elizabeth looked and indeed, her gown fitted in all the right places and she had a bloom to her cheeks that was most becoming.
Many commented on the new curtains and rugs. Elizabeth happily told them to talk to Mr. Chan. There was gayety and laughter throughout the house. Kate and Blue, Caroline and her family joined them. The party was in full swing when Running Elk arrived with Clear Water who was still very pregnant. Red Wolf came with Sky. They came with apologises from her father. He did not feel up to the journey.
She enquired after his health, is was not good. She offered to send the Doctor knowing Dull Knife would not allow it. It made her feel good to offer anyway.
White Dove welcomed her blood family and Elizabeth moved off unable to avoid Red Wolfs eye contact any longer, to welcome other guests.
The Indian’s only partly celebrated Christmas. Their Indian beliefs mixed with the Christian teaching of the missionaries. Vera was thoroughly enjoying herself. She danced with every available man and some that were presently occupied too. Elizabeth smiled, she envied her care free spirit.
Elizabeth handed out drinks, brought out food and mixed with as many guests as possible. She kept herself busy and away from Red Wolf.
Carl and Ty were standing with the other hands. Elizabeth made her way over to them.
“Not much dancing going on gentleman?” she enquired. There were several embarrassed looks.
“I’d like to dance mam.” Ty told her. “Do you think White Dove would dance with me?” he asked her.
“I don’t know Ty. You’d best ask her.” She told him.
“But, would her family object?”
“If they do, I’m sure they will tell you, but I have a feeling that if White Dove wishes to do so, they will not complain.” Ty made his way over to White Dove. He asked and was accepted, much to everyone’s surprise.
White Dove hadn’t shown any favour to a man since Ben. Elizabeth thought it a good sign, she sometimes forgot that White Dove was only five years older than her and had much to offer a man.
Vera came over, not too happy. “Guess I missed out.” She told her pointing in Ty’s direction. Elizabeth smiled.
“I’m sure that one of the
boys here can help you out.” She told her and sure enough, she had several offers to keep her happy.
“Can I interest you in a dance?” Carl asked her.
“Thank you yes.” She told him, and they joined the others. The dancing was vigorous and fast, and Elizabeth soon found herself out of breath. One spin too many and her dress gave way down one seam. Carl apologised thinking it was him.
“It is not you, for some reason the dress was too tight.” She told him, “Vera loosened it for me, but it was still too tight, I’ll go and change.” Elizabeth called to Caroline.
“This man needs a dance partner; would you help him out?” Caroline was only too happy to oblige. As she left the dance area, Black Dog met her having noticed the dress. “Nothing to worry about,” she told him. “I just need to change.” Black Dog escorted her to her room.
Elizabeth was back down in less than 10 minutes and headed back to the kitchens. She wanted to make sure that the kitchen staff got a chance to enjoy themselves and not just work. As she was leaving Red Wolf blocked her way.
“Everything ok, you changed?” he asked her.
“Yes fine, my dress split, guess I’ve been eating too much.”
“You? I find that hard to believe,” he told her. There was an awkward silence.
“I need to go.” She told him and went to move past him, as she did so, he grazed his arm across her breast. Elizabeth cried out.
“I’m sorry, I did not mean to catch you.” He told her, a little embarrassed.
Elizabeth shook her head. “You didn’t.” She told him surprised at her body’s sensitivity. “Guess I’m a bit too sensitive as well as putting on weight.” She told him bitingly. “I need to go.”
“Wait, father has asked me to remind you.” He stopped. “The council of elders are getting anxious Esa.” It was just one more thing she did not need to deal with.
She looked at him. “Did you really have to remind me of that?”
“Do you think I want to?” He told angrily, dragging her to her office closing the door behind them. Elizabeth sat down.
“I can’t do this.” She almost shouted at him. “It’s just too hard.” She said more quietly. For a moment, he did not speak.
“I- also wanted to give you this.” He told her. Red Wolf placed a box on her desk, in front of her. Elizabeth sighed.
“Thank you. I’m sorry I don’t have anything personal to give to you,” and felt like crying. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional. Sorry, it seemed best to keep it to the ranch gifts.”
Red Wolf stood there looking at her. She had put on weight. Was eating more. Her flushed face, her body swollen more sensitive in places, the bloom in her eyes, the glow of her skin, her emotions high. He took everything in and worked it back in his head. He gazed at her as it all clicked in place.
“O but you do.” He told her intensely, walking towards her. Grasping her face tenderly with his hands, he lightly kissed her cheeks. Before opening her office door and walking back to the party. Elizabeth felt confused. She had no idea what he meant.
Her Indian family left shortly after, the gifts for the tribe loaded in wagons to take with them and the rest of the guests, left as expected around midnight, wishing in the day.
Carl escorted Caroline and her family back to Blues.
Vera was having a very difficult time saying goodbye to Buddy and White Dove walked Ty to the door. Strangely and more surprisingly, he’d stood by her all night. Elizabeth watched as Ty leant towards White Dove, hat in hand and spoke quietly to her then kissed her on the cheek and left.
Elizabeth took herself off to help with the clearing up. Black Dog came up behind her and waited for her to acknowledge him as was his way.
Elizabeth turned expecting him to wish her good night. “I sleep in the house now.” He told her and headed for the office with his bed roll. It was the first time he had ever done that. Elizabeth had no time to consider the change, she was far too busy.
The ladies sat down around 1 am. Tired feet and heavy arms. Traditionally Elizabeth’s family exchanged personal gifts after the last of the guests had left. Elizabeth removed both Vera and White Dove’s gifts from under the tree and gave them to them, then returned for gifts for Anna and the staff to take with them. They were all small personal gifts. Both While Dove and Vera’s were silver pins with their initials on them, entwined with the Double T
They both loved them and chatted well into the night. Eventually Vera made her excuses and left the two of them alone. Elizabeth wanted bed but felt restless. They both sat for a time and somewhat reluctantly White Dove eventually spoke.
“Red Wolf told you?” she asked her.
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, time I fear is running out. He spoke to me before leaving. Please, not another lecture, I already told him I can’t keep doing this.”
White Dove nodded. “He seems to feel, there is something you’re not saying.” Now Elizabeth was both annoyed and confused.
“That man is going to kill me. I have no idea what he’s talking about.”
Elizabeth changed the subject. “So Ty?” White Dove smiled a little. “He seems a nice man.” Elizabeth offered.
White Dove nodded her head. “Yes he does. You know Ben was my life?”
Elizabeth smiled sadly at her. “Yes, I know that and so did he. But your still here, he would want you to go on living.” Elizabeth got up and hugged her. “Time for bed.” Elizabeth told her and up they went.
Elizabeth pulled off her clothes and fell into bed. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She was so tired, her body ached in places, that did not seem possible.
She stirred restlessly in her sleep. Until something familiar stroked her face.
“Thank you for my gift.” It whispered. “I wish treasure it and you forever.” A calming, strong voice told her. “Sleep now, you will both need it.” Elizabeth smiled. The touch and voice so familiar, soothing and calming her. She turned over and slept soundly.
Elizabeth woke around 9, refreshed and to excited voices and much joy. She dressed quickly and joined the fun. Eating as she went. Elizabeth exchanged gifts. Several hands came and went as the morning progressed. Elizabeth had drinks made for them and wished them joy. Some stayed to sing carols. She loved to play the piano and did it not as often enough.
The kitchen staff having the day off, lunch was a buffet affair, plenty laid out for those who wanted it. People came and went and by mid-afternoon, all the ladies of the house were alone and asleep in chairs, having had far too much plum pudding, exhausted with recent events. They were woken by fire crackers and new arrivals.
Carl, Buddy and Ty announced their arrival in style, they were followed by Kate, Blue and her family. They all exchanged gifts and played party games well into the night.
The morning brought more bad weather and Mr and Mrs Cane were escorted back to town. Vera wanted to stay, but was afraid of being snowed in. She had a store to run. Elizabeth said she understood and wished her well. As a parting gift, Elizabeth ask Buddy to see Vera safely back. He seemed very happy with the task. Christmas was over. The tree remained up till after New Year.
New Year’s Eve, was celebrated quietly with a visit to a friend or two or it was in the East and her parents had done so here too. But, since their death, New Year’s Eve, had been a time of contemplation, thoughts of the past as well as the future. Elizabeth saw in the New Year with White Dove. Both happy in their own company. Next day, was New Year’s Day and a day of reflection. After that it was back to work. The New Year started early at the Double T. Just as the snows hit.
The breakfast meeting took place as normal. Elizabeth listened to what Jake and Carl had to say, they made the decisions on the weeks work and the men went out. Elizabeth would not be riding out for the time being, or anyone else, there was too much snow and Black Dog had advised Carl against it. For once Elizabeth listened.
The men kept the yards clear as much as possible and Elizabeth worked on seeing to the hors
es, mucking out and feeding. It kept her busy and more hands than usual came to dinner and that made more work and everyone mucked in.
By the end of the week, the snows stopped falling and the frosts came. This was worse than the snow, frost was a killer. Fires were lit in all rooms and barns. All the animals stayed in the hands taking turns with them. The winds dropped the temperature even more. It was biting cold outside and it was going to be a tough few weeks. Elizabeth had no choice but to change her routine. The cold seemed to make her constantly hungry and she’d taken to bringing snacks with her. They concentrated on cleaning house, mending and feeding the troops and she had to content herself with the occasional trip out to the horses.
In the village, the winter was made easier by the contribution given by the Double T, the braves still hunted, but they would not starve, if they failed to find any prey. Red Wolf had been asked to address the council of elders on the topic of his sister and her blood bond with the tribe. He had been waiting for this. It had given him many sleepless nights, Red Wolf felt happy for the first time in a very long time.
He solemnly came to the Council and joined them. When asked, he responded honestly. “Has your sister made her choice?” The elder asked him.
“It is done uncle, Esa, has made a blood bond with the tribe.” They each looked as surprised as Dull Knife felt. “Then the tribe’s future is secure?” The most respected elder asked him.
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