Page 12 of Wagon Train Song
“He arranged for me to return home. Even bought the tickets for the three of us on the stagecoach. I wanted to refuse, but it was already done. All I had to do was take my bags and my boys and climb into the coach.”
Marnie stopped, her eyes wide as she stared straight ahead. “I never knew any of this.”
Did accusation underplay her surprise?
“He would never let me pay him back with money. But I can do this.” He pointed toward the wagons in front of them.
Marnie walked ahead then stopped and turned to face him. “He never once said a word about it.”
When she turned her back and hurried forward to Ruby’s wagon, he let her go. He’d give her time. Then maybe she’d tell him how she felt. The pungent smell of fresh horse droppingsalerted him to step around the pile and pay attention to where he walked.
One of the young ladies shouted something, and Irene urged her horse forward at a race and skidded to a halt at the lead wagon.
Marnie shook her head and muttered.
“Settle down.” Walt spoke in a voice that matched the tone he’d used with his horse when the animal was misbehaving.
Irene raced back at the same frantic pace and had her horse rear on his hind legs. While Marnie stepped back to avoid both the horse and the spray of dirt, Irene flashed a wide smile.
The girl was wild. It better not cause problems on this trip.
“Ma, Hazel says the smell of food from the box reminds her how hungry she is and asks if we can take a noon break.”
Gabe jerked his head upward. Whoa. Was the sun already directly overhead? How was that even possible?
“Guess it is about time. Ride on ahead and tell Joe to find a good spot.”
Irene wheeled her horse about and raced away.
Walt had fallen back to Gabe’s side. “Seems that gal is set on getting herself and maybe everyone else into trouble.” His piece spoken, he moved ahead.
Gabe winced. When would Walt learn not to be insensitive enough to speak like that when the girl’s mother could hear?
“I don’t care to have my children criticized.” Marnie raised her chin, each of her words dropping with the weight of disapproval.
Not that he was responsible for how his eldest son spoke. After all, Walt was now twenty-four and a full-grown man entitled to his opinions. And reaping the harvest for every word. Nevertheless— “I’m sorry for what he said. He’s always had firm opinions and doesn’t mind speaking them. Sometimes that’s a good thing.” He sucked in dusty air. “Sometimes it isn’t.”
Marnie looked to the sky. Perhaps to assess the time, check the weather, or seek patience from on high. The breath she drew in seemed enough to fill three pairs of lungs. She stopped, crossed her arms, and faced him. “Irene is on the wild side, but I don’t believe she’s reckless. However, I still don’t care to have her faults pointed out to me.”
“I feel the same about my sons.”
The look between them sparked with warning and perhaps challenge. Did he have the feeling that she didn’t object to the latter? Or was that acknowledgment of something beginning inside him? A bit of banter would help pass the time on this journey.
Joe rode to them. “Ma’am, a good spot ahead. Water and grass for the animals. Sheltered from the road.”
“Thanks, Joe.” After the guide rode away, she raised her gaze again. Again, the spark of challenge flashed in her eyes.
Very well, Mrs. Woods, we will be the iron that sharpens iron for each other.
Or was he only hoping for the amusement of such?
CHAPTER 4
No need to admit she was far more interested in resting her feet than filling her stomach, but no doubt, the others were hungry and thirsty. Joe directed them to a place by a tumbling stream with leafy trees sheltering the clearing. A breeze carried the scent of water and greenery. Marnie lifted her face to the sky.Lord, it’s been a good start to our journey. Thank You.
Bertie and Alice raced to the river’s edge where Bertie lay on his stomach and dipped his face to the water. Alice drank greedily. Marnie smiled at her big, gentle son. With his childlike innocence, he was a pleasure to have around.
Harnesses rattled where Ruby and Hazel were preparing to free the oxen from the wagons to let them graze and drink. Walt and Cecil hurried to help. Neither of her daughters protested, but Irene shook her head in disgust.
