Page 18 of Wagon Train Song
She blinked at her odd assessment.
“Marnie, God has led me on this journey too.”
“How so?”
“Ma!” A chorus of voices came through the trees.
“Pa,” Cecil called.
“We’re coming,” Gabe called. “I’ll tell you about it sometime if you’re interested.”
“I am.” It was something to look forward to on the long days ahead.
Ruby walked beside her wagon, leaving Angela to drive the oxen, and Marnie fell in at her daughter’s side. She wasn’t surprised when Bertie walked beside Gabe, his goat prancing at his side.
“What took you so long, Mama?” Ruby asked.
“I wanted to admire the scenery a moment longer.” She told how she’d felt like it was a blessing and a promise from God.
Ruby gave Marnie a one-armed hug. “I know it’s harder for you than me. I think the whole thing is a wonderful adventure. And at the end, we see Carson.” She slid her arm from Marnie’s back and lowered her voice. “I can’t wait to see all those Mounties.” The sigh said even more than Ruby’s words.
Marnie chuckled. “Don’t be falling in love with something in your imagination.”
“Nope. But there must be some good Mounties hoping and praying for someone to share their adventures.”
Marnie held her peace. No point in worrying and warning about something months down the road. Ruby might have had her fill of adventure by the time they reached their destination.
They trundled on the track through the grass, pointing out to each other and to Angela the different birds they saw or heard, the little red flowers beside the trail, and the funny-shaped clouds.
Joe rode back. “Ma’am, I’ve picked out a spot where we can camp for the night.”
“Wonderful.” Weary and hot, she could hardly wait.
They drove off the trail into a clearing. A narrow stream rushed by, and downed limbs provided plenty of wood for a fire. A good cup of tea would do wonders. But first, they had to set up camp.
At Joe’s instruction, they parked the wagons to form a corner.
Gabe stopped his wagon a distance away.
“Ma, that ain’t right,” Irene said.
Marnie would have liked to keep Gabe and his boys away. For Bertie’s sake. Her heart thudded in her throat, and she had to amend her reason. No, it was for her sake. They had weeks or months to travel together. The last thing she wanted was to grow too used to Gabe’s company and the pleasure of adult conversation. Sure, for the most part, her girls were grown up, but it was different. Nevertheless, she couldn’t be petty and stick to her decree that the Millers stay away from her camp.
“I agree.” She waved to Gabe. “Bring your outfit over here.”
He hesitated as if wondering if she meant it. Then he drove close enough to form a three-sided shelter.
The oxen were unyoked and taken to water, then hobbled to graze while Marnie, Angela, and Louise gathered wood and started a fire. Hazel had her hands full tending Petey.
Before long, the kettle hung on the tripod, full of water for the tea. The girls set up two tents for the ladies to share. Marnie hoped Bertie would sleep under the wagon with his pets. As to the Millers and Joe, she’d let them worry about where they’d sleep.
Hazel put a log by one of the wagons. “Ma, sit down and rest. You can amuse Petey while I help with supper.”
Marnie readily agreed. Not that she’d let anyone know how tired she was nor how her feet hurt.
The girls decided to keep the food provided by their friends for the noon break tomorrow and set about preparing a hot meal. Soon the aroma of stewed meat scented the evening.
When Angela brought a cup of aromatic tea, Marnie dipped her head over the steam rising from the cup. “Oh, thank you. I needed that.”
