Page 27 of Wagon Train Song
His gaze went to the distant horizon. “Years ago, I headed west intent on seeing the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. But I met Ellen and fell in love. Other things became important, and we settled in Bruffin.”
“Ellen didn’t want to go West.” She’d told Marnie so. “She said she couldn’t understand what drew people to leave safe and secure homes.”
He shrugged. “I was aware of her feelings. I needed to provide her with the sort of home she desired. And then the boys were born. After Ellen passed, I needed help with them.” To his credit, not even a hint of regret soured his words. The man had spent his life taking care of others at the cost of his dreams. Something to admire.
He perked up. “In British Columbia, there’s a ranch where I’d like to work. I’ve heard so much about it.” For the next few miles, he regaled her about the ranch. Thousands of cows. Thousands of acres. Riding herd in hills. “Eventually, I hope to have my own place. Nothing big. A comfortable house and some cattle.”
It sounded lonely unless he had friends or relatives he was hoping to join. “You know a lot about a place you’ve never seen.”
“A friend of a friend has a brother who rides for them. I’ve read some of his letters.”
“Now after all these years, you are free to follow your dream.”
Oh no.His rambling could be misinterpreted too easily. He directed the oxen to keep moving. “I don’t mean to sound like I have regrets about the direction my life has taken. Falling in love was not a sacrifice. Providing for my boys was a privilege. I think they have grown into fine young men.”
“I agree. What are their plans when they reach the Fort?”
“All they’ve said is they intend to go with me until then. They won’t say anything about their plans, but I expect Walt will look for a place of his own. He’s taken care of his grandparents for a number of years. I believe he has dreams in that direction.”
“Like father, like son?”
He didn’t reply although it pleased him to hear her say so. “Cecil will find something he enjoys and embrace it. He’s skilled as a blacksmith so he should do all right.”
“I hope the same for my girls. I didn’t expect them all to accompany me, but I suppose they had few ties back home.”
“Marnie, what about you?” He had to ask the question that was uppermost. “Do you have a future husband waiting for you in the West?”
She stopped and jerked around to face him, eyes wide. “I do not need a husband.” Her arms swinging at her side and her feet striking the ground with unusual force, she resumed walking.
“Whoa. Wait a minute. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s a normal inquiry.”
“So everyone thinks.” The words were tossed over her shoulder without any slowing of her pace. “I grow weary of every unmarried man being introduced with the blatant suggestion I need a husband.” The words blasted out. “I’m certain one such man hadn’t bathed in the last twenty years. Another had eightchildren. I don’t need more children.” Her steps slowed. “I have Bertie to take care of.” Her feet stopped moving. “I endured the pain of losing one husband. His last few days?—”
She shook her head without finishing. As she moved forward, her shoulders slumped as if she carried a heavy weight.
Lord, help me offer words of comfort.He closed the distance between them. “Marnie, I’m sorry.”
Her shoulders rose in a shrug. “It’s something I have to live with.”
Live with? Did she mean losing Norman, having men thrust at her, or caring for Bertie? But she didn’t explain, and he didn’t ask.
They walked on in silence for a time. The sun beat down on them, sucking energy from animals and humans. Even the grass seemed to wilt. And Alice had stopped cavorting to plod along at Bertie’s side.
Gabe wiped his brow on his shirtsleeve. Sweat ran down his back. His hatband was soaked. He checked the sky—again. This kind of heat often brought on thunderstorms or worse. They were in the open with no protection. He left the oxen to rest while he trotted to the side to look for Joe. No sign of him. No doubt, he was scouting ahead. Walt and Irene rode at the lead. At first, he didn’t see Cecil. Then Gabe made out the legs of a horse past the lead wagon. Keeping the ladies’ company most likely. Probably talking up a storm. His younger son liked to talk, but he also liked to listen. The boy had a knack for learning a lot about people.
Marnie had followed him. “What are you looking for?”
“Just checkin’.” He didn’t say what he was checking for, but if he knew Marnie, she wouldn’t let it go.
“You’re worried about something. What is it?”
Right. He was right. “What makes you think I’m worried? Just because I want to see where everyone is.” He let annoyance harden his voice to discourage further discussion.
“Humph. You aren’t fooling me. What is it?”
“Ma’am, are you always so demanding?” He returned to the oxen and encouraged them to hustle.
She planted her hands on her hips, blocking his path. “Sir, are you always so evasive?”
