Page 17 of Wagon Train Honor
“Ma and Pa have both passed on. I haven’t heard from Henrietta since this past Christmas. She sends a note every year, and I do the same.”
“Goodness, you are very much alone, aren’t you?”
“Pretty much so.”
“I can’t imagine.”
“I haven’t seen Hennie in twelve years.” He stared into the distance. Perhaps thinking of the past. Maybe even regretting parts of it.
For sure, she’d have regrets if she hadn’t seen one of her family members for twelve years. “I haven’t seen Carson in three years, and that’s about more than I can bear, even though he writes often.”
“Like I said, when Timmy died, our whole family kind of fell apart. That’s when Hennie stopped moving with us. I might have, too, but I was concerned about Ma. Pa wasn’t always nice to her.”
Ruby sorted through the things Robert told her and the things he hadn’t said. “I’m guessing your pa wasn’t nice when he was drinking.”
“That’s for sure.”
“Where were you living?”
“Timmy’s buried in a place called Whitmore. And that’s where Hennie lives.”
“What an odd way to inform me that’s where you lived.”
Robert sat up and leaned over his knees. “We only stayed there long enough to bury Timmy.”
“And then what?”
“We moved on. We always moved on—from the time we docked in Halifax after the trip across the ocean from England. We lived in Everlast, Chester, Digby, Benton, Red Rock, Newtown. The list outgrew my memory by the time I was eight. About the only thing I cared to learn about any town was where the store was. And the school, though I seldom attended. Ma taught me to read and write.”
Did Robert know how much pain edged his words? All she could offer were weak whispers of comfort. “Robert, I am so sorry.” And a gentle touch. She rested her hand on his back. His muscle rippled beneath her palm. His spine rose as if his lungs had expanded.
“I learned a lot, and most of it helps me every day.” Her hand fell from his back as he scooted against the tree closest to her. “I know how to deal with a drunk. How to offer help to his wife. How to read people. How to confront those set on doing evil. And?—”
His sudden movement as he turned to face her sent a start through her veins.
“I learned the importance of home and family.” Conviction flared through his eyes before he eased back. “You are fortunate to have such a large, caring family.”
“I realize it.”
“Why would you ever want to leave them?”
“Leave them? Oh, you mean to go to Banff?”
He nodded.
“Because my work is important.” She couldn’t keep the hurt from her voice. Didn’t even try. “I want to be part of something big.”
“Guess you wouldn’t be anyone’s little sister there.”
“I suppose that’s true, though I’ve never thought of it.”
His gaze bore into hers. And then he shook his head. “I want to have a home. Rather than wander like my pa. I aim to put down roots like a big old oak tree.”
“As a Mountie? Seems they get sent hither and yon.”
“I finish my contract in six more weeks. I have my eyes on a beautiful quarter of land. As soon as I’m free, I intend to file on it.” His eyes lit up. “You should see the spot. The mountains to the west. Open land to the east. A gurgling stream to one side. I plan to put my house on top of a rise that gives me spectacular views.”
His smile rivaled the brightness of the sun as he eased back.
