The Canadian Highland
Page 37
Chapter 25
We did not stay long at the forks. Quickly after raising the flag and claiming this land for Lord Selkirk and The Hudson’s Bay, we packed our things and made our way to a winter camp miles away. On the morning of September 6th, Governor MacDonell called us together to give us the news.
“I know many of you, myself included, expected a settlement and provisions to help make it through the winter. Events, unfortunately, have not transpired in the way I would have liked. Yet, in the midst of this crisis, opportunity does present itself. These past two days, I have spent time surveying the land up and down the river, trying to find a good spot to build our settlement.”
“What say you?” interrupted my father, clearly angry. “Have you found a place where we can go and do what we came here to do?”
“Fraser,” MacDonell responded, “You need to mind your place and let me finish. As I was saying, I have had a good chance to look over this land, and I have found the ideal spot where we will build our fort and a settlement surrounding it. A few miles below the forks, there is an extensive plot of land through which fire has run and destroyed all trees, leaving just burnt wood and weeds. The land is elevated and level, and it is at a vantage point that can allow a man to see for miles in all directions. We will build here, and call the building Fort Douglas after our great benefactor Lord Selkirk.”
“Well, that’s something at least,” I could hear my father quietly muttering to himself.
“Only a half dozen men will help to clear the land and sow the winter wheat. Mr. Hillier will stay with them to help with the trade of fish and meat with the local natives.”
“And the rest of us?” Papa demanded.
“The rest of you…,” MacDonell started, clearly straining to say what he knew he must, “The rest of you will make your way to a winter camp up the Red River, some sixty miles from the forks. With gifts from the Bay, I have acquired the services of the local natives, the Saulteaux Indians, who will escort you to their settlement, Pembina.”
There was an uproar from the assembled crowd. I could see looks of confusion and anger on the faces of those around me. We just got here, and now we had to leave.
“Why can we not stay and help with the building of the fort?” one of the men shouted overtop the voices of others.
Lifting up his hands, MacDonell quieted the crowd. “I am entrusted with your care. The winter on the plains can be as cold and terrible as York Factory. The season is late, and although it is warm now, the cold comes quickly, making the care and comfort of everyone both difficult and desperate. Pembina is a settlement comprised of natives and French half-breeds, and it is on the buffalo migration route. Living with people who are familiar with the challenges of this land will enable everyone to stay safe and secure as we prepare our settlement for the coming spring.”
“Are we putting the boats back in the water to make our way to Pembina?” Mr. Docherty asked.
“You will be escorted on land by the natives who live at the settlement,” the Governor responded. “A half dozen men who have already been chosen will stay behind to help with the preparations for our settlement. The rest of you will make for Pembina to spend the winter.”
Not far from where I stood I could see George staring at the ground. I did not need to look at his face to understand he was one of the men chosen to stay behind with Mr. Hillier. I knew he would want to accompany me to Pembina, but he is a young man who needs to make a name. Besides, he could not refuse an order from MacDonell to stay behind.
“I suggest you all gather your possessions,” concluded the Governor, “Since we will be leaving for Pembina after the mid day meal.”
Grumbling and upset, all the colonists moved towards their tents to take them down and prepare for departure. I did not leave right away: I wanted to say goodbye to George. He kept in the same position: standing still with his head tilted and his eyes focussed on the ground in front of him.
“George,” I said quietly, “Let’s take a small walk together by the river.”
“I’d like that,” he replied.
“When I was a young girl, I did not have a care in the world. I knew my parents loved me, and there was nothing they wouldn’t do to protect me. That’s probably why I took so many risks, doing things a boy would probably do, since I knew no harm could come to me.”
“I wish I could say the same. Life has always been a struggle, but at the same time it has been an adventure. As a ship’s boy, I’ve seen things that can warm the soul as well as chill the blood. There was a time when I experienced a parent’s love, the love of my mother since I never knew my father, but that was such a long time ago I have forgotten the feeling.”
“A man should not go through life without having that same love he received when he was an infant in his mother’s arms.” I stopped and turned George around so that our faces were practically touching each other. I could feel his warm breath on my neck as I pulled him towards me. “I know you must stay behind,” I gently whispered, “And though I wish it was not so, I have no doubt we will meet again quickly, and then never leave each other.”
“I hope for the same Molly. I’m a Bayman, and I must do as commanded, but there are times I wish I could be my own man and venture forth where my heart desires.”
“In time this will happen, with me at your side.” I could feel George shudder slightly as I tightly held him. I knew we were saying goodbye, but only for a short time. As I pulled back, I took my hands and cradled his head gently. He looked sweet as tears streamed down his cheeks. As our lips touched, I knew deep in my breast this was the man I wanted to marry. We may be parted for a short time, but soon we would be connected by a bond that would last forever.