“Well then, Mrs. Roberts, mind if we talk with you for a short while? Take some photographs?” Finn pointed to Sadie, still eating the clover and not interested in the visitors.
I hurried off the mound. “Perhaps another time, gentlemen. It’s urgent that I get on my way to the land office in Perry.”
“Perhaps we interrupted you … praying.” Daniel spoke softly, shyly.
“Absolutely not.” My face grew hot, and my fingers fiddled with the leather straps securing my bag. “Only resting. There’s a good ride ahead of me.” Oh, Lord, why did I just deny You? Am I that stubborn?
For a moment, the truth welled in my gut—the real need to drop to my knees and pray. I unwrapped the reins from the ground stake and looped them around the saddle horn. “Sorry I can’t help you with a story.” My voice was terse as Daniel’s eyes locked with mine. I grasped the stirrup to steady myself. “There are surely more fascinating people than me.”
There is nothing ladylike or graceful about hoisting one’s self onto a horse in long skirts, but I settled myself astride the saddle in as dignified a manner as possible. “Gentlemen, good day and much luck with your work.” I gave Sadie a gentle kick.
“Wait,” Finn called out.
I didn’t stop. “Long ride ahead.”
“The lines in Perry are stacked miles deep,” Finn said. “You’d be waiting for days, maybe weeks.”
I halted and turned in my saddle. “How do you know that, Mr. …”
“Allaway. We’ve been talking with plenty of folks. Most who made their way into Perry straight away after the race turned back to wait it out. Once they got word it was a waste of time to stand in another line, or—”
“Received a future date to return to complete the paperwork,” Daniel said. “Could be several months from now. Four land offices in the entire territory can’t accommodate forty-thousand claims.”
Pulling Sadie around, I approached the men from Boston. “Then what do you propose? I need to be able prove this is my land … and soon.”
“You’ll eventually need that piece of paper, but for now, it’s important to establish something that resembles the beginnings of a homestead.” Finn pointed to the remains of last night’s small campfire.
“A proper shelter is a good start.” Daniel dismounted. He was taller than he appeared in the saddle. Broad-shouldered and muscular too. Gathering the reins, he led his mare to the post poking awkwardly from the earth. His stride was confident and upright—not a bow-legged saunter like a man who spent most of his days on a horse. Although, the gentle way he patted the horse’s wither made me take note that he had spent time other than in the confines of a big city.
But as Finn dismounted, my senses kicked back in. “What are you doing?” My voice rose with each word. “I am well aware of my needs. No help is needed or wanted.” Swinging my leg over the saddle, the hem of my petticoat snagged on my boot, sending me backward and tumbling onto the ground. Before I could get up, Daniel was leaning over me, his hand extended. For the first time, his eyes were in clear view. They were hazel—a mixture of pale blue, green with flecks of gold … turquoise.
Turquoise. The small stone Lizzie gave me before the start of the race. “Keep this safe with you,” she said, wrapping her frail fingers around mine. “An old Indian gave it to me when I was a child. Told me it brought protection, especially from falling. Wisdom too, he said, for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to love. I’ve had it all these years. The best part … he promised it had been carved from heaven and slipped to earth.”
I accepted his hand and rose to my feet. His grip was firm and seemed to linger. I looked up to thank him and our eyes locked.
There’s kindness in your eyes. The thought fluttered into my mind like a delicate butterfly. Just as quickly, it skittered away—tossed in a storm—its wings now useless. What do you see in my eyes? Fear? Anger? I looked away.
As though he could read my mind, he stepped back and motioned for Finn.
“Is this all you have?” Finn walked in a circle around the folded blanket and canvas.
“Right now, yes. If you’re right about the wait in Perry, I’ll ride back to Arkansas City to meet Joseph and Lizzie.”
“Your husband and child?” Daniel blurted. “Pardon me, ma’am, but there’s something wrong with a man sending his wife—” His tanned complexion appeared to fade.
“Joseph and Lizzie are my dear friends. We traveled together from Missouri with the hopes of each of us getting land.”
“My apologies. I figured you must be married.” He nodded at my left hand, still adorned with a thin, gold band—a remnant of my previous life.
“My husband recently passed away.”
He bowed his head. “My condolences. Please forgive me. I misspoke.”
The details about Tuck’s death were not shared, but Finn and Daniel were filled in about the Contolinis’ change of plans, especially the importance of me returning as soon as possible to Arkansas City for Lizzie’s sake. Besides, the anticipation to bring the good news of my success in the Rush was growing. Since I hadn’t returned to their tent immediately after the race, they would have concluded one of two things—land was claimed, or there was an injury. In the latter case, Joseph would have come looking for me. “I’ll get more supplies as soon as I can. There will be plenty to purchase as the new town sites will be coming alive in no time.”
“They already are. Businesses are springing up overnight. But the horse? Your friends won’t be able to leave her with you?” Finn ran his hand along Sadie’s withers and spoke gently to her. “You’re a mighty fine horse to run like you did. You were something to see. Kept up with the thoroughbreds, did you?”
“You saw us race?” I cocked my head in need of a response.
Neither spoke as they snapped branches and began assembling the framework of a lean-to. As much as I wanted to protest their help, common sense reminded me the shelter would be welcomed when the evening winds picked up and the day’s blazing sun relentlessly scorched my skin.
“Well, did you?” I called out over the noise.
“Like Finn said, you were something to see.”
“When the cannon sounded and the guns shot, you were up front with the best horses and men.” Finn raised his hat in the air, swatted at his rear end, and galloped in a circle. “Even riding like a man, if you’ll beg my pardon.”
“Mr. Allaway,” I called out over his hooting and hollering. “You are the sight to see.”
It felt good to laugh as Finn reenacted the race—leaping over rocks and logs, then running up and down the embankment, panting and smiling.
*****
A temporary shelter now stood where only the open sky was above. Rocks were dug into the earth and firmly placed in a circle to establish a proper cooking area. Finn and Daniel gathered three substantial logs from the creekside to set around the fire pit—an indication to others that this lot was spoken for by more than one person.
Finn took a few photographs of my meager house and its surroundings. “How ’bout a few more?” He pointed the camera at me.
“No, please.” My hand slid nervously along my temple. “I’m not presentable for my picture to be taken.” But the camera let out a burst, capturing me in time and place.
I hadn’t seen myself for days, not since catching my reflection in the general store window the day before the race. The trickle in the creek had allowed me to splash water on my face and to rub the grime from my arms and hands. My attempts to tame my tangled hair with a ribbon and a few pins were futile. Its natural wavy and unruly state won out—just as it had when I was a carefree child.
Finn poked his eye around the edge of the box before retreating behind the lens like a game of hide-and-seek. More bursts followed until my hand lifted to cover my face.
“One more?” He was charming, but that was enough notoriety for me.
“Perhaps another time.” I tucked a loose strand behind my ear. “When my homest
ead is complete, you’ll have more interesting subjects to photograph.”
I approached Daniel. “Thank you for your help. You didn’t need to do all this.” My throat went dry. “I’d planned to take care of everything upon my return from town.” My hand extended toward his.
He shook mine in return. “It was my … our pleasure.”
Whether it was reality or only my imagination, he seemed to keep hold of my hand a little longer than necessary. For that brief, yet lingering moment, my heart skipped a beat.
*****
My remote and lonely piece of land was becoming crowded. Once again, riders came over the hill. I figured it wouldn’t be long before they returned.
“Who’s your company?” Finn widened his stance and watched the riders slow to a trot.
“Cooley brothers. Their family thinks they should have my land.” I fisted my hands to maintain composure.
Ben spoke first. “Ma’am. Gentlemen. Mrs. Roberts, excuse us for intruding with you having guests and all.”
“Good day, Ben. Nate.”
Daniel stepped forward. “Gentlemen. What can we help you with?”
“Ain’t you the fellow from last night?” Nate narrowed his eyes and stepped his horse closer. “Ain’t this a sight, Ben?” He motioned to his brother to pull up alongside him. “Asked if she had red hair.”
“But said he didn’t know her.” Ben and his brother grinned like they had just won a high-stakes game of poker. “Sir, you’re either a liar or that attorney has a loose mouth.”
“What are you talking about?” I shot a look at the brothers, then back at Daniel.
“Surely your friends hightailed it out here to let you know you’ve been found out,” Nate said with a smirk. “Too late, though. The law’s already working in our favor.”
“That’s right,” Ben added. “No Sooner is keeping what ain’t hers. We have that lawyer filing a case against you today. Paid him a deposit this morning for his services.”
Anger started to bubble inside. “You have no proof whatsoever.”
“We have testimony from the respectable—” Ben began.
“And reliable,” Nate chimed in.
“Mr. and Mrs. Roper.” Ben sat back in his saddle and grinned. “The old couple you nearly scared to death when you came out of hiding in the thicket.”
“Then you lathered up your horse with soap,” Nate said, “and ran full speed, nearly running them down dead, till you reached this site.”
Ben clicked his tongue in disgust. “Shame you scared ’em away before they could realize their own dream.”
My mouth opened in disbelief, words refusing to come out. Those awful old hoots. I could only imagine what the Cooleys were willing to pay for their false testimony.
Daniel walked toward his horse.
Nate raised his gun. “I’d be careful what you’re getting from that horse, Mister.”
Daniel turned his head. “No need to worry, gentlemen.” He slowly untied the leather strap on his bag.
Finn slipped his hand under his vest while I hoped the brothers kept their eyes on Daniel. At first, it was difficult to make out what Daniel pulled from the bag. It looked like a tattered piece of clothing of some sort. Finn nodded as if privy to Daniel’s plan.
Holding the object aloft, Daniel approached and spoke loudly, “Your chapeau, madame.” He bowed, almost theatrically, and offered my crushed and filthy hat.
My eyes widened. “My hat? It’s hardly recognizable.”
“But it’s yours, I assure you.” Daniel winked, yet his jaw was set as though it was important for me to pay close attention to what he spoke. “Like we said, you were quite a sight running that horse in the race. You didn’t miss a step, even with your hat coming loose and all.”
“The sash loosened while I was in full run.” My fingers slid along the one remaining ribbon. “It flew off behind me and into the oncoming horses and wagons.”
Nate leaned forward in the saddle, obviously trying to get a better look. “That don’t make no sense at all.”
“Surely it does, Mr. …”
“Nate Cooley. This here’s my brother, Ben. You won’t be pulling a fast one on the Cooley family. This lady friend of yours is a thief.”
“What’s she doing for you to play in her favor?” Ben scoffed. “Surprising what a pretty lady can get a man to do.”
“How dare you talk in such a way!” I stomped toward the foul-mouthed brother.
Daniel stopped me, then addressed the brothers. “You might want to consider making an apology to Mrs. Roberts.”
Nate frowned. “What for?”
“Yer not that ignorant, now are you?” Finn pulled his gun from underneath his vest.
Suddenly, three guns were raised, and no one spoke.
It was my voice that broke the silence. “I have the race documentation.”
“Don’t prove a thing,” Ben replied. “You sneaked in before the race started.”
“Yep, you holed up in the brush for a day—already had your choice lot picked out.”
“Good thing I do what I do.” Finn enunciated each word with exaggerated emphasis.
“And what would that be, foreigner?” Ben asked.
“Take pictures.” Keeping his face raised, Finn bent over and patted the camera box on the ground. “Lots of pictures. In fact, some of the best ones are the actual Rush.”
“Especially those of the red-haired woman wearing the ivory hat.” Daniel smiled broadly. “Gentlemen, she truly was a sight to see. Too bad you missed the chance.”
The brothers glared at me.
“This ain’t over.” Ben adjusted his hat and turned his horse.
Nate directed his words to Daniel. “I’m afraid it’s you who are missing the chance. What a shame to be involved with the likes of her.” He looked at me with such disgust and hatred that my stomach lurched. Then he turned and followed after his brother.
“Dunderheeds to be sure.” Finn slapped his hat on his knee. “Idiots don’t seem to recall the photographs won’t show color. No red hair in my pictures, only shades of black and white, everyone looking the same.”
“Not true, Finn.” Daniel looked directly at me and paused for a moment as if finding the right words. “She was different than the others.”
Silence followed until Finn stepped between the two of us. “Well then, Daniel, you’ll need to paint her hair red.”
A wide smile spread across Daniel’s face. “I will. Hues of raw sienna, ochre, and red.”
CHAPTER 25
Mary ~ Good-bye, September 18, 1893
Like the remnants of a carnival that had packed up and rolled into the next town, the tent city was a mere smattering of ashen campfires, trodden grass, and bits of broken glass and forgotten items. For the few people who remained, most were the unlucky ones who didn’t strike a claim and were faced with which direction to travel next.
Some decided to stay put, hoping Arkansas City would bring new opportunities as other towns sprouted across the newly tilled territory. Others packed their few possessions and pointed themselves toward what was home, willing to relinquish their pride with heads hanging low—sure to face the naysayers upon return.
“Joseph!” I called out. “I did it.”
He waved both arms above his head. “I knew you would.” He poked his head in the tent’s opening. A moment later, Lizzie crawled out, and Joseph helped her to her feet. I dismounted and ran to my friends. We wrapped our arms around one another, none of us wanting to let go.
Sadie whinnied, and we all laughed.
“That’s my girl.” Joseph opened his arms to her as if welcoming home a long-lost friend. He stroked her neck. “Didn’t want to be forgotten, eh?”
“Impossible.” Sadie’s speed and agility were surprising. “You should have seen her go. She did all the work as I held on for dear life.”
“We saw the start, but all that dust kicking up …” Lizzie said.
“It looked as if someone set the p
rairie on fire,” Joseph said. “Couldn’t see much of anything, but we could hear it. Never heard such a sound. Thought the earth was going to split open.”
“So loud, my entire body shook like I was going to fall over.” Lizzie nodded at Joseph. “He propped me up the whole time till we couldn’t see anyone left on the prairie.”
“Except the poor souls who wrecked their wagons or fell off horses at the start,” Joseph said.
Lizzie placed her hand on her cheek. “I still wonder what happened to the fellow on the bike after he tumbled into the ditch.”
Joseph pretended to balance atop a large-wheeled bicycle, wobbling his arms side to side. “Like I said, he didn’t deserve much better thinking he could compete on such a contraption.”
Lizzie pinched his arm.
“Ouch, woman. It’s the truth.”
My heart warmed, relieved to be with my friends again. “You two haven’t changed in the past forty-eight hours.” I took Lizzie’s hands in mine and searched her face. “But really, how are you feeling?”
She pressed her lips firmly together and seemed to search for the right words. “Let’s just say, it’s best Joseph and I aren’t trying to start a new life out there.” She glanced around me toward the open prairie. “That’s for you now, not us.”
Unexpected tears filled my eyes—perhaps some from exhaustion, but mostly spilling from my heart. The next few hours would be both precious and fleeting. After we unpacked my portion of the wagon at my lot, the Contolinis would head away from the setting sun, and I would say good-bye to my best friend—one I had been given the honor to travel alongside during what was most likely her last journey on this side of life.
“Mary,” Lizzie whispered in my ear. “I know what you’re thinking.” Now she took my hands in hers. “I’m scared too, but you must understand this. We came into one another’s life for a reason. There are no mistakes in God’s plan. He has blessed me because of you.”
“And you have blessed me.” I reached into my pocket and then placed the smoothed turquoise stone in Lizzie’s palm. “Your stone kept me safe.”
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