Teton Splendor

by Peggy L Henderson

  Her dress sagged loosely from her body, the sleeves wanting to slip down her shoulders. It was torn in several places and dirty beyond recognition. Wearing only two petticoats and no crinoline to fill out the skirt, the dress was much too long. She’d used her other two petticoats as bandages for Joseph, and her crinoline lay abandoned at the banks of the Ohio River. Joseph had cut several inches off the hem of her skirt already when she nearly tripped over herself the morning after the steamboat disaster.

  Her hair hung in limp strands down her back. The pleasant fragrance of lavender drifted through the air, its source a shelf lined with soaps and candles. Sophia curled her nose at the unpleasant smell which arose from her clothing and unwashed body. Resisting the urge to bolt from the store, she held tight to the edge of a wooden crate next to her.

  Nearly a week had passed, and Joseph had led her and Caleb through the wilderness along the Ohio, avoiding most settlements. Stopping just outside one of the larger towns one day, he had somehow bartered for a horse with a local farmer. Even though it was an older animal that had obviously seen many years in front of a plow, a second horse had made traveling quicker and easier. Up until then, Joseph had walked while she and Caleb rode.

  Now that they had reached St. Louis, her insecurities about her appearance came rushing back full force. Sophia wished Joseph hadn’t insisted she come with him into the city. Part of her yearned for a soft bed to sleep in, a hot bath, and a meal eaten with a fork and spoon rather than just her hands, but she dreaded what people would think of the way she looked. She would have preferred to stay at their camp outside of town, but he refused to leave her behind. He didn’t even cite a valid reason.

  “Why do we have to stop in St. Louis?” she’d argued. The idea of being seen in public made her stomach tie in knots.

  Joseph offered her a hard glare that left no room for debate.

  “I need supplies,” he’d said simply. “This is the last place to get them before we head completely into the wilderness. There are no more towns beyond the Missouri.”

  Gritting her teeth, she’d stopped trying to persuade him to leave her behind at camp. How could she communicate to him that she wasn’t dressed for polite society? St. Louis was a large town. It would be no different than Boston, where people were expected to dress and act in a certain way. It wasn’t something he understood, apparently. He didn’t seem concerned about his appearance at all, or hers, for that matter.

  All of her money and belongings were gone, so she couldn’t even purchase new clothing. She only had this one dress, and in its present condition, it was better suited for the rag bin than for going out in public. Somehow she had to figure out a way to alter the garment so it would be more suitable for travel. She looked like a trollop.

  Sure enough, both men and women had openly stared at her as they rode up the busy streets. Joseph avoided the river district, and stayed to the outlying section of town. He stopped in front of a dry goods store that boasted of being the best supplied store with the cheapest prices anywhere this side of the Missouri. Caleb, who sat behind Joseph on his horse, slid eagerly from the animal’s back. His eyes grew wide at the sight of the store.

  Joseph secured his horse to the tie rail, then stood beside her nag and reached up to help her off the animal’s back. Sophia fell into his arms. Any excuse to be near him, to feel his hands on her. She gripped his firm shoulders and wished he would pull her into an embrace when he set her feet on the ground. The touch of his hands on either side of her waist sent a warm rush through her entire body. Her palms lingered on his chest when he released her all too quickly and stepped back. She sought eye contact with him, but he turned his attention toward the store.

  Sophia held her breath. She wanted to scream in frustration. The only times he made physical contact with her since the accident was when he helped her on and off her horse. Over the course of their journey to reach St. Louis, he seemed to have been avoiding her.

  Gone were the heated looks he’d shot her way that day by the river. He only spoke to her when absolutely necessary, and directed all his attention to Caleb. It left her wondering if the desire in his eyes and his sensual banter had been a dream. Had she been too forward? In Boston, she wouldn’t have dared comment on a man’s physical attributes. Somehow, it seemed so easy to do with Joseph. He had played right along, and she thought he might even kiss her again. By the next morning, he’d been completely indifferent.

  Adding to her confusion, Joseph instructed Caleb in everything from fire building to fishing, to skinning and eviscerating the small animals he caught for their meals, while she sat idly by, day after day. She tried to shrug it off as inconsequential. Obviously, he didn’t think her capable of performing these tasks. He was probably right, but a part of her was disappointed that he hadn’t included her in the lessons. For the time being, she simply observed and listened, trying to learn what she could.

  Sophia turned away from the mirror. Joseph had left her side and moved further into the store. He stood at the sales counter, talking to the proprietor. If he had heard the women whispering, he gave no indication. Caleb stood next to him, looking like a ragamuffin in his tattered clothes. When Joseph announced that he was bringing Caleb with them, she’d been rather surprised. However, when he told her of Caleb’s circumstances, her heart went out to the child and swelled with love and admiration for Joseph. If only she could muster up the courage and tell him of her feelings. Fear of rejection held her back.

  Unsure of what to do while Joseph conducted his business, Sophia remained where she stood behind the wooden crate. A rack with several simple dresses stood in a corner at the opposite end of the store. A week ago she would have had enough money to no doubt purchase everything in this entire establishment. Traveling through uninhabited areas over the course of the last week, she was acutely aware that none of what Lucy had packed in her trunks would have been suitable to wear. She would have had to purchase an entirely new wardrobe. Now she couldn’t even buy one new dress.

  Sophia ignored the continued stares of disapproval from the ladies doing their shopping. The bell above the door jingled, announcing another customer. Cringing, her eyes darted nervously to the entrance. She surely didn’t need any more people remarking on her appearance.

  Two men dressed in buckskins similar to Joseph’s entered the store, followed by a girl several years younger than herself. Sophia blinked and stared, wide-eyed. The young woman wore buckskin britches and a cotton shirt just like the men. Her blond hair was braided in one long rope down her back. She even wore a knife strapped to the belt around her waist. On her heels followed a petite Indian woman carrying a young child on one hip. A blond-haired boy, about Caleb’s age, darted past them.

  Sophia’s eyes lingered on the Indian woman. She wore a simple buckskin dress that reached well past her knees, long fringes swaying down each side. Her feet were encased in plain leather moccasins that wrapped around her legs and disappeared up under the dress. Her long hair was parted down the middle, and braided on either side. The child on her hip, presumably a boy, had raven-colored hair. His skin tone, although dark, was a shade lighter than the woman’s.

  He’s of mixed blood, like me.

  Her eyes darted to the other child who pushed his way to the front of the store. He couldn’t have Indian blood in him. His skin was too light, as was his straw-colored hair.

  The two women who had whispered about her a moment ago now stood open-mouthed, staring at the group. Both of them set their purchases on the counter, and rushed from the store, declaring they would be back later for the items. None of the new arrivals paid the two women any notice.

  “Joseph? Joseph Walker, is that you?” The pretty blond girl rushed past the two men and up to the counter. Joseph wheeled to face her, and a wide smile brightened his face. Sophia held her breath. Her throat constricted painfully all of a sudden.

  “Kara?” Joseph laughed, and lifted the girl in a tight embrace. He set her down again and his eyes tr
aveled up and down her figure. “Look at you. All grown up.” He glanced up at the two men behind her.

  Sophia’s spirit plummeted even more than before. Apparently, Joseph was back among people he knew, and he obviously held great affection for this girl. She ran a self-conscious hand along the silk fabric of her gown. She’d foolishly believed he might harbor some feelings for her after she kissed him. Heat crept up her neck. How would she ever be able to compete for his attention when his interests were so obviously for women from his own world?

  “Well, if it isn’t little Joey Walker,” the taller of the two blond men exclaimed loudly, and walked up beside Joseph. He slapped him heartily on the back. Joseph reached out his hand, which the older man clasped.

  “Chase Russell, what a surprise,” Joseph said, then turned to the other man. “Sam, how are you?”

  “Fair enough, considering I have to put up with my brother-in-law,” the other man said, less boisterous than his companion. “It’s been what? Three or four years since we last saw you?”

  “How’s life along the Madison?” Joseph asked. “Your folks all right?”

  The man named Sam laughed. “You know my father. Nothing’s going to slow him down. Mama tries her best to keep him in line.”

  “What brings you this far east so late in the season, Joey?” the taller man with the odd name and short hair asked.

  “I’m on my way home from Boston.”

  The tall blond man whistled. “Boston? That’s a long way from the Rockies.”

  Joseph finally looked her way. “Come and meet some friends of mine, Sophie,” he called. Sophia lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. On rubbery legs, she moved around a wooden barrel toward the group. Sam turned to the proprietor on the other side of the counter, handing him a piece of paper.

  “Chase, this is Sophie Yancey, granddaughter of Two Bears, a Bannock chief who is a friend of mine. Sophie, meet Chase Russell and his family.”

  The man named Chase appraised her boldly, a bright grin on his face. He reached for her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Russell,” she said, and plastered a practiced smile on her face. She had plenty of experience greeting her father’s important business associates, and feigning confidence where there was none. Chase Russell’s smile widened, then he looked again at Joseph. His forehead wrinkled in apparent puzzlement.

  “How many years has it been since . . .” He paused mid-sentence, and tapped at his forehead with his index finger, as if he tried to knock a memory loose in his head. “Weren’t you hitched with some Blackfoot who—”

  “How’s Sarah and the rest of your family?” Joseph cut him off abruptly. “Are they here, too?”

  Sophia wondered at Joseph’s rude behavior for cutting the man off. Chase’s eyes lingered on him, then darted to her. His lips twitched and his green eyes sparkled. He didn’t seem upset by the interruption.

  “Sarah’s fine. She stayed home with the rest of the girls to look after her parents and keep them out of trouble. Kara came to stay with her Uncle Zach and help him in his law practice. I think she’s secretly hoping to snatch a husband here in St. Louis, even though she’s much too young to be thinking about men.”

  “Oh, Papa, stop embarrassing me.” Kara smacked her father on the arm, her smile matching his. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with coming to the city to try and meet a man. I’m nearly seventeen.” Her eyes volleyed to Sophia. “You’re all the way from Boston? How long have you lived there?”

  “Best watch out, Sophie,” Chase said with a chuckle. “She’s about to ask a million questions.”

  Kara scurried next to Sophia, and eyed her tattered dress. She shot an accusing glare at Joseph, then hooked her hand through Sophia’s arm and ushered her away from the men. Sophia glanced over her shoulder. She hadn’t expected Joseph’s eyes on her, and the intense, almost possessive look in his stare sent a jolt of adrenaline rushing through her. Unsure of how to interpret his expression, she turned her head and gave her attention to the girl pulling her away from the group.

  “You live in the mountains where Joseph is taking me?” Sophia asked when they stood a good distance from the others. Caleb and the other boy seemed to be getting along well, and they both pointed at a display case filled with knives.

  “Yes, my family lives along the Madison River, further to the north of where Joseph and his family have their homestead. Are you on your way home to your people?

  “”I’ve never been this far west that I remember.” Sophia shook her head slightly.

  Kara’s forehead wrinkled in puzzlement. “But you’re a Bannock. On whose side?”

  “My mother,” Sophia answered. There wasn’t a hint of disapproval in Kara’s eyes, only curiosity. Sophia liked her, despite her initial reaction to how Joseph greeted her. “I was raised in Boston.”

  “My Uncle Samuel’s wife, Summer Rain, is Shoshone.” She pointed to the Indian woman and the child hanging off of her hip. The short woman stood next to the other blond man. “Their son, Josh is almost two years old. And over there’s my brother Kyle.”

  Sophia’s unease lifted. Her chest seemed to lighten all of a sudden. Was she finally among people who wouldn’t judge her based on the color of her skin?

  “I’d love to hear more about life in Boston. Now that I’m about to turn seventeen, I finally persuaded my parents to allow me to spend a year in St. Louis with my uncle. My older sister, Emily, was allowed to come here last year. We don’t see a lot of white folks where I live. It’ll be exciting to meet some new people.”

  Sophia smiled. Ironic how this girl wanted what she herself was trying to escape from. But then again, Kara never had to contend with Beacon Hill society.

  “There’s a much better shop in town for buying clothes than this place,” Kara said. “I assume you’re going to purchase something more appropriate for wilderness travel?”

  Sophia shook her head. “I lost all my money in a steamboat accident almost a week ago. What I’m wearing is all I have.”

  “Oh my. That had to have been quite scary. I’ve never been on a steamboat before.” Kara made it sound as if the ordeal had been more of an adventure than a life and death situation. She smiled, and squeezed Sophia’s hand, then glanced toward the men. “Well, I’m sure Joseph will buy you some clothes that are better suited,” she said brightly.

  Sophia quickly shook her head. “No, I couldn’t impose on him like that.” Her eyes darted to him. He stood with the other two men, deep in conversation.

  Kara’s forehead wrinkled. “You can’t travel into the mountains in that dress. Joseph knows that.” She paused, then her face brightened again. She snapped her thumb and middle finger together. “I have an idea. I need to get some clothes more suited for St. Louis. It’s more comfortable and practical to travel through the mountains in britches, but I won’t need them here. You can have my clothes. I have a clean shirt in my travel pack.”

  Sophia’s eyes widened. She glanced at the girl’s britches.

  “ I . . . I’m not sure I can accept your offer,” she stammered.

  “Nonsense. Of course you can.” Kara squeezed her hand again. “And as repayment, you can help me pick out some appropriate dresses and undergarments. You must know a lot about fashion.”

  Yes, that was all she seemed to know. It wasn’t exactly useful knowledge for the wilderness. Maybe if she dressed more appropriately, and didn’t remind him so much of a city girl, Joseph would take notice. Would he look at her differently if she wore these clothes?

  “Agreed,” she said firmly, grasping Kara’s hand. There was only one way to find out, and as Kara had said, britches would be more practical in the wilderness. Her silk dress wouldn’t last much longer. Sophia’s mouth widened in a soft smile. She almost laughed out loud. Not in her wildest dreams had she ever thought to wear britches, and buckskin ones at that. Her eyes darted to Joseph, whose back was turned to her.

  Or that you would fall in love
with a man like him.

  Chapter Twelve

  Joseph didn’t turn around, but he was acutely aware of Sophie talking with Kara in the far corner of the store. The sound of Sophie’s laughter sent a thrilling wave of warmth through him. He’d never heard her laugh before, not like that. He was glad that she had found a friend in Kara Russell. From the few comments she’d made about her life in Boston, it didn’t seem like she had too many close friends. When the store’s doorbell jingled, he knew immediately that the two women were heading out the door. His head turned just in time to see Kara’s blond rope of hair swish from side to side before the door closed behind her. Through the glass window, Sophie smiled and giggled brightly as she and Kara headed up the wooden boardwalk. The complete change in her from the somber woman earlier today was amazing, and it lifted his own mood.

  “How long are you in town, Joey?” Chase Russell asked, cutting into his thoughts.

  “Long enough to get some supplies, then we’re heading out.”

  “You’re gonna take that gorgeous girl of yours cross country all by yourself?” The blond man cocked his eyebrows.

  Joseph had known Chase Russell all of his life. His wife’s parents and his own folks were good friends. The man was a bit strange at times, and his manner of speech perplexing, but he had made a name for himself as one of the best mountain men along the Yellowstone, and as someone to be respected.

  Joseph laughed at Chase’s words, ignoring the reference that he somehow considered Sophie to belong to him. “How else am I going to get her to the Tetons?”

  “Sam and I’ll be heading home tomorrow. You could hook up with us, at least part of the way.”

  Joseph considered the idea. It would certainly be safer to travel with more people. Over the last week, he’d had the nagging feeling that they were being followed. The man on the big dun horse he’d seen across the river on the day of the accident came to mind. Avoiding settlements, Joseph had sometimes cut his own trail, and even backtracked a few times. He’d barely slept, and often wondered if he was simply imagining things. A lifetime in the mountains had taught him to never second-guess his intuition. It was safer to be cautious now, rather than dead later.