“We wanted more, but it wasn’t meant to be. At least we have those two,” Sophie said. “I was going to ask how you’re doing, but I can see you’re better.”
“I am better, thanks to all of the attention from these nice people.
“Did you see Polly and Seth dancing?” Angie asked.
“I did. It was good to see her feeling better. We had a nice visit earlier today.”
“They’re good people. I hope everything works out for them.”
Jed and Mandy returned. “That was embarrassing,” Jed said. “Everyone was laughing at me.”
“That was because they’ve never seen anyone with two left feet try to dance before,” Mandy replied.
“Angie, please come help me try to restore my reputation,” Jed said.
Extending her hand, she asked, “Now I ask you, how can a girl resist that offer?”
“Do you think she’s loosening up?” Sophie asked.
“I hope so,” Mandy replied. “They’d be good together.”
Chapter fifteen
A Gift
The Green River Camp…
“Seth, I see some Indians coming this way. Should we do something?” Angie asked.
“No, we’re fine. They’ve probably just come to trade. Several people traded with some of them back at Fort Laramie.”
“Good. I was worried,” she said.
“They have blankets, moccasins, things like that. Sometimes you can trade your tired horse for a fresh one.”
Later…
“I enjoyed yesterday,” she told Jed.
“It was fun. I’m glad you came out.”
“I am too, although Polly and Seth threatened me if I didn’t.”
“Then I’ll have to thank them for it. So we’re friends again?” he asked.
“I never changed from being your friend. I was having a hard time and wanted to be alone, that’s all.”
“I’ve got big ears, so anytime you want someone to listen, I’m available.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. I’m hoping I don’t get that way again.”
“The Indians that were here earlier?”
“Yes, what were they doing?”
“They were just looking to do some trading. We traded some flour with them.”
“What did you get?”
“These,” he said and handed her a pair of moccasins.
“They’re beautiful,” she said. “You’re going to look darling in them.”
“I got them for you. Your shoes are worn out.”
She made no move to take them. “You shouldn’t have done that. I can’t accept them.”
“Why not?” he challenged. “You need them. I like you and I’m your friend. I want to help. Angie, for once don’t let your stubborn pride get in the way. You saved my sister’s life. I’m not trying to pay you for it, but I appreciate what you did, and I want to return the favor in a much smaller way.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.
“I’m never going to wash my face again,” he told her, his cheeks flush with pleasure.
“You can wash it off, I’ll replace it,” she said.
“It’s a deal.”
“I want to try them on,” she said.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll fit. I used the memory of the foot rub. Besides, there wasn’t a lot of choice in sizes, and these were the prettiest ones she had.”
“I wonder what they’re made of?” she asked.
“I can’t tell. It’s definitely not buffalo. I would guess deer, elk or maybe moose.”
“They fit! Want to take a walk so I can try them out?”
Their walk took them to the center of the circle. A scruffy looking man wearing buckskins looked up as they approached. “I thought maybe you’d be wearing them Injun shoes you got,” he said, and spat a stream of tobacco juice at the fire.
“Sorry to disappoint you. Angie, this is Slade, the scout I’ve been riding with. Slade, Angie Thornton. She’s the one I got the moccasins for.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Slade.” She pulled her skirt up enough to show her shoes. Aren’t they pretty?”
“Yessum, they sure are. Made of moose hide, they are. I seen them make’em many a time. I speck they look a lot better on you than they would on ole Jed here.”
“I would hope so,” she laughed. “It’s been nice meeting you, Mr. Slade. You be sure and take care of Jed for me when he’s out with you.”
“I shore will, ma’am. You kin count on that.”
They continued the stroll around camp. “I’ll bet he’s seen a lot,” Angie said.
“He has. He lived with the Shoshone’s for a couple of years. He had a Shoshone wife, but she died of smallpox.”
“I was vaccinated for smallpox, were you?”
“Before we left Ohio. Papa insisted we all get it.”
“I agree with him on that.” They continued walking. She slipped her hand in his. When he looked at her, she flashed a brilliant smile at him.
* * *
“Mama, look, you’re not going to believe your eyes.” Mandy pointed to the couple walking in their direction.
“Are they holding hands?” Sophie asked.
“Unless my eyes are deceiving, me that is exactly what they are doing.”
“Polly and I talked about this the other day,” Sophie said.
“Hi,” Angie said gaily. “Do you know what your son did?”
“What did he do this time?” Sophie asked.
“He traded for these.” Angie showed them the moccasins.
“Oh, I knew about those. Do they fit?”
“They do, and they’re comfortable too.”
“I saw them,” Mandy said, “but I thought he was getting them for himself. He’s always liked bright shiny things. I looked at what they had to trade, but nothing looked like it would fit me.”
“I think walking is going to be more comfortable for me.
“I’m going to show them to Polly and Seth. Come on, go with me.” Still holding hands, they walked through the shadows to the Gilley wagon.
“She’s leading him around like he’s got a ring in his nose,” Mandy said.
“Mandy Lewis! Be ashamed of yourself,” Sophie said.
“Oh Mama, I’m glad for him. He’s been mooning around like a sick calf ever since she came. I’ve told her she wouldn’t do any better than him. I just hope he doesn’t get hurt.”
“We learn from our mistakes, honey.”
At the Gilley wagon…
“Polly, Jed got these shoes from the Indians today. Aren’t they pretty?”
“They are. That was awfully sweet of you, Jed,” Polly told him.
“Yes ma’am. I thought they’d look nice. I’d best be getting back.”
Angie walked into the shadows with him. “Jed, thanks again and thanks for thinking of me.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“You’re about all I think of any more,” he said.
“I think about you too. You’re a nice person, and I’m glad you’re my friend. Good night. And you can wash your cheek.” She smiled and went back to the wagon.
“Do I detect a change in your feelings?” Polly asked.
“Maybe… a little. Good night, Polly.”
Chapter Sixteen
Over the Mountains
“Good morning,” Jed said. “Ready for another fifteen miles or so?”
“I guess. I don’t have anything else planned for today,” Angie said.
“You don’t sound very happy this morning. Did I say something last night?”
“No, I’m just feeling sorry for myself again. The closer we get to the end, the more it bothers me.”
“”You’re going to be all right. I’ll see to that,” he promised.
“How can you promise something like that?”
“Because I care for you.”
“The right girl, someone you can really care for, is going to come along and knock you
r socks off, you wait and see.”
“She already did,” he replied, and went back to his place with the livestock as the wagons began to move out.
His remark stunned her. Other than her parents, no one had ever said anything like that to her. Several boys back in Brevard had asked her out, and she had gone a few times, but never more than once or twice with the same one. After she firmly rejected their clumsy attempts to make out, they never asked again. It hadn’t mattered because she was determined to win a scholarship to save her parents the expenses of college.
“How do your new shoes feel?” She had not heard Mandy’s approach.
“They make it more comfortable to walk. I don’t feel every rock I step on any more. Did you have anything to do with it?”
“Nope, it was all his idea,” Mandy replied. “He really cares for you.”
“I know. He implied as much this morning. I told him the closer we get to where we’re going, the more it bothers me. He told me he would make sure I would be all right No one’s ever said anything like that to me before.”
Two weeks later…
“We’ve got a little more than six weeks left on the trail,” Polly said. “Seth and I have talked it over, and we’d like for you to be part of our family and live with us for as long as you like or need to.
“I’m not looking for a housekeeper or a nanny. You’ve won a place in our hearts. Seth and I both care for you very much.”
“That is so kind of you. I’ve really been getting depressed by the thought of the end.”
“It’s not the end, Angie. It’s a new beginning,” Polly told her.
“I should look at it that way too, although my new beginning started when Jeremy found me.”
That evening…
“Polly and Seth have invited me to live with them. So there’s a little light at the end of the tunnel,” Angie told Jed. “I just hope it’s not on the front end of a train.”
“Do you ever look at anything without doubts? Mama was going to invite you to live with us,” he told her. “See, you have more than one choice.”
“I’m overwhelmed by all this kindness to someone who is a stranger.”
“You might have been a stranger at one time, but you’re not anymore.”
Touched by the sentiment, she took a step closer, laid her head on his shoulder. His arms found their way around her waist and shoulder hugged her.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I feel so secure right now.”
“You are safe. Nothing is going to hurt you while I’m around.”
She leaned back and looked into the dark pools of his eyes, seeing nothing but warmth and affection. Putting her hand behind his head, she pulled his lips to hers. The dry and cracked skin was warm to the touch.
“Mm,” a throaty hum escaped her mouth, as she pressed herself against him. They broke the kiss. When she looked into his face again, she saw a look of dismay.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I shouldn’t have let that happen. I shouldn’t have taken advantage like that.”
“If you remember, I started it. I wanted you to kiss me. Didn’t you want to?”
“Well, yes, but a gentleman doesn’t take advantage of a lady.”
“When the lady wants it to happen, there’s nothing wrong with it. It felt good. And right.”
Fort Hall…
The Adams Caravan camped outside Fort Hall the last week in June. At a council of drivers, Major Adams addressed the group. “Our animals need some time to graze and let their sore feet heal. We’re seven or eight weeks from Oregon City. I don’t think we have to worry any more about being caught by the snows in the mountains. We may have a snowfall, but it won’t be serious, just cold.
“Your biggest concern now is going to be building a shelter before winter. Replenish your supplies while we’re here, and take care of your gear. Get rested and get ready for the next mountains.”
After the meeting…
“Angie, I’m going to the Fort, come go with me,” Jed said. “It will do you good to get away from the wagons for a while.”
“Why? I can’t buy anything?”
“It would give me the pleasure of your company,” he told her. “I’m just going to look around and see what it’s like. I’d like to see the inside.
“There’s a Hudson Bay Trading Post. We’re going back tomorrow for supplies.”
“Let me see if Polly and Seth need for me to do anything. If they don’t, then I will keep you company.”
Polly said “There was nothing we need. You’ve done a lot. You and Jed go enjoy yourselves. Seth and I are going to see if the post doctor can see me, even though I’m doing a lot better.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and keep an eye on things while you’re gone?”
“No,” Polly answered. We’ll button things up and tell our neighbors we’re going to be gone.”
In Fort Hall…
“It isn’t as busy in here as the others,” Angie observed.
“The Parting of the Ways took quite a few wagons to California before we got this far, so Fort Laramie was busier and bigger,” he told her.
“Let’s have something to eat while we’re here. Mama’s a good cook, but there’s only so much you can do over an open fire.”
“Why don’t you go ahead, and I’ll just take in the sights?”
“It wouldn’t taste as good if you’re not there to share it with me. When are you going to realize that people really care for you, and want to share with you?”
Her eyes misted. “I can’t help it. I’ve always worked for everything I’ve had and now it’s… It isn’t the same.”
He stopped in front of the small café. Come on. If you don’t want to eat, you can watch me.
Seated at a small, somewhat rickety table, he looked at the menu scrawled on a small chalkboard. “What’ll you folks have?” the blowsy waitress asked.
“Do you have lemonade?”
“No, but we do have tea.”
“Bring two teas, please,” he told her.
She turned and started to walk away. “Aren’t you going to ask her what she wants?”
“Now ain’t you the funny one?” the waitress said.
“I’m not being funny, I want two iced teas. Angie, what would you like?”
“I’ll have tea also, please.”
“Do you have eggs?” The waitress nodded. “I would like a steak with eggs. Angie?”
“I don’t suppose you have any vegetables?”
“Hon, I suggest you go with what he did, the gardens ain’t had time to bear yet, and what gets hauled in mostly goes to the Army.”
“I’ll go with that then. I haven’t had an egg in months,” she said.
“Angie, when we get to Oregon, most of us are probably going to settle in the same area. I’d like to call on you if it’s all right with you.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” she answered, “but what do you have in mind?”
“Well, when I just turned eighteen, so I’m going to be able to file on land. When you homestead, you have to live on it for five years. I like you. A lot. I expect to get married someday and have a family. I want you to be a part of it.”
“That’s a lot to digest. I won’t be eighteen until January.”
“Mama was only seventeen when she got married,” he told her.”
“I’m not your mother,” she reminded him. “People mature at different ages. I’m not old enough to even think of getting married.”
“You need to start thinking about it, what with all of your circumstances and everything.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t need to be reminded of my situation. I know well enough what it is. Nevertheless, I will not put myself into something as serious as marriage until I feel ready for it. I’m also thinking of you when I say this.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you. I don’t want to rush you into anything. I’m just saying…”
“Jed, don’t make it wo
rse by trying to explain. If you want me to be your friend, then fine. If you want me for a wife, it’s way too early for me to even think about something like that. I may not even be cut out to be a wife. It’s something I have to figure out for myself. I only plan to marry once in my life and I want it to be right.”
“I guess I missed something somewhere,” he said. I thought you liked me.”
“I do like you, but don’t misread like for love.”
“Aren’t they the same?”
Chapter seventeen
Love Is…
Love and like…
“In my mind, love and like are not the same. Love means making yourself vulnerable. You put your heart and soul on the line. When you love someone, you’re setting yourself up to be hurt, but you don’t care. It’s worth the risk, no matter what.
“Like means you enjoy someone’s company, and want to do things with them. My mother told me liking someone comes before loving them.
“Mom and Dad didn’t even have to talk to express their love. When she passed his chair, she would touch his arm or shoulder. He gave his life for her. That’s what love is to me.”
“I don’t know anything about any of that,” he said. “I just know I like you and want to be with you.
“You didn’t eat very much of your dinner.”
“I never eat every much unless there are vegetables. Why don’t you eat it or take it with you? Maybe your mother or father would like it.”
“They will probably eat here too,” he said. “What does vulnerable mean?”
“It means putting yourself in a position where you can be hurt. Either physically or emotionally. For example, when you said you liked me, it made you vulnerable. Or, if you have to get in front of a herd of buffalo, you’re vulnerable.”
“I’d also be crazy,” he said.
“That too,” she said, laughing.
“Give the food to Seth and Polly,” he said. I can’t be eating too much of this store bought food.”
“I’m going to have to work vulnerable into a conversation with Mandy.”
“Just tell her you’re vulnerable, and play it from there.”
[Oregon Trail Time Travel 04.0] Angie and the Farmer Page 7