by Trumbo, Kari
Frances, Lula, Nora, and Daisy all grumbled as Jennie pulled on their dresses and checked their braids. She could smell the smoke of the fire and knew the simple breakfast of biscuits and honey would be done soon. It wasn’t a normal biscuit because they had no butter or milk, but they’d never had those things when they’d lived with Ma and Pa in Yellow Medicine, either.
If Pa had lived, he’d have married her off by now, probably to a drunk, just like he did to Ruby. Except Ruby had managed to get away and find a good man, a man who treated her like a prize.
She helped the younger girls get their food and did her best to stay far away from Aiden and his foul teasing. Beau laid his hand on her shoulder as she did the breakfast dishes.
“We’re pulling out in a bit. I’m checking the wheels and straps to make sure everything’s in shape for a good go today. Mr. Bradly offered to drive the second wagon so Ruby can ride beside me. I know she could drive, but I’d rather she not have to.”
Jennie flinched at the thought of the scruffy stranger joining them. “Are you sure he can be trusted? He just showed up and you’ve invited him to join us? He could be anybody.”
Beau smiled and slid his plate in the water. “He could be anybody, or somebody. I guess we’ll just have to find out.”
Beau strode away and Jennie shook her head. “He could also be a snoring jack mule that laughs when he shouldn’t.” She picked up a plate to scrub it as another plopped down in the water, splashing her. She looked up to see Aiden’s hazel eyes twinkling at her.
“Jack mule, now that’s a new one.” He tipped his hat to her and turned away. She noticed he limped slightly and the ire melted out of her. According to him, he’d been walking for days and he’d been helpful that morning with Beau and Ruby. If he drove, her sister wouldn’t need to, though, that also meant that she would be riding with him all day. When Ruby drove, Jennie would sit up front with her to help pass the time, now she couldn’t do that. She’d have to sit in the back and listen to Hattie’s snipping and Eva trying to placate her.
Jennie herded the youngest ones to the wagon Beau and Ruby would drive, then climbed into hers. She laid on the feather tick and looked at the dark soiled canvas above her. The ride would be even more dull today since she couldn’t sew or do anything else, the rocking of the wagon wouldn’t allow it. Beau worried about Indians, so she couldn’t even get out and walk.
“Hey, lumpy! Why don’t you come up here and keep me company?” Aiden glanced back at her through the opening in the canvas.
She groaned and closed her eyes, pretending to ignore him. Oh, how every word from his mouth made her chafe. Even being bored would be better than riding next to him.
“Hattie, is your sister hard of hearing?” He laughed. “I ain’t sitting that far away.”
Hattie laughed and leaned close to Aiden, propping her arms on the short back of the wagon seat. “She heard you, she’s just pretending she didn’t. I’d sit up there with you.”
Aiden threw back his head and laughed, she could admit, though she’d deny it, he did have a nice laugh, full, like a man’s laugh should be.
“Sorry, sprout. You’re a little young to sit up here with me, not that she’s much older, I’d wager.” He glanced at her again, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Hattie turned around and sat with her back to him. “She’s just turned eighteen.”
“Well, that’s practically an old maid in these parts.” He patted the seat next to him as if he knew she were watching. Her ire rose even more. How could he tell?
Jennie sat up, then stood, bracing herself on the bows holding the canvas against the rocking of the wagon, then stomped to the front. She climbed over her sister and onto the seat, sitting as far away from Aiden as she could manage. Impossible man, why couldn’t he just leave her alone?
“There, I’m here. Will you stop talking about me now?” She fixed him with a hot glare.
“That bonnet don’t quite hide the knot on your head.” He glanced at her head then back to the path. “The whole one side of your head’s all purple.”
If that was how he was going to treat her, then she’d get him just as good. “And your boots don’t quite cover the stink of your feet, either.” She gripped the side of the seat and turned away.
“No, I expect not. Guess we’re both a sight.” He flicked the lines.
“I didn’t say anything about sight… I said they stink.”
“I did the best I could with the bit of water I had. Didn’t want to soak them in the dish water.” He glanced at her and there was that twinkle back in his eyes. She couldn’t tell if he was pulling her leg or not.
“You wouldn’t really…?” She turned toward him her stomach turning at the thought of him putting his feet in their wash basin.
“Why, course not!” He laughed, softening his face to pleasant hills and valleys, plunging into the hairy mass of his beard. A beard that looked out of place with his eyes, which were without lines. He had to be younger than she’d assumed the night before when he’d wandered into camp.
Jennie shook her head. He was a maddening man and she’d not let him get any closer.
He put the lines in his left hand and reached over with his right, tugging on her braid. “I thought plaits were for young girls. I ain’t ever seen an eighteen-year-old wear plaits.”
“Are you going to poke fun at everything about me? How about my nose, does that suit you, Mr. Bradly?” Her hands shook. How did this stranger make her so angry without even trying? She’d always been somewhat forgiving and placid, but every word he spoke made her want to stand up and throttle him.
“Now, that you mention it. Your nose is right pretty.” He nodded as if the decision was final on the matter, which made her fume darkly.
Jennie stood and climbed back into the wagon, finished with him, at least for a while. If she stayed in the front, she was libel to push him off the seat and wave to him as she left him, and his beard, in the dust.
Chapter Three
AIDEN WATCHED AS JENNIE abandoned her seat. She was a feisty one, so much fun to rile up, just like Da used to do with Mam years before. He, his two brothers, and one sister had all worked hard on the farm, but there had always been moments of fun. Teasing was how they’d shown affection.
As he’d gotten older, it had taken more than teasing to keep him happy. He’d wanted something more than just silly words to cover up work worn hearts. He wanted to provide for his family, so they didn’t have to work their fingers to the bone anymore.
A prospector had stopped at their farm on his way west. He’d convinced Aiden to leave home and come with him to find his fortune. They would strike it rich and he could come back and give his parents everything… Except that hadn’t happened. He’d followed the old coot all the way to California, had worked and worked, and all they’d found was a few flakes. The prospector disappeared one night, the gold along with him.
California had left a bad taste in his mouth, but he’d heard if you could stand the cold and if you weren’t afraid of Sioux aggression, there was gold in the Dakotas. He’d fair laughed at that. What would the Sioux want with him? The prospector had taken everything but his horse and his saddle. He didn’t really want to fight Indians for anything and he suspected if he left them alone, they’d do the same. But, if he wanted to ever have anything to bring back home to his Da, he’d better get there and give it a try.
Though he didn’t put much stock in gold fever, he could feel they were getting close to Deadwood. Deep down in his soul, he could tell there was something special about Dakota. It felt like he was right up in the clouds as he drove over the hills, then the hills had become steep and hard to cross. Some they’d had to try to stick to valleys, but the valleys seemed to become hills of their own, as if they were trying to keep men away from their hidden treasure.
That morning, Beau had introduced him to each of the girls he’d mentioned the night before. He’d heard the story of how Beau and Ruby rescued the girls
from unfortunate marriages. It was noble and all, and meant that the girls were safe to talk to, because they weren’t free to marry. Which meant he could just be himself. He’d avoided taking a bride because his only passion was finding gold and making his da proud. Then, he could go home.
Aiden peeled his hat from his head and wiped the sweat from his brow. Though he was thankful to be off his feet, sitting in front of the wagon put him right in the burning sun. At least there was real heat. California had been cool and wet on the mountains. He smacked his lips and felt the cracks along the edges. A dipper of water appeared by his head. He glanced over his shoulder to find Jennie and her lavender eyes standing behind him, and he wondered how long she’d been there while he reminisced about times best left in the past.
“I thought you might like to wet your whistle.” She hung her head and held out the dipper.
He wound the lines around his leg then took the dipper and drank deeply. He could have taken about three, but he didn’t want to be greedy.
“Thank you. I was mighty parched.” Her eyes brightened and she tipped her head as he picked up the lines again.
She took the dipper back then appeared near his shoulder again. Her skirt brushed against his back.
“Sure is hot today.” She moved away from him, like a tentative child when offered a piece of candy. There was a quiver in her voice, and as much fun as it was to tease, it bothered him that she was nervous around him.
“Yup, sure is. Probably best if you stay back there, might be a bit cooler out of the sun.” He was hoping it would challenge her to do the exact opposite as was her habit so far. True to form, she climbed over the back of the seat and sat next to him, folding her small hands into her lap and swaying with the motion of the wagon.
“You like being contrary, don’t you?”
Jennie shook her head. “I always do what I’m told. It’s just you I don’t listen to.”
He snorted to keep from laughing. “I think we got off on the wrong foot… or head. I’m Aiden Bradly and I’m from Kansas. I moved to Cal-if-ornia when I was a young pup of just nineteen. I lived there for a year, then started my trip to South Dakota. What about you?” He focused on the lines and traces leading up from each ox, hoping that if he didn’t look at her, she might just stay and talk.
“I’m Jennie Annette Arnsby from Montana, and I’ve always lived there. My Pa burned our house down when I was seventeen and my sister came to get us so we’d have somewhere to live. We lived in Cutter’s Creek all winter and lit out in the spring. My Ma stayed behind. I don’t want to be here, but I was told to go. And, like I already told you, I do what I’m told.”
“Except with me.” He smiled and pulled up on the lines. Beau’s wagon stopped ahead of them and Aiden looked forward to resting his arms and stretching his legs, too. But it also meant the fragile hold he had on conversation with the little butterfly would end quickly.
“You don’t count. You ain’t family.” Jennie climbed down the wheel and jogged away.
*~*~*
It took every bit of resolve she had not to turn and look back at Aiden. She didn’t want to know anything about him except that he made her as mad as a hornet every time he opened his mouth. Except this time. He hadn’t teased her, he’d tried to start over. When he was teasing her, she could give it right back, but when he was just talking … it made her feel like her insides were quaking.
Jennie collected the girls and brought them to the front of the wagon, where she caught Beau and Ruby locked together in a kiss like she’d never seen before. She backed away, but her sister’s giggles made Beau jump away from Ruby as if she were on fire. He turned as red as Ruby’s hair.
Beau wiped his mouth with the back of a gloved hand and pointed off into the distance. “See the birch trees? There’s a stream over there. You girls go over and get cleaned up. The men will go later once camp is set.”
Jennie had enjoyed the few times they’d stopped to bathe in the past, but now she’d be taking a bath with Aiden just a few yards away. Her belly did a strange flip at the thought. He wasn’t family. Neither was the reverend, but somehow, Aiden was different. She held out her hands and the girls took them and they headed back toward their wagon.
“Both your dresses are dirty. We can wash one of them while we bathe. If the sun dries them enough we can get both clean.”
The girls nodded and ran back to the wagon to get their clothes. Jennie collected her own clothes and the soap. She stuck her head into the back of her wagon.
“Hattie? Eva? There’s a river. We’re to go down and get cleaned off first.”
Hattie threw her book across the bed and glared at Jennie. “What is the matter with you?”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. Get your clothes and come on.”
“Aiden’s been trying all day to get you to talk to him and you’ve done nothing but give him trouble. If you think there’ll be a bunch of good men to pick from in Dakota, you’re wrong. You didn’t listen to all the stories, but Level told us there are a lot of men in Deadwood that need the gentle hand of a woman. Best to take one you know will be good to you.”
Jennie shook her head and glanced heavenward. “I know no such thing and men need help everywhere, Hattie. But now, you need to listen to what Beau said or you’ll still be down there when the men go down to clean up.”
“And why would I worry about that?”
Jennie felt the heat rush up her neck. Hattie had always acted the flirt. She turned and left Hattie to sit in the wagon. She’d come when she was ready.
There were thin white trees all along the river. Their leaves were small and made a wonderful rustling sound as the wind passed through them. The river made a pleasant soft noise that you didn’t notice unless you really listened for it. Like a whisper. Ruby and the younger girls were already in their drawers and chemises, splashing in the water. Jennie ran to the edge and handed Ruby the soap. The faster they got the dresses washed, the faster they could lay them out to dry before they got themselves washed up.
The sun sparkled off the gently running water and glittered as the girls splashed one another. Jennie inched into the cold river and helped Ruby and Eva scrub the stains from the dresses. Hattie joined them a few minutes later, but didn’t join in the fun. Soon, all eight dresses were hanging from low bushes and eight sisters lay in the sun to dry themselves. Jennie glanced over at Ruby and her gaze froze on Ruby’s waistline.
She assumed her sister had continued to wear a corset, but now, quite visibly, Jennie could see she wasn't. She only wore the corset cover to make it look as if she still were.
“Ruby…” Jennie whispered, “are you in a family way?”
Ruby rested her hand on her stomach. “I’d rather wait a little longer to tell everyone, if you don’t mind. Beau will need to buy me the special stays when we get to Deadwood.” Ruby gave Jennie a conspiratorial wink.
Having a baby was a great thing, Jennie couldn’t figure why Ruby would want to keep it a secret. They grew up in a very small home, with only two bedrooms. Though most of the girls knew what happened when you were married, none would talk about it. The most affection they’d ever seen was between Beau and Ruby, and it still left them embarrassed. Ma and Pa had barely even touched in the out and open.
Curiosity got the better of Jennie and before she could stop it, the words tumbled from her mouth. “Ruby ... do you like being married?”
She opened her eyes and glanced at Jennie. “Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. Ma and Pa never seemed to like each other until everyone was abed at night. But you and Beau can’t seem to get enough of each other.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.” She closed her eyes against the bright sun and smiled, her cheeks a warm pink under the heat of its rays.
“Why?” Jennie had to know. How could she ever find what Beau and Ruby had, and not what her Pa had expected of her?
“Beau and I want the same things. We want space and time with ea
ch other. We want to spend every minute together, and we want to make sure all you girls have choices you wouldn’t have had before.”
“So, love is just … things in common?” Jennie wrinkled her nose and sat up, reaching for the brush to attack the snarls in her long blond hair. Love didn’t sound like much fun, if that’s all it was.
“It isn’t just that, Jennie.” Ruby sat up and grabbed the brush from her, motioning for her to turn around. She started brushing the ends gently. “I can’t even explain it. It’s like when he’s around, I can face anything because together we’re stronger than we are apart. Before Beau, I was afraid of so many things. Now, I know I can be strong, because he’s by my side.”
Jennie enjoyed the soft rhythm of Ruby brushing, but stopped her when she started separating it into strands for braiding.
“I want to try it a different way. Maybe, more like you. I’m only a year younger, it’s probably time.”
“I suppose, Ma tried to keep you looking younger hoping Pa would forget you were marrying age. Let me show you how to wrap it up.” Ruby slowly brushed through her own hair, then wrapped it and twisted it until it was in a pretty knot at the nape of her neck, adding pins to keep it in place.
“I think I can manage that. Thank you, Ruby.” She worked at her own hair while Ruby left to check the dresses. Jennie struggled to get her hair the same, twisting and changing it when it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t as easy on the back of her own head as it had been to watch Ruby do it.
Hattie plopped down next to her. “If you aren’t going to be nice to Aiden, I will. I’m not even two years younger than you, I’ll be seventeen before the spring’s gone.”
Jennie shook her head. “Beau isn’t going to approve of Aiden, not as young as you are. You can ask him if you want, but I heard him tell Aiden to stay away from us.” She didn’t have pins with her, so she wrapped her ribbon around the knotted hair and tied it, hoping it would stay up until she could get back and finish it. It was a way to get Hattie to leave her alone, by looking as if she were too busy to listen further, when really, she just didn’t want to hear Hattie any longer.