"What happened to them?"
"Songbird drown about a month later. White Hawk her husband brought her back, buried her, and never spoke of her again. After that, he stayed a while, and then one day he just disappeared."
"Did he die too?"
"No…we think he went back to the Apache life."
"So there are others that feel the same as me."
"Yes…there are others."
They continued to work for a while then Sarah looked at her.
"You like it here?"
"Yes, I do. But I fear Cale does not want me to stay with him. And I cannot ask him. It wouldn't be right, me living here, not married."
"You wait, we see."
"Yes, I guess so…I guess I have no choice about that."
"Iron Kettle says Cale is very good man. He trusts him, and you know that speaks well of him."
"Yes, Iron Kettle trusted him, so I must trust him too." Amelia answered.
"Then you marry Cale!" Sarah said as though it were all arranged.
"Sarah he hasn't asked me to stay." Amelia reminded her. "He's certainly not in love with me. I'm afraid it wouldn't work."
"He kiss you back?"
"Well, yes…but…"
"He will, you see. I see the way he kissed you. Cale is afraid of love."
~*~
"What you do with white woman now?" Hodge asked as they spread the hay about for the horses.
"Well, I've got to find out how to get a hold of her fiancé. Then I'll take her to him." Cale told him. “Or bring him here, one or the other.”
"How do you do that? Get hold of a fiancé?"
"I'm not sure. I'll have to ask around. Go to the General store where I saw the notice, and find out what they know of him. It might take some time. And until then, well, it's going to be awkward around here. If she stays here at the cabin, with me here, folks in town will talk and that isn't a good thing. I guess I'll have to hunt him down and bring him here. It would be easier than going to him." Cale told him, restless because now that he was home, he didn't know what he was going to do with Amelia.
"She stay here." Hodge looked at Cale for an answer. "That good."
"Until I find her fiancé, yes." Cale told him.
"That good. She stay with Sarah. She like Sarah. Sarah like her." Hodge said simply.
"I'm glad, because I don't know how long it will take to find her fiancé." Cale told him. "And I want her to be comfortable with staying here. This place is just as strange as going home again."
"She make good wife for you! Not need to go home. Her people might shame her."
"I know that. I've thought of it many times. Folks don't understand how much courage it takes to survive something like this. Iron Kettle says she has not lain with any warriors. I believe him, but not every man would. I know you want me to keep her here, as a wife. You've said that, repeatedly. But, Hodge, she has a man that's been waiting for her for some time. She needs to at least confront the man and see where she stands, and how she feels about it too. If she loves him, she must stay with him. Besides, I don't think she likes me much."
Hodge shook his head. "You wrong. She young when she was engaged, not know her own heart. No more. Too long. Been with Indians. He might not want her back. How would you feel if someone rejected you?"
Cale thought about that a moment, and nodded. "It's possible. I mean, I've thought of that too. And honestly, I don't know what I'll do, if she doesn't stay with her people."
"She come home with you and stay."
"It's not that simple Hodge. All this time here, we've worked our butts off keeping this place going. We've made a home. People around here like us. But if she stays…I'd have to marry her. The town would come get her themselves if I didn't. And right now, I don't know Hodge. I got myself into this, and I've got to see it through. I'll just have to take care of that when and if it happens. But at least she'll have a chance to go back."
"You take if he no want?"
"Hodge, it's not that simple. A woman wants and expects to be loved. I can't promise her that. I barely know her. She doesn't love me. I believe in loving one woman for the rest of my life, but it's got to go both ways. Not one."
"She learn to. Cale not marry, makes Cale lonely. You could learn to love her."
"Look at me Hodge; I'm not a handsome man. How many women would want me? I don't know if that's possible. She sure didn't like me drawing on that fella back at the river. Using my gun is not something that is going to stop. Men live by the gun out here." Cale told him and rolled his eyes. "Let's don't talk of this around the girls, alright?"
Hodge nodded.
As they went back inside, they smelled the food and were pleased when the girls put the food on the table.
Cale smiled, "Looks mighty good, ladies."
Amelia smiled; Sarah went to sit beside Hodge. Amelia shyly took the chair at the end of the table that Cale offered her.
Chapter Seven
The next day Cale arranged to go into town. He'd gotten good nights sleep, due to the long journey and felt refreshed even though he'd slept on the floor in the living room with Hodge and Sarah in one corner and him in another. He'd allowed Amelia the pleasure of his bed. It had been a long time since she'd slept on one and he figured she deserved it.
But when he went in to wake her the next morning, she was laying on the floor, curled up with a blanket. Another thing she'd have to get used to, sleeping in a bed, eating with her manners. So many little things that her husband to be might not understand.
He shook her shoulder.
Her eyes flew open and she shrunk away from him.
"I’m sorry, the bed was too soft."
He touched her chin, so soft he mused, and looked into her eyes with a sad smile. "Its okay, Amelia. I understand. Look, while you are here, with me and the others, I don't care if you sleep on the floor and eat in a rush. You can be yourself. I don't expect anything from you. You can relax. You can be yourself around me."
Amelia followed him out to the barn and watched him saddle up.
"You can accept me the way I am…but will others?"
He looked at her again. "It might take some getting used to with them. But it is possible. You've just got to give it a chance. Especially if he loves you."
The word made her still. "I'm not sure I love him."
Cale looked strangely at her. "Your not?"
"No, I'm not."
"Well, that's another reason you need to see him and talk to him. To find out."
"Alright…I guess you are right about that. I was thinking, maybe I could go into town with you. I need some clothes…white women clothes. My folks see me in this dress, they sure wouldn't like it."
Cale studied on that for a moment. "Alright, are you ready to meet some of the people around here?"
"Yes, of course."
"You realize they are going to ask questions about you being out here with me." Cale frowned at her.
She hung her head a moment, her cheeks pinked. "I know, but once you explain things, maybe not so much…"
"Alright, it has to be done sooner or later. And you do need some clothes and I'm sure I couldn't pick them out for you. I'll saddle your horse." Cale insisted.
"Thanks, I'll tell Sarah…"
He nodded.
He hadn't planned on telling anyone anything so soon, but she was right. He couldn't just hide her out, out here. Someone was bound to find out and maybe if they told everyone what was going on, it would be better.
The ride to town was a good hour trip and he talked to Amelia all the way.
"Don't be afraid of these people. They can't hurt you, and they all know about you from the drawing." Cale explained.
"I guess that's a good thing." She tried to smile. "So I won't be a shock to them, exactly."
"No…I don't expect so. You know, I gotta admit, you are one strong woman to handle this so boldly. I mean, as good a people as they are, they still gossip."
"I guess that hasn'
t changed in all this time." She tried to chuckle.
"Just remember, I'm on your side…" He smiled.
She nodded shyly. "Why?"
"Why what?" He stopped to look at her.
"Why are you on my side?"
He hung his head a moment then looked her straight in the eyes. "Because I can only imagine all the things you had to go through with to survive, especially with the Comanche. I respect the fact that you survived. I admire it."
"Then you don't think I should have killed myself?"
"No, of course not." He almost chuckled but knew she was serious.
"You are quite unusual, Cale Matthews." She said slowly. "I like the fact that you look me in the eyes when you talk to me. It means you are honest. And your understanding is more than I should expect. But Iron Kettle was right, you are a good man."
"Maybe I'm not as good as you think."
"What do you mean?"
"I enjoyed those kisses."
She blushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so forward, it was the stuff they gave me…I guess."
He reached for her hand across the saddle. "I know that. I'm just joking."
"You are joking about enjoying it?" She asked.
He turned and looked at her a moment, totally serious. "No ma'am. I wasn't joking about that."
~*~
And he rode a little in front of her. His shyness was charming.
She let him get in front of her momentarily, and smiled at his back. That gave her a little confidence.
"You are probably upset that I insist you go back to your people. But you gotta remember, you were the victim. It was you that suffered. And going back will tell you how you really feel about it all." Cale reminded her. "And…I'll be there for you."
Amelia shot him a quick assessing look.
"All because Iron Kettle asked you to look after me?" She quizzed.
"No ma'am…because you deserve someone on your side."
She paused her horse for a minute to stare after him.
She finally caught up to him.
"You're the only white man I know that would say that."
"Don't tell anyone, but I like the Huaco's myself." He smiled at her.
"It's funny, I got so comfortable with the Huaco's, and because they accepted me, I grew to love them as a people. But, in truth, I didn't belong there, either. Iron Kettle knew this all along."
"I reckon he did."
"Being captured displaces you. It's hard to explain. Home is no longer a friendly atmosphere. And because my parents didn't survive, and I only have cousins and a fiancé to return to, I feel displaced now" When he shot her a slight frown she went on. "Parents accept you as you are…others don't…always. I cannot in all fairness expect him to understand what has happened to me. Strangely enough, I don't want to cause problems for them, or you, and yet I know my return will cause problems. After so long a time I can't expect my fiancé to feel the same way. The only real family I have left is two cousins, a man and a woman. However, there is the matter of the money too…"
"Money?" Cale's expression changed to one of concern now.
It was bad enough taking her back as a captive squaw but if money was involved it could get nasty. He'd hadn't thought of those kinds of problems. Frankly, he hadn't thought of a lot of the problems.
"Who's money?" He asked.
"Well," she blushed and then admitted. "Mine, I suppose. I really don't know. My parents left me an inheritance, but since I'm sure my cousins probably thought I was dead, it might have gone to court to settle the estate. If it did, I might not have any left…"
"Why wouldn’t you?" Cale stiffened at this news.
Cale didn't like the sound of that. Her kin folk might have taken all her money, thinking she were dead. If they had, it would be a strange reunion of sorts. "If it is yours how could anyone else spend it?" Cale frowned.
"If I was declared legally dead, they could claim it as the only other relatives." She explained. "And Bertram is a lawyer, he could take care of it, himself."
"Would you fight for that money?" He asked.
She shrugged. "I don't know. I really don't know much of anything. But if this doesn't work out, I might need the money to survive on. And then again, if they spent it, there would be nothing left. I almost hesitate to bring it up. Maybe they will."
"Would they do such a thing? Take your money?"
"If they thought I was dead, yes. And in that regard, I couldn't blame them."
"That don't seem right. Taking money, when you don't know if the person is dead or not."
Amelia nodded but went on to explain. "I've been gone for four years. I'm sure they all thought I was dead. Since no one has shown up to claim me at the camps, but you…That's part of the reason I didn't want to go back. I didn't want the money so much but if the engagement is over, then I might need it to survive."
"No…not if you come back with me." What was he saying? Come back with him. He wasn't offering her marriage. So how could he offer her to come back with him? He'd stuck his foot in his mouth out of sympathy for her.
"Mr. Matthews," She paused again. Looking straight at him. "I'm sure you are only offering that because you feel sorry for me. I certainly wouldn't hold you to that. You've already done so much for me. But pity isn't what I'm looking for either."
"To be truthful, I hadn't contemplated any problems except their attitudes toward you, but now, this brings up a bit more trouble. The money, that is. But one thing I do know, you aren't alone, Amelia. I will help you as much as I can. No matter what happens, I stand with you."
"I hadn't until this moment, realized what a good person you really are, Mr. Matthews. However, I should have known. Iron Kettle doesn't trust many people." Amelia cried.
"Yeah…" Cale said under his breath.
She glanced at him again. "You know, I hadn't asked you, but are you engaged or married or anything?"
"No ma'am."
"Why not?"
He shrugged. "I've been working a lot. Trying to make a go of the place. Didn't have much at first to offer a lady. And…I'm not exactly a handsome man."
Amelia looked at him strangely. "Now why on earth would you say that. I think you are…very handsome."
He stopped his horse and looked at her. Obviously he hadn't expected her to say that.
"What, is that so hard to believe that I find you attractive?" She quizzed him, seeing him completely baffled.
"Then you are about the only one…." He muttered.
"You sort of grow on a woman…" She smiled. "I think it's what comes from the inside of you that is so attractive, you are so unassuming."
He couldn't stop the grin…and she couldn't help hers.
"Like mold grows…" He chuckled.
"No…I guess the word I'd use for you is…rugged, manly."
"You still drunk on Bitterroot?" He chuckled.
"You sure know how to kiss a woman…" She added.
Now he was red faced and she giggled. "I'm sorry. I'm embarrassing you. Bertram's never kissed me like that. If he had, I'd remember."
He stopped his horse. "He hasn't?"
"No…."
"I'll tell you a little secret."
"What?" she pulled her horse closer to him.
"I've never kissed a woman like that in my life."
"It pleasures me to be the first…" She smiled at him. But he was looking at her very seriously now. So serious her whole body flushed.
"The pleasure was all mine…"
And with that, he rode ahead of her again.
What a complicated man, he was!
~*~
He hadn't bargained for so many things going wrong with this reunion. He wished he hadn't promised Iron Kettle now. They could very well be opening up a can of worms, for sure. First the fiancé might not accept her, now there was money involved. How many more complications were there?
And what she had said had gone straight to his heart. No female had ever called him manly, rugged, or
attractive. She liked the kiss as much as he had. He'd never found a woman that was bold enough to admit the truth. He'd never found a woman that liked the way he looked, the way he kissed, and the way he looked her in the eyes. Amelia Harrison was some lady.
However, running into Dolby refreshed his thinking.
"Well now, lookie here. What have we got, Cale? A white squaw? I never took you for an Indian lover." Dolby studied Amelia long and hard and when she glanced at him, he sent her a devilish sneer.
"You'd do well to keep your mouth shut, Dolby." Cale warned him.
"That the gal on the poster?"
"That's right, it is…"
"She's sure a looker, ain't she? Don't blame you for wanting her all to yourself. But you shouldn't have brought her into town; someone else might decide they want her."
"It’d be best if you keep your mind on your own business today, Dolby."
Cale rode closer to Amelia, and hurried her along to the dry goods store.
Mrs. Summers saw and heard Dolby and opened her door. She glanced at Amelia and went out to greet her. "I'll swan, Cale, you found her. My God honey, come on in here." Mrs. Summers was saying shooting Dolby an unkind glance as she grabbed Amelia's arm to help her down.
Amelia was rushed into the store, as Cale closed the door behind them.
"Mrs. Summers she'll be needing some lady fixings so she can meet up with her intended." Cale told her.
Mrs. Summers nodded. "Of course she will. Well you come on over here and pick you out some things. It is on me, honey."
"Oh…I can pay…I mean…Well, I guess I can't…"
"Not one cent. I want to help you child. I know you have been through some hard times and it wouldn't be Christian of me to let you pay. Now, that's settled you pick you out some things, a couple of dresses and all the fixings."
"That's very kind of you." Amelia found herself fighting back the tears at the woman's kindness.
"How did you ever find her, Cale?" Mrs. Summers asked him as he joined him at the counter.
"She was with the Huaco's when I found her. Iron Kettle wanted me to take her as they couldn't take her to the reservation. It would break the treaty to have a white woman in their camp."
Heart of a Captive Page 7