Savage Summer

by Constance O'Banyon

  “How many men have been in your life?” He hated himself for asking.

  “None of importance.”

  Again he looked past her. “Say your name for me so I might know how to say it,” he said softly.

  “It is really very simple. Dan-ielle. Put it together and it is Danielle.”

  “…Danielle,” he said with only the slightest hesitation. “Danielle.”

  “I was told by my father that my Uncle Windhawk once had difficulty saying Joanna’s name.”

  “By many of the Blackfoot, your aunt is called Flaming Hair. She is well loved by my people.”

  “What about Sky Dancer?”

  “She is a princess of the people, just as you are. She, too, is well loved.”

  To Danielle’s surprise she found herself envying her cousin. She would like to have the love and respect of her mother’s people. Where before she never wanted to hear about her mother, she now felt a need to know about the woman who had given her birth.

  “Tell me what you know about my mother, Wolfrunner? I know very little about her.”

  He settled back against the grass, resting his head against his arms. “I remember Morning Song well. She was beautiful to look upon, and her manners were sweet. She loved your father, and had she lived, she would have loved you.”

  “I have always thought of my stepmother as my mother. It is difficult for me to think of…my real mother.”

  “That is because you do not want to think about the Indian part of yourself. You like the white man’s ways and turn your back on the Blackfoot ways. You should never have come to our village.” His dark eyes seemed to sparkle with anger, and Danielle, too, felt angered.

  “It is not for you to say if I should have come. I didn’t want to spend the summer with…my aunt and uncle. I wish now I had refused altogether.”

  Wolfrunner stared into the campfire. “It would be good for you to return to the white world when you get back to the village. You do not belong with the Blackfoot. You have only made trouble since you came.”

  Now Danielle was furious. How dare he blame her for being kidnapped. “You cannot think it was my fault that Scar Face took me away?” She jumped to her feet, angered at the man’s audacity. “Nothing would suit me better than to go back where I belong. I wish I had never come to this country. You are mean and hateful and…and I despise you!”

  His dark eyes seemed to snap. “What does this ‘despise’ mean?”

  “It means I do not like you in the least. You are cruel and heartless.”

  A smile curved his lips. “Now you act like the white girl I first met. I wondered how long it would take for you to become your true self again. I care not what you think of me. You are as nothing to me!”

  Danielle felt tears building behind her eyes. She would not cry in front of this man. She would show him that she was completely indifferent to him. “I cannot wait until I have seen the last of you. You are a…”

  “Savage,” he finished for her. “If I am a savage, it would be wise for you not to provoke me beyond endurance.” He came to his feet and towered above her. “I will talk to you no more, white girl.”

  Danielle watched as he walked away, soon to be swallowed up by the shadows of the night. She gazed up at the rising moon and felt strangely saddened. Why did Wolfrunner have to be so impossible to get along with, she wondered. Why did she always seem to provoke him into anger?

  Days passed since Wolfrunner had rescued Danielle from Scar Face. Now he seemed to regard her with little less than contempt. At night when they would make camp, he hardly ever spoke to her. Being of a prideful and stubborn nature, Danielle didn’t again try to engage him in conversation.

  Wolfrunner continued to see that she had food and water, but he rarely looked to her physical comfort. Danielle was learning how to survive in the wilderness. No longer was she frightened at night when he would go into the woods and leave her alone for long periods of time.

  He had taught her how to clean and gut rabbits and other small game. He had shown her what berries were poisonous and which ones could be eaten.

  They followed the river, often crossing at shallow points, when game was more plentiful on the other side. Each day Wolfrunner would backtrack to see if Scar Face was following them.

  Danielle had begun to look forward to each new day. There was an excitement in the air as she trudged along behind Wolfrunner. She was learning many things from him. Sometimes, when he was unaware, she would watch him. He was almost beautiful, with his bronzed skin glistening in the sunlight. His dark eyes seemed to see so much more than normal human beings would ever notice. She had the feeling he could go the rest of his life living off the land. She came to admire and respect him and wished he respected her as well.

  Deep inside Danielle was troubled. She wouldn’t allow herself to think about the longings Wolfrunner stirred within her young body. He made her aware of the fact that she was a woman, and she was very aware that he was a man. She wondered if an Indian knew how to kiss? Did Wolfrunner ever think of her as a woman?

  Sometimes when she lay beside him at night, and he appeared to be sleeping, she would watch him. A deep ache would surround her heart and her body would feel feverish.

  There were times when Danielle was angry with him, and there were times he made her want to cry; those times she could handle. It was the times that he made her ache for his touch that she fought against.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Many party and picnic invitations still continued to come to the house for Skyler. She was grateful, however, that her Aunt Alexandria and Uncle Tag no longer insisted that she attend any of the functions. The only person Skyler ever saw outside the family was Priscilla Wendham. Somehow Priscilla’s lighthearted teasing often brought a smile to Skyler’s lips and caused her to forget about her troubles for a time.

  Apparently Morgan had taken Skyler at her word to leave her alone. She hadn’t seen him since the night in the garden. She knew it was for the best, but oh, she did wish she could see him just once more before she left for home.

  Priscilla would often come to visit, and she and Skyler would ride over the estate, or just sit in the summerhouse, talking girl-talk and nonsense. Skyler was glad to hear that her friend was no longer infatuated with Bill Kirby. It seemed Priscilla was now interested in someone new. Priscilla was flighty and fickle, but then she was still young, Skyler thought. One day she would lose her heart to a man.

  It was a hot, humid day with no cooling breeze to ease the heat. Priscilla had been visiting, but she had now left for home. Skyler and Alexandria were in the morning room. It was the coolest spot in the house because of the many windows that opened out onto the garden. Since it was on the west side of the house, it was also shaded from the morning sun.

  Alexandria was playing the spinet while Skyler sat on the bench beside her. It suddenly occurred to Skyler that she would miss her aunt very much when she returned home. It saddened her that she wouldn’t be here when Alexandria’s baby was born.

  “I love babies, Aunt Alexandria, and do you not think there is something magical about children’s laughter?”

  “Yes, dear,” Alexandria replied, thinking that Skyler would make a wonderful mother.

  “I love to be with the children in my village. Sometimes my mother allows me to give them their reading lessons.”

  Alex smiled. “Is Joanna still trying to educate the whole world?”

  Skyler nodded. “Yes. She believes that everyone should have an education. Did you know she even taught Farley to read and write?”

  “Surely you jest?”

  “No, I can assure you it is true.”

  Alexandria ran her fingers over the keys remembering the old trapper fondly. “Farley would do anything to please Joanna. That dear old man loves her more than anyone.”

  “I think he is a wonderful character. I always loved to listen to his tales.”

  Skyler lapsed into silence and Alexandria knew she was troubled. Actua
lly Skyler was thinking that summer had been a growing up time for her. She had learned many painful lessons, but she had also come to know and love her aunt and uncle. She knew that when she left she would never return to the white man’s world. She was a stranger here and could never become one of them.

  Just as Alexandria played the last note of “Irish Summer,” the downstairs maid rapped on the door. “Begging your pardon, madam, but Mrs. Prescott and her daughter wish to see you.”

  Alexandria gave Skyler an inquiring glance. “I wonder what they could want? They only returned from France yesterday. I didn’t expect them to call so soon.”

  “Would that be Morgan’s mother and sister?” Skyler asked. She had no wish to meet them.

  “Yes, and before they come in I want to warn you that Nora Prescott is a very overpowering woman. She is one of my dearest friends, but she does speak frankly.”

  “Do you suppose they have come to see me?”

  “I don’t know. Why don’t we just wait and find out. Holly, show them in, and then bring tea and cakes.”

  Skyler came to her feet as the two callers came rushing into the room. While they were greeting her aunt, Skyler had a chance to study Morgan’s mother and sister. Nora Prescott was dressed in black and wore a matching bonnet with an ostrich feather as decoration. She appeared stately and assured and Skyler noticed that she had the same silver-gray eyes as Morgan. Morgan’s sister was small and pretty. She was dressed in a pale green gown, and her golden hair was pulled back in a matching snood.

  Skyler was unprepared when the older woman rushed across the room to her. Taking her hand, Nora Prescott eyed her up and down. “I had to see you with my own eyes. I couldn’t believe it when my son told me you were Danielle’s look-alike. I can see he wasn’t far wrong, except…you are prettier than your cousin, in an odd sort of way.”

  Alexandria laughed at Skyler’s startled expression. “Nora, as you have already discerned, this is my niece Skyler Dancing. I warned her that you were outspoken.”

  Nora smiled. “Not so. I merely say what’s on my mind. I’m too old to mince words. Besides, I don’t give a fig for anyone who isn’t truthful.”

  Morgan’s sister stepped forward and took Skyler’s hand. “I am Jenny Prescott, and I am hardly ever outspoken,” she said, smiling brightly. “I think you and Danielle could easily pass for twins.”

  Skyler remembered her manners and made the correct replies. She had never met anyone who was as overwhelming as Mrs. Prescott, unless it was Morgan himself.

  As they drank tea and ate the tiny tea cakes, Skyler listened to Nora Prescott and her daughter talk about their trip to Paris. She wondered what it would be like to visit faraway places. She thought of her brother who was traveling in Europe and hoped he wasn’t feeling out of his depth.

  Nora took a sip of tea and eyed Skyler closely. “So you are the one who has my son in a spin? I can see how he could have lost his head over you, my dear. I am sure Morgan never met anyone with your kind of beauty before. You have a strange accent. I can’t quite place it. Did you ever live in England, or perhaps Ireland?”

  “No,” Skyler answered. “But my mother comes from England, as does my Uncle Tag.”

  Nora was watching her closely. “I believe you may be the prettiest little thing I have yet seen. My son knows quality when he sees it. Yes indeed, Skyler Dancing, you have Morgan in a real spin.”

  Skyler felt her face flame. She felt tongue-tied, not knowing how to answer.

  Jenny reached over and squeezed Skyler’s hand. “Mama, you have embarrassed Miss Dancing. She isn’t accustomed to your teasing.”

  “Oh, Tish. She doesn’t appear to be the kind of girl who would be offended by straight talk. You aren’t one of those flighty girls who has vapors and swoon, are you?”

  Skyler caught Alexandria’s eyes and saw the merriment dancing there. She was at a loss as to how to deal with this woman. “I have neither swooned in my life, Mrs. Prescott, nor did I set out to put your son in a spin.”

  “Well said, my dear. You’ve got spunk, and I like that in a young lady. Tell me all about yourself.”

  Skyler began to feel uncomfortable under the woman’s silver gaze. “There isn’t much to tell about myself, and my mother always said people do not want to be bored by listening to one’s life story.”

  “You cannot argue with that logic, Mama. That’s the same thing you have always told me.” Jenny stood up and smiled. “Come, Skyler, let’s walk down to the summerhouse before my mother asks you to share all your secrets.”

  Nora laughed jovially. “I’ll let you off this time, but I have no intentions of giving up.”

  Skyler followed Jenny out to the garden, aware that Morgan’s mother watched her closely. She was confused by Mrs. Prescott’s attitude.

  Jenny took Skyler’s hand as they slowly walked down the winding path. “You really mustn’t mind Mama. She was so excited when she learned that Morgan was interested in someone. She has been badgering him for years to take a bride. Morgan has had his pick of lovely ladies, but they always bored him. I can see why he wasn’t bored with you.”

  “I will not be marrying your brother, Miss Prescott. Surely he must have told your mother this.”

  “Yes, but neither Morgan nor my mother gives up easily. I gathered from what Morgan said that you are going to return to your home.”

  “Yes, by the end of summer.”

  “It is so uncanny how much you resemble Danielle. When I first saw you I was surprised that Morgan fell for Danielle’s look-alike, since he never paid the slightest attention to your cousin. But now I can see you are nothing like her. You are much quieter than Danielle.”

  “Did Morgan ask you to come here today?” Skyler wanted to know.

  “Heavens, no. He wouldn’t be at all pleased if he knew Mama had started grilling you.” Jenny stopped and faced Skyler. “My brother loves you, Skyler. I had thought the woman would never come along that would settle him down. I can sense in him great pain and I was wondering if you would tell me why you turned him away?”

  Skyler looked into bright, sensitive blue eyes and knew that Jenny was only concerned for her brother’s happiness. “Your brother and I are simply not suited, Miss Prescott. I can tell you no more than that.”

  “Please call me Jenny, and please don’t think I am prying. I just want to see my brother happy. Do you have a brother, Skyler? May I call you Skyler?”

  “Yes, I have a brother and yes, I would like you to call me Skyler.”

  “Then you know how I feel. You would want your brother to be happy, wouldn’t you?”

  “Yes, of course. But my brother would never allow me to interfere in his life.”

  Jenny laughed. “Whoops, you can see I am more like my mother than I would like to admit. Will you forgive me for prying, Skyler?”

  “Yes, of course. As you say, you love your brother.”

  By now they had reached the summerhouse, and both girls sat down on a cushion seat. Jenny arranged her gown and stared at Skyler. “You can tell me it’s none of my affair, but do you love my brother? I somehow sense that you do.”

  Skyler smiled. “You said that you were not outspoken, but I find that you are.”

  Jenny smiled. “I guess it’s a family trait.”

  “To answer your question, I do have some very deep feelings for your brother, but as I said, we are not suited to one another.”

  “I have always been a firm believer that love conquers all. If you love Morgan and he loves you, what is standing in your way?”

  “I cannot explain, except to say that Morgan and I are from different worlds. I cannot live in his world, and he cannot live in mine.”

  “Let me tell you a story, and then you can judge for yourself if people from different worlds can ever find happiness. I know of a woman who was born into poverty in England. She was sent to America as an indentured servant to work off her father’s debts. She toiled and labored in a wealthy man’s house for a year. She
and the son of the house fell madly and passionately in love. As you can imagine, the parents of the young man were violently against their son marrying beneath him. They opposed the marriage, but it took place all the same.”

  “What happened?” Skyler asked, getting caught up in the story.

  “The two of them are deliriously happy. I have never heard them speak an unkind word to one another in all the years I have known them. Their love has warmed me for many years. You see…I was speaking about my and Morgan’s mother and father. My family has always put love above all else. I hope you can now better understand why my mother wanted to meet you. You and Morgan couldn’t have the gap between your worlds that my mother and father had. I can tell you are a well-brought-up young lady…unless you think Morgan isn’t good enough for you.”

  “I could never in a million years make you understand about me, Jenny. You will just have to take my word that I am not right for your brother. My mother and father also reached far across two worlds to fulfill their love, but Morgan and I could never breach that gap.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “No, nor would your brother. I wish it could be different, but it cannot.”

  “Is this the way it will end?”

  “I fear so. Some things just are not meant to be, Jenny. Morgan and I are not meant to be.”

  “Do you believe my brother loves you?”

  “Strangely enough, I do.”

  “I think it’s only fair to warn you that Morgan is persistent. He isn’t a man to give up easily.”

  “He has given up on me, Jenny.”

  Morgan’s sister laughed and shook her head. “Don’t you believe it for a moment.”

  Jenny and her mother left a short time later. After they had gone, Skyler felt more confused than ever. Alexandria had gone upstairs to lie down, and the house was strangely quiet. Feeling restless Skyler went to the stable to saddle a horse so she could go for a ride to clear her head. She had many things to think about—many problems that didn’t seem to have any solution.