A Man of Dreams, a Woman of Passion

by Rebecca Jacobs

  * * *

  Jacob's first sight of Pickawillany was not one he would soon forget. There were many more people than he had expected to find. There was a huge Indian village and English traders set up, and people milling around. There were Indian women, but English women were scarce. He walked into one store and was greeted by raucous laughter as some men teased an Indian woman who was old enough to be their mother. "Oh let the old one go, men!" a large voice boomed from behind Jacob. "She is too old for sport." With his words, the men ceased their teasing and the old woman left the trading post to go on her way.

  "Stranger, you are new to this place," the same voice boomed.

  "I am," Jacob acknowledged. He knew all eyes were on him and he was glad he did not bring his wife along, especially after the crude things that were said to the elderly Indian woman. "The name is Jacob Willis," he stated cordially.

  "What can I help you with?" the man asked in a friendly manner.

  Jacob gave his list to the man and was told it would be an hour. The trader offered him a drink, but Jacob politely declined and said he would enjoy looking around the settlement since it was his first time here. A couple of men told him where he could find female company, and then guffawed when Jacob walked outside once more. He was not the least bit interested in any woman's attention but his own sweet Caroline. He hoped she was safe and staying out of trouble. Once he got their supplies, he would head on out, and hopefully, be home by nightfall tomorrow.

  "Jacob! Jacob Willis!" he heard his name being called and smiled when he recognized Pierre. "We meet again, mon ami!" the Frenchman smiled happily. "Where is your lovely wife?"

  "I left her with the garden to water," he replied, happy to see someone who was not a stranger. "How do you fare, Pierre?" he asked.

  "I made it here and now I am working to earn enough money to set myself up."

  "Caroline and I discovered the men who robbed you, Pierre. We have your Bible and a few other things you might want to have. We saved them for you in hopes we would see you again and be able to return them to you."

  "This pleases me, Jacob," he said emotionally. "I thought all was lost. Did you recover my money as well?"

  "Probably," Jacob stated quietly. He did not want anyone overhearing their conversation and following them from Pickawillany.

  "You are a good and honest man," Pierre said. "I shall gather my belongings and leave with you. It will be safer for both of us that way."

  "I am at that trading post," Jacob pointed.

  "He is fair with white men, but treats the Miami without respect. Memeska will have his scalp one of these days."

  "I shall trade elsewhere the next time I come here," Jacob stated.

  "I shall introduce you around," the Frenchman offered, and then went to get his belongings so he was ready when Jacob headed back to his land.

  Jacob walked around a bit more, laughing at some antics a few Indian kids were indulging in. He looked for Standing Tree but did not see him anywhere. Finally, it was time to pick up his supplies and he returned to the trading post. The owner, who finally said his name was Sam Smith, greeted him, and then tried to sell him some equipment that Jacob did not need. Jacob was polite, but firm, when he said 'no'. Sam was not too happy that Jacob was not as green as he appeared, but nevertheless he smiled as Jacob paid him and was on his way. Sam's black eyes glittered with greed as he nodded at two of his men. They quietly left the trading post, intending to follow the stranger.

  Jacob and Pierre were not far before they realized they were being followed. Pierre silently signaled to Jacob that he was going to slip behind some trees. Jacob nodded in understanding and prepared for the attack that was sure to come.

  "Howdy, stranger," one of the burly men said as he came up behind Jacob. "Sam was not too happy that you did not buy any equipment from him. That weren't none too friendly."

  "No, it sure weren't," the other man agreed. "I think we'll have to teach you a lesson."

  "I think you are welcome to try," Jacob said softly, dropping his pack to the ground. Before he had his arms free one of the men took a swing at him and his fist connected with Jacob's jaw, knocking him backwards. In the next instant, Jacob was free and he flew at the man, giving as good as he got. When it soon became obvious that Jacob was going to pound the bigger man to nothing, his partner pulled a knife. It was the last mistake he would ever make. The Frenchman knew how to use the knife that Caroline returned to him, and he threw it with deadly accuracy.

  The big man was in shock when he saw his friend hit the ground. Jacob gave him one last powerful punch and the man fell unconscious beside his dead friend.

  "Thank you for dealing with him, Pierre." Jacob indicated the other man.

  "He did not wish to fight fairly. A man does not live long out here if he does not treat others fairly."

  Jacob and Pierre picked up their packs, and Jacob vowed he would never do business with Sam Smith again.

  * * *

  Caroline was surprised and pleased when Standing Tree and Little Fawn worked with her in clearing the land for the cabin. She knew that Jacob would be so pleased. She fed her friends well and enjoyed their company. It was easy to see how much the couple loved each other, and when Standing Tree thought she was not looking, he touched his wife with affection and spoke soft words that made her smile in acknowledgement.

  While they were working hard the third day after Little Fawn and Standing Tree arrived, the tall Indian suddenly growled something to Little Fawn, who immediately jumped to her feet and grabbed Caroline, pushing her away from the clearing and into the trees. Before Caroline could ask what was happening, three Indians came running and yipping loudly toward Standing Tree. He gave his own battle cry, and was ready to meet the three men in battle.

  Caroline wanted to help Standing Tree and tried to ease out from behind the tree where she and Little Fawn were hiding in order to get a gun. Little Fawn pulled her back down, but it was already too late. One of the Indians had spotted them and came running. Caroline knew there was no point in running. The man would outrun them in minutes. She got to her feet and ran to the fire, grabbing a pan of boiling water with her apron and throwing it at him. He covered his face with his hands and screamed in agony. By then Standing Tree had the other two men taken care of and came to help her.

  * * *

  Jacob and Pierre had been dodging Indians since yesterday, but when they heard the high pitched scream of pain, they took off running as fast as they could to get to Caroline. Jacob's heart was pounding in his chest and he prayed that she was still alive. By the time he reached their home, the situation was under control. Caroline saw him and came running to throw herself into his strong arms. She was crying uncontrollably. "You are safe, Caro. You are safe now. Do not cry, my sweet."

  "It is good I was here, Jacob Willis," Strong Tree said. "Those three would have butchered your woman."

  "I threw boiling water on him, Jacob, and I hurt him badly!" Caroline said tearfully.

  "You were brave to fight," Strong Tree told her. "He would have killed you before I could get to him." He had a wound on his shoulder and another on his chest. Little Fawn was already trying to tend him, but Strong Tree was too busy telling his story to be bothered by a little blood.

  "We were trying to avoid these three all day long, Strong Tree. I am so thankful you were here with Caroline." He vowed he would not leave her alone again, and his arms held her possessively.

  "Now, woman, do you understand why I forbade you to come here alone?" Strong Tree asked harshly, his hand reaching out to grab her chin and turn her face up so he could look into her eyes.

  "Yes, husband. I shall obey you in the future." Little Fawn was embarrassed when her eyes filled with tears. "I beg your forgiveness for worrying you so much."

  "You are forgiven, Little Fawn," Strong Tree said magnanimously. "I would keep you safe, Little Fawn." His voice was now gentle.

  She gave him a smile and then continued to tend to his wounds with
gentle hands.

  "Pierre!" Caroline exclaimed. "I did not notice you before now! Welcome!"

  "Thank you, Madame," the Frenchman said quietly. "I am pleased to see you are safe."

  "Jacob, Little Fawn came to visit me, and Strong Tree came, too. When he heard you were gone, he decided to stay until you returned so I would be safe. We have had a wonderful time. Look...!" She pointed toward the cleared land. "We have been very busy the last couple of days!"

  "Yes, you have. Thank you so much!" Jacob was pleased. "Strong Tree, you are a good friend."

  "Is this also a friend?" the proud Indian asked, looking at Pierre in distrust.

  "Yes, he is."

  "I might be a Frenchman, but I do not care for the way my countrymen are trying to rule this land and make decisions for all of us," Pierre said solemnly. "Nor do I care for the threats they have made to your chief."

  Strong Tree nodded and a wary truce was declared between the two men.

  "Caroline, if you will sit down here, Pierre and I will drag these bodies away and bury them."

  "I am all right now, Jacob," she said firmly. "I need to make a wonderful supper for all of us. Strong Tree brought down a deer earlier, and we shall have a feast with friends."

  Jacob was proud of her and leaned down to kiss her. "You are very special, wife."

  "She is a warrior with hair of fire!" Strong Tree declared. He gave another whoop, and then helped Jacob and Pierre dispose of the enemy while the two women prepared a lot of food.

  Much later, after they ate, Caroline climbed into the wagon and found the items that she was positive belonged to Pierre and she walked over and handed them to him. His eyes filled with tears as he expressed his gratitude.

  "I did not expect to see these ever again, and such good friends you are to return them to me!" He handled the Bible reverently as well as the papers inside, which turned out to be old letters written by his parents and grandparents. "Merci," he repeated, over and over.

  Jacob explained how they found them and both Pierre and Strong Tree shook their heads at her in disapproval. Caroline wanted to defend herself, but Little Fawn wisely motioned for her to come and help her.

  "Men are all alike in some manners," she whispered knowingly.

  "But, I was already punished for being so foolish. Strong Tree and Pierre have no right to scold me, too!" Caroline fussed.

  "It is only because they care for you and wish to see you protected. They are good men." She picked up a bucket and said, "We need to bring water for the cleanup. I will go."

  "No, I shall go, Little Fawn." She grabbed a bucket, too.

  "We shall go together," Little Fawn said with a giggle, linking her arm with Caroline's. They laughed and talked about men, completely ignoring telling them where they were going. After all, it was just a short walk to the stream and back, and they would return before they were missed.

  It was shortly after thinking they would not be missed that Jacob looked around the area for his wife. He did not see her or Little Fawn anywhere. "Did your wife mention going for a walk?" he asked of Strong Tree?

  "No. She would not dare, not after the Mingo come to make war!" Strong Tree was on his feet immediately.

  "Did you see them leave, Pierre?" Jacob asked quietly.

  "No!" He, too, was on his feet.

  "I hear them," Strong Tree stated, heading off immediately. Jacob followed, as did Pierre. It did not take long to find the two women, laughing as they filled buckets with water from the stream.

  "Caroline Willis, what are you thinking to walk down here by yourself tonight?" Jacob demanded in an angry tone of voice as he grabbed her arm and gave her a shake, sloshing water over the sides of the bucket and soaking her skirt in the process.

  "Jacob, what are you doing?" Caroline asked. "Look what you have done. "I am all wet and you scared the daylights out of me!"

  "Woman, have you forgotten about those Mingo braves who attacked you earlier? What if they were not alone? Do you wish to be murdered? Or taken captive?"

  "Stop, Jacob Willis!" Little Fawn scolded. "We did not think there was danger!"

  "That is the foolish talk of a woman," Strong Tree said, taking her arm in his grasp. "Now you will pay the price of being so foolish while Jacob Willis deals with his foolish woman. Come!"

  "Strong Tree, there was no one about. The danger is only in your mind! Please do not punish me again! I am still sore from the last time!" Little Fawn tried desperately to change his mind.

  "Into the wagon, Caroline. You need a good spanking."

  "But, I did not do this intentionally, Jacob. We only went for water to wash the dishes from supper. I have done that countless times. How was I to know that tonight was different? I thought the Mingo braves were all dead!"

  Caroline struggled to free herself from his grasp, but Jacob was just too strong. He picked her up and tossed her in the wagon. "Pull up those skirts, Caroline."

  Chapter Thirteen

  Caroline could not believe that Jacob and Strong Tree were so irate over a simple mistake. If either she or Little Fawn would have realized the men thought them yet to be in danger, they surely would never have gone for water alone! Even though the redhead protested, Jacob dragged her back to the clearing, past Pierre, who pretended not to see, and Jacob tossed her in the back of their wagon!

  "Jacob!" Carline whispered in embarrassment. "You are embarrassing me! Neither Little Fawn nor I realized there was any danger left. We would have asked you to accompany us if we suspected danger. It was a simple mistake."

  "And one you shall not be repeating anytime soon, wife. I told you once to pull up your skirts; I shall not tell you again, but will fetch the strap."

  "Please do not, Jacob! I am already sorry, and I promise it shall not happen again." Caroline could see the futility of arguing in his dark eyes. "Pierre is out there!"

  "I am done with this, woman," Jacob said angrily. He left the wagon, only to return in a few seconds with the strap. He did not give her another chance to do as she was told. He grabbed her and put her down on their make-shift bed, pushing her forward until she was kneeling with her arms flat on the bedding. Her hind made an easy target for what he planned, and without further ado, he used the strap to leave a red stripe across her backside.

  "Owwww! Oh, not so hard, Jacob!" Caroline pleaded. He ignored her, and gave her another welt below the first. "Owwwwwww! Nooooo!"

  "Yes, Caroline. You are going to be punished. How many times must I issue the same warning to you? You have no regard for your safety, and you have proven this several times over." He gave her another painful stripe, this time on her upper thighs. Caroline screamed, and he smiled grimly. "What do you think would have happened to you if there were other Indians out there, wife? Why would you think it safe to wander from camp on the same day you were set upon by Indians determined to do you harm?"

  "I thought they were all dead, Ja-cob!" Her words ended in a shriek as the strap inflicted pain once more. "No more! Please!" He did not listen, but the strap fell on the most delicate skin just below her bottom. "Owwwww! Jacob!" She burst into tears.

  "This is not the first time your thinking has been faulty, Caroline," he informed her, giving her sit spots another hard lick.

  "I am sorry, Jacob!" she squealed, trying to escape the next sting of the strap on her delicate skin. She was unable to get free of the hold he had on her waist, and when she tried to slide her legs backwards, he merely held her up and continued, strapping her thighs. "No! No! Stop, Jacob! I am sorry! I am very sorry!"

  "You are not nearly sorry enough, Caroline. Now be silent and accept your strapping," he ordered firmly.

  "I cannot be quiet when it hurts so much!" she wailed.

  "I shall not stop until you do," he promised, meaning the words.

  Caroline tried, but she simply could not prevent herself from pleading and begging for mercy. Jacob was true to his word and did not stop whaling her. She finally went limp, her sobs racking her slender body, and he
still thrashed her until she was sure she was going to die from the spanking.

  Jacob finally stopped, positive that his wife would not forget her safety anytime soon. "Go to bed now, Caroline," he ordered sharply. "I know you do not wish to be denied company, but it will be a fitting punishment. Tomorrow you will recall this lesson and if you are tempted to take chances with your life, you will know exactly what to expect."

  Caroline cried even harder when Jacob left the wagon. She was in serious pain, and there was simply no way to ease the sting of the fiery welts covering her from her rounded bottom almost to her knees! She quickly removed her clothing and put on her nightdress, only to lie down on the pallet and feel sorry for herself. It was embarrassing to be spanked, in and of itself, but to have everyone hear her cries of pain and then know she was sent to bed like a naughty child...! Why, it was mortifying! Caroline vowed she would get even with Jacob, and she was still plotting various ideas when she felt Jacob come to bed.

  "Move over, Caro," he said.

  "No. You can sleep elsewhere tonight!" she told him.

  "I am just back from my trip, Caroline, and I would sleep with my wife. I missed you very much." His voice was soft.

  "I am very angry with you and I do not wish to sleep with you, Jacob. You were mean to punish me when all I did was fetch water to do the dishes. I do this every evening and how was I to know that tonight was different? You can sleep elsewhere until you apologize!"

  "Caroline, you are asking for another spanking."

  "No, I am merely telling you how I feel. It is your problem if you do not like my words. If you are not ready to apologize, then you may leave at once." Her answer was a hard slap on her sore, stinging bottom. "How dare you!" she gasped, moving out of his reach.

  "You are acting like a spoiled child who is pouting from a well-deserved spanking," Jacob announced. He sat on the pallet and removed his boots and then his clothing before lying down and taking his share of the blanket. "Go to sleep, Caro, and if your mood has not improved my morning, I promise you shall feel my hand again."