He looked into Johanna’s eyes, and she saw how tormented his decision had been.
“Captain Jones, we do understand. Becky, come on, we need to give Ma another bath.”
Rolling her sleeves up further, Johanna busied herself getting a bucket of water ready. She couldn’t face the fear of being left behind now. She would deal with that tomorrow. Her ma needed every ounce of energy now.
Pa came back later with fuel and water but he didn’t linger. Eva brought some food for her sisters and some extra bedding.
“I do wish you would let me help.”
“Go, please, Eva. If one of us gets sick, we will need you to help then.”
“Eva, David needs to speak to Captain Jones. He’s told us he will only camp here till tomorrow then he is leaving with or without us.”
“I know, Becky.”
Johanna caught the acceptance in her sister’s tone but Becky missed it.
“David is going to be able to talk him into staying, isn’t he?”
“No, Becky, he isn’t. Captain Jones called a meeting a while ago. A couple of wagons have sick people too. He can’t make any exceptions. Mr. Price and many of the other men wanted to leave right away. We were lucky to get until tomorrow.”
Johanna put her arm around Becky for her own comfort as much as hers. “Becky, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Let’s just concentrate on Ma.”
Becky nodded before taking the bucket of water back into the wagon. Saying goodbye to Eva, Johanna put some water on to boil. She had to wash out the sheets.
Chapter 20
Early the next morning, Ma wasn’t any better. Becky had insisted Johanna get some rest, so she’d fallen asleep in the tent leaving her sister with their mother. She heard someone moving about outside and then smelled bacon frying. She got up quickly expecting to find her pa at their fireside. Instead, it was Rick Hughes.
“Oh, it’s you. You shouldn’t be here.”
“That’s a fine welcome this early in the morning.”
“I’m sorry, but Ma is very ill. You should have been warned.”
“I was.” He didn’t look up from the bacon.
“Yet still you came?” Johanna thought she must be dreaming.
“I guessed even a burnt breakfast would be better than nothing. My cooking skills have only improved slightly, but I got you more water and some more fuel.”
“Thank you for helping us but you should go.”
“I am not leaving you, Miss Thompson. I am staying put. If Captain Jones must carry on, we will catch up later.”
“But the girls?”
“The girls will be fine. They will stay well clear of your wagon.”
Johanna didn’t know what to say. She stood staring at him wondering at the emotions in his eyes. Pity, understanding, and something softer.
“I won’t abandon you.” He stared at her so intensely she had to look down. She wouldn’t be able to keep her emotions in check if she continued looking at him.
“You really mean it? About staying?”
“Yes, ma’am. You and your family were kindness itself to my family when we had problems. I won’t leave you alone out here. I may not be a good nurse or cook, but I can chop wood and fetch water. I can also fire a gun.”
“Thank you.” It seemed such a little thing to say after his rather grand gesture.
He nodded to the fire. “Now you are up, you might want to take over. It’s looking rather singed around the edges.”
They exchanged a smile that had Johanna’s heart racing. Her fingers shook as she moved the bacon around the pan. He was gone when she turned around to say thank you again.
Chapter 21
“Johanna, where are you?”
Eva obviously couldn’t see her. She was catching up on some laundry while their ma slept. She left the sheet in the tub and walked back toward the wagon and her sister. “Over here, why? What’s happened?” Johanna saw the look on her sister’s face. “Who?”
“Pa, Mrs. Long, and Julia’s sisters, Rachel and Louisa. Sheila Freeman is feeling ill. Gracie too.”
“What about Stephen?”
“He seems fine.”
“And David?”
Eva didn’t answer, her eyes filled with tears. Johanna gave her a quick hug. “He’s young and healthy, Eva. He will be fine,” Johanna said and looked around her. “We need more water and more fuel. We should bring the sick people all together so we can nurse them properly. Also keep the young ones, Julia, Stephen and any others as far away as possible.”
“Is it true? Pa’s sick and David?” Becky came running back from the direction of the stream. “Julia said lots of people are sick.”
“Yes, but we cannot panic. Becky, can you ask Julia and Stephen to collect more fuel? It will help them to feel useful,” Johanna asked as she took Eva’s arm. “Come on, we will have to move the sick.”
“I will move the sick. You get the tents ready. I think there may be a storm coming.”
Never was she so glad to see someone. Rick’s calm voice helped to steady her.
“Are you feeling all right?” Her concern for him made her voice shake a little.
“I am fine. Are you getting enough rest?” He pushed a tendril of hair back from her face and for one insane moment she wanted to turn into his shoulder and weep. But that wouldn’t help anyone.
She nodded, not able to speak.
“The girls seem well too, although Sarah was quiet this morning and wouldn’t eat anything. I am not sure she is sick though.”
Sarah was still grieving for her mother and brothers. Still, it was worth keeping an eye on her. “Maybe you should go back and check on her before moving the others.”
He nodded, the concern on his face making her hope she was wrong.
She heard a noise, possibly thunder. Looking up at the sky, she saw the black clouds in the distance. As if they didn’t have enough to deal with. Rain would make everyone more miserable. Johanna pushed the hair back from her face. She wasn’t going to worry about the weather now. She had more important things to do—like search everyone’s wagon for their supplies of Camphor. She was running dangerously low.
“Johanna, I can help. Please let me.”
“Go back to bed, Ma, you are too ill. If you get worse, Pa would never forgive me.”
Rick came back helping those who could walk, making several trips to carry those he couldn’t.
“Sarah is sick too,” Rick said, putting out his hand to Johanna. “I’ve asked Stephen and Julia to keep Carrie with them. Mrs. Newland will look out for them.”
Johanna’s resolve faltered when she saw just how sick Sarah was. She was so thin already and now the vomiting was taking away any chance of giving her nutrients to survive. “You can’t die on me. I won’t let you,” she repeated over and over to the young girl.
Eva, Mrs. Freeman and Johanna took turns to mind those who were ill, resting when they could. Some of the other women minded the children and cooked for everyone. The men who were well, had to combine guard duty with finding food. There had been reports of Indians on the warpath. For now, it was a fight between two tribes, but nobody fancied getting caught in the middle.
Chapter 22
Later that day, Captain Jones arrived to check on the patients. Johanna wasn’t feeling very well but she had sent Becky to rest.
“Miss Thompson, you look...strained.”
“Thank you, Captain Jones.” She smiled to show him she was joking, although she felt as bad as she probably looked.
“How are your mother and father?”
“Ma is getting better, Pa isn’t any worse and Becky has just fallen asleep. Are you here to tell me you are leaving?”
“The wagon train will leave in the morning.”
She had known what was coming, but it was still upsetting to hear him confirm her thoughts. But as he stood there, she wondered if she had missed something.
“Yes, Captain Jones?”
“There was a meeting e
arlier. Your family have made a real impact on this train and several of the wagon owners have refused to leave without you.”
“But you said they were going tomorrow. My parents won’t be ready to leave by then. They will get much worse if they have to travel by wagon.”
“That won’t be necessary, we will stay as long as we can. Another two days or so.”
“We?”
“Mr. Price has agreed to lead the other wagons. Seems he doesn’t rate my abilities very highly.”
“I don’t think he rates anyone very highly, Captain Jones, but I will miss Almanzo.”
“And he you, Miss Thompson. He was very upset at the thought of leaving you behind.”
“Who else is staying?”
“The Bradleys, the Newlands, Rick Hughes, Milly and her husband as well as the families of those who are ill.”
“The Newlands?”
“Yes, I was surprised too. Mrs. Newland put her foot down and refused to leave while people needed help.”
Johanna wanted to pinch herself, but not just for misjudging Mrs. Newland whom she had thought to be a whiner. She couldn’t believe all these people were going to stay with them. Her eyes watered but she didn’t want to break down in front of Captain Jones.
“How are the other sick people?”
“A couple of them are getting better.”
“But some died?”
“Yes, ma’am, some died. I think that is some of the reasons so many folk want to leave with Mr. Price. He seems to think you can catch whatever it is through the air.”
“He may well be right. I don’t know how Ma fell sick or even if she has the same thing as the others. I am not even sure what illness they have. It may be mountain fever. I think cholera would have been deadly.”
“Usually, but some have recovered from it too. Your mother is a strong woman, and she has good nursing. Both count for a lot.”
Too embarrassed to say anything, Johanna stayed quiet.
“But you and your sister are not ill only tired?”
She hid a smile at the concern in his voice knowing she was not the real reason for his worry.
“We are both fine but thank you for asking. A couple of days’ rest and we will all be back to normal.”
“Good, as the journey ahead of us will have some more challenges.”
Johanna couldn’t think of a suitable reply so stayed silent. She watched as he stared at the tent Becky was sleeping in for a couple of seconds before tipping his hat and walking away. She couldn’t help wondering if his decision to stay had been because of Mr. Price questioning his ability or if it was something more than that.
Now wasn’t the time for speculation. There was plenty of work to be done before she had to give her patients their next bath.
Chapter 23
Johanna was about to take a rest when she saw a man coming out of her tent. “Stop, what are you doing? Becky? Is that you?”
Becky turned around wearing a pair of trousers and a shirt. “I borrowed them from the Freemans. They were Joey’s.”
“But why are you dressed like a man?”
“We need more food. Captain Jones won’t let me stand guard duty so I am going to get us our dinner.”
“You can’t go out there alone, Becky. Anything could happen.”
“I could die here. Who knows how many of them are going to make it?” Becky glanced in the direction of the ill people. “Pa didn’t know my name this morning. He is real bad. Sheila Freeman thinks Joey is still alive. I have to do something, Johanna. I can’t just wait around for them to die. We all need something more substantial to eat. Pa said he fancied rabbit stew.”
Johanna half smiled at the reminder of her father’s favorite dish. It wasn’t the time to remind Becky their pa could barely keep water down.
“Go on then but for goodness sake be careful.”
“I always am!”
“Miss Thompson, have you seen your sister?”
Johanna stilled. She didn’t want to answer Captain Jones but couldn’t ignore him. “Eva is over there looking after her husband.”
“Not Mrs. Clarke. Rebecca?”
“Not since earlier. Don’t worry about Becky, she can look after herself.”
“She may think that but I don’t believe it and neither do you. If you did, you wouldn’t keep scanning the horizon. Do you want to tell me where she went?”
His tone said she didn’t have a choice. Anyway, he was right, she was concerned and, despite the fact he would be angry, he would go looking for Becky and bring her back.
“She has gone hunting for food.” At the expression on his face, Johanna balked. “She’s an excellent shot, nearly as good as Pa.”
“Your Pa would have more sense than to go out alone when the Indians are at war. Does your sister ever engage her brain?”
There was no appropriate response to that comment.
“Jo...” The weak voice interrupted her exchange with Captain Jones.
“Captain Jones, don’t be so hard on Becky. She had to do something. Everyone is so ill. She thought some fresh meat would help them. Given your men are tied up with chores and guard duty, she thought it would help.”
“Typical of her not to think of her own safety,” he muttered as he strode off.
Sending a look of apology in his direction, she went to Sarah’s side.
“Yes, darling.”
“Jo, will you look after Carrie. Promise me.”
“I will look after her until you get better and then you can take over.” Johanna’s tone was meant to be reassuring but her voice sounded far too shaky.
“I want you to promise. Carrie loves you.”
“We all love you, Sarah. You have to get better. Carrie needs you. So does Rick.”
A look of disbelief came over Sarah’s face before she closed her eyes. For a second, Johanna thought she had gone, but she had just passed out. She stayed by her side trying to get her fever to come down. It was sky high. She didn’t know how long she stayed by the child’s side but she was there when Rick returned.
“How is she?”
“I can’t get her temperature down. I think she’s given up.”
“She can’t do that. I won’t let her.” Rick reached over Johanna and picked up Sarah. He carried her toward the stream.
“What are you doing?”
“Something I saw back East, although it was a bath of cold water not a river. We have to try. I am not losing another one of my family.”
Johanna didn’t try and stop him. She wasn’t sure anything would save Sarah but at least Rick would know he tried everything. She wanted to stay with him but she had to get back to the others. Her pa, Gracie, and Sheila Freeman were critically ill. The others were still sick but seemed to be recovering.
Chapter 24
Rick bathed Sarah again and again in the freezing water of the river. At first, she had whimpered against the cold but now she wasn’t reacting at all. He prayed as he washed her. How had he ever believed he could leave this child in an orphanage? He loved her as much as he could love his own child.
“Come on, Sarah, fight. We need you. Carrie and I need you.”
There was no reaction.
“Carrie will be all alone if you die. You have to get better. You have to.”
He spent ages with her, brushing the hair back from her face. “Come on, darling. I love you. You have to show me how to look after your sister. Please.”
After a while, her eyelids fluttered and she looked up at him.
“I love you.”
She closed her eyes again but he thought she seemed stronger. He carried her back to the camp where Johanna was waiting.
“Is she any better?”
“I think she might be. She spoke to me.”
Johanna’s look made his heart turn over. She ran her hand over his arm.
“Let me change her and put her back in bed. I have some boiled salted water for her to drink.”
“Thank you, Jo. What c
an I do to help?”
“Eva could do with some assistance. David wants to have a bath and I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to do it.” Her cheeks turned a pretty pink. He leaned over and kissed her forehead quickly.
“I will see to it. Talk to you later.”
Johanna busied herself seeing to Sarah. The change in the girl was nothing short of a miracle. Not only had her fever abated, but she seemed to be fighting back too.
“Welcome back, little lady, I missed you,” Johanna whispered to the young girl. Both Sarah and Carrie had taken a special place in her heart. It wasn’t just because she spent so much time with them but both girls had been so brave following the loss of their ma and brothers. She wanted to protect them from ever being hurt again. Something that was impossible to arrange, especially given their current situation.
“Jo?”
“Yes, darling.”
“I didn’t go to Heaven, did I? I thought I went to be with Ma.” A tear ran down the little girl’s face.
“No, honey, you stayed here with us. Your uncle Rick wouldn’t let you leave him. He loves you so much.”
“Really?” Hope blazed out of Sarah’s eyes.
“Yes, darling, really.” Johanna hugged her close. “Now you get some rest. When you wake up, I will give you some soup.”
The expression of distaste on Sarah’s face clearly showed how she felt about the soup but she didn’t argue. She closed her eyes and was soon snoring softly. Johanna sat with her for a while pushing the hair back from her eyes.
Rick helped Eva to bathe David.
“He is much better already, isn’t he?” he said to Eva as they walked David back to the camp.
“Yes, thanks to Johanna. She’s a wonderful nurse. I don’t know where she learned all she did,” Eva replied.
“From her books, she said. Although I think some of her knowledge comes from her natural consideration for others.”
Eva gave him a look but she didn’t push him to answer the question it contained.
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