He felt his shirts to see if they’d dried and then shook the thought from his head. Practice helped and she had to be better now after months on the road. Del sat next to the fire, watching Marie stir biscuits. Neither talked, her being busy and him thinking about Ellen. All this time, he’d still not come up with a good way to win her father over into accepting him. They had a month, maybe two more and he frowned at the lack of progress so far. He had to come up with a foolproof way to gain Jack’s approval. Ellen insisted she didn’t care what her Pa thought, but Del suspected her father’s opinion mattered a lot to her.
“How is Ellen?”
Del looked up at Marie and smiled. The woman had an uncanny ability to know what he was thinking. Either that or he was woefully transparent. “She’s perfect, as usual.”
“To you, yes, but is her wrist getting any better? What about Buster? He was sick this morning. Has he improved?”
“She still favors her wrist and Buster, judging from the washing she did today, is still somewhat ill.”
“I hope Arnold has luck in inviting them tonight.” She set the frying pan of fillets on the fire grate. “Winslow seems more intent on finding the boys a new mother than a decent meal, but I didn’t say that out loud, all right?”
“No gossip from you, ma coupin. None that I heard, anyway.” He enjoyed her laugh and settled in to wait for the meal. Soon, the other men arrived.
Lucky arrived with the Allens, Sam following. Arnold and Lefty showed up with the Nelsons. Del’s heart dropped at the sight of Arnold and no Winslows. Anger and hurt swirled in him like oil and water trying to mix. He stared at the fire, ignoring everyone settling in around him until Marie said his name. “Yes?”
“It may be later, dear ami.”
She set aside three of the fillets, and he knew she anticipated Jack resuming his catting ways. Soon, the entire crowd quieted, eating the fresh catch. He savored every bite, sure that if Ellen didn’t know how to cook, Marie could give her lessons. “C’est marvelleau poisson, ma coupin.”
She blushed at his compliment. “Merci beaucoup.”
Mr. Allen patted his stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”
Del glanced over at Marie and saw she still had enough for Ellen and her brothers. He only listened with half his attention as the others chatted about their day. Lucky was the first up, collecting dishes from the Granvilles and their men. Everyone else took it as a signal to leave, and most began standing before disappearing into the night. The Allens lingered, Jenny and Marie talking for a little while. He sighed, certain Ellen couldn’t break away.
“Hello, everyone. It seems we’re too late for dinner.”
He grinned, hearing her voice before seeing her. “But not for dessert.”
Skeeter ran over to him. “We had supper. What’s for dessert?” He looked over at the pan Marie placed on the fire. “Fish?”
Ellen settled in between Del and Marie. She put Buster down on her lap. “Skeet, you like fish, remember?”
“I do, but what about pie?” He peered at the fillets as they cooked. “Sure do smell good.”
“Sure does, sweetheart.”
“Yeah.” The boy came over to Del. “So, Mr. Do Bose, how have ya been? Me and my brother have been sick some. I’m better and so is he, but we get well then back sick again.”
“That’s not good. I’ve been well.” He glanced over at Sam. “You and Marie too?”
“We’ve all been well, Skeeter,” Sam replied. Lucky walked up with the clean dishes, and Sam took them from him. “Here, take three of these, hand them out, and Mrs. Granville will dish your dessert.”
Skeeter laughed before helping the men. “Fish instead of pie. That’s so funny.”
As soon as each Winslow took a bite, they fell silent, eating. Ellen finished first. “Perfect, Marie. I couldn’t have done better.”
“Thank you for showing me how. Otherwise, we’d have had fish jerky or raw.”
Del couldn’t help but smile, glad the woman he wanted to stay married to could cook. He wanted to tease Ellen about her keeping this skill from him. Before he could say anything, Sam stood. “I need to check on the stock. Del and Lucky, you two have first watch tonight, and Arnold and I get second.”
The men all around nodded. Ellen took the boys empty plates. “I should wash these right quick.”
“It’s dark. Let me go with you.”
“I’m not sure.”
“Oh pooh,” said Marie. She took the plates and forks from Ellen. “You both stay here and I’ll wash up.” She also grabbed the cooling pan before heading off to the water.
“She told us,” he said to Ellen.
“I suppose.” She returned his grin. “She’ll expect us to talk.”
“That’s good, because so do I.” He glanced around to see who listened in on them. Lucky seemed intent on his bugle, polishing fingerprints from it. Arnold and Lefty played cards. Del noticed Sam followed Marie and grinned. They were such newlyweds, seeking out every chance they could for alone time. “I’m glad you were able to be here.”
Ellen waited until Buster settled into her lap and snuggled in as if done for the night. “So am I. The meal was wonderful. We’d had something already, but the fish? I’d forgotten how good it could be.”
“Where is your father?”
“Pa? He’s over at Mrs. Benson’s again.” At his questioning look, she continued, “She’s a new widow, quite lovely, that Pa is helping. Both she and her young son have been in one of the groups we keep pace with. He seems to like spending time with them.”
“Does he have dinner there?”
“No, never. He always eats with us first, not taking his time so he can go to see her. Sometimes Skeeter goes with him.” Lying against his sister and half asleep, Skeeter nodded. She patted his head. “He used to spend more time with Buster but since Mrs. Benson, Pa has let me take care of him again. I don’t mind, really. The baby is mostly potty trained, Skeeter is an angel, and our ox is my only responsibility after dinner and cleanup.”
Del surmised she must feel the heat of anger from him despite his best efforts to hide it. So Winslow had found one woman to court instead of playing the field. He was torn between welcoming the distraction and being dismayed at Jack dumping the night chores off on Ellen. “When he goes to visit, come here. I’ll make sure extra is set aside for you and the boys.”
“What about Pa?”
His tendency for diplomacy lost out to blunt honesty. “He’s a grown man. If he wants to hunt or fish to keep you all fed, then stay there.”
“Oh.”
He knew his answer cut her but didn’t care. She had to know her father cared to provide for his family only when it suited him. “Any time you’re alone with the boys, come here and we’ll all keep you company.”
“I’d like that.”
Her answer made him smile. “Me too.” Lucky stirred and Del knew it was time for first watch. “Shall I escort you to your camp?”
“Yes, please.”
He took Skeeter from her and stood. The boy snuggled into him. Del grinned at the subconscious trust. Ellen eased to her feet with Buster, and they made their way to the Winslows’. He kept hold of the older boy while Ellen used one hand to spread out the baby’s bed, then her younger brother’s. Del put the child into his covers and pulled Ellen off to the side and out of sight. “I’m stealing a kiss and hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s not stealing if I give one to you.”
He held her close. His lips met hers and he echoed her moan at the touch. Their kiss deepened and on some level he knew they needed to keep this short and sweet. Still, the cool night air, her warm body, and his need for her kept him there, enjoying every touch. At last he broke away first. “My love, until tomorrow?”
She kissed him quick one last time. “Tomorrow.”
Del left as she went to her own bed. He began the night watch. Thinking of her and reliving their kiss, his feet never touched the ground as he walked. H
e could grin like a fool and the dark allowed him the chance to do so. Jack staggered into camp just as Lucky and him came off of second watch. Del figured the good widow must have plenty of whisky, giving Winslow more than one reason to sniff around her skirts. He shook his head at some men’s weakness for the drink and went to his own bed.
Having first watch always threw Del off the next morning. He always seemed to sleep too long and wake up groggy. He sat up, noticing how most of them had already eaten and left.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Marie dished up some breakfast for him.
“Good morning, belle. It’s not right how lovely you are first thing in the morning.”
She laughed, giving him the plate. “You scoundrel! Do you say these things to Ellen too?”
He waited until she gave him a cup of coffee before eating. “Of course I do. All the women need to hear compliments.”
“She’s a very lucky lady.”
Del swallowed and took a drink of coffee before saying, “I’d like to think so.”
“Ahem. Ma’am?”
He turned to see Jack Winslow standing there. How long had he been listening in? Del frowned. Not long or he’d be screaming about him and Ellen, he was sure. He tried not to smirk at how studiously Jack ignored him.
“Yes, Mr. Winslow? How can I help you?”
“You can’t, ma’am. I need to speak to your husband.”
“All right.” She got to her feet. “He’s around here somewhere, probably readying the stock for travel.” With the cook pot in hand, she scooped up the dish bucket. “Let’s go to the creek and see if we can find him.”
They walked off and Del slowed his eating. He’d wash up for himself. Everyone had put up their own beds, so that wasn’t left for him to do. Just as he chewed the last bite, Sam came up. Del swallowed. “Your wife and Winslow are looking for you. They’re at the creek, I assume with him watching her work.”
“He’s good at that, almost as good as you are.”
“Ha. I can’t help it if you and the others creep around while I sleep.”
“Consider it a reward for last night’s dinner.”
Del cut his gaze over at his friend as the man put the fire grate to the side for cooling. “Aren’t you going to go find them?”
“Nope, they’ll be back soon enough.”
He saw Marie and Jack stroll back toward them. Intent on ignoring Winslow as much as Jack had him, Del kept busy with putting away his bedding. He returned to his coffee, pouring a fresh cup, and sat so he could eavesdrop.
“Granville!” Jack bellowed. “I want a word with you this morning before we start out.”
“All right.” Sam faced him, hands on hips. “What do you need?”
“Not me so much as a lady what needs to go along with us. There’s a poor widow and her son who want to join our group. Her husband died a while back, around Fort Hays, and she wanted to go north instead of south.”
“Why does she want to join us in particular?”
“Well, I might have convinced her to. I told her that you were a great scout and leader and that she’d be a lot safer with us and under my watchful eye.”
“So you’ll personally vouch for her?”
“I will, particularly because I want to marry her.”
“Congratulations.”
“I can tell her to hitch up to my wagon?”
“Yes, if you can make sure both loads are light. We have steep hills coming up. It’d be best on your animals if you don’t overwork them.”
“Will do, and thank you.”
Once the man was out of earshot, Marie asked, “Does Ellen know she’s to have a new stepmother?”
Del shrugged. “If she did, she didn’t mention it.”
“My bet is she doesn’t know. Ah, well, it’s none of my business if Winslow has mourned Lucy enough by now.”
Watching his friend walk off, Del knew Sam was furious. He didn’t blame him. If it’d been Ellen that died that day, he’d still be inconsolable. Even now the thought of her potential death hurt his heart. Sam had to feel the same way about Marie. Del’d bet all his family’s money he did. Marie’s voice cut into his thoughts.
“Adelard? Are you finished?”
“Oh, yes, of course I am. But,” he said, holding up a hand, “I’m washing up for you.” Del scooped up his dishes and went to the water before she could object. He’d not seen Ellen or the boys despite keeping an eye open for them. Soon, he had Pomme ready and everyone started rolling northwest along Powder River valley. He settled in back with Lucky on one side and him on the other.
From his rear vantage point, he could see another wagon with the Winslows’ and assumed it was the Bensons’. He couldn’t see how many oxen they had and hoped it was more than two for the animals’ sake. As Sam had warned earlier in the morning, a long slope challenged them after the first mile. The Allens and a few in other groups struggled to climb up the incline. He and Lucky passed a couple of the stragglers in the group ahead of them. The way eased up for everyone after they reached the summit. A few more hills remained as they followed a dry creek.
He filled his canteen after eating lunch near a spring fed pond. Ellen caught his eye while she topped off a couple of canning jars with water. He winked and she shook her head while wrinkling her nose. “Monsieur told you about his future plans?” Ellen nodded, still frowning, and Del laughed. “No love for your new mother?”
“I miss Lucy.”
He felt bad but wanted to tease her a little. “Poor dear. You need a man to take you away from all this.”
She snorted down a laugh. “Yes, I do. I wish some handsome rogue would carry me away.”
Del glanced over at her to see an mischievous glare until she smiled at him. “Be careful. A wild Indian brave may make your wishes come true.”
“Make sure you, I mean, the brave has plenty of water. I can get very thirsty.”
He grinned at her, glad she’d meant him. “I will.”
Ellen went back to her own wagon. He watched her walk away, wanting to follow and make good on his kidnapping promise. Before too long, they and everyone else were ready to be back on the road. The stop had allowed him to check how many oxen the Warrens now had. Four animals pulled the two wagons, and Del whistled under his breath. No wonder Jack had been sniffing around Mrs. Benson’s skirts. The woman was well off. He hoped the man’s choice in women would benefit Ellen and the boys. For the rest of the afternoon, he daydreamed about luring away Ellen and her brothers. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t work out how to get all four of them on Pomme and laughed at how that might look.
At near twilight, they found a valley full of grass. Del had just staked out his horse when Arnold and Sam came over to him.
“Did you hear?” asked Arnold. “The group up ahead butchered a cow this afternoon and has meat left over.”
Del immediately thought of Ellen and her family. “Are they willing to trade or sell?”
“Yep. They want twenty-five cents a pound.”
“That’s what they told you?” Sam let out a low whistle. “It’s not cheap.”
“No, but worth the cost.” Del searched a saddlebag and found a silver dollar. “Give this to them and get us four pounds. Barter for five if you can. I’d go myself, but they’ll trust and give you more.”
“Will do.” Arnold hurried off.
He turned to Sam. “The meat is from you, all right? It’s my contribution.”
“I’m not taking credit for your good deed.”
“Yes, you are. Otherwise, Winslow won’t let his family eat.”
Sam nodded in a silent affirmation of his friend’s assertion. “Have you seen his new woman’s wealth?”
“Not yet and it doesn’t matter. I want them to have a chance at a good meal tonight.”
“All right. I bought dinner.” Sam shook his head. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll tell my wife about my good deed for the day.”
Del laughed. “You do that.” He went back to
taking care of Pomme, settling him in for the night. He checked on the other horses and work oxen. Too soon, the rich smell of cooking meat hung in the cool night air. His stomach growled in protest and he went to camp. He grinned at the large circle of people around the fire. No one made excuses to miss fresh beef.
He settled in the only available spot next to Lefty and Arnold. Ellen sat across from him, and it seemed as if she were miles away. A woman he assumed was Mrs. Benson sat between Jack and his daughter. Marie dished up dinner and gave plates to pass down the line. Progress came to a stop when Mrs. Benson received a plate. She didn’t pass down to Ellen. Instead, she began to eat. Jack received his plate and started eating too. Ellen glanced over at Del, then the boys. He knew that pointed look and tried not to grin as he passed a plate down to Arnold. She stood and went to Marie. Taking three plates to her brothers and the young Benson boy before going back and getting her own dinner. He got his food at the same time she did and both began eating. The meat melted in his mouth, and he wondered where they’d found the potatoes. Everything tasted perfect and his toes almost wiggled when he thought of Ellen being Marie’s cooking instructor. He’d be fat as a merchant in a couple of months after their wedding.
Del wanted to see what sort of woman Mrs. Benson was and if she’d be good to the Winslow children. From the corner of his eyes or from under his lashes, he examined her. She seemed to be a friendly, kind person, until he remembered her not giving food to the children first. Maybe she believed children should be seen, not heard, and only let the youngsters eat after adults but before animals. Not his personal philosophy, but he’d seen how others had adopted it.
Even without her obvious money, Del could see why Jack fancied her. She had light brown hair that glowed in the firelight. She seemed to smile a lot and from this distance, the smiled looked real. Mrs. Benson also wore a nice dress. Ellen’s clothes looked dowdy and stained, though Del knew his love kept her dress clean. Mrs. Benson’s fabric seemed newer and freshly made. He wondered if she was a seamstress. If so, Ellen and the boys would benefit from her skills. He’d like the woman if for no other reason than the younger Winslows might benefit.
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