Uncivilized

by Laura Stapleton

  A look passed between the dissenters before Nelson said, “Won’t make any difference, but if you insist.”

  Both men wandered back to their wagons and Ellen relaxed a little. They’d looked furious enough to erupt in anger like Pa often did. She hadn’t realized until just now how nice life was, out from under someone else’s bad temper. When she glanced down at Skeeter, she saw him looking up at her with wide eyes. “It’s all right, sweetheart. They were just discussing, not fighting.”

  “I’m glad. I might help you with chores in case anything happens to make them mad again.”

  “Certainly, I’ll let you.” She and Skeeter retrieved and spread out the beds for everyone. Lucky built the fire, and when he was done, Marie hurried to start supper. Ellen was taking Buster for a potty when Lefty walked up with a pail of water. She smiled, knowing they’d be eating soon.

  They returned to find everyone seated. The men worked on the same projects tonight as last night, and Marie stirred the potatoes and peas. Ellen fretted a little, hoping they’d have enough provisions to reach either Del’s or Sam’s home. Her brothers were playing soldiers using whittled men Arnold had made, so she retrieved her journal. She’d poured her heart out about Del on most of the pages left. The inside back cover was all that remained. She wrote in small letters about the beautiful green valley.

  No one tarried in eating dinner and piling the dishes in the pail. Their meal might have been plain, but each one imagined the better suppers they’d have in just a few days. A sleepy satisfaction settled everyone as each nestled into their beds. Even the boys didn’t need to be told to go to sleep.

  Quiet but insistent talking woke Ellen. She squeezed her eyes closed, not wanting to listen to a private conversation. Yesterday’s rocks and walking downhill had been tougher than she’d thought. She turned over and felt every achy muscle.

  “They’re just sitting there, boss. I tried telling them you’d leave, and Nelson said he didn’t mind,” whispered Lucky

  “All right. I’ve said what I’ll do and so has he. So, just get ready for leaving.”

  Ellen kept her eyes closed. She wondered if the Allens would go or stay. Jenny might tell her if she asked. She reconsidered talking to her former friend. No, Ellen would prefer to not speak to any of them for a while. She didn’t blame anyone for their prejudice, even if she thought it very wrong. However, she knew that if Del had proved nothing to a person by rescuing her from the kidnapping, he’d never be able to convince them.

  She stared up at the sky. High clouds caught the sun’s first colors of the day. She slid off her glasses and wiped the lenses with the blanket’s edge. The frames were a little bent, a hazard of sleeping with them on. It was a habit she’d started while on the trail and needed to stop. Otherwise the metal would weaken every time she bent them back into shape. Ellen rested the glasses on her chest and put her hands behind her head.

  The sky really was lovely. The forests they’d been through in the past few days kept the blue from her. Ellen tilted her head a little, thinking of how similar the forests of Missouri and Oregon Territory were. The only differences so far were the amount of rainfall and number of pine trees. Except for the mountains, it felt like home. She sighed. It’d not be a home if Del weren’t there with her and the boys. She knew they all liked each other, but was it enough to make them a family? It had to be.

  She sat up, the nearby noises too loud to let her sleep. Ellen saw a man in a white shirt nearby and smiled since he had to be Sam. He sat down beside her and she said, “I suppose we’ll be missing the Nelsons. Such a shame but I’m sure they’ll be fine. You’ve led them close enough. They’ll find their way just fine even now, thanks to your expertise.”

  “Merci, but the credit goes to Sam.”

  “Del!” she squealed and sat up.

  “Un moment, ma coeur.” He picked up her glasses. “Don’t crush these or you’ll think any other man might be me, too.”

  She put on her glasses as fast as possible and saw his dear face. Had he always looked at her with such love? “What are you doing here so soon? I thought it’d be days yet.”

  “I couldn’t resist you any longer. An entire day at home and maman threw me out for my gloom without you.”

  Her heart sank. He might live in a teepee, but it was the only home he might have. “Oh no! Are you gone for good, or will she take you back if you want?”

  He chuckled, kissing her forehead. “I’m not to come back home without you. She insists.”

  A warm feeling spread through her, as if she’d drank a dose of cough medicine too fast. “My goodness. I’d better start packing.”

  “Are we going with you?” Skeeter asked.

  Both adults turned to him. Del spoke first. “Of course. Where else would you go?”

  The boy sat up but didn’t look at either of them. “I don’t know for sure. Robert said sisters didn’t take their brothers home when they married.”

  “Robert?” asked Del.

  “One of the Allen twins,” supplied Ellen.

  “Ah.” In a louder voice, he continued, “Your sister does. You and Buster are to live with us for as long as you like.”

  “What if it’s for forever? Will you let us then?”

  Del nodded. “Yes.”

  Skeeter went and hugged Del. Buster followed, both boys clinging like they’d never let go. Ellen got out from under her blankets. “Are you hungry?” She looked around and found the camp deserted. “I can start breakfast for you.”

  “I can’t. I’m not staying here long.” He grinned as the boys let go of him. “No, it’s nothing. I’m leaving to get a wagon and oxen for us. Sam told me what happened to yours. He and his men are sending the word out about how you need a new one.”

  “We don’t. All we need is you.” She laughed when the boys scooted next to him as if they were his own children. “We don’t mind staying with the group until Oregon City as long as you’re with us. Once we’re all there, it might be a good time for a wedding.”

  “A wedding there? No, Ellen, we’re not getting married in Oregon City. In fact, I don’t want to stay here any longer than we have to.”

  Chapter 12

  “Oh. Very well. I suppose that’s fine.”

  Del smiled at her. He’d not been clear and she’d misunderstood. “I’m taking you and the boys to my parents’ house. You can rest and enjoy sleeping in a bed before we decide on a wedding date.” Everyone exhaled at once and he laughed. “Did you think I wouldn’t marry you? I already have once. It’s no trouble to do it again.”

  “If you’re sure….”

  He stood, holding his hand out to help her up. “Let’s tell everyone the news, help with breakfast, and get started back home. My parents are waiting. They’re not patient people either.”

  “Should I be worried?” she asked, only half in jest.

  “No, flattered. They want to meet you and your brothers.” He grabbed the trailing end of the blanket to help her fold. “I’ve told them everything.” Del grinned at her alarmed expression. “Mostly.”

  “They don’t know about Pa, do they?”

  He scooped up another blanket. “Non. Sam just told me and I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “The boys have no one but me now.”

  “Are you needing an argument?” Del took the folded bundle and put it on the tailgate, watching her face as he worked. “Because I can list how many people they have besides you.”

  She laughed. “Maybe I do need to argue, but I’d rather hear how many people care for us.”

  Marie stepped from around the wagon with a full water pail. “Are you done with the greetings? I’d like to start the coffee and breakfast.”

  “Of course, ma coupin.”

  Ellen shook his arm. “No more coopins for you, Mr. Du Boise. I’m a very jealous wife.”

  He grinned at the other woman. “Sorry, ma—um, mon amie.”

  “Maman, hmm? So, Sam ruined the surprise?” Marie shook her head while pour
ing water into the coffee pot. “He promised me to keep quiet for another month just to be sure.”

  “How wonderful!” Ellen went over and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’ll be settled during your increasing.”

  “So am I. All of this is just so wonderful!”

  Del stole a glance at the boys when hearing the sob in both women’s voices. Both Winslows were staring at him and he shrugged. Understanding how women think wasn’t going to be a skill they’d get from him. He had no idea. “Should I cook breakfast for you?”

  “No, no.” Marie waved him off. “I can.” She wiped her eyes. “Goodness! I’m such a baby.” Her eyes filled again. “I’m just so happy.”

  “Here,” said Ellen. “Let me cook while you rest.”

  Del offered, “Madam can supervise me while I gather Ellen and the boys’ things.” Both ladies stood at the wagon’s back, watching as he climbed in. “Sam mentioned a pushcart?”

  “Yes,” said Marie. “You’ll need it for her trunk.”

  He found the cart lying on its side. He eased it out and down. Ellen helped him lower it to the ground, their hands touching. He let his fingertips linger, enjoying the surprise contact. Later, he promised his lusty thoughts, when he had her home and in his own bed. She blushed under what had to be a wolfish grin from him.

  “Come on, you two. Work now, honeymoon later.” Sam peeked around the corner, his men behind him. “Ladies, I smell coffee. Are there biscuits too?”

  “There will be.” Ellen reached in for the flour, mixing bowl, and wooden spoon. “I’ll get started.”

  “Good. I know what is yours in here. We can help your man get you all packed up.”

  He exchanged places with Sam. His friend passed the trunk and various blankets to him. Del glanced over at the boys watching him. One could ride with Ellen on Pomme while the other, preferably Buster, rode in the cart while Del pulled. He made sure the trunk was pushed all the way back and used the blankets as a cushion for the rest of it. By the time they finished packing, breakfast smelled ready.

  In the times before when Del had sat around a campfire with everyone, he’d been more intent on catching a glimpse of Ellen. Now he was bringing her home. After drinking his last bit of coffee, he stood.

  Sam glanced up at him before refilling his cup. “Ready so soon? What’s your hurry?”

  “Sam!” Marie tapped her husband on his arm. “Tell me you don’t mean that. Let them go already.”

  “What? I’m not keeping them here.” He looked up at his friend. “Am I?”

  Del caught Ellen’s eye. “Are you ready?”

  “Almost.” She handed her cup to Lucky and picked up Buster. “Marie, I can stay if you need my help.”

  “Mercy, no. Go on. I have a crew of young men to do chores for me.”

  Ellen glanced at him, her cheeks turning pink. “Very well. Boys, let’s get ready to go home. Buster, you can bring your biscuit with you. Skeeter, put on your shoes first, then your brother’s.” She turned to Del. “I think Buster should ride in the push cart. He’s lightest and easiest for me to haul.”

  The idea of her walking to his parents when he had Pomme stunned him. “Non, not at all. You and Skeeter can ride my horse while I lead the way with Buster in the cart. No discussion.”

  She closed her open mouth and grinned. “Boys, you heard the man. Let’s get started.” Ellen went to Marie first. “Goodbye. I’ll miss you so!” They hugged.

  Del shook his head and Sam laughed before saying, “You’ll see each other tomorrow, next day at the latest. The Du Boise home is on our way.”

  Both women laughed. Ellen asked, “So my saying goodbye to your wonderful crew is premature?”

  “Very. Go, so we can get moving ourselves.”

  She grinned. “Del, we have our orders.” Ellen scooped up Buster and put him in the cart. “Let’s go, Skeeter. Pomme’s a wonderful horse. You’ll love the view from so high.”

  Del took the handles for the cart and pushed ahead to where Pomme grazed. Ellen got on the animal first, and her brother awkwardly followed. He held on tight.

  “Skeet, ease up. I can’t breathe.”

  “Sorry, sis.”

  He went in front, leading them to his home. He felt the Granville men watching until the wagon hid them from view. As soon as the road smoothed out, Buster fell back asleep. Del glanced at the boy and grinned at how relaxed the little fellow was. He heard the other two Winslows talking behind him. The trunk’s contents rattled too much for him to catch any words, just the easygoing tone.

  “You’ll let us know when we’re getting close, won’t you?” asked Ellen.

  Buster stirred a little when Del slowed down to reply. “Yes. We should get there mid afternoon.”

  “Oh my! That’s not long.”

  “No.” He resumed his prior speed. His arms ached a little, but the pain was worth it. He looked down at the sleeping boy before the road commanded his attention again. None of this, neither bringing home the children or Ellen, had been planned. The suddenness of it overwhelmed him a little. He’d expected to watch the Winslows from afar, waiting until Jack settled in with Lacy Benson. Del grinned when thinking of how surprised his parents would be. His father had only warned of buckshot peppering his hide, not of an instant family.

  After topping a slight incline, he could almost see their destination. If not for the sleeping child, he’d be walking at a faster pace. Del wanted them home and comfortable after their long journey. He wanted them to feel settled and secure. Mostly, he wanted them happy and with him. The foothills on either side fell away, leaving the wide-open valley ahead of them.

  Buster woke up and sat, rubbing his eyes. “Potty?”

  “All right.” He supposed they needed a break and possibly a cool drink of water. Del slowed to a stop. “Time for a rest.” He set down the cart’s legs flush and the boy squirmed out to the ground.

  Ellen said, “Skeeter, you get down first and I’ll follow. Go with Bust and don’t stray far.”

  The boy slid down and Ellen eased to the ground afterward. Del noticed they both walked oddly and would be sore tomorrow. He tried not to grin at their difficulty.

  She took him by the shirt front. “Stop it, mister. No laughing at us greenhorns.” Ellen returned his smile and pulled him to her for a kiss.

  A moan escaped him as he cradled the back of her neck. He deepened their embrace, certain her brothers weren’t watching or she’d not be so forward with him. Del wrapped his other arm around her, pulling his woman closer. He leaned away barely enough to say, “I’ve missed you.”

  “You too, my dearest love.”

  He traced the side of her face with the back of his hand. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  She chuckled. “Only until my brothers return.”

  “One more before then.” Del captured her lips with his own, giving her a kiss that promised more when they had privacy. As he drew back, she reached up and caressed his face. His heart melted. “I love you so much. I call you my heart but you are more. You’re my love, my life, and my very soul.” Tears filled her eyes and he kissed her forehead. “And I? I am all yours forever.”

  “Hey, sis?”

  Del turned and Ellen looked around him to see Skeeter. She sniffled before replying, “Yes, sweetheart?”

  “Buster and I have decided we’re hungry. Can we get something to eat?”

  “May you?”

  “Sis, c’mon! We’re hungry!”

  She glanced at Del, who nodded and went to his saddlebags. Ellen said, “Yes. You two eat while I go for a short walk.”

  He retrieved a hard tack cracker and a chunk of beef jerky for each one of them. The three of them worked on their food, first trying to bite and then chew. Ellen came back and he gave her a portion before heading for the creek himself with Pomme. Both horse and man drank before returning to their new family.

  Del laughed when he saw all three of them ready to go. Buster sat in the cart, facing forward as if the rollin
g would start at any moment. Ellen and Skeeter were talking in between chewing hard on their lunch. They looked at him and grinned at his amusement. He picked up the cart handles, ignored the slight ache, and pushed on home.

  Various side roads appeared as they went on, and he at last turned down the one leading to his parents. He knew Ellen saw his home when she gasped. He viewed the building through her eyes and smiled. The elder Du Boise had added a second story when Del was a child. The wood siding gleamed with fresh whitewash. A well house and garden were hidden, but the shale-red barn showed up through the trees. He smiled. His mother had insisted every tree remain unless there’d been a solid reason to remove it. Her request frustrated his father, but he did as she wanted.

  Ellen pulled the horse to a stop. “Adelard, I don’t know about this. Your family is rather wealthy. We don’t have anything to offer.”

  He heard the fear and hesitation in her voice and eased the pushcart to a halt. “You have yourselves and that’s more than enough.” Uncertainty still showed on her face and he urged, “Let’s go and let my parents prove this to you.” He resumed his trek to the family home, eager to get there and prove himself right.

  A dog began barking and his father stepped out of the front door. Del knew they all must look a sight. “Allo, papa!”

  “Allo! Qu’es que c’est?” asked the elder Du Boise.

  He answered in French, his father only knowing enough English to trade by. “This is my Ellen and her family.”

  “Mon Dieu! She has children?” Mr. Du Boise held out a hand to help first Skeeter and then her off of Pomme. “Allo, ma Cherie, comment allez vous?”

  Ellen looked from one man to the other, replying in halting French, “Je suis tres bonne, et vous?”

  Du Boise grinned from ear to ear, telling Ellen in French, “I’m very fine, young lady. Excellent French you have. Come in and meet Adelard’s mother. She’ll be so excited. We’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Papa?” He didn’t know quite how to tell his father, but dove in. “She only understands just what she said. Ellen is still learning.”