Always

by Jessie Rose Case

  They caught up with Carl at the tepee.

  “I’m sorry Carl, your right, thank you.” Elizabeth spontaneously embraced him. Carl did not return her embraced.

  “We have an early start tomorrow, we should get some rest.” He told her. Elizabeth released him, smiled and nodded. White Dove observed them from a distance. They may not know it, but she felt they could make a life together. It would not be a ‘love’ match for Elizabeth. Red Wolf held that ground, but still, it would work if they let it.

  Morning soon arrived, and the Double T party was up early, packed and ready to go. As expected, the whole tribe came out to see them off. Many of the Double T staff were going back with them. There were a number of new braves joining them and some old ones staying behind for a while. It was their circle of life.

  All too soon, they were saying their goodbyes. For Elizabeth, for the first time ever, that it couldn’t come fast enough. Dull Knife embraced his daughter and wished her well. He also turned and offered a warm parting to Carl. White Dove as usual found it hard to say goodbye to friends and family.

  It was then, that Elizabeth remembered that Red Wolf would not be leading them out. She mounted her pony and was suddenly unsure what to do. He always led. It was his place. She looked to White Dove who nodded encouragement.

  Elizabeth took a deep breath. She could do this. It was her time now. She called to her people.

  “I thank you father, it is time to leave.” Dull Knife raised his hand in parting. Elizabeth acknowledged him and turned her pony and rode forward leading her people out. The rest of her party followed behind her. Carl found his place with Black Dog and headed home.

  The ride to the Double T, followed the same route as before. Carl and Black Dog took it in turns to ride with Elizabeth. It was clear that now, that she would have to lead her people without Red Wolf and although it was another reminder, she did her job. She sent out scouting parties, several braves left and re-joined the convoy at intervals throughout the day. The first, being sent on to the Double T to warn of their arrival. They would be earlier than expected.

  Unlike on their outward journey, there were no unexpected visitors on her land and Elizabeth decided to make the push for home. They had no cattle or horses to consider and the wagons were empty. They would not stop and make good time.

  She asked Carl his opinion the last time he joined her. He agreed, there was no point in delaying their arrival. It was after nightfall when they entered the grounds of the Double T main house.

  Elizabeth felt she had never seen anything more welcome. She gave orders to see to the horses, store goods and equipment and gave her pony to Carl.

  Elizabeth looked at the house she loved so much and walked towards it taking off her gloves. Anna and Kincade came out to welcome them home. Elizabeth was joined by Jake who gave her the biggest hug and started to catch her up on the weeks she’d been away.

  White Dove joined them, and they headed in to a late dinner. Elizabeth turned as she climbed the steps.

  “Carl, join us for dinner.”

  “Thank you mam.” He told her doffing his hat.

  It was good to be back. The ranch staff were happy to see them. Talk was of the village, the weddings and the harvest. Elizabeth eventually asked if Ben had been heard from and Jake confirmed that he hadn’t as yet. They weren’t expecting to hear from them for another couple of weeks, but somehow, Elizabeth felt the need to be comforted by Ben’s expected arrival and realised that would have to wait.

  As dinner finished Elizabeth made her excuses and headed outside with her coffee and sat on the porch steps. Carl came out, walked to the end and leaned on one of the posts.

  They both kept their own council and looked out over the land. Eventually, Carl turned to say goodnight, sensing it, Elizabeth spoke to him,

  “I’d like to talk to you about the night in the caves.”

  Carl didn’t think it was his place or that she needed to explain anything to him but came and sat on the steps beside her. He stared into his cup.

  “You know, sometimes we can find ourselves in places that seem a step out of time, and, what happens there, should maybe, remain there.” He told her gently.

  Elizabeth smiled to herself. He was being kind.

  “I’m not so sure, I’ll be able to do that.” She spoke honestly and not naively. “Such actions Carl can have consequences, “she reminded him.

  “Then you will face such challenges, as they come, maybe as your real father intended and if I can, I will help you do that and so will others.”

  “I don’t think even my father could have foreseen this Carl.” Elizabeth spoke wryly, leaning back and bracing her hands on the steps behind her.

  “None of us know the future Elizabeth, not even God.” With that, he rose and bid her goodnight.

  Elizabeth watched him go. It was at that moment, that Elizabeth realised what a friend she had in him. She finished her coffee, rose and went into the house. She kissed White Dove goodnight, who looked anxiously at her and spoke to Jake about the coming day.

  They arranged to meet at breakfast. She bid them goodnight and went to her room. She collapsed against the door finding the familiar surroundings comforting. She leaned against the door thankful to be home. Then slowly moved to get ready for bed. As she washed away the dirt of the day, images of the last week came flooding back. Pain assaulted her. She struggled to breath and leant on the furniture for support. No longer able to hold back her tears. They flowed and did not stop until she collapsed on the bed and fell into an exhausted sleep.

  ***

  She rose early next morning, knowing she was now alone. And went down to breakfast, ready to face her life without him. She was already eating when Jake joined her. They talked about the ranch. The movements of cattle and horses and what needed to be done in preparation for Ben’s return. Elizabeth was keen to lay plans for the days ahead in his absence. Jake had expected this.

  He talked her through what he hoped would be acceptable. He outlined what he and the men had been doing over the past four weeks. Elizabeth realised that all seemed to be well and in fact, there was little for her to do. Jake had been doing this for many years it was second nature to him.

  She decided then, to leave it all in Jake’s capable hands until Ben’s return.

  “You need an apprentice Jake. Someone to take over when needed.” She told him kindly. He nodded. “I intend to ride out each day and check a section at a time, I’ll leave the rest to you, if that’s ok Jake.” Jake’s face split with a grin, he was more than happy with that it seemed and clearly saw it as an affirmation of the work he had been doing. He happily agreed with her.

  Elizabeth kept busy. If she were not exhausted her mind would betray her. She worked herself hard. The next two weeks revolved around getting things back to normal. Elizabeth made her rounds accompanied by Black Dog and his braves. They headed out to check conditions of watering holes, the grasses, fences and stock and at the end of the second week, they made preparations for a trip into town. She didn’t talk much and didn’t need to. They understood her and sign, became her language of choice.

  Stores were running low and needed to be restocked. The night before, Elizabeth invited Jake and Carl to join her for dinner. They outlined what was needed in preparations for Autumn. Elizabeth brought up the pig pen she wanted and sectioned off areas for Sheep. Jake wasn’t sure, but she was. Both food sources made good prices in the East and they got through a lot of bacon on the ranch. It made sense to have their own. They each turned in for an early night and rose before dawn.

  Elizabeth was ready before White Dove came down.

  “Are you alright Esa?” she asked as she joined her.

  “I am well White Dove, just excited about going to town that’s all.”

  “Well then, I guess we should get ready.” White Dove smiled and linked arms with her as they went to prepare.

  Breakfast was quick and efficient. Lunch was packed, the horses saddled. By the t
ime Elizabeth walked out of the house, everything was ready. Carl was saddled and stood by her pony.

  “Mam,” he tapped his hat.

  “Morning Carl, all ready?” She asked him looking around. “Yes mam.”

  They hadn’t spent much time in each other’s company since their return from the village. Carl felt that she could do with the space and it had given him a chance to catch up with Benny. He’d been real happy to see him.

  The journey to Brownsville was uneventful. The morning passed quickly, and they rode in shortly after lunchtime. Their group consisted of 3 buckboards, Black Dog, 6 braves, 5 hands, White Dove, Carl and Elizabeth. Elizabeth had taken to wearing half buckskin, it was comfortable and were still the best clothes for riding.

  She wore her father’s old Stetson and carried his bullwhip. She was sure she was a sight riding into town and didn’t care. As on her first journey, the town came out to see them arrive. Elizabeth called out several greetings to old school friends and friends of the family as he passed them.

  White Dove stopped at the General Store. Elizabeth made her pleasantries to Mr. Jenkins and White Dove went in.

  The three hands from the buckboards would stay and help White Dove along with the braves.

  Elizabeth rode down to the Bank. Mr. Bell confirmed that Ben had deposited the money from the trail. He was happy to inform her that it looked like a good price. She handed him her purchase order for 1,000 sheep and pigs. He looked up in surprise and she said one word. “Profit.” Then wrote it up. Elizabeth said her goodbyes and headed for the ladies store she liked so much. Vera was waiting for her.

  “Elizabeth hello, it’s been a while.” She said coming forward and taking hold of her hand. “I have lots of lovely new things for you,” she told her with a wink. Elizabeth grinned from ear to ear.

  “Wonderful, just what I needed some retail spending!” She said laughingly.

  Black Dog waited outside with his braves. Carl had taken two men and headed for the post depot. Several parcels and packages had been delivered over the past few weeks. Several trunks that belonged to Elizabeth were also there. Carl checked them off and got them loaded.

  Then headed over to the grain store and got busy loading their order. By the time Elizabeth had finished at Vera’s and was re-mounted and being escorted back to the general store, Carl was done too. The whole event had taken less than two hours.

  Elizabeth relayed the information that Ben had completed the trail in good time and must be on his way back.

  White Dove had just come out of the store and seemed relieved on hearing it. It was clear to Elizabeth that she continued to worry for him. She smiled knowing her uncle was so loved. An explosion at the back of the Bank broke the peaceful air. Horses reared, people screamed and shouted. A buggy bolted, Kate the younger sister of one of Elizabeth’s school friends screamed as she was thrown back inside and it bolted down the street.

  The horse out of control. Carl, Black Dog and several of the hands and towns people, were already running towards the Bank at the explosion and could only look on, as the buggy came flying past them. Blue, a brave who had worked for them for several seasons, who had remained with White Dove was nearer. He ran out in front of the buggy ahead of it and as it went to race past, he ran and jumped on grabbed the reins, pulling the lead horse up just before it reached the school house.

  As he jumped down, calming both animals. Kate was trying to steady herself, she stood and fell, he caught her.

  Elizabeth thought that Blue held her for perhaps a moment too long. Although from what she could see Kate didn’t seem to mind. She appeared both scared and exhilarated at the same time and it wasn’t all the buggy ride.

  Kate pulled herself away a little and looked into the face of the man who had saved her. Elizabeth caught the moment she saw his eyes. She knew them to be bright blue. It clearly surprised Kate, he was after all Indian.

  Elizabeth moved towards them concerned for her man, as a smile broke out across Kates face and when she caught her breath she spoke.

  “Thank you. I’m indebted. You saved my life I’m Kate.” She told him offering her hand.

  Blue stared at her. “Blue.” He told her, turned and walked away back towards his post.

  Her attention was grabbed by the bank and she moved her pony back. They’d been a holdup she realised. From the commotion, it had been foiled early, but the safe had exploded.

  To Carls surprise, the men handcuffed were the same group of men they had seen crossing Trelawney land before their journey to the village. He checked that everything seemed in order and headed back to Elizabeth.

  “Everything ok?” she asked him.

  “Fine now. I’ll tell you on the way home.” Elizabeth nodded.

  For a moment Elizabeth thought back to her father. He had diversified their wealth when alive. He had bought property back in Ireland. A lot of it and a grand house. It employed many people and it was never to be sold he’d told her. He’d also bought property around New York that was now very important. And some in London. He believed in land but he also believed in not keeping large amounts of money on hand. It was lost too easily. He was right she thought. Not liking the idea of keeping so much of their money in one bank and she asked for pen and paper.

  She wrote to Mr. Bell thanking him for all his assistance over the years and asked that one tenth of their cash account be kept at the Bank and the rest of their ready cash be held at her New York Bank from now on. She’d like this done immediately today. She would give advance notice if she needed more and work directly with New York. Most of their long-term investments were in London. She reassured him that should it be required the Double T would support the Bank in any capacity.

  Elizabeth gave the letter to one of the braves and asked him to hand it to the Bank and wait for a reply. As he ran, Kate, her parents and her older sister came to speak to Elizabeth. Caroline greeted her warmly and reintroduced her parents to Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth shook hands with them and asked after Kate.

  “We’d like to thank you Ms. Trelawney.” Kate’s father told her. “She could have been killed and the children at the school,” he continued.

  “This is indeed a dangerous world that we live in Mr. Cane.” Elizabeth responded. “I fear though, your thanks are misguided Mr. Cane. Blue saved her life at some risk to his own I might add, he did so seeing her in danger. It had nothing to do with my intervention.”

  She told him kindly. For a moment Mr. Cane didn’t know what to say, he looked at his wife who stared back at him.

  She watched Kate gazing over at Blue who ignored her. And the comments Elizabeth had just made. Caroline stood a little uneasily.

  Elizabeth felt she should break the ice and take the strain out of the situation, she bent and whispered.

  “You know Mr. and Mrs. Cane, if an Indian saves your life, it belongs to him.”

  Elizabeth did her best sincere look and to some extent spoke the truth, but, it had been a long time, since such events took such meaning.

  She saw Blue crack a smile at the comment. Mrs. Cane looked a little distressed and Mr. Cane looked afraid his daughter was going to be picked up and taken from them.

  Elizabeth smiled and laughed, it was clear to everyone she was only joking.

  “Blue,” she called. He walked over to her and stood facing her.

  “You honour our family and yours, by saving her life at the risk of your own,” she told him proudly.

  Mr. Cane came forward and stretched out his hand towards Blue. “Thank you son. You ever need anything, you come see me.” Blue looked at him. Elizabeth waited to see what he would do. Blue had reason not to trust. He hadn’t had it easy. He took his hand and shook it.

  “You’re welcome sir.” Blue told them in perfect English, much to everyone’s, but Elizabeth’s surprise. Blue was a good man. A little younger than her. Strong and silent.

  His grandmother had been American. She’d been brutally raped and found half dead by the
tribe. They had welcomed her and gave her a home. She’d healed and found love. But Blue had found life not always kind to him. Eventually he’d found his place in the tribe. He was a marvel with horses and Elizabeth had plans for him. He let the hand go and mounted one of his horses.

  “I’m sorry but we have to leave.” She told them apologetically. Elizabeth said her goodbyes to Caroline and invited her and her family out to the ranch. She gave her best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Cane and turned to Kate.

  “I’m glad you were not hurt.” She told her.

  Kate smiled breathlessly. “Thanks to Blue.” Kate turned to look up at him again and had move nearer to him. It was clear she was more than a little smitten.

  She seemed to have an afterthought and turned to her.

  “Ms. Trelawney?”

  “Yes Kate.”

  “What’s it like being an Indian princess?”

  The group fell embarrassingly silent. This was not something that was spoken aloud.

  She looked at the people around her. It didn’t bother her and they should know it. Elizabeth smiled “I am honoured but there are easier choices Kate.”

  She nodded her understanding but it was obvious to Elizabeth that Kate found it difficult to drag herself away from Blue. She turned to White Dove.