Linda Ford (13 page)

“What do you have there?” she asked as Pansy stood before her.

“Treasure.” She held out her rock.

Cassie took it and examined it carefully. “It’s very pretty. See the pink here?”

“Pink.”

Cassie held it out for Pansy to take.

“It for you.”

“Me? Why thank you.” She tucked it into her apron pocket.

Pansy edged closer until she stood at Cassie’s shoulder. She patted Cassie’s cheeks, her little hands soft and gentle. “I like you.”

“I like you, too.” The words caught in Cassie’s throat.

Pansy plopped into Cassie’s lap.

Daisy, watching the whole thing, smiled and turned back to her brothers.

Little Pansy snuggled close.

Cassie closed her eyes. She pressed her cheek to the sun-drenched hair, breathed in the smell of damp sand and baby skin. She held Pansy close, and let the feel of the warm little body fill her empty heart.

They sat quietly for several minutes, Pansy wrapped in Cassie’s arms, then Pansy squirmed. “I go play.”

Cassie reluctantly released her to run back to the others.

Daisy turned and smiled.

Cassie’s answering smile came from deep inside, from a place that had been lonely and afraid a long time.

After a while Neil left, saying he needed to help Roper. The rest of them stayed longer as the children played happily.

Cassie was reluctant to leave this peaceful place and return to the realities of her life.

Eventually the children would go to their uncle. Roper would return to the ranch. Cassie would run a successful business. It was what she wanted, what she’d planned, but she’d miss them more than she dared contemplate.

* * *

Roper was still assessing the construction of the house, planning his work when an unfamiliar voice called, “Hello, the house.”

He jerked about. “Constable Allen.” The Mountie had crossed silently from Macpherson’s. No doubt the ability to sneak about served him well in his job but it only made Roper wish he’d seen the man coming so he wouldn’t have been caught dreaming.

“I said I’d be back to check on the children.”

Neil had returned a moment ago and stood at Roper’s side. He could feel the nervous tension vibrating from the boy.

“What’s to check? Me and Cassie are doing just fine by them. Isn’t that right, Neil?”

“Sure is.”

The constable held up his hands in a no-need-to-get-fussed gesture. “I expect you are. However, my duty is to make sure these orphaned children are properly provided for.” He glanced about. “Where’s the rest of them?”

Roper tipped his head in the general direction of the river. At that moment, Daisy climbed the bank with a pail of water, Billy at her heels. Cassie followed, carrying Pansy.

That was a first. Roper wished he had more time to appreciate the sight.

Constable Allen had ears to match his footsteps and heard the others. “Good. I need to talk to all of you.” He sniffed. “Are you about to have supper?”

Joining them, Cassie said, “You’re free to join us.”

“That would be ideal. Give me a chance to see how things are going.”

Things are going well,
Roper muttered silently.
Just like I said.

Neil echoed the words in a faint grumble that likely the Mountie heard although he gave no indication.

Cassie put Pansy down. Daisy and Billy rushed to set the table for seven. Roper and Neil headed to the washbasin, Allen on their heels.

Normally Roper would let a guest wash up first but he was in no mood for common courtesy and took his time scrubbing his hands even though he knew he only delayed the inevitable.

Somehow he’d forgotten the Mountie had said he would come back and decide if the youngsters could stay.

He dried his face and hands and handed the towel to Neil. Cassie stood in the doorway of the shack, a bowl of potatoes in her hands. He hustled over to take it.

“Is he going to take the children?” she whispered.

“Guess he has the right but I don’t see any reason he should. Aren’t we doing a fine job taking care of them?”

“I think so but he might see things he doesn’t like.”

“Such as?” He glanced around. Seemed everything was perfectly adequate.

“For one thing, we’re pretty crowded at night. And the house isn’t finished.” She rocked her head back and forth. “I don’t know what he might take objection to.”

The Mountie dried his hands, and sauntered toward the table.

With a sigh that seemed endless, Cassie got the meat from the shack and carried it out. Roper helped her with the rest of the food.

“It’s ready,” Cassie announced. Her words were unnecessary as everyone sat around the table.

Roper made sure he took a spot across from Cassie and as far from the Mountie as he could. Though perhaps, on second thought, he should have positioned himself between Neil and the constable.

Out of habit and a need to feel connected to Cassie and helped by a power beyond himself, he reached for Billy’s hand on one side and Cassie’s on the other. “Let’s say grace.” After he muttered his simple, customary words, he added, “Help us be able to stay together and help each other. Amen.”

Cassie slowly released his hand. He held her gaze long after their hands parted. Her eyes seemed to tell him she needed assurance, and he did his best to offer it even though the Mountie had the authority to do whatever he decided.

Constable Allen cleared his throat, making Roper realize how long he and Cassie had been sending silent messages to each other.

Roper glanced away and passed the food.

Chapter Ten

C
assie could hardly swallow her food. Why had the Mountie come now when she’d finally won Pansy’s affection?

What would he see?

She’d done her best to provide properly for the children. They ate well. They had a dry place to sleep, though, as she worried to Roper, it was crowded. They were reasonably clean, more thanks to Daisy than to herself.

But when had her best ever been good enough?

This time more was at stake than her own concerns. These four children depended on each other and cared for each other yet they couldn’t be allowed to live on their own. They needed adults to help them.
God in heaven, I don’t know if I’ve done a good enough job but please make it appear so to the Mountie so the children can stay together with us.

The Mountie paused from eating. “I saw Red Fox. He said to say hello to Mrs. Gardiner.”

Cassie allowed a portion of her brain to slip back to the Indian woman and her children that Linette had taken into the cabin and fed. “How are Bright Moon and the baby?”

Constable Allen chuckled. “The baby is still wearing the little sweater Mrs. Gardiner gave him. They call him Little Shirt.” The Mountie sobered. “The tribe had a tough winter. Not enough food.” He shook his head sadly. “With the buffalo almost gone they’re dependent on what the government provides for them to eat. They must learn to become farmers, but they don’t understand the concept. For them, food is acquired by hunting. It’s a hard lot for them. I fear many will suffer.”

Cassie momentarily forgot her own worries and cares. “Red Fox and his family are okay, though, aren’t they?” She hadn’t shown them much kindness when they’d been at the ranch even though she understood they were starving. Now she wondered how she could have been so selfish and bitter.

“They’re surviving.”

She didn’t much care for the hopelessness of the Mountie’s words. “Did you see their older son?”

The Mountie nodded. “You mean Little Bear?”

“Yes. I first saw him hanging around the Fort when we arrived last fall. He was helping a man. And being treated cruelly.” She should have done something then. But all she could think was how her grandfather had grown even more vicious if anyone intervened in even the slightest way. So she’d backed away. Not like Linette. “Linette found the freighter who had abandoned him and gave him a slicing with her tongue.” She laughed as she recalled how the big man looked so angry. “She asked if he would starve his mules and still expect them to pull a load. He as much as told her to mind her own business.” She smiled in Roper’s direction, sharing a common knowledge that Linette didn’t mind her own business if she saw someone needing help. Cassie returned her gaze to the Mountie. Linette wouldn’t allow anyone to take these children and parcel them out to homes or a foundling home. But then Linette had a big house and the Gardiner money to back her up.

What could Cassie do? Besides pray again. Which she did.

The Mountie paused to enjoy some meat and potatoes before speaking again. “We could do with more people like Mrs. Gardiner.” He shifted his gaze from Cassie to Roper and back again. “People willing to help those less fortunate.” He turned back to his food.

Cassie thought the meal took an extraordinarily long time but finally everyone finished, the Mountie being the last to put his fork down and lean back. He cradled a cup of coffee. “You’re a good cook, Mrs. Godfrey.”

“Thank you.”

“Macpherson tells me you are feeding travelers.”

Uncertain how to answer, she stole a quick glance at Roper. Did the Mountie see her job as a good thing or a bad thing?

The Mountie continued. “It will be nice for people to be able to get a hot meal on their travels.”

“I hope so.” What was she supposed to say? Couldn’t he simply let them know his decision and relieve the tension that crawled up her spine and dug talons into her neck?

Daisy excused herself, took Pansy and started washing dishes. Cassie went to help.

“What’s he going to do?” Daisy whispered as they did dishes together.

“I don’t know. We have to wait for him to say.”

But the Mountie said nothing. Nor did he leave. He sat at the table, refusing a refill of coffee when Roper offered. Thank goodness Roper hung about. Her limbs felt like fragile sticks. She worried she might fall on her face if she took more than two steps in any direction.

The chores were done yet the children hung about near the washstand. Normally they would have gone to play in the lengthening shadows.

Roper slapped his hands on his thighs. “Sorry, Constable, but the youngsters like to have some fun about now. I see no reason to disappoint them.” He pushed to his feet. “You make your decision and let us know.” With a courtesy nod to the man, he turned to the children. “Who wants a game of tag?”

Daisy scooped up Pansy, and followed her brothers in Roper’s wake as he headed toward the river where they often played.

Cassie hung back, uncertain what she should do.

Roper paused and looked over his shoulder. Like a chain reaction each child did the same. “You coming?” he asked.

She felt their silent pull on her. She stole a glance at the Mountie. Would he think it inappropriate for her to join in the fun? She tried to weigh her choices. Grandfather would have disapproved, but then there wasn’t much he approved of. Linette, on the other hand, would have little concern about what the Mountie or anyone would say. If she thought it was the right thing to do, she’d do it without fear of consequences. Cassie couldn’t be like that.

Neither did she want to let her grandfather continue to have so much influence on her decisions.

She tilted her chin, straightened her spine and marched over to the others who, seeing she was coming, filed down to the river.

* * *

Roper led them to the level ground by the river. As soon as he stopped, the children gathered around him.

“What’s he going to say?” Daisy demanded.

“He can’t make us go away.” Neil crossed his arms over his chest and silently dared anyone to try.

Roper studied the worried faces before him. Pansy wasn’t sure what was going on but she picked up on the concern of the others and stuck out her bottom lip.

Cassie did her best to hide her fears but her gaze begged support from him. If they were alone he would have pulled her into his arms and assured her he wouldn’t let anything bad happen. Instead, he addressed them all. “There’s no point in worrying about a future we can’t control or a past we can’t change. Better to make the most of the moment.” He danced away, grinning. “Can’t catch me.”

Neil churned after him.

Billy yelled a battle cry and raced toward Roper. He tripped and fell facedown in the sand.

Roper paused, waiting to see if he would have to dry a pair of eyes, but Billy popped up, brushed himself off and continued pursuit.

Daisy and Cassie grinned at each other, gave some sort of signal then hurried to flank him. They had all somehow conspired to force him to the edge of the water, circling him so there was no escape. Daisy handed Pansy to Cassie. That should have been warning enough.

In less time than it took for him to go from “Nah-nah can’t catch me,” to “Oomph,” the three youngsters tackled him, knocking him to the ground, the air whooshing from his lungs. He gasped but couldn’t fill his lungs as all three planted themselves on top of him. He tried to hold them off but there were too many legs and arms flailing at once, tickling him all over. “Uncle,” he rasped from his starving lungs.

They stopped tickling but remained on top of him in a warm heap. He finally sucked in air. But no one moved.

Neil finally spoke. “Can he really make us go away?”

“Of course he can, silly. He’s a Mountie. They can do anything.” Daisy’s voice alternated between annoyance and admiration.

Roper had to admit he had similar feelings. The man had authority and, like all Mounties, used it wisely. But right now Roper resented it.

Pansy demanded to be put down and flopped on top of Roper.

He grunted. “Always room for one more.” He grinned at Cassie letting her know it was an invitation.

She shook her head but not before she looked longingly at the spot next to his heart that he indicated.

Billy twisted and looked about. “He’s watching us.”

The Mountie stood at the top of the riverbank. He waved for them to join him.

Roper pushed the children to their feet then pulled himself upright. He scooped Pansy into one arm and took Cassie’s hand on the other side. “Let’s go see what he wants.”

The morose bunch climbed the riverbank and marched over to the table where the Mountie sat waiting. They plunked down in unison and planted their elbows on the table, all except Cassie who folded her hands in her lap. She looked about as defensive as he could remember seeing her.

Roper looked about the table. “Where’s Billy?”

They all turned toward the river. No sign of the boy.

Roper pushed to his feet. “I’ll go see what’s keeping him.” He hurried back along the trail, reached the river without seeing him. He must have climbed by a different path. He rushed back to the waiting group. “He’s not here?”

Cassie’s eyes rounded then narrowed as if afraid the Mountie would see her concern.

“He’s hiding.” Daisy grabbed Neil. “We’ll find him.” She perched Pansy on her hip, and they spread out calling Billy’s name.

“I’ll help.” Cassie made to dash after the children.

Constable Allen lifted his hand. “Wait a minute.”

Roper sensed a warning in the man’s voice and stepped to Cassie’s side. At the worried glance she darted his way he would have taken her hand except he wasn’t sure how the Mountie would take the gesture.

The Mountie studied them, a look of concern and knowing in his face. “This happen often?”

The way Cassie wrapped her arms about herself, Roper knew she’d heard the judgmental tone in the Mountie’s voice.

Roper jammed his fingers into the pockets of his trousers. “If you’re referring to Billy disappearing, it’s never happened before.” He made no effort to keep blame from his voice. “I promised the boy—all the children—they were safe with us.”

“Then I suggest you make sure they are.” The Mountie tipped his head toward the children who had disappeared from sight.

“Exactly what we had in mind until you called us back.” He stalked away, Cassie so close to his heels he wondered how he didn’t kick her. He didn’t slow until he knew they were out of sight of the constable then he turned and reached for Cassie’s hand.

“He’s hiding somewhere. Thinks the Mountie will get discouraged and go away. Unfortunately, we both know that isn’t going to happen so let’s find him, and then we’ll fight for them to remain here.”

She nodded, her expression fierce. “I wish I could believe he’ll let them stay.”

“Billy’s just given the Mountie a good reason to think he shouldn’t leave them with us.”

They reached the sandy riverbank. Neil and Daisy ran to them.

“He’s hiding pretty good,” Neil said.

Roper signaled them to silence. “Billy,” he called as loud as he could. “Come out. You’re only making things worse by hiding.”

The only sound came from birds protesting at the noise.

Cassie nudged him, and nodded toward the campsite.

He jerked about. Eagerness gave way to disappointment as the Mountie watched them. “Let’s spread out and find him.”

They did so, looking behind every tree, beneath every bush and even going so far as to ask Macpherson to look in his store.

Then they gathered back at the campsite, defeated and discouraged.

Roper couldn’t find a cheerful word anywhere as the Mountie plunked down at the table and indicated they should join him. “It seems we have a problem. One missing child.”

Neil refused to sit. He poked Daisy. “This is your fault. You’re supposed to make sure he’s safe.”

Daisy scowled at him. “So are you.”

“You’re the oldest. Ma said you had to be in charge.”

At Neil’s accusation, Daisy started to sob. Pansy gave her sister one look and wailed.

Roper and Cassie got up as one. He took Pansy and tried to console her. Cassie wrapped her arms about Daisy.

“It isn’t your fault,” she told the child. “You’ve done a fine job of watching out for your younger brothers and sister.”

Neil glowered at them all.

Roper caught him by the shoulder and pulled him close. “It’s not anybody’s fault.” Though he wondered if the Mountie believed that.

Pansy would not be comforted and flung herself at Daisy. Daisy jostled her and made comforting noises.

“She’s tired,” Daisy explained to the Mountie.

“Then perhaps someone should put her to bed.”

“I’ll help.” Neil and Daisy headed for the shack.

Roper wanted to follow, too. So much for showing the Mountie how well they coped. The man signaled for them to sit but neither Cassie nor Roper made any move to do so.

“Whatever you’ve got to say will have to wait. We have to find Billy.” Roper looked at Cassie. “Any idea where he’d go?”

“Did anyone look in the cellar?”

No one had. Roper lit a lantern and raced over to the partially constructed house. He lifted the trapdoor in the floor and hung his head into the hole, shining the light into every corner. “Billy?” He couldn’t believe the boy wasn’t there.

He replaced the trapdoor and sat hunched forward on the floor. “Where could he be?”

“We need to get a search party organized,” the Mountie said. “I’ll go to the store and enlist any help I can find. Tell the children to stay here while we look.”

Cassie already headed for the shack. Neil stood at the door.

“I heard him. We’ll stay here in case he comes back.”

Ten minutes later a group of men had assembled.

“I’m going, too,” Cassie said.

The Mountie nodded. “Then stay with Roper.” He gave each man a direction to search. “If you find him signal with three shots. Otherwise return in an hour.”

Cassie waited for the others to disperse. “Then what happens?”

Roper squeezed her hand. “We’ll find him.”

They searched to the north. Calling. Listening. Looking. But they found nothing.