River Lady Read online

  He chuckled. “As soon as you absolutely had to, no doubt. In the morning make me a list and I’ll get everything. Maybe you ought to double whatever you think we’ll need. Now let’s get back before we’re missed.”

  Leah hesitated. “Wesley,” she whispered. “I don’t know how to write. How can I make a list?”

  He turned and looked at her, and his look made her blush. Once she would have run into his arms. She wished she could forget how she’d once loved him.

  “I guess you’ll have to go with me,” he said, so softly she barely heard him.

  Together they went back to their own camp. Wesley walked Leah to where her bedroll lay and when they stopped, he smiled at her in conspiracy, gave her a wink, then turned toward his own bed on the far side of the camp.

  Leah fell asleep with a smile on her face.

  In the morning Leah didn’t want to look at Wesley because she was afraid she’d see hatred in his eyes and that the night before would turn out to be a dream.

  “You’re sure you don’t mind us traveling with you?’ Mrs. Greenwood asked for the hundredth time.

  Turning, Leah smiled at her. “Of course not. I’m looking forward to spending time with your children. Until this trip, I’ve always been surrounded by children, and I miss them.”

  Sadie Greenwood laughed. “You may get more of them than you want. My three are a handful.”

  At that moment the baby began to cry. “Let me,” Leah said, running toward the toddler, Asa, who’d just fallen. The boy was used to strangers; he clung to Leah and as she held him hot tears came to her eyes.

  “Are you all right?” Wesley asked from behind her it was as if he’d been watching her and came when she needed him.

  “My child would have been nearly his age,” Leah choked out, hugging the boy who was no longer crying. She turned back to the wagons.

  “Our child,” Wes murmured, but she didn’t hear him.

  The next few days were very pleasant. Leah rode with Mrs. Greenwood and they swapped recipes, Sadie’s of food, Leah’s of how to concoct beauty creams, and talked endlessly about children.

  “And which one of those men are you going to choose?” Sadie asked.

  Leah kept her eyes on the horses. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Sadie chuckled. “At first I thought it was Justin, since he’s always hovering over you, but then that good-looking Wesley could never take his eyes off you, so I asked him how closely you were related.”

  “You asked him?” Leah said with a gasp.

  “Years ago I quit trying to cure myself of nosiness—and so did Hank. Or maybe he just gave up on me. It’s an absolute curse on me. I always want to know everybody’s business.”

  “What did Wesley say about our relationship?” Leah asked softly.

  Sadie gave her a quick look from the corner of her eye. “He said you were cousins by marriage and not blood relatives at all.”

  Leah laughed at that. “That’s certainly true,” she said, and to change the subject she asked Sadie something about the children.

  That night Sadie had her first run-in with Kimberly. It had started quite innocently. Sadie was used to taking charge, used to organizing people to get things done. Leah, Wes, Justin, and Hank were seeing to the livestock while Sadie was starting supper and managing the children, who were restless after riding all day. She began giving Kimberly things to do. At first cooperative, Kim obeyed Sadie, but after being given five tasks in a row Kim set the pan down, murmured, “I have to go into the woods,” and didn’t return until everyone was sitting down to eat.

  Sadie was silent all through the meal, but twice, when Kim asked Wes to fetch something for her, Sadie gave Kim hard looks. After dinner, Leah began clearing the dishes when Sadie stood.

  “I think Miss Kimberly should clean up since she didn’t bother to help make camp or cook the meal,’ Sadie said loudly.

  Her husband looked as if he wanted to crawl under a rock. “Now Sadie,” he began, “I’ll help clear.”

  Kimberly was already on the outskirts of the camp, obviously preparing to escape.

  Leah looked at Wes, but he was studying his empty plate. Justin was watching Sadie with interest.

  Sadie stood firm. “She didn’t help this morning or at moon. She didn’t help with the animals or tonight’s meal. She won’t drive a team nor does she help load or unload. I’ll not be anybody’s servant, Hank Greenwood. I’m a free American.”

  Kimberly was obviously too astonished to speak, but now she looked pleadingly at Wes.

  Slowly, Wes stood. “Come on, Kim,” he said softly. “I’ll help you clear the dishes.”

  The group broke apart immediately. Hank grabbed Sadie’s arm. “Are you happy now that you’ve made a scene? It’s their business who does what around the camp.” He led her away into the shadows.

  Kim started crying. “How could you let her say those things about me?” she wailed, falling into Wesley’s arms. “You know I’m not strong like the rest of you. I wish I could be like Leah but I just can’t. And no one seems to care about how much Steven’s death upset me. It’s so difficult for me to adjust to his being gone. Oh Wesley, please don’t leave me. I need you so much. I just couldn’t live without you.”

  Leah stood rooted to where she was, watching Wes comfort Kimberly.

  “Walk with me?” Justin said, pulling Leah by the arm, leading her into the darkness. “Sadie said what I’ve wanted to for a long time. What amazes me is how Wes can put up with her.”

  Leah jerked away from him. “I’m getting tired of hearing about how bad everyone thinks Kim is. Maybe she senses how much you dislike her and that’s why she refuses to help.” She stopped. “I’m sorry. Maybe I’m just tired in general. I think I’ll go back.” Quickly she turned and ran back to the camp.

  Wesley was just pouring hot water into a pan to wash dishes while Kim, looking sulky, was prepared to dry them.

  “Go away,” Leah told Wes gently. “Kim and I’ll do the dishes.” She barely glanced at him but he left the women alone.

  “I didn’t mean—,” Kim began. “That woman is so awful. Does she know my brother just died?”

  Leah started washing dishes. “I think she believes that even grief is no excuse to get out of work. Tomorrow morning why don’t you stay by me and I’ll help you stay busy?”

  “But, Leah, I do stay busy. I always have so much to do. I have to look nice for Wesley and my hair takes so much time. Sometimes I wish I were like you and didn’t worry when I get grease stains on my clothes or soot smudges on my nose. Justin likes you as you are, but Wesley wants me to be beautiful and I have to be. Doesn’t anyone understand that?”

  Leah rubbed her cheek on her shoulder and glanced down at her dress. It was indeed stained.

  Kim moved closer to Leah and began to whisper. “I’m beginning to worry about Wesley. He doesn’t kiss me as often anymore. He used to always be clutching at me, but now he just looks at me.”

  “Kim,” Leah said in exasperation. “Why are you telling me this? How can I help you?”

  “I just thought you might know some enticements because you’re a…well, because you’re not a virgin and I thought maybe your sister might have given you some hints.” She stopped at Leah’s look. “I didn’t mean to offend you,” she said as if wounded. “I just thought you might know some things.”

  “Kimberly,” Leah said evenly. “You wash the dishes.” With that she turned away.

  That night Leah was awakened by a touch on her shoulder and looked up to see Wesley leaning over her.

  He put his finger to his lips and motioned her to follow him. She slipped her dress over her head and went into the woods behind him. When they were far enough away, he turned to her.

  “About a mile down the road is a family that needs help. I made up a package of goods and thought maybe you’d like to go with me to deliver it. Unless you’re too tired.”

  He sounded like a little boy, afraid she’d turn him down. “I