Oregon Trail Boxed Set Page 5

  * * *

  Emma’s took in a sharp breath as her eyes met his. “Yes, Mr. Cooper, I would appreciate your help if you feel up to it.”

  “Davis.”

  “What?” Emma gasped.

  “Please call me Davis, Emma.” He continued to stare at her, his knuckle under her chin.

  Her stomach muscles tightened. How could she feel flustered by this man? A recent widow, she’d been forced to endure his company. Yet the prickles that gathered at the back of her neck appeared related to his touch. She had loved Peter. Still loved him, she corrected.

  “Emma, I’d like to talk to you.” The spell shattered when Sarah entered their wagon space.

  Emma quickly moved away from Davis and regarded her visitor. “What is it?” Her voice squeaked.

  “Are you all right?” Sarah asked, peering into her face.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just finding it a bit warm today.” She wiped her forehead with the napkins she still held in her hand, feeling a trail of crumbs smear her skin.

  Glancing around, Sarah lowered her voice. “I thought you might want to know several women are starting to talk about you and Mr. Cooper.” Sarah looked uneasy as she shifted Stephen from one hip to the other.

  Emma’s eyes grew wide. “There’s no me and Mr. Cooper, so I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Apparently a few got together and told Ezra it wasn’t right for Mr. Cooper and you to travel alone in your wagon.”

  “Travel alone in my wagon?” Emma sputtered. “Mr. Cooper has been lying about for a week recovering from an accident. And in case these women forget, this situation was forced upon me. It wasn’t my idea.”

  “What’s the matter, Emma?” Davis walked up behind the women.

  Sarah glanced between Emma and Davis and shook her head. “Just some petty gossip, nothing to worry about.”

  Davis studied her for a minute, then ambled away.

  Sarah reached out to touch Emma’s arm. “I just wanted you to know which way the wind is blowing.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Emma blew out a breath. “I appreciate it, Sarah.” She ruffled Stephen’s baby fine blond hair. How she would have loved a son of her own. But now that her courses have arrived, dashing her hopes one final time, that would probably never happen. She sighed and waved to Sarah as she left.

  Slowly the front wagons began moving so Emma quickly put the remainder of the meal things in the back of the wagon. Davis gingerly climbed up on the seat and worked the animals from there while Emma walked alongside the wagon.

  Another week passed with a similar routine. Every day Davis grew stronger, and didn’t wince anymore. Emma worried he would be returning to scouting soon, and frankly confused why Ezra hadn’t demanded Davis resume his duties.

  She found Davis to be good company. He didn’t talk much, but worked long and hard. Most evenings they sat together in front of the fire. Davis would roll a cigarette and blow smoke rings in the air. Sometimes he would share a little bit of his life before the wagon train. He spoke briefly about the fire that claimed his mother and sister. Sensing it was still a tender spot for him, she didn’t ask for more than he offered.

  Emma shared details about her home in Indiana, and why she wanted to go back. Although Davis was sympathetic, he never missed an opportunity to suggest that returning to her parents was foolish.

  “A woman grown goes where her husband decides.” He stirred the embers of the fire with a stick, sparks shooting into the inky sky. “Unless I’m mistaken, that’s part of the marriage ritual.”

  Emma bristled. “Well I’m here, aren’t I? I did go where my husband wanted. And what good did it do me? And now why should I stay if my husband is dead?”

  Davis dropped the stick, and leaned back against a tree trunk, crossing his arms. “It appears you have no choice right now but to stay.” He graced her with that now familiar lazy grin and butterflies took flight in her stomach.

  Slowly the fire died out, and he crawled under the wagon. Emma retired to the wagon for the night, her mind in a whirl about her circumstances, and the annoying unwanted reaction her body had to that man.

  * * *

  About five o’clock the following evening after a long, tiring day, Ezra called a halt to the wagon train. Weary travelers climbed from wagons and off benches, stretching sore muscles and rubbing aching feet. The wagons formed a circle and the animals released. The air was a bit cooler here, and Emma noticed a lovely creek about a half a mile from where they were camped. The possibility of seeing to laundry and enjoying a bath immediately perked her up.

  Elizabeth and Abigail hustled over, excitedly chattering about Ezra’s decision to stay over an extra day so the ladies could make good use of the creek.

  Davis unhitched the oxen and moved them to the area set up for the animals. Emma went in search of Ezra to ask when the ladies could bathe. The thought of cool water rushing over her dusty, dirty skin had her happier than she had been in a long while.

  “Howdy, Miz Thorpe.” Ezra tipped his hat. “You seem to be in a mighty hurry. What can I do for you?”

  “Have arrangements been made yet for the ladies to receive some privacy so we can bathe?”

  He laughed out loud. “Yeah, I guess y’all are anxious. Ladies sure set a store by bathing. Me, I can wait till we reach Oregon, although I think if I did nobody’d come near me.” He winked at this last. “The men will be gathering over by the animals in a little bit so the ladies and little ones can take their baths. I’d appreciate it if you could spread the word on the way back to your wagon.”

  Emma agreed, anxious to be on her way, but stopped when Ezra called her back.

  Hands on his hips, he stared into the distance, moving his cigar from one side of his mouth to the other. “Ah, after you and Davis have had your supper and baths, I’d appreciate a bit of your time.”

  She nodded, curious about this request, but nevertheless pushed it from her mind as she contemplated getting her sweet smelling soap from the wagon and being clean for the first time in weeks. She headed back, pausing at each wagon to inform the women about the bathing plans.

  Feeling generous, she decided to grab some of Davis’s clothes and launder them along with her own. It was the least she could do for the man.

  Darkness had fallen and the camp settled down for the night. Bats flew overhead in their nightly search for food, and the hum of quiet conversations from around dying campfires wafted in the air. Emma and Davis sipped on their coffee, relaxed and quiet after baths and a meal. Davis rolled a cigarette and leaned against a log. His legs stretched out in front of him, he’d pulled his hat low over his eyes.

  Emma took the opportunity to study him. Davis was a good-looking man, different from Peter. Her husband always had a “little boy” manner about him. On the other hand, Davis looked like someone who had been through hard times and could handle just about any problem. Even though she knew him such a short time, Emma felt safe with him alongside her each day. Now if she could only get past her reaction every time he smiled in her direction or accidently touched her arm.

  “Howdy, Miz Thorpe, Davis.” Ezra hesitated as he entered their camp, holding a piece of paper.

  “Would you like some coffee, Ezra?” Emma asked as she stood and brushed off her dress.

  “Yes, that would be fine, Miz Thorpe.” Ezra settled himself with his coffee and appeared a bit uncomfortable with what he apparently had come to say.

  He took a sip of coffee and placed the cup on the ground. “Miz Thorpe, do you recall when you and Mr. Thorpe–God rest his soul--first came to me in Independence?”

  Curious at both his words and demeanor, she nodded and he continued. “You remember I asked Mr. Thorpe to sign this here paper which lists the rules and regulations?” Although his voice was calm and steady, he rolled and unrolled the paper in his hand.

  When Ezra cleared his throat, Davis glanced sharply in his direction. “What’re getting at?” He straightened and rested his forearms on his bent
knees.

  “Yes, I remember that paper.” Emma said at the same time, a frown on her face. “What about it?”

  “Well according to this here paper that your late husband signed in good faith, you and Davis here need to get married.”

  6

  Only the crackling of the campfire broke the stunned silence. After a minute or so Davis stood up and stretched. “I’m willin’.”

  Finally jarred from her spell, Emma shook her head to clear it. “No. Absolutely not. This has gone far enough.” She hopped up and paced, smacking her fist into her palm. “First I’m forced on this horrible trip by my husband. Then he’s trampled to death by one of your horses. You force me to continue on when I want to go home, you push this−this person−on me, and now you try to force me to marry him? A complete stranger? No, I will not do it. No. Never.”

  “But, Miz Thorpe.” Ezra stood and slapped his thigh with his hat. “This here paper that Mr. Thorpe, in good faith…”

  Before he could continue, Emma marched over, grabbed the paper out of his hand, ripped it in half, then tossed it to the ground.

  “Now.” She took a deep breath as her stomach clenched in anger. “There is no paper. And if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m heading to bed.”

  “Emma.” Davis started toward her, touching her arm. “Please calm down and listen to what Ezra has to say.”

  Emma jerked away from him, hugging her waist with both arms. She refused to cry in front of these two, but her eyelids filled with unshed tears.

  “Miz Thorpe.” Ezra began again, glancing worriedly in Davis’s general direction. “It says no female adult will be allowed to travel on the wagon train without a family member. It’s too much work for a woman alone, too dangerous, and the other ladies are upset with you and Davis living here together in this wagon without the benefit of marriage.”

  “I don’t care what the ‘ladies’ are upset over. Davis can go back to his scouting duties and I can do it all myself. I don’t need him. I don’t need anyone. I want to go home.” Realizing she sounded like a spoiled brat having a tantrum, Emma spun, and marched to the back of the wagon and crawled in. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks, but she refused to continue the conversation. She wiped furiously at the tears rolling down her cheeks, and tried to settle the thumping of her heart.

  Through the thin walls of the wagon, she listened to Davis and Ezra as their quiet conversation grew louder. She couldn’t catch all their words, but heard Davis say something about being unfair, and Ezra respond with ‘stubborn woman’ before he stomped off.

  She pulled off her dress and tugged on her nightgown. The sounds of Davis putting out the fire and doing other chores he normally did before bed somehow soothed her as she braided her hair.

  Emma lay on her side considering Ezra’s order. From what she’d seen so far, Davis was a good man. He would make a wonderful husband, but not for her. She fully intended to return to Indiana when this nightmare ended. Tying herself to another man determined to make a life in Oregon didn’t fit her plans. She sighed and flipped onto her back, staring at the canvas covering the wagon. Although she thought sleep would be difficult in coming, after only about ten minutes, she was fast asleep.

  * * *

  The late spring sun bathed Emma’s face in brightness. She groaned and rolled over to block out the light, then sat up abruptly. The sun shining meant it was past time to rise. She scrambled from the wagon and headed directly to the bushes. On her way back she noticed Davis’s absence, and his gear missing. The other campsites had already finished breakfast and were packing up in preparation to start the day. Feeling a bit disoriented, Emma splashed water on her face, grabbed a piece of bread from last night’s supper and looked around.

  So this is the game they were going to play? I guess the punishment for not falling in with Ezra’s plans was to leave her on her own. Well, fine. She could do it. Tucking her hair into her bonnet, she walked briskly to the animal area and found her oxen.

  Since the other animals had already been retrieved it was not too difficult to spot hers. Trying to drag both of them at once wasn’t going to work, so she tugged, pushed, and pulled one of them over to her wagon. She fumbled for quite a while getting it yoked. Then she made the trek back for the other one. By now she noticed the first wagons were beginning to move. It appeared Ezra started with the wagon directly behind hers, pulling it into first place, which gave her more time.

  Finally having everything packed and the animals yoked, Emma started the walk for the day. Being the last wagon put her in the position of eating everyone else’s dirt. The sun beat on her head as she trudged along. Sweat poured down her face, and stained the back and front of her dress. She was so thirsty, but couldn’t leave the oxen to fumble around in the back of her wagon for a cup to fill from the water barrel.

  Four miserable hours later, Ezra called a halt for the noon break. Emma wanted to collapse right there in a heap, but instead she got water for the animals, loosened the yoke and then took care of herself. She gulped two cups of water and splashed the third one on her face. Sensing someone approaching her wagon, she lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

  Sarah walked toward her with a weary expression on her face.

  “Oh, Emma, what have you done?” She reached out and took her hand.

  “I’m okay, Sarah, how about you?”

  “I’m just fine, but you know what I mean. I heard from some of the others Ezra took Davis off your wagon and put him back as a scout. Rumor has it he wanted you two to marry so Davis could continue to help you, but you refused.”

  “Yes, that’s pretty much it,” Emma sighed. “I refused to marry a complete stranger. Aside from the fact that I’m done with marriage, I intend to go back to Indiana, so I can’t marry anyone. Ezra also said according to some paper Peter signed, I couldn’t travel alone, but I think he assumes if he abandons me, I’ll change my mind. He’s given me no choice about staying with the wagon train, but I certainly can decide whether I want to marry or not.”

  “And have you?” Sarah asked gently.

  “Yes, Ezra won’t force me to marry Mr. Cooper. I’ll do this all alone until I drop.” She raised her chin in defiance.

  “Oh, honey, I think you’re being foolish,” Sarah said. “Marriage between strangers is common in this part of the country. A man needs a woman almost as much as a woman needs a man. Look at you. You’re already worn out and it’s only mid-day. You know I’m your friend, Emma, but I really think you should give this more thought.”

  “Thanks for the suggestion, Sarah, but for now I’ll do it my way.”

  Sarah gave Emma a hug and went back to her wagon. Emma sunk to the ground and untied her shoes to get a pebble out. Rubbing her aching feet, she thought about eating, but was too tired to fix anything.

  The heat and fatigue had taken away her appetite, but she knew she would never be able to finish the day if she didn’t eat, so she took some beef jerky, along with another piece of last night’s bread. She washed it all down with cups of water. She rested behind the wagon, lifted her skirts to her knees to cool off, then used her bonnet as a fan.

  The noon break was short and before long the wagons started to roll again. Emma had only walked a few yards when she remembered she had not tightened the yoke on the oxen. Tugging on the reins, she tried to stop the movement. The force of the wagon’s weight and the animals dragged her as she pulled. Beads of sweat ran down from her forehead. She was almost completely on the ground when the sound of hoof beats intruded on her misery.

  Davis pulled up on his reins and quickly jumped down. Grabbing the yoke he shouted for Emma to let go. She lost her dignity as she plopped on her behind in the dirt. Davis managed to slow down the wagon and bring it to a stop. He glanced back at Emma and chuckled. “You all right, darlin’?”

  Emma scowled. “Yes, I’m fine, Mr. Cooper, and don’t call me ‘darlin’.”

  Davis tightened the yoke, walked over to Emma and extended his hand to
help her up. She brushed off the back of her dress and ungraciously mumbled a thanks. Davis grinned, tugged on the brim of his hat and returned to his horse, mounting in one graceful motion.

  Sore in various places, Emma returned to the animals and tugged. Leaving behind a cloud of dust, Davis galloped away toward the front of the line. Despite herself, a small smile formed as she thought of her most unlikely knight in shining armor.

  * * *

  Emma sat staring at her fire. Nighttime on the prairie echoed with sounds different from those she listened to back home for years. Small nocturnal animals scurried around in search of food. Having a strong sense of smell and hearing, bats began their nightly pursuit of insects when they didn’t need to compete with birds.

  She’d never been so tired in her whole life. After the wagons had stopped for the day, she’d unhitched the ox and brought them to the pasture with the other animals. Then she collected twigs and buffalo chips to make her fire. By then she was too tired to cook anything, so she made do with another meal of jerky and bread.

  “Hello Emma.” A deep voice jerked her out of her trance. Davis stood over her holding two cups of steaming coffee. He handed her one and squatted down alongside her.

  “How did you do today?” Even though his voice was sympathetic, the glint in his eyes told her he was finding the situation somewhat amusing.