Page 55 of Red Hawk's Woman

“Kitsikakomimmo,” she repeated after him, and listening to her speak the words, even though he knew she did not grasp their meaning, had his insides tied in knots.

He swallowed hard. “I, too, hear the sounds of the wagons, and they are close. Soon they will be in view, as we will be to them. We will finish our talk tonight.”

“Yes. Tonight.” She stepped back, out of his arms, and he immediately felt bereft. “Thank you for the feather.”

He nodded, then watched as she turned and walked away. Soon, as she stepped toward the wagons, she faded from sight. Though he knew he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but think, Oh, that she had said yes.

Chapter

Thirteen

It was evening. In the distance, Effie could barely discern the figures of Red Hawk and Henry Smith as they sat at the edge of their encampment, huddled together. That Red Hawk was initiating Henry into the finer points of standing the evening watch was without doubt, for now and again Red Hawk would add gestures that were all too recognizable.

Carl was watching the two of them as well. “I suppose it will be my turn to stand watch tomorrow evening…yet again.”

“I think you’re right,” said Effie.

Carl paused, then, “Do you know if Mr. Owens or his butler will eventually be taking their turns at this?”

“I don’t believe they will.” Effie laid aside her soup bowl and spoon. “Though at first Red Hawk did expect them both to take their turns, they have refused.”

“Refused? Is it possible to refuse?”

“When you’re as old as they are, it is. Though I must admit that Red Hawk does not understand why I’m acting so leniently with them. Apparently in Red Hawk’s tribe, an elder considers such duty a compliment.”

“Well, if you want my opinion,” Lesley spoke up, “I agree with Red Hawk. It seems to me that Father and his man, Fieldman, should take their turns with the watch. We are a small group, and it would certainly relieve Henry and Carl of this constant every-other-night vigil.”

“I understand, Lesley,” agreed Effie. “And you make a good point, but I also sympathize with your father. He’s worked hard all his life so he can enjoy his later years with a little more leisure. We are actually lucky he has agreed to this excavation. There is no better field supervisor to be found than he.”

“I’m not so bad at it,” ventured Lesley.

“That’s true,” agreed Effie. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Oh, what you said reminds me.” Lesley got to her feet. “I have some other matters I need to speak to Father about. Please do excuse me.”

“Certainly,” said Effie, while the others murmured similar, agreeable noises.

As Lesley stepped toward her father’s tent, which sat farther apart than the others, Effie noted that Madeline seemed to watch the other woman’s progress closely. But then, perhaps realizing that she was staring, Madeline rose to her knees and scooted closer to Carl.

“I’m cold,” Madeline complained.

“Then come even closer.” Carl opened his arms wide to his wife, wrapping her in the warmth of his blanket.

Wistfully, Effie watched the two of them. They looked so happy together. What would it be like to be married?

Shaking her head, as though the action might rid her of the thought, she rose to her feet. “Well, I’m tired, I’ve eaten until I’m full and since we need to get an early start tomorrow, I’d best be off to bed.”

Carl nodded. “Good night, Miss Rutledge. I think we will follow your lead very soon.”

“That’s good,” murmured Effie. “Good night then, Carl, Madeline. Sleep tight.”

Effie padded to her tent. With an admiring glance thrown upward toward a star-laden sky, Effie pulled back the entrance flap of her tent and slipped into its cold, moldy interior, wishing herself back next to the warmth of the fire. Sitting on her blankets to warm herself, she listened to the sounds of the nearby stream as it rushed past. Locusts and crickets added to the general noise of the evening, as well as the whirling calls of the ever-present nighthawk.

What should she do first? She waited not only for her colleagues to retire to their beds, but for Red Hawk’s presence. After straightening her shoulders, she rolled them back to loosen the muscles of her neck and back. Tentatively, she rubbed them, then sighed.

She wouldn’t remain long in the tent, she decided. She couldn’t.

She was simply too excited to stay put, although the exact reason for such enthusiasm continued to confuse her. True, the rendezvous with Red Hawk was part of the cause, but was he the only reason? Yes, she was thrilled because she would have the opportunity to see him tonight, alone and without the others.