To Dream Anew (10 page)

Settled comfortably in her bed, Dianne tried to heed her aunt’s suggestion, but her mind wouldn’t put aside her continued concerns about what was happening in the valleys beyond her home. Dianne worried about Zane, and she prayed continually that God would protect him from harm. But she also worried about her family and the ranch. They were isolated—completely removed from neighbors and help. If hostile Indians did attack, there would be very little they could do.

“Are you sleeping?” Ardith whispered as she opened the door a crack.

Dianne rolled over and sat up. “No. I wish I were, but my heart is troubled.”

“May I sit with you for a little while?”

Dianne smiled. Her sister rarely sought out anyone’s company, and Dianne didn’t want to do anything to discourage this approach. “You know that I love your company. Of course you may join me.”

“You may not feel that way after we talk.”

“Is something wrong?” Dianne asked, scooting up to rest against her headboard while Ardith took a seat in the rocking chair.

“I suppose I’m worried about the rumors of attack. One of the ranch hands mentioned there’s a possibility of attack from the west.”

Dianne shrugged. “Someone is always reporting something. I never know what to believe.”

Ardith looked to the floor. “I can’t go back into that life.”

“No one would let that happen.”

“You don’t know how they can be. Walks in the Dark would force me back into the tribe simply to spite me. He’d know death would be too pleasing an option—just as it would have been when we were together.”

Dianne tried not to react to her sister’s words, but it was hard. She felt Ardith was trying to tell her something—something Dianne didn’t want to hear.

“If they come—if there is no hope of winning the fight …” Ardith’s words trailed off.

“It won’t be that way. You’ll see,” Dianne moved to her sister’s side and knelt on the floor.

Ardith looked into Dianne’s face, her expression pained, terrified. In that moment Dianne was taken back in time to those first few days after Ardith had come to live with them.

“I won’t go back. Do you understand?”

Dianne understood only too well, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak of it. “Ardith, you have a good life here. You’re safe. Nothing is going to happen to you or Winona. You’ll see.”

“I don’t feel safe. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe again. I try to put the past behind me … but … well, it’s hard.”

“I can’t begin to know what you have endured, but I do know that I will fight to the death to protect you and Winona. I know Cole feels the same way. And, if I can be so bold, I believe Levi would beat us all to the task. He cares about you.”

“He shouldn’t. I can’t care about him.”

“Why not?” Dianne asked, getting to her feet. “He’s a good man.”

“Yes, much too good for the likes of me. After what’s happened to me, no man of worth would ever want me for more Than … well … it wouldn’t be for any decent reason.”

“That’s not true, Ardith. Things are different out here. Montana Territory is still untamed. People do have their prejudices and fears, but they also know better than to let those things push aside their chance at happiness.”

“I doubt anyone could ever find happiness with me. I can’t find it within myself—how could I possibly benefit anyone else?”

Dianne gently touched her sister’s cheek. “Ardith, God will heal your wounds. But it will come about in His way and His time. You mustn’t give up hope, nor give up on life. There’s still a chance for you to be truly happy. I think Levi would go a long way to help you find that joy.”

Ardith got to her feet. “I can’t think like that. Right now, I just want to know that if the Sioux attack and try to take me from here that you’ll keep it from happening.”

“I won’t let them take you,” Dianne said, feeling the need to assure her sister.

Ardith fixed her dark-eyed gaze on Dianne. “Even if you have to kill me to keep it from happening?”

Dianne gasped, drawing her hand to her mouth. She couldn’t believe what Ardith had asked.

“You must promise me, Dianne. If they come and take me—take Winona—you’ll put a bullet in us before letting them drag us off. I don’t want to live like that—I won’t live like that again.”

“Ardith, I could never—”

“Then give me a gun. A revolver. I’ll keep it with me and do the deed myself if the time comes and requires it of me. I won’t let the Sioux take us. You’d do well to make provisions for yourself and your own children. They won’t be kind—they won’t be civil. If you think you’ve suffered in the past, forget it. I’ve made my bed in hell, as David spoke of in the psalms.” She turned to go, then stopped and looked back at Dianne. “The only thing is, God didn’t find me there as David suggested. Even God couldn’t look upon that heinous affair.”

“Where’s Cole?” Gus asked as he came storming through the kitchen.

“I figured he was out there working with some of the colts,” Dianne replied as she put the second apple pie onto the sill to cool. “Why, is something wrong?”

“There’s news out of Virginia City. I think we need to hold a ranch meeting.”

Dianne felt a chill go up her spine. “Is it the Indians?”

Gus nodded stoically. “It don’t sound good.”

Twenty minutes later the entire family and most of the ranch hands had crammed into the formal dining room. Gus and Cole stood at the head of the table, while Trenton lingered near the door.

“Quiet down. We need to talk this out,” Cole announced to the men.

Dianne looked around at the serious expressions—the worried looks. She dreaded hearing what Gus and Cole might have to share.

As the room went silent, Cole began. “Gus just got back from Virginia City. Apparently there’ve been some new problems to the west. The Nez Perce are on the warpath. They’ve left their reservation and are headed this direction.”

“Where did this information come from?” Dianne asked.

“The sheriff. He had a wire,” Gus explained. “Apparently the Indians have been tracked headin’ this way. The army hopes to intercept them, but—”

“But we all know better than to place our hopes in the army,” Portia said snidely. “I can’t believe this nonsense. Did no one learn anything after the battle at Little Big Horn?”

“Portia, you must remain calm,” Dianne said, catching a glance at Ardith’s terrified expression. “Let’s hear the men out and learn what is happening.”

“Like that will keep us from being killed in our sleep.”

“Portia!” Dianne snapped, her anger evident. “Be quiet.”

Portia glared at Dianne, looking for all the world as though she might make this a matter of physical violence. Instead, she drew a deep breath and said nothing more.

Dianne looked to her husband and Gus. She longed to know the details, the truth of what they knew, but wondered if they would simplify this for fear of worrying the women.

“Apparently there’s still plenty of time and distance between us and them,” Gus said, picking up the conversation. “They believe the hostiles will make their way across the Lolo Pass and head into Montana. The army plans to intercept them.”

“It’s a good distance from here,” Cole threw in. He met Dianne’s gaze and she could almost read his thoughts. He was worried—he was afraid. She’d not seen him like this before.

“However,” Gus continued, “the army is worried that this may be a sign to other tribes. If word gets around to other hostiles and they know the army’ll be engaged over on the Lolo Trail, other Indians may take this as an opportunity to attack in areas not protected. Plus, there’s still Sioux and Cheyenne out there who ain’t been caught.”

Dianne avoided looking at Ardith. Her sister’s words still haunted her, and Dianne had no doubt the young woman would do exactly as she’d threatened if they were under attack.

“What do we need to do?” Dianne asked softly.

“We’re going to meet with some of the other area ranchers,” Cole announced. “We’ll form a plan of protection putting outriders on the perimeters of our properties—determining a series of places where we can meet on the trail and let each other know that things are all right.”

“What else is to be done?” Levi asked.

“Every man will have a revolver on him at all times. Extra ammunition as well. Each man also needs to have a rifle.”

“What about the women?” Portia asked indignantly. “I can shoot as well as any man here.”

“We’ll place loaded rifles and shotguns around the house,” Cole answered, “ammunition too. I don’t like doing this, but it seems necessary.”

Dianne felt a sinking desperation fall over her. It seemed she was caught up in quicksand and couldn’t fight her way to the top for air. The constriction was almost too much to bear. How could she just sit by? How could she watch and wait to see if hostile Indians would descend upon her family?

“Isn’t there something else we can do?” Dianne asked.

“You need to be layin’ in supplies here in the main house,” Gus said. “Water too. We need to be able to dig in and wait out anything that comes our way.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to send the women and children away?” Portia asked.

“Where would you suggest we send them?” Cole replied. “Hostiles have been reported in every area that surrounds this valley.”

Dianne frankly wanted to throttle the woman for even bringing up the idea of leaving. “You’re always free to go,” Dianne finally said. “I’ll give you the money and a horse.”

Portia paled considerably and looked down at the table.
Perhaps she’ll finally be silent,
Dianne thought.

“I think we need to work together in order to be safe and sound,” Faith said, putting her hand on Dianne’s arm. “We’ll be stronger if we stand as one instead of picking at each other.”

“Well said,” Cole agreed. “We’ve always known the elements could destroy us. A single blizzard could leave us destitute—a flood could ravage all we have. This is no different. We’re still making a stand against that which would destroy us.”

“We’ve gotta stand together,” Gus said. “It won’t work any other way. Everyone here has a part to play in keepin’ others and Themselves safe. Ain’t no time for doin’ things halfway.”

“I want the women and children to stay indoors,” Cole said firmly. “Malachi, I want you and Faith to move up here with the children. No sense waiting until the last minute. If danger comes, it’ll come quickly. You can stay in one of the rooms in our wing. Levi, we can use another man at the house. I’d like you to move in here as well. We’ll figure out where to put you later, but for now—”

“Negroes living here—with us?” Portia questioned indignantly.

“I’ve had a lot of folks living here—with us,” Dianne said angrily. “At least the Montgomerys are good friends.” This seemed to silence Portia momentarily, but Dianne knew it probably wouldn’t be the last outburst they would have from her.

“What about Ben and Charity?” Dianne questioned. “They should come too.”

Cole frowned at the interruption. “I’ve already planned for them as well. Ben and Charity will move into Luke’s room and he can come back into our room.”

Dianne’s mind whirled at the thought of all that her uncle had worked so hard to build being at the hands of someone who would seek to destroy it. “Can’t we hire more men—post a guard around the immediate yard—the barns and corrals?”

“Yes, what about men standing guard outside?” Koko asked.

“Yes,” Portia agreed.

Cole shifted, looking uncomfortable. “Gus, Trenton, and I discussed this and have provisions for seeing to a perimeter around the immediate grounds. I have this under control, so hear me out.” The words were addressed to the group, but Dianne knew they were mainly intended for her. She hadn’t meant to question Cole and embarrass him in front of everyone else.

“The house will be crowded, the fit tight at times. But again, we must work together. Ben and Levi will be here at the house most of the time. Malachi will be no farther than the barns. We’ll move some of his equipment up so he can continue with his work. This ranch still has to be maintained—it won’t stop just because of the Indians.

“Faith, you’ll need to continue preparing meals for the boys, as usual, only you’ll do it from here.”

“Did it before, don’t see any reason why it won’t work that way again,” Faith declared, trying to sound cheerful.

“Charity, I’d be much obliged if you and Ardith would work out an arrangement for a nursery. Faith needs to be able to work on the meals, and Koko and Dianne need to be free to shoot and defend the place if it comes to that. I’d like the children set up in the far back room. Susannah and Jamie can help you.”

“I’m a man. I shouldn’t be with the children,” protested ten-year-old Jamie.

“You are a man, although a very young one,” Cole replied. “I’m counting on you as one of my house guards. You’ll be the nursery guard. It’ll be your job to watch for danger and keep the women and babies safe.”

Jamie seemed to like the sound of this, as he squared his shoulders and his expression calmed to one of serious contemplation. Apparently Cole had reached through the boy’s pride.

“What am I supposed to do?” It was Portia again.

“I’d like you to help Faith in the kitchen. She’s going to have the job of feeding all of us and will need the help.”