Chapter 6

Six

“ H ow long will this last?”

Carson shifted at Angela’s anxious tone. Her eyes were wide, her mouth a tense line. “There’s no telling but everyone is safe.”

“I don’t like it.”

“It’s not pleasant but it’s not dangerous.” He wouldn’t mention that narrow stream of water along the bottom of the hill.

“I once got lost in a downpour like this.”

Ahh, that explained her tension. “What happened?”

“I was with Father.” Her voice cracked. “We’d gone to the woods to gather mushrooms. Suddenly it started to pour.”

He reached back to cover her intertwined fingers. Feeling the warmth of her hands, he maybe shouldn’t have done that. His hands were icy compared to hers.

She didn’t seem to mind.

“Everything became blurry. I couldn’t see Father. Couldn’t tell what direction to go. I called, but he didn’t answer. It was getting dark.” Her head dipped, and her shoulders hunched until she was talking to her chest .

He squeezed her hands tighter. If the seat back wasn’t in the way and he wasn’t dripping wet, he would’ve pulled her into his arms and held her. Much like he’d done to Bertie many times. Comforting away her fears.

Except it wouldn’t be the same as holding Bertie.

“The rain hammered on the leaves. So loud. It was the only sound I heard. I sat on a log, drenched and cold.”

She stopped talking and he waited. Until he couldn’t wait any longer.

“What happened?”

“Father appeared out of nowhere and scooped me up. Carried me home. Mama took off my wet clothes, wrapped me in a blanket, and rocked me in front of the fire.”

“I’m glad it turned out all right.”

She snorted. “Well, obviously, I didn’t perish in the woods. Because here I am.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Silly.” She seemed to put aside that dark memory which eased Carson’s concern.

“I think that’s the first time you’ve spoken of your mother.”

“Is it?” She pulled her hands free to rearrange the shawl across her shoulders.

He remained silent hoping she’d say more. She didn’t.

Joe appeared by the oxen. “Everyone all right?”

“Yes,” Carson and Angela answered in unison.

“Shouldn’t you find shelter somewhere?” Carson asked.

“Can’t get any wetter, and I need to keep watch.” He rode away.

“Watch for what?” Angela’s words were sharp. “Can’t think anyone is going to bother us in this weather.”

“I wouldn’t think so.” No reason to mention other dangers. Like flash flooding. But they weren’t at risk of that. Though if the rain continued, they might be stranded on this hilltop until the ground dried. The wind blasted cold rain into his face. He shivered. They’d be there until the rain let up. Until the ground dried enough and the wagons could move. Daylight was muted gray. Impossible to tell where the sun was.

He hunkered down, getting as comfortable as possible on the hard bench with rain pounding on him.

The sploosh of someone or something approaching brought him to alertness. He made out Joe riding toward them.

“This isn’t gonna end anytime soon. The oxen need to be unharnessed so they can rest.”

“I’m coming.” Carson dropped to the ground and sloshed through the water to unhitch Sal and Sid from Gabe’s wagon where they’d helped his team. Gabe set his oxen loose, and Cecil did the same for his team.

“I’ll make sure they don’t wander,” Carson said.

After halfhearted protests from the others, Gabe handed Carson some canvas. “Throw it over your head to help keep the rain off.”

“Thanks.” He trotted back to inform Angela and Ruby of his plans though he didn’t see Ruby. Wise girl was staying warm and sheltered.

“It’s so cold,” Angela protested.

“We can’t take a chance on the oxen wandering away.”

“Why would they?”

He chuckled. “Maybe they’d like to find a place out of the wind and rain.”

“Wouldn’t we all?”

“Indeed.” He wanted to say something more though he didn’t know what there was to say. “When I come back, we’ll catch up on the four years.”

“What? We’re still doing that?” Her protest lacked conviction.

“You’re teasing. ”

“Maybe.”

“I have to go.” His mouth curved upward as he slopped back to the oxen. The six beasts stood with their heads down and their backs to the wind. He did the same, grateful the canvas tarp provided protection and his thoughts were warm with the things he was learning about Angela. It would have been so hard for her to walk into school that first day, not knowing what to expect but guessing she’d have to prove herself.

Were there other times she’d felt that way? If he’d been more sympathetic and understanding, he might have helped her through some of those things. He chuckled. Not that she hadn’t managed well without his help.

Time passed without any way of measuring it. His legs ached from the cold. Shivers shook his body. Oh, for a blazing fire, but that was impossible until such time as the rain relented. He jolted as something touched him.

Walt jerked his hand back. “I’ll take over for a spell.”

Carson opened his mouth to protest. What was the point in anyone else being so cold and wet?

“I’ll take the canvas.” Already Walt edged the fabric from Carson’s shoulders. “Get some rest. Maybe get warm.”

“Thanks.” Water slapped at every step. He was halfway back to Ruby and Angela’s wagon when he stopped. Was there any reason to go there? He could hunker down under Gabe’s wagon. But when he moved again, it was toward Ruby and Angela’s wagon where he climbed up to the seat.

“Anyone got a cup of hot coffee back there?” He meant to sound teasing but might have sounded desperate.

“You must be cold as a March storm.” Angela’s warm voice went a good distance toward easing that cold.

“Who’d have guessed a fall rain could feel like winter?”

“Why not shed your wet slicker and come back here? We’ve got blankets to spare. ”

The invitation beckoned, but there was little space. How would he keep a discreet distance from her?

Angela pressed her fingers to her mouth. Had she really so boldly invited him to share their limited space? Not that it appeared to bother Ruby. But Carson was her brother so, of course, it didn’t feel uncomfortable for her.

Though perhaps uncomfortable was not the right word. Nor could Angela think what word she meant.

The wagon tipped and creaked as he shed his coat and climbed over the seat. He hovered at the front.

“There’s blankets there. Help yourself.” Ruby pointed without looking up.

Carson’s damp feet brushed Angela’s legs while he stepped across them. He selected two blankets, draped them around his shoulders, and looked around for a place to sit.

Ruby shifted over to make room, her sketchbook on her knees, her attention on her drawing. “Sit here.”

Eyes full of uncertainty met Angela’s. She gave a mental shrug and moved enough for him to fit between them.

Cold encircled him and shivered up her arm when he settled into place.

“Goodness, you’re cold,” Ruby commented. “Isn’t he, Ang?”

“Like ice.” Surely, that explained the way her words trembled. No reason for anyone to think it was because her nerves jittered at his nearness. “Is it ever going to stop?” She didn’t really think there was an answer. The question was only meant to divert her thoughts.

“Pa used to say that without rain there would be no life.” Carson’s voice was vibrant with the memory.

“I remember that. ”

Hearing Ruby’s loving remembrance, Angela offered her own. “My father said there was only one thing to do when it rained.” She paused to make sure she had their attention. “And that was to let it rain.”

The other two laughed as she hoped they would.

Carson nudged her. “Then I guess we sit here and let it rain.”

Ruby made a scoffing sound. “I intend to spend the time drawing.”

“What are you drawing?” Carson leaned toward Ruby.

“Just something.”

“It’s Robert.” Carson chuckled. “Of course that’s what you’re doing. Good likeness.”

She closed her notebook. “There must be something else to do while we’re cramped here.”

Angela tipped her head against the box at her back, content to let these two do whatever they pleased to pass the time.

“I have an idea.” Something about Ruby’s gleeful words made Angela lift her head from its rest. Ruby had been known to come up with some odd ideas. “It’s a game called Tell the Truth.”

Carson arched a brow at Angela and narrowed his eyes. “Is she making this up?”

“Quite likely.”

“I have the feeling she’s up to something.”

Angela shrugged. “I can’t think she can do much to us in these tight quarters.”

Ruby rumbled her lips. “You guys going to play or not?”

“Might as well.” Angela rubbed her chilled hands together. No one could make her say something she didn’t want to.

“I’m game.” Carson’s play on words brought a laugh.

“Here’s how it goes. We take turns asking a question. We all answer with three replies. One is not the truth. We have to guess which one is the lie.”

A metal rod jabbed down Angela’s spine. She’d played various versions of this game before. It could be fun. Or it could be invasive.

Ruby took silence for agreement. “I’ll go first. What are the scariest things I’ve ever done? First, diving into the creek when it was in full flood. Second, sending some of my drawings to the Society, and third, telling Ma my plans. Which one isn’t true?”

Angela answered. “Diving into the creek. I don’t believe you did it.”

Carson nodded. “I’d have to agree.”

“You’re right. Now your turn, Carson.”

He shifted and pulled the blankets more closely around him. “Do we all do that question?”

“Yup.”

“Very well. First, when Bertie got lost following me.”

From the way a shudder shook him, his statement must be true.

“Second, I’d have to say my first patrol alone. A Mountie riding into unknown. And third, hmm, I know. It was when there was a murder in town and I thought the murderers were still at large.” He sat back. “Which one isn’t true?”

Angela leaned forward to speak to Ruby. “I never heard of any murders. Did you?”

“Nope. Never did. I’m going to guess that’s the lie.”

“Me too.”

Carson hooted. “You’re both wrong. There was a murder.”

“In Bruffin?” Both Angela and Ruby squeaked. “Do tell.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t. At the time, Pa didn’t want anything said in front of you little girls and Bertie.”

Ruby snorted. “Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I’m not a little girl anymore.” A snicker followed. “I know you noticed that Angela isn’t.”

Angela groaned.

“I did.” His voice was soft, teasing…or was it—? Wait. She wasn’t going down that road.

“Eat lunch,” Joe called from outside the wagon.

She hadn’t even heard him ride up. Of course, she could blame the pounding rain for that.

“You do have supplies in here?”

“Yes,” she and Ruby chorused. They’d been instructed to keep food in each wagon in case something happened. Like it did when Cecil, Louise, Hazel, and Petey were stranded on the far side of a flooded river.

Ruby was closest to the grub box. She reached toward it but sat back without picking up any food. “But first, Carson has to finish his story.”

“I don’t recall starting one.” He reached toward the food.

Ruby slammed the lid. “About the murders.”

The teasing between these siblings warmed Angela, and she choked down laughter.

Carson eased back, his shoulder pressing to Angela’s. “Do you want to hear this awful story?”

“Umm. I don’t know.” She wasn’t above a little teasing and knew Ruby would urge Carson to ignore Angela. Sure enough.

“Pay her no mind.” Ruby fluttered a hand. “She’s only trying to sound like she’s not interested.”

“But I wouldn’t want to offend her sensibilities. She deserves to be protected, don’t you think?”

Little did he know how sweet his words were. But Angela was as curious as Ruby. “You might as well tell us, or Ruby will badger us both the rest of the afternoon.”

“Didn’t I see some biscuits in there? ”

He did because she had stowed a dozen there just last night.

“Tell you what? Give me two biscuits, and I’ll tell you about it.”

Ruby handed them around. “There’s cheese here too.” She cut off a generous piece for each of them before she settled back. “I’m ready.”

Carson took his time chewing food, deliberately—Angela knew—to tease his sister. When air whooshed from him, she guessed Ruby had elbowed him in the ribs.

“Just for that, I might reconsider.”

Another sharp exhale.

“Stop that. I’ll tell.” He rubbed at his side. “Whoever thought you’d be so mean?”

Angela could no longer contain her amusement. The wagon rocked as she laughed, and the others joined her. From Gabe and Ma’s wagon came Ma’s voice.

“It’s good to know you all are enjoying yourselves.”

“Yes, Ma,” they replied in unison which set off another burst of laughter.

As they sobered, Ruby said, “We’re still waiting.”

Carson adjusted his position as if settling in for a long talk. “It didn’t happen in Bruffin but on a farm nearby. The parents were both killed and three children, one a mere infant.” He swallowed audibly. “I heard about it when I went with Pa to pick up something at the store. Funny, I don’t recall what it was.” He grew still and silent. “A bunch of men there all had one thing on their tongues. I listened in horror and fascination to the details until Pa noticed what was happening and hurried me out of the store.”

A moment of taut silence followed as they all considered the facts he’d relayed.

“On the way home, Pa said we were not to speak of this. It would upset the girls and Bertie. I had one question. Did they catch the man who did it?” He fiddled with the hem of the blanket over him. “Pa said the man had fled west but the Mounties had caught him.”

“That’s when you decided you wanted to be a Mountie?” The words burst from Ruby.

“It was.” He nibbled at his piece of cheese. “Something I’ve never regretted.”

“Then why are you leaving?”

Ruby asked the question, but Angela wondered the same thing.

“Because I want the kind of home Ma and Pa had. Where people are loved and safe. No matter what their circumstances.”

“Like Bertie,” Ruby whispered.

And like me, Angela added silently.

“Lots of people say Ma and Pa should put him in an institution.”

Just like lots of people thought Angela should not be living openly amongst them.

Ruby persisted in her questions. “Can’t you help lots more people as a Mountie?”

“In a sense, I could. But I don’t care for sleeping in barracks or eating in a mess hall. I mean, it’s all right for a time, but I want a home.”

“You haven’t said which one isn’t true.” Ruby prodded.

“My first patrol as a Mountie. I was eager and anxious to do it.”

The three of them fell into a thoughtful silence broken by Ruby’s sudden exclamation. “Angela didn’t do her truth or lie.”

A groan squeezed from Angela’s lips. “I hoped you would forget about that.”

“Nope. Tell us what’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done.”

She’d been thinking of how to answer. Some things were too obvious, like moving to a new family. Some were too revealing, like saying how scary it was to go into town with Father and hear what people said. And she’d already told Carson about being lost in the rain.

“Here goes. One, going to the church in Bruffin the first time. Two, putting everything I own into a covered wagon and leaving home. Three, learning to drive the oxen.”

“That’s not fair,” Ruby protested. “All of them were scary.”

Carson shifted so he could study Angela, the movement allowing a draft to pass between them. His eyes were dark and probing.

She widened her eyes, determined not to reveal anything.

“One of those wasn’t scary?”

She nodded.

“I’m going to guess heading out in a covered wagon.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because everyone was going. You’d be with Ma, and you were coming to see me.” He gloated so obviously that both Ruby and Angela laughed. “Am I right?”

“Nope. It was going to church with Ma and Pa and everyone for the first time.” Thankfully, they didn’t ask for an explanation, but she’d dreamed of attending church, wished for it, longed for it for so many years. Mama had told her about going to church when she was younger. “Before bad things happened.” Which was the most she’d ever revealed to Angela. Bad things.

“I don’t understand.” Ruby sounded confused and perhaps a touch impatient that she didn’t know why it hadn’t been scary.

How much could Angela say without revealing too much?

Ruby reached for another biscuit, then held the tin out to Angela. “You want another?”

“Please.” But when she tried to take the biscuit, Ruby drew back. “I want an explanation. Carson had to give one, and so do you.”

“What’s to explain? I looked forward to going.”

Ruby tipped her head back and forth. “Are you saying you had never been in church before? ’Cause that’s how it sounds.”

“I’d never been in the church in Bruffin. I’d passed it as Pa took me home. The open door allowed me to see the stained-glass window at the front, the wooden pews marching down either side of the aisle, and—” She stopped, her throat tightening. Pa had said they’d go there come Sunday. And she’d be welcome. Exactly the word to explain how she felt. “It looked so warm and welcoming.”

Both the others studied her, but she took the biscuit from Ruby, focused on the crumbs that fell to the blanket, and pretended not to notice. No matter how long they stared or how many questions they asked, she was not telling them anything more about why church had beckoned like a candle in the dark.