This Loving Land - Dorothy Garlock [99]
“It’s not much better, Sadie, but the sleep helped.” It astonished her that she could speak so calmly. She looked directly at Jack. “Did Slater sleep most of the day? Teresa said he would.”
“Off and on, I guess. Teresa said he et stew like his stomach was stuck to his backbone. He was frettin’ if’n things was all right over here. Ain’t tol’ him the whole of what’s happened yet. Reckoned tomorry would be soon e’nuff.”
“He should be much stronger tomorrow.”
Jack stood first on one foot and then the other.
“You told him about the soldiers?” Sadie broke in speaking fast. “You told him they corralled the whole wild bunch? That ort to make him feel just jim-dandy, considerin’ t’was them that did that to him.”
“Yup, I told him and he swore he was goin’ to kill Travis. I had to tell him it was already done. He swore again. Now all he talks about is Miss Summer and why she ain’t over there.”
“Well, she’s dead tired, is what she is. She didn’t get no sleep a’tall last night, with all that’s been goin’ on. Well, for land’s sakes, she ain’t strong as no horse. I . . .” Jesse placed a hand on Sadie’s shoulder and stopped her sputtering words.
Summer smiled wanly, tiredly. “I feel better now, Sadie.” She suppressed the shiver of dread as she met Jack’s eyes. “It’s too late to go over tonight, Jack. Tell Slater we’re all right and to stop fretting. Can’t Teresa give him Bermaga’s powder?”
“Wal, yes, but he be buckin’ and not wantin’ to take it.”
Summer managed a small laugh and watching her, Sadie thought her heart would break.
“Tell him I said to take the powder and quit being so mule-headed.”
“I’d better be gettin’ back. I’ll tell him what ya said. Kind of want to hit the bunk myself. Anythin’ I can do for you, Jesse?”
“No, but thanks, Jack. We’ll be leaving at first light. I’ll bring the wagon back first chance I get.”
“Ain’t no hurry. Ain’t no hurry a’tall. Need any help with . . . Mrs. McLean?”
“If it’s all right with Summer, I’ll leave her be till morning.”
“Of course it’s all right, Jesse. And Sadie and I will do the box real nice.”
After Jack left, the tension eased somewhat. Summer stood holding the back of the chair. The new intimacy between Sadie and Jesse had not gone unnoticed. Summer was aware that Jack noticed it, too. Jack had been on the verge of falling in love with Sadie. She hoped he wasn’t hurt by this sudden turn of events.
Sadie was nervous. She moved too fast, talked too fast. She was as easy to read as a book. She sped around the kitchen, first filling the stove and putting on the coffee pot. Summer stood by the chair and waited. Jesse sat at the table. Finally, it came out.
“I had to tell Jesse.”
“Sadie! You promised. . . .”
“I had to, Summer. There ain’t no way you can leave here in the morning without Jesse’s help. You know you can’t go a ridin’ off by yourself.” Sadie’s pixie face was twisted with a plea for understanding.
Summer put her arms around her and Sadie hugged her in grateful relief.
“You’re right, as usual, Sadie.” She sat down at the table and looked into the steely-gray eyes of the man who had always frightened her a little. He looked like the same man, but somehow his eyes were kinder. She had expected to see censure, rebuke, disgust or pity. None of those things were there. “I’ll be grateful for your help,” she said simply.
“I’ll drive you in the buggy. We can say you’re going to the buryin’. It’s the only thing I can think of. We’ll leave an hour before dawn. It’ll give us time before they’re all a stirring.”
“I’ll be grateful,” she said again. “I want to be gone and get it over with.”
“It’ll make it easier on you.”
Long after the stove had cooled and the coffee pot was empty, they sat at the table and talked. Summer was reassured by Jesse’s attitude. She was doing the right thing, he said. He only wished she had family or friends to go to. He promised Sadie he would see her safely to the Mormon settlement. Summer promised Sadie she would write. Both women cried.
At the ranch house Jack gave Slater Summer’s message. He had been forcing himself to stay