Bride of the Wild Read online

  “I don’t know, but this has to stop.”

  “I’m tired of living in fear.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you ready?” asked pa, who breezed into the room. “Bonnie’s waiting. Micah’s gone already. Let’s hit the road, honey.”

  “Yes, Pa.” I left the dish in a stack. “We’ll be back soon.”

  “Take your time.” Amelia yawned. “I might have a nap. I didn’t sleep well. Tom kept kicking me all night.”

  “Then let’s go,” I said, eager to travel to town for the meeting.

  Pa and I left the house a moment later, finding the mare and wagon waiting, hitched to a small post out front. I settled on the wooden seat, my face shielded from the sun by a bonnet. I had worn a serviceable calico dress and boots, with a shawl around my shoulders. We took to the road a moment later, ambling along under the warmth of a September sun, its heat radiating through the material I wore. Once we reached town, a sea of carriages, wagons, and horses clogged the street, as everyone within a ten-mile radius had been informed about the meeting. The hotel brimmed with people, men waiting out front under the awning.

  “It’s a beehive of activity,” said pa, squinting. “Everybody’s here.”

  “They should be. This concerns them greatly.” I craned my neck, hoping to glimpse Silas, but I did not see him or his family. “I haven’t told Amelia about Mrs. Harris yet. I probably shouldn’t anyhow. It’s not my place. Maybe you should tell her.”

  “I hope she fared well last night.”

  “Do you love her?”

  His attention remained on Bonnie, as he guided her to an open space near a hitching post. “More than likely.”

  “That’s some answer,” I giggled.

  “Well, let’s say things are going well. I didn’t want to tell you about her until I was sure how I felt. I loved your mother, Saffron, Lord knows I did, but life goes on. I’m not dead. I don’t plan on passing on for a good long time. I got a few more things to do in my life before that happens.” His smile revealed determination. “Like killing these bears. Their behavior is a threat to our security.”

  “I know.”

  He tied the line around the break. “I’m interested to hear what the plan is.”

  “Me too.” I slid from the seat, feeling someone touch my shoulder. Turning, I faced Mr. Blaylock, who had bathed, because the hair framing his face looked damp. Pleasurable bubbles burst in my belly, which was unusual. “Micah.”

  “Hello, Saffron.” He grinned.

  “You look well today.”

  “I had a bath.” He wore a sack coat and tie, looking surprisingly dapper.

  “You did.”

  “Might I escort you in?”

  “Yes. We should go before they start without us.”

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The dining room filled to capacity with nearly every person in Fern Valley in attendance. Sheriff Palmer and the mayor spoke for only a short while, but the message had been clear. A hunting party would be assembled, and the feral creatures were to be found and shot. I stood with pa and Micah, while Silas worked the room, meeting and greeting everyone.

  “Who will be fool enough to go after this thing?” asked Micah.

  “Oh, plenty of folks, I bet,” said pa. “Plenty.” He glanced at me. “You’d do it, wouldn’t you?”

  “I sure would.” I longed to be a part of the expedition, finding the idea wildly adventurous.

  “You would seriously want to go?” Micah’s brows shot up. “You’d traipse across the mountains to risk life and limb?”

  “Yes.”

  “Sheriff Palmer said it wouldn’t take long to hunt it down. It left quite a trail killin’ that miner.”

  “They’re still finding bits and pieces of the body,” said Micah. I gave him a look. “Forgive me.” He smiled contritely. “That was crass.”

  “It’s sad and awful.”

  “You wouldn’t go?” Pa eyed Micah inquisitively. “You wouldn’t join the hunting party, even if they asked? You’ve some experience in these mountains. You know where the trails are.”

  “I do.”

  “Then they’ll need your help,” I said. “They’d be stupid to venture forth without you.”

  Silas had come full circle around the room, striding over to us. “I’ve four volunteers so far. Butch Cashman, Bryce Thompson, Wesley Fields and me. Who else wants to come?” He stared at Micah. “I’m told you qualify as a scout.”

  “You’re going?” This worried me terribly. “Please say I heard that incorrectly.”

  “That’s right.” He grinned confidently. “Of course I’m going. I’m shooting this blasted thing outta the forest, if it’s the last thing I do.” Groups of people lingered to discuss the issue, and the mayor and Sheriff Palmer stood across the room. “I’ve been authorized to gather the hunting party. My family will pay for the supplies.”

  “Then you’re really going?”

  “Of course.”

  “Perhaps, I should as well,” said pa. “Lucy was our maid, and I’d feel better, if I avenged her death in some manner. It’s the least I could do to honor her.”

  “Then I want to go too,” I cried passionately. “I’ve a bone to pick with these bears myself.”

  Silas grinned like a mischievous cat. “Darling, you can’t be serious about this. I know you’re a proficient shot, but this sort of thing is best left to men.”

  “You said it wouldn’t take long. I can brave the wilderness for a few hours, Silas. I'm more than capable of that.”

  Micah remained quiet, glancing between us, his expression steady, but a tic registered in his cheek. I suspected he did not like the idea of a woman in the mountains.

  “Who will look after Amelia and Tom?” asked pa.

  “They can stay with Mrs. Harris for a day. It’s safe in town.”

  He frowned. “You can’t truly mean this, Saffron. Tell me you’re joking. Why on earth would I ever agree to let you go?”

  I grasped Silas’s arm, pulling him away, while saying, “I could be an asset. I’m not helpless and or scared. I can handle any firearm, and I’m not afraid to shoot. It’s only for a few hours. I don’t see the harm in accompanying you.” I softened my expression, practicing the art of female persuasion. “Please, Silas. Please let me come. I shall prove my worth a thousand times over. I promise.”

  “You just want to spend time with me.” He grinned.

  “I do. We could finally have a few moments alone.”

  “With a passel of hunters and a den of rabid bears,” he laughed.

  “Don’t leave me here. Let me come.”

  “I’ll speak to your father about it. I might have to convince the sheriff as well. He won’t want a woman on this excursion.”

  “I can be helpful. I can make a fire and gather sticks and rocks and things. I’m in perfect health. I can hike and run and climb. I’m ready for an adventure. I want to avenge Lucy’s death. I want to make Deer Runner proud.”

  Micah had overheard most of the conversation, his expression stony. “You’d be mad to let her go.”

  I glared over my shoulder. “Don’t listen to him. I’ll be a tremendous asset to the team. I’m ready and able to hunt just like any man.”

  “You are rather persuasive.”

  I felt on the verge of winning; victory was within grasp. “Yes, I am.”

  “What say you, Mr. Blaylock? Are you going to help us in the hunt?”

  “No.”

  “Why on earth not? You’re a scout and adept at finding trails. We need you. The town needs you.”

  “It’s foolhardy and dangerous.”

  “How else are we to kill the animal? Or perhaps there’s more than one.”

  “There are. They’re all infected. That makes it even more dangerous.”

  “Then you should help us.”

  He glanced at me. “No.”

  “We certainly have need of you.” Silas glowered.
“If you refuse to come, then I don’t see why Saffron can’t.” He looked at me. “You won’t be as useful, because you’re not a scout, but you’ll help in other ways.”

  “What if I won’t let her go?” asked pa. “I’m the ultimate authority here. She’s my daughter. She’s under my protection. You’ve not even asked for her hand in marriage yet.”

  “I’ve been waiting for Saffron to mourn.”

  “Please let me go, Pa. I’ll be back in a few short hours, and the town will be safer.”

  He sighed. “I was considering joining myself, but if they take you, then someone has to stay and watch over your brother and sister.”

  “You’d seriously consider letting her go?” Micah looked incredulous.

  “It’s only a few hours. They’re in and out, and the bear is dead. He’s apparently left an easy trail to follow.”

  “Nothing is ever easy.” Micah glanced at me soberly. “If she goes, then I will too.”

  “Excellent!” exclaimed Silas. “It’s settled then. We shall be one big, happy hunting party.” His arm went around my back, as he drew me to him. “You’ll look fetching wearing mountain gear.”

  “If you say so.” This display of affection mildly astounded me, as we had spent so little time together recently, but I welcomed it gladly. “Can I go, Pa? Will you come too?”

  “If Micah’s there, then you can join them. I’ll stay behind and manage the farm. Someone has to.”

  “When is this happening?” asked Micah.

  “Tomorrow. We leave first thing in the morning. Meet us at the hotel. I need to speak to the sheriff and tell him who’s in the group. He might join us as well and Deputy Leonard Thomas.”

  “I have some things to do then.” Micah looked grim. “I would bring provisions for several days in case something happens. I’m packing most of what I’d normally take, minus the steel traps. I won’t be needing a mule either.”

  Silas, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes, said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to speak to the sheriff and tell him we have two more hunters. He might not be pleased that Saffron is coming, but I have a rather persuasive nature, and I’ll have it all sorted out soon enough.” He glanced at me. “Go and get yourself ready, my dear. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I gotta board up the house again,” said pa. “Who’s to say how safe we’ll be tonight. Once this bear is killed, I’ll feel a whole lot better.”

  “Indeed.” Silas squeezed my shoulder. “You may stay at the hotel tonight, if you wish. Your family may stay as well.”

  “I’m fine. I’ve things to do, and I can’t do them in town. Thank you for letting me join you. I’ll be an asset. Just wait and see.”

  Micah remained dispassionate about the discussion, his mouth turned down slightly. After Silas walked away, he grumbled, “This is going to be a disaster. I can feel it in my bones.”

  “You shouldn’t be so pessimistic.” I smiled brightly, excited to be taking matters into my own hands. “We’re going to rid Fern Valley of a dangerous threat, once and for all. We must stop the killings.”

  “The infected animals will eventually die on their own,” said Micah. “If we boarded our houses and remained indoors at night, there’d be nothing for them to attack.”

  “But that didn’t help us.” Pa lifted his chin. “These aren’t your normal rabid bears. They’re violent and vicious. I’ve never seen anything like it. They’ll go to any lengths to hunt humans. What happened at the house was shocking. The darn thing climbed through a second story window. None of us will be safe until they’re exterminated. We don’t have the luxury of waiting for the disease to run its course.”

  “You make a strong case. I just worry about Saffron’s welfare.”

  “So do I, but she’s capable, more capable than she looks. I taught her well. I know you’ll look after her. You’re smitten with her, aren’t you?”

  Embarrassed by that question and stunned that pa had asked it, I stared at my fingernails, thinking of something to say to steer the conversation in another direction, but nothing came to mind.

  “I am.” Micah met pa’s gaze unflinchingly. “She’s the only reason I’m going.”

  “Well, I need to get things ready.” I stared at pa. “We should say our goodbyes.”

  He patted Micah on the back, grinning. “You’re welcome to come over for supper later, if you wish.”

  “Thank you for the offer, but I’d rather stay off the road after dark. I’ve some things to take care of anyhow.”

  “All right then.”

  I wanted to say goodbye to Silas, but he had gone into another room. “What sorts of things are you packing, Micah?”

  “Bedrolls, crockery, food, and a woolen blanket. It’ll be cold at that elevation. Bring warm clothing and socks. Bring a knife or two. You can never be prepared enough.”

  “I’ll make sure she has everything she needs.”

  “It’s an awful lot for only a few hours in the woods.”

  “That’s the mistake right there,” said Micah. “Always anticipate disaster, even on a little, innocent hike. Nothing ever goes to plan, and, when things fall apart, you’ll be grateful you brought every useful thing you have.”

  “I’d not let Saffron go, if it weren’t for you, Micah. I know you’ll take care of her. Even Silas isn’t as responsible. He’s more interested in gallivanting around like a showman, but you’re the real deal. You won’t let any harm come to her.”

  Pa’s opinion of Silas irked me. “That’s not true. Silas is very capable.” I grumbled, “He’s not a showman.”

  Micah snorted, but refrained from saying anything.

  “Come along, my dear. Let’s stop by the shops and get supplies.”

  I glared at Micah, but I wasn’t truly angry, because I had been granted permission to join the hunt, and that thrilled me beyond belief. My name would be a part of Fern Valley history. I wanted to make pa proud by helping to kill the bears.

  Chapter Seventeen

  I hardly slept at all, being far too excited about the hunt in the morning. Pa and I packed all the supplies he thought I would need, which consisted of a rifle and ammunition, a heavy winter coat and boots, a man’s fur lined hat, and a hunting knife and flint. Since it was September, the weather felt rather warm still, the nights cooling, but there hadn’t been a hard frost yet. This would change at a higher elevation, and a freak snowstorm in the middle of summer was not unheard of for these mountains.

  “All right, Saffron.” Pa tossed the bag into the back of the wagon. “That should do it.”

  Amelia came out to see me off, standing on the front porch, while squinting in the sunlight. “Good luck.” Tom appeared then too.

  I prayed the night before, getting on my knees by my bed, asking God for guidance. With my deciding to tempt fate and face an unseen foe, there was a possibility I might not return. The mountains held risks far greater than the elements and wild life. There were bands of Indians, who thought nothing of scalping and murdering settlers or kidnapping women. I had heard stories—things that would make your toes curl, but I would face these fears and trust the Lord would not lead me astray.

  “Good luck yourself, Amelia.” I said, glancing at the house, which now sported boarded up windows on both floors. “You might still be attacked. Nothing is safe yet at all.” I glanced at my brother. “You watch over her, you hear?”

  “I can manage just fine.” He had been upset at not being allowed to join the hunt.

  “I won’t be long.” Pa stepped onto the wagon, untying the line from around the brake. “You ready, honey? If you’re late, they’ll leave without you.”

  I hurried to the seat. “Bye, Amelia! Bye, Tom!”

  “You’re mad for doing this, but I hope you kill the bear,” said Amelia.

  “I’ll be back by tomorrow or sooner.” I felt certain we would find the animals quickly. “You won’t even have time to miss me.”

  “Ha!” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“I expect everything to go wrong and worse.”

  Pa snapped the lines on Bonnie’s rump. “Yaw, girl.”

  “That’s an optimistic way of looking at things,” I grumbled, hoping she wasn’t right.

  “You best come back safe,” she called, as we ambled past the barn. “If you die, I’ll never forgive you!”

  Tom waved.

  I giggled at that, turning and waving. “Oh, Pa. Do hurry. I don’t want to miss them. I’ll be awfully cross if I’m left out.”

  “They might’ve gone extra early, honey. A part of me wonders if none of ‘em want a woman along. I’d brace yourself for that outcome.”

  My spirits sank. “Do you think they’d really leave without me?”

  “I don’t know, but don’t be all upset if they did, all right? You’ve been warned.”

  I pouted, mulling over those words. “I feel in my heart that everything is as it should be.”

  “If you say so. I’m still not certain why you need to go and risk life and limb on this errand. There are plenty of capable men going after the bears. They don’t need you.”

  “I’m doing this for Lucy. I’m going for Megan McAllister. I’m going for Deer Runner. I have many reasons for participating.”

  “You’ve got that stubborn streak your ma had. It took courage to leave her family the way she did, but she was bound and determined to marry me.” He grinned, the edges of his eyes creasing. “What woman in her right mind would sacrifice a very comfortable life to take off with a maverick like me, eh?”

  “I guess it must’ve been love.”

  “Or insanity,” he laughed. “Whatever it was, she made up her mind, and that was that. Nobody could talk her outta it. She wanted to start a new life out west with me, and she was determined to bring you kids along.”

  “She’s not the only one. Lots of folks are coming now. It’s only a matter of time before they build the railways too.”

  “What a job that’ll be.”

  “It will happen, Pa. You can’t stop adventure seekers and opportunists. It’s human nature to want to broaden your horizons.”

  “It is.” He glanced at me. “I’m proud of you, Saffron. Not many women would ask to be a part of this. You’re either a touch crazy or you really do want an adventure. I’m only letting you go, because I know two men are in love with you and they’d probably lay down their lives to protect you.”