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  Elizabeth faced her uncle. “I am sorry uncle, forgive me. I hope I haven’t been too much trouble.“ She told him as she walked towards him and hugged him close.

  Ben sighed and indulged her. “No child, I’m happy to see you safe and well. Next time, let an old man know?”

  Elizabeth laughed and hugged him back. “You are not an old man. I will. I am sorry. But so very glad to be home.”

  Dull Knife turned to the tribe and called out.

  “We have prepared a feast, join us.” With much celebration the meal was served.

  Elizabeth knew she would have some explaining to do but not now. She was just happy to be with her family and enjoy being home. There would be time later for explanations, and they would have to come. She knew that. She had missed this so very much.

  New York had much to offer and she had enjoyed her time there, but Elizabeth had felt she was treading water. Biding her time. Her life was here, and she had always known it to be. By mid-night, goodbyes were in motion. Elizabeth had seen White Dove talk with Red Wolf earlier. There had been a heated exchange. And he had left them. Elizabeth frowned. She had hoped her returning would bring them all some joy. Now she wasn’t so sure.

  But it seemed that nearly all in the tribe had come out to say their goodbyes. All that is, except Red Wolf.

  Running Elk and his betrothed stayed the longest and were the last to leave. Elizabeth liked her very much and knew she would make her brother very happy. As he turned to go, Running Elk turned back to Elizabeth, spoke quietly to her alone. Taking her hand.

  “Esa, you are truly my adopted sister and Red Wolf is my brother. I love you both. It is important to me that you both find happiness. He will not come to say goodbye. I do not think he could.”

  Running Elk let go of her hand and Elizabeth caught his arm as he turned from her.

  “I would never hurt you or your family and I will apologise to Red Wolf if I have offended him.”

  Running Elk smiled sadly at her. “The last thing you have done, is offend him Esa. I will see you soon.” And with a squeeze of her hand, he left her.

  Confused, Elizabeth boarded the buggy and joined White Dove. She didn’t understand the conversation with Running Elk. For the life of her, she could not think what he was talking about. Surely Red Wolf had not come to say goodbye simply because he had simply an errand and unable to do so.

  When next she saw him, she resolved, she would ask him. With every mile nearer to the Double T. Elizabeth recalled memories precious to her. Almost every bend in the road, every rocky outcrop or land mark had one. In her excitement Elizabeth talked to White Dove about everything. What her life had been like and asked questions of the ranch. The one thing she couldn’t bring herself to talk about, was Red Wolf. Had she disappointed him?

  CHAPTER THREE

  They entered under the sign of the Double T. Elizabeth looked up as they drove under it. Her father had put up this sign with Jake. Elizabeth asked White Dove to stop. She gazed at the view and land. Her father would have been happy she’d returned. She felt sure of it. He had wanted her here. Not in the East. She turned to White Dove.

  “It’s ok now, we can go on.” White Dove caressed her hand and they moved off. It would still be another 2 hours before they reached the house. Ben had sent riders ahead and by the time the buggy party arrived, the bunk house was empty.

  All the hands old and new were waiting to greet them. Some out of friendship for the young girl that liked to play with horses and chase the dog. Others out of curiosity for the daughter who owned it all. Jake waved and came to help Elizabeth down as the buckboard stopped at the house. He held her close, after all, he had once saved her life.

  “My god girl you gave this old man a heart attack.” He looked at her. “We sure have missed you, unt that right Ben?” he told her pulling back and smiling at her.

  “Sure have, I think I’ve told her that 3 times today already.”

  Elizabeth reacquainted herself with several long-time staff. Saying hello personally and shaking hands. They had been like family and then those that were new. Some seemed more welcoming than others. When being introduced to two brothers Elizabeth felt their indifference. The older one clearly leading the younger. Who ignored White Dove, and her instructions? Elizabeth frowned. Ben had to tell them twice. White Dove withdrew herself and went inside. Elizabeth had the odd feeling it was not the first time this had happened. She didn’t like it.

  She nodded where needed and looked around her. It was much as she remembered. The house in a colonial style on two floors with over hanging roofs and terraces. A large swing in the front right corner. Native stone on the window surrounds and doors. All fitted with shutters in case of a raid or storm. Her father had put those in she recalled. But they have never had cause to use them. Elizabeth turned and faced the outbuildings that had housed house staff and on the other side, at a slight distance down the road, the bunk house. The area had several corrals housing horses. And next to them the barns.

  A small garden stood on both sides at the front of the house steps. It was just as she remembered it and looked well cared for. They had roses all the way from England in them. Another memory from her mother and father. Elizabeth smiled. It was good to be home. Excusing herself she ran up the steps and went inside to join White Dove.

  Elizabeth found her sitting in one of the great arm chairs by the large open fire that was used in winter. Elizabeth stopped in the large hall with the central staircase. It was beautiful and way over the top for the mid-west. Her father had had it made for her mother who missed such grand things from back East. It opened onto an upper floor with a gallery corridor that led to the bedrooms. All six of them.

  The sitting room was to her right through large double doors. The dining room through similar doors to the left. The kitchen beyond that. Behind the stairs held the house office and downstairs bathroom. There was another bathroom upstairs. It had been a huge extravagance her father had once told her.

  White Dove had taken up some needlecraft. Elizabeth went to her and knelt before her putting her hands over hers.

  “Cousin, this is your home as much as Bens or mine, you must be happy in it. If you are ever not, you must ask me to help and I will.”

  White Dove leaned forward and hugged her. “I know this, sometimes I forget.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “My honorary father once told me, we should never forget and he has been right many times.”

  She rose from her knees. “If you will forgive me, it’s been a long day, I will retire, say goodnight to Ben for me. I’ll see you both this evening.”

  White Dove smiled up at her. “Your room is ready for you.” And with a nod and a hug Elizabeth left her.

  She climbed the stairs and found her way to her old room. The lamp was already lit. It was just exactly as she had left it. A few grown-up edges. Some adult things had been added but it still had all her childish things.

  Elizabeth smiled. Her child’s bed had been removed and a much larger one with a canopy stood in its place. Elizabeth moved around the room. Inspecting the old with the new and was very pleased. “Do you like it?”

  Elizabeth turned to see Ben in the doorway. “Ben, thank you - someone has worked hard on it.” He came in.

  “All White Dove honey she wanted it right for you. She has been planning this day for some time.”

  Elizabeth ran her hands along the lace curtains. “Thank her for me, won’t you Ben.”

  Ben crossed the room to hug her and gave her a squeeze. “I will, get some sleep and we’ll talk tonight.”

  He let her go and turned to walk out.

  “Ben? Are you really glad to see me?” Elizabeth nibbled her lip.

  “Esa, I am child. Sleep well.” He smiled “We’ll talk later.” He turned and closed the door behind him.

  Elizabeth, walked around the room again. Enjoying the moment. She felt elated, better than she had in years. She couldn’t help herself but grinned widely and swing her arms w
ide and twirled. She ended up falling on the bed in a fit of giggles. Not at all lady like. She smiled. Slowly her breathing gradually returned to normal and she lay perfectly still as she had as a child and listened to the sounds of the house.

  The staff coming and going, the animals being led back and forth and the comforting sounds of family throughout the house.

  Elizabeth listened for some time and gradually felt herself slipping into sleep overcome with the events of the last few days. “If I do not go to bed now….” she said aloud, and promptly rose to change for bed. Elizabeth’s valise had been put in her room. She went to it and emptied its contents.

  “Not so much to choose from,” she thought. But then the rest of her belongings would have to come later. She had not worn nightwear for seven nights and she suddenly longed for the freedom it offered. Quickly and silently, Elizabeth undid her travelling jacket and pulled her blouse from the constraints of her skirt. She unbuttoned the blouse and removed it. At the same time, she removed her travelling skirt and tugged at her chemise and removed the corsetry and under slip. Pulling her nightgown over her head and was finished.

  Elizabeth could not remember doing it so quickly before. After a quick wash in the wash stand and brushing of her hair. Elizabeth almost fell into bed. Sleep came immediately.

  ***

  Elizabeth woke to find it still night-time. She could only have been asleep a couple of hours. Restless. The routine of short naps over the past week stuck with her. The room was silent and dark, the only glow in the room coming from the moon in her open window and the soft breeze blowing the curtains. Elizabeth got out of bed and went to the window.

  She hadn’t remembered opening it but guessed that White Dove had come in and done it. Sitting in the middle of the window seat, Elizabeth raised both her knees up under her chin, wrapped her nightdress over them and hugging them close as she used to do as a child. Looking out over the land.

  Even in darkness only illuminated by the moon, it was breath-taking. Elizabeth thought of her parents. How much they would have loved this. Her fully grown. Home and in her old room. She sat there gazing out for – she didn’t know how long, but as the breeze came in, she suddenly realised she had been silently weeping. The tears were cool on her face.

  Elizabeth wiped them away with her hand and suddenly felt cold. All her pent-up emotions hit her at once. She was suddenly uncontrollable. Weeping and wiping and shuddering all at the same time. Silently, from behind her, a blanket encompassed her shoulders and held her close within its embrace.

  Elizabeth remained motionless, still weeping, she didn’t have to look to see who it was. Her weeping was comforted by his presence and she now knew what had awoken her. He had. His presence calming her. Making her feel whole. Elizabeth felt him move to sit behind her. She sighed leaning back into him, her head on his shoulder and looked up over the horizon.

  “This is my home, our land, and I have missed them so very much.” She told him.

  The embrace tightened slightly, pulling her back into his embrace. His arms encompassing her. His head fell forward resting on her shoulder. Breathing her in, he held her to him. It was the only place he wanted to be.

  She wasn’t sure how long they sat together in the night. She must have fallen asleep as she woke in her bed and wondered for a moment, if she had dreamed it all. The house stirred to life and there was a tap on her door.

  “Esa, are you ready for some breakfast?” The door opened, and White Dove entered with a tray.

  “White Dove, no, you’re not to wait on me, I’ll come down and join you and we can eat together.”

  White Dove smiled and nodded and withdrew. Elizabeth quickly rose and washed. Surprised to see that a package had been left for her, she opened it and found it contained all the ranch day wear she needed. Good sturdy trousers, some shirts and a pair of soft leather boots and a good hat.

  She wondered how Ben had known her size. Elizabeth dressed and raced downstairs, used the bathroom and found White Dove in the kitchen with several house staff.

  “Good morning,” she called out as she entered the room.

  “Morning Ms.” They returned in chorus. White Dove, came forward and embraced her.

  “Let me introduce you, and you can have your breakfast.” Elizabeth remembered some of them very well from last night. She made sure they knew she’d remembered them and asked after their families. Others were new and welcoming too.

  White Dove made a point of telling the staff that they must take their instruction from Elizabeth now that she was here. Elizabeth was horrified.

  “White Dove no, you run this house and unless you would rather not, it is still yours to do with as you wish.”

  White Dove smiled. “I would like that very much.”

  “Good let’s have breakfast.” She linked arms with White Dove and headed for the dining room. It was empty.

  “Where is everyone?” she asked looking round.

  “Esa, they and I had breakfast several hours ago.”

  “Oh heck.” Elizabeth said and smiled at the slang. It had been awhile since she had used it. “I forgot how early the day starts here. All that East timing I guess. Tomorrow I want to be up with the hands, please call me till I get used to it again?”

  White Dove smiled. “Of course, now eat”.

  Anna came to the table with an enormous plate of ham and eggs. Elizabeth’s favourite, she instantly got up and hugged White Dove.

  “Thank you for everything.” With a huge grin she tucked in as the coffee arrived.

  A little time later, when she couldn’t eat another bite, she helped take plates back to the kitchen and went outside. Elizabeth stood in the kitchen doorway and looked out over the yard. Several hands said hello to her and she returned their greeting.

  She decided then and there that she needed to take stock of everything. It had been a while since she had walked the grounds of her home and she felt the need to bond with it once more. Elizabeth walked into the barn and called to Joe who she recognised easily. He was tacking a horse.

  “Hi Joe, could you saddle me a horse, I’d do it myself only I’m not sure which to take.” Joe turned to her smiling widely.

  “Good morning miss. It nice to see you up and around. Sadly, we lost your pony a few years back. She had a happy life in the south paddock. Ben wouldn’t sell her you know.”

  Elizabeth smiled back sadly. Something else she’d missed. “Yes I know he wrote and told me, she was a beauty.”

  “You can take ‘Star’ here, she’s an easy ride.” Elizabeth smiled she rode as well as any man. He’d clearly forgotten or thought all that East living would take it away from her. She let it go not wanting to upset him. She had kept up her riding while in the East and she continued to ride like a man when possible to her aunt annoyance.

  “That would be great thank you. I’m heading out South.” Elizabeth took the reins and rubbed the horse’s ears, whispered a hello and mounted. Then headed out the barn. She checked her rifle and took a slow canter, heading to the southern land boundary. Elizabeth rode and walked Star for 3 hours, stopping when something of interest caught her eye. Checking fencing and a watering hole.

  She had ridden in that direction without incident then turned East. Continuing on until she felt dinner should be soon. Then turned Star and headed North/West back towards the house. She stopped once to water Star and made good time. By the time she rode back into the house yard, she had been gone a little over seven hours. And, the place was in uproar.

  From what she could see and hear, White Dove had been trying to get two of the hands to ride out after Elizabeth for the past half an hour.

  But they had ignored her. The older one becoming bullish, verbally abusive and aggressive. White Dove was not giving up. She stood near the barn and persisted as the older hand tried to shame her.

  Elizabeth rode in, they could not see her, but Elizabeth could clearly see the older hand manhandling White Dove. Elizabeth came to a stop at the house p
orch, without dismounting, she reached up and took her father’s bull whip and walked the horse across the yard.

  As she rounded the corner, the two hands saw her, the older one letting go of White Dove. Elizabeth quickly cut her horse in between them. With her eyes never leaving the males faces, she called to White Dove.

  “Are you alright cousin?” Elizabeth from the corner of her eye saw White Dove rub her arm. Elizabeth fumed.

  “Yes I am well Esa.”

  Elizabeth spoke coldly to the men. “You’re fired, both of you. Get your gear and get out.” The older of the two hands started to laugh.

  “Yeah right and who’s gonna make us?”

  Elizabeth looked straight at them. “I will.”

  This time they both laughed, the younger one nervously unsure of his loyalties. Elizabeth deliberately dropped the lead end on the bullwhip to the ground and spoke.

  “Gentleman, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, but you ARE leaving my property and now.”

  Both stopped laughing and started to become edgy. Then, it all happened very quickly. The atmosphere became strained, the older one went to touch his gun and Elizabeth let go with the bullwhip. The first strike hit the older one across the face, opening it up. The down stroke caught the younger one. The next caught the older one across his back as he turned from her and took the gun from his hand. The third rendered the younger one on the floor holding his arm. Both scuttled away from her.