Julia by McDonough Vickie

Author:McDonough, Vickie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maverick Press
Published: 2019-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Julia walked alongside the oxen, doing next to nothing to keep the well-trained animals in line. Pa had decided to drive Tilley’s wagon, since she seemed overly upset by the attack, and with Billy walking with the Cook children, Julia was alone, which suited her just fine. She wasn’t in the mood to talk anyway.

If only Mama were here, but she was gone, and now Pepper was too. Unshed tears burned her sore eyes. Pepper had been lost in the attack, and although her father had searched for the mare, he couldn’t find her. Julia had spent much of last night mourning the loss her old friend. She rubbed her eyes, still puffy from the many tears she’d shed.

Then this morning, her heart had lurched when she saw Taylor waiting for her while she was talking to Ruth. But before she was done, he left to help the Germans with their wounded man. She’d been both relieved and disappointed at not talking to him. As much as she wanted to spend time with Taylor, she had decided that she needed to comply with her father’s wishes. Pa had been through so much already. He didn’t need for her to dishonor him by disobeying him.

Although it hurt her to do so, she needed to avoid Taylor Marshall. Perhaps one of the other unmarried women on the wagon train would attract his attention if she stayed away. They were sure to run into one another accidentally, but she would do her best to discourage his interest.

She knew that respecting her father’s wishes was the right thing to do, but why did it hurt so much? It wasn’t as if Taylor had declared his intentions. They were merely friends. And yet, she felt they could be much more given the chance. She’d even dreamed of a future with him.

“Why the long face?”

Julia jerked her head to the side at the sound of Winnie’s voice. As much as she liked her friend, she wasn’t sure she wanted to discuss Taylor with her.

“Are ya frettin’ about another attack?” Winnie fell into pace with her. “I gotta say I felt better knowin’ them attackers was white men. Does that sound crazy as a loon?”

Julia shrugged. She enjoyed talking with Winnie, but she wanted to be alone this morning. “Either way, I don’t like it. People were hurt and livestock lost.”

“I felt so bad ’bout Mr. Warren dyin’. It’s good he’ll be buried at Fort Larned and not on the trail like Ruth’s husband was.”

“That should give Mrs. Warren some comfort. But going to the fort means we’re taking the Dry Route instead of the Wet Route. I have to say that worries me some, since there isn’t much access to water.”

“Isaac’s frettin’ about that too, but at least it’s the shorter trail.”

“That’s true.”

“I was real sorry to hear that yer horse was taken. I know ya loved her.”

Julia nodded, afraid if she spoke just then, she’d break down in tears.

They walked along in silence for a while, with Winnie patting Hallie’s back whenever the little girl fussed.

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