Red Bird's Song (35 page)

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mister Buchanan,” Hugh Ramsey continued. “No doubt we shall see more of each other on our journey to the Fort. Now if you will excuse us, we must be on our way.” With a slight bow, he turned and drew Charity away with him.

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Mechee and I are going to stay with his father!"

Rob still hadn't uttered a word.

Cheerful voices called to the adopted Englishman as Hugh Ramsey lingered outside the
wickon
. Charity ducked under the buffalo hide and followed Wicomechee inside. Colin looked up from the small group clustered around Eyes of the Wolf, his expression bleak.

"I hear your father's come,
NiSawsawh
. And a detachment of soldiers."

Wicomechee slid in to sit beside him. “
Notha
is the one
Nimesoomtha
said would aid us. He wishes to take Red Bird and me to stay with him, for a time."

The incredulity in Colin's expression lessened his gloom. “Is the man insane?"

"I thought so.” Wicomechee caught Charity's hand and pulled her down into his lap. “
Notha
insists he can do this."

"Wait until you meet Mechee's Papa, big brother. You will like him."

"I've always had a fondness for eccentrics. Ah well, at least we can all be together for my hanging."

"Oh, Colin—don't speak so.” Lips quivering, Emma buried her face in her hands.

"What's a hanging?” Lily asked, trying to shove James from Colin's lap.

The little boy pushed her down onto the bear skin. “It's when they tie a rope around your neck and—"

"Never mind,” Colin said. “And stop that tussling.” He dodged the children and circled his arm around Emma. “Sorry, darling. I shouldn't have been so blunt."

Wicomechee lifted his hand to her back. “Do not fear so.
Notha
will aid us, also you."

Eyes of the Wolf asked, “Did I not tell you this?"

"Yes,” Colin agreed, “but I'm wanted for murder."

"Mechee's father knows all about you,” Charity said.

"How on earth—” Colin began, breaking off as the flap lifted and Hugh Ramsey entered, bringing a sense of vitality into the somber gathering.

Eyes of the Wolf rose. “Welcome,
Niquithe
, my son. Remove your hat and coat. Sit with us. These wait for you."

Colin was too encumbered by the children to rise, but he appraised the newcomer. “I'm told you know of me, sir?"

Hugh Ramsey returned Colin's close regard. “Your name, certainly. I find it highly unlikely another would bear the same. And I see before me the very image of my father in his youth. His portrait hangs in my hall."

Charity had never seen Colin at such a loss for words.

"He was also your mother's father,” Mister Ramsey said. “My dear sister, Sara."

Comprehension flashed in Colin's widened gaze. “Uncle Hugh?"

"The same."

"Good God. Emma, he's the uncle I tried to reach.” Putting James and Lily aside, Colin got to his feet. “I don't believe it. How in the world—"

His uncle caught him in a hearty embrace and choked off his outpouring. He pounded Colin's back, and then held him at arms length for another look. “I'd give you a scolding if I wasn't so relieved. I've heard a bit about your doings, and gather you've all been through a great deal together."

"That we have, Uncle, and you shall hear our adventures in time. But first, you must meet my darling Emma."

"Gladly.” Mister Ramsey motioned for Emma to remain as she was. “Please, don't get up, dear lady."

Colin rejoined her and patted the space beside him. “Come sit between son and nephew."

An even more incredible relationship occurred to Charity. “Good heavens. That makes you cousins."

Colin clapped Wicomechee on the back. “I always felt there was more between us."

Wicomechee thumped him in return. “We are much alike."

"You both have quite a temper,” Charity said.

"They came by that honestly.” Hugh Ramsey hung his coat from a pole. The tailored cloth made a marked contrast with the buckskins. His expensive hat followed. “I haven't always been known for my cool head. Temper runs in the family.” He settled between the young men.

"You have need of a cool head now. Many lives depend on you,” Eyes of the Wolf reminded him.

"I know,
Notha
, and am deeply grateful for the second chance I've been given."

"You will do well,
Niquithe
."

"After all this time, you still believe in me?"

"I knew you would return.” He swept his hand at the circle. “Your place at the fire has been waiting for you."

"So it has. As long as I have breath I will come. If only Netathwe could have known."

"She has peace now."

Hugh Ramsey embraced the older warrior. “I hope so."

"She loved you to the end,
Notha
. She said."

He swiveled his head at his son. “You were with her?"

"She spoke your name in my ear. Her final words."

"You never told me this,” Eyes of the Wolf chided him.

"I could not."

His father's moist gaze met Wicomechee's. “Thank you for telling me. I never stopped loving her or you. I can't undo the past, but by heaven I shall deal with the present."

Wiping at his eyes, he turned his attention to Colin. “You've collected quite a family, I see.” He touched Emma's cheek. “And you, dear lady, have my sympathy for all you've been forced to endure. Despite everything, I perceive that you are also devoted to my nephew?"

"I am."

"Then I will lay no fault upon him.” Hugh Ramsey smiled. “Are all of these accompanying us to my estate?"

Colin held up his hand. “Wait, am I?"

"Of course."

"But how? I'm told you know of my circumstances?"

"I do. Your father wrote me at length."

"I also wrote to you, Uncle."

"I never received that letter."

"I'll wager I know who did."

A gleam lit Hugh Ramsey's eyes. “Oliver Montgomery. He will trouble you no more. There's nothing like pointing your sword at a man's gullet to gain his cooperation."

"You called that dandy out?"

"He chose swords. I'm even deadlier with pistols."

Wicomechee grinned. “
Notha
defended you well,
NiSawsawh
."

"So it would seem. What of Oliver's vindictive brother? Did you sail to London and deal with Lord Montgomery?"

"No need. It seems he had similar inclinations as his vile son. An outraged husband put an end to him."

"I'm delighted to hear there's some justice in this world, but what of the charges?” Colin pressed.

"With Lord Montgomery dead and buried, one of the seconds at your duel came forward and cleared your name."

"So, I'm a free man?"

"If we keep your part in the battle of Bushy Run to ourselves. And one or two other matters."

Emma clapped a hand to her mouth and burst into tears. “Thank you, Uncle,” Colin said huskily. “I expect we'll have to watch our backs. Oliver will attempt to get even."

"He's rather humiliated for that just now, finding the air in France more to his liking at present."

"Big on dueling, the French. Perhaps he will annoy someone less forgiving than you."

"I preferred to let him live with his embarrassment. Your father will be overjoyed to hear of your recovery."

"Poor man. How is my sister Rachel?"

"Happily wed. The couple resides on his estate. You best not tell them how you came by your wife when you write."

"Speaking of wives, why did the family never learn of yours? I knew you'd spent time in the frontier, but had no idea you could be the Englishman Eyes of the Wolf spoke of."

"My father insisted I keep this secret. But he's gone now. I'm not ashamed I had a Shawnee wife. Netathwe was all that is good.” He clasped Wicomechee's arm. “And I'm so proud of you, Kitate. It is high time word went out."

Charity sat with her new father by the fire. How different this humble lodge must be from the elegant house on his estate. “Do you have Christmas parties, Papa?"

He took her fingers in his. “Yes, lovely affairs."

"I think I visited your house in a dream. People were feasting and dancing. Mechee was there."

"So he shall be. And I promise you we shall have dancing. Caroline adores it."

Wicomechee bent down and poked up the fire with a stick. “Your wife?"

"Yes. I married again, years after Netathwe died. Caroline's a gracious woman. I told her about your mother, Kitate, and you. She knows I'm here."

"Has this woman given you children,
Notha
?"

He shook his head. “A great disappointment to us both."

Charity squeezed his hand. “Your family has swelled overnight. Will your wife mind you returning with so many?"

"Caroline will adore having more people about the house. I'm so often out traveling the estate. She grows lonely."

Emma tucked Mary Elizabeth into her basket. “I'm accustomed to Colin making a fuss over horses."

"Good. I've many mounts for him to tend to."

"He will need the distraction, Uncle. Colin will find it very difficult to leave these people."

"Who knows better than I what he faces? Still, he has you and the children, and the company of his brother."

Emma sat beside Hugh Ramsey. “I hope ‘tis enough."

"When he lies in bed at night with you beside him, he will be content, as will you, Kitate."

Wicomechee knelt and wrapped his arms around Charity. “Always then I will be content, and never would I be if she lay in the arms of another.” His mouth tightened in the manner Charity knew well. “I do not like the way this captain looks at her,
Notha
. It is good I am coming with you."

"I hope you aren't going to attack him."

"Mechee, you must behave on this journey,” Charity said.

"And at my home,” his father added. “I can't have you starting a war with the neighbors."

"If your son doesn't, your nephew may,” Emma warned.

"I shall have my hands full, I see."

Wicomechee shrugged. “Your neighbors would do well not to provoke us."

"I shall certainly caution them, though it's likely to give old lady Patterson a start."

"We will not challenge her,
Notha
,” he smiled.

"I am relieved to hear it. That's one less for me to trouble with."

Charity wasn't convinced. “Promise me you will be on your very best behavior, Mechee."

"I will promise only my love.” He stood, pulling her up with him. “You have rested. We will seek my brother. You wish to come,
Notha
?"

He nodded at Emma and Lily. “Thank you, no. I will remain with these fair ladies."

"As you like.” He took Charity's hand, and ushered her from the snug room and out past rows of bark covered lodges.

"Not so fast,” she pleaded.

He slowed. “Forgive me. I forgot."

"Someday I will race you again."

"Like the deer,” he said.

The sun was an orange ball slipping behind the trees. “I can't believe we've been here so short a time. I hate to go."

"You did not wish to come."

"Maybe it will be the same for you at your father's."

He shook his head. “I am Shawnee. Never will I forget. This is where I belong."

"We will return, Mechee."

"I fear you will become accustomed to English life and wish to stay."

"I will go where my husband takes me."

"In the planting moon, we will return here."

"I shall be swollen with child by then,
Wyshetche
."

He smiled through the pain in his eyes. “I will find a big horse to carry you."

They walked on through the blue twilight and saw Colin in the grassy enclosure with the horses. James was perched on Stuart's back, while he rubbed the gelding down. He waved as they approached. Dusk didn't fully conceal his troubled eyes.

"I'm nearly finished here. I've bid farewell to Muga and Posetha, even Outhowwa. I never thought I'd be doing that."

James was glum. “I wanted to be a warrior."

"So did I, lad."

"If I can't be one, I want to live with you, Uncle Papa."

Colin lifted the little boy from Stuart and hugged him before standing him on the ground. “We've been all through this, James. You can visit us, but your mama needs you."

"Mama don't let me have no fun."

"She's staying with your Uncle Robin now. You like him,” Charity coaxed.

"I like Uncle Papa and Wicomechee better. It's not fair Lily gets to live with them and the new grandfather."

"Leaving here won't be easy for any of us. Wait until you discover the joy of breeches,
NiSawsawh
,” Colin said.

Charity slipped her fingers under Stuart's mane to warm them. “It can't be all that bad."

"One gets used to it, as you will to corsets."

"Not those. I hated stays."

"All proper ladies wear them, little sister."

"I don't know the first thing about being a proper lady."

A smile lightened Wicomechee's expression. He leaned against the docile horse. “Wear what you like. I shall."

"Oh, no,” Colin said. “Your father's not going to allow us to go about dressed as we are now. Charity will have to put Netathwe's creation aside and you must adjust to breeches. I refuse to touch a wig. Riding boots aren't bad, though."

"Perhaps I could abide boots.” Wicomechee's tone held little joy at the prospect.

"Boots would be fine,” James offered.

Wicomechee tousled his hair. “You shall have a pair."

Stars appeared overhead and the night air grew chill. “We should return to the
wickon
,” Colin said, but neither man made a move. Sensing their desire to linger, Charity snuggled against Wicomechee as bright stars filled the cold night.

Eyes of the Wolf appeared in the blackness with the stealth of the animal he was named for. He stood with them, gazing up into the sky. “Tomorrow you go from me."

Colin sighed. “As you knew we would."

"My heart is heavy to see you go, yet you must."