Elias clapped his hand on Josiah’s shoulder. “He’s already got them eating out of the palm of his hand, just like the high-strung bloodstock he worked with outside Nashville.”
Josiah didn’t want to be reminded of the past, and all he’d left behind in Tennessee.
He was determined to focus on the future, instead. “Thoroughbred racers are best left in the East. Practical mounts are what’s needed out west.”
“My baby brother has a special knack with animals. Like your oxen. They followed him like great big puppy dogs this afternoon. And I bet they were much better behaved for you afterward, too.”
Matt’s head bobbed up and down. “It’s a handy skill to have.”
“It’s a way to earn a living,” Josiah conceded. “But not like Elias, here, who can use his medical skills to help people. Now, that’s a talent in short supply in Oregon Country.”
Rebecca nodded. “My parents and sister moved out to the Willamette Valley two years ago, and they arranged a doctoring job for him in Silver Springs.” She beamed with pride at her husband. “The townspeople are building a clinic and house for us that should be completed by the time we arrive.”
Finished with his stew, Josiah set the bowl aside. “While the rest of us will have to scramble to put up some sort of makeshift shelter before winter sets in.”
“Being a doctor does have some perks,” Elias allowed.
Just then, a small dark-haired boy raced past their campfire. He giggled in glee as if playing a game, while his frazzled mother, the preacher’s wife, chased after him.
“Henry Linton, slow down,” she called out. “And watch where you’re going!”
But the little boy paid her no heed. He was still going full speed when he reached his father, a man in his late twenties with a neatly trimmed beard.
The preacher snagged his young son and swung him up into his arms to prevent Henry from barreling over his little sister, who was sitting on the ground playing with a doll. “Whoa there, young man. I think you and I need to have a talk about minding your mama. And having a care around Lizzie.” He sat down with the boy on his lap and spoke in low tones, his expression stern.
Tessa Linton brushed a straggling lock of red hair off her forehead. “I apologize for my son’s behavior. He’s been dashing around all day. I expected that he’d have tuckered himself out by now. I’m certainly worn-out from running after him.”
“Then you deserve a rest.” Rebecca glanced toward the dark-haired preacher. “It looks like David has things well in hand.”
“For the moment, at least.” Tessa’s expression was wearily resigned, but it was edged with affection. “I’d best take advantage of the calm while it lasts.” She moved toward her own campfire and sat down next to her husband.
“What adorable children.” A soft smile tugged at Adela’s lips as she watched the Lintons, her opinion plainly unaffected by the boy’s misbehaving.
The corner of Elias’s mouth curled up in a lopsided grin, then he picked up the thread of their interrupted conversation. “What are your plans for when you reach Oregon, Matt?”
“We have an aunt and uncle in Oregon City and will stay with them to start.”
Adela nodded and her eyes lit up. “Our relatives own an elegant hotel. The dining room’s paneled in solid mahogany, and the lobby has a large crystal chandelier ordered from New York. Although I’ve never seen it, I imagine it’s magnificent.”
“It certainly sounds lovely,” Rebecca acknowledged. “So, you’ll be living in the hotel, then?”
“Oh, no. Uncle Ephraim has a grand two-story house a few blocks from the hotel.” Adela twirled a lock of dark hair around her finger. “The drawing room is big enough for social gatherings, and the dining table can seat a party of twelve.”
“You’re looking forward to a lifestyle similar to what you had back in Saint Louis.” Josiah didn’t bother to phase it as a question since the answer was obvious.
Adela immediately concurred. “Of course. There will be entertainment and music, and we’ll have a string of handsome beaus—”
“We?” Rebecca’s brow pleated in puzzlement.
“Oh! I meant me. And the friends I’m sure to make,” Adela hastily clarified, with an overly bright smile.
Matt spooned the last few bites of stew into his mouth as if suddenly in a hurry. “It’s getting late. Adela and I better head back to our wagon.” He placed his empty bowl in Rebecca’s outstretched hand. “Thank you for a delicious meal, Mrs. Dawson—Rebecca,” he quickly corrected.
“You’re welcome,” Rebecca replied with a smile, then moved to collect Adela’s bowl and stack it with the other one. “Why don’t I come by in the morning to give you some pointers on how to prepare breakfast?”
Adela’s mouth dropped open at the words. “I have to make breakfast, too?”
“Certainly. Our men need food to fuel them through the long day of travel and work. But don’t worry. I’ll show you how easy it is.”
Adela offered a weak smile, clearly not looking forward to another cooking attempt so soon after tonight’s disaster. “Thank you.”
Josiah’s eyes followed the Prescott siblings as they crossed to their own dying campfire, and yesterday’s conversation with Miles replayed in his mind. The wagon master had expressed concern that the Prescotts might prove a burden to others.
To ensure that didn’t become an issue, Matt and his sister had to be self-sufficient. Though it wouldn’t happen overnight, a little guidance might speed up the process.
Whatever you did for the least of My brothers, you did for Me.
If he accompanied Rebecca on her visit in the morning, he could offer his assistance should Matt encounter any problems rounding up his oxen or hitching them to the covered wagon.
* * *
Dusk had fallen, and a cold wind blew into the camp, cutting through the thin fabric of Mattie’s cotton shirt. But worse than the chill in the air was the creeping uncertainty she couldn’t shake. Had she and Adela revealed too much to the Dawson family?
Glancing back, she found Josiah’s gaze on her and quickly turned away to build up the fire.
A yip sounded in the distance.
Adela jumped and peered into the gathering darkness. “What was that?”
“I’m not sure.” It wasn’t a sound she’d ever heard before.
Several answering cries followed, seeming much closer than the first.
“Are they going to attack us?”
It would only add to Adela’s fright if Mattie admitted to her own. “I’m sure they won’t come near this many people. And the guards will keep them away from the livestock. You should try to get some sleep. We have to be up early in the morning.”
“I don’t think I can sleep.”
“You’ll be safe in the wagon.”
Once Adela was gone, Mattie felt completely defenseless. Though the younger girl’s presence wasn’t any sort of protection, concern for her had served to keep the worst of Mattie’s fears at bay.
Now, they rushed in to attack without mercy, setting her heart pounding.
She shivered, and though it was only partly due to the dropping temperature, she pulled on her father’s coat. Inhaling his familiar cologne and the smell of the peppermint candies, which he’d been so fond of, made her feel he was still with her in some small way.
Would