Shank ordered them to press forward an hour longer that day than usual, and they were all exhausted. Hope put Daniel’s wagon back in order while he sat and shaved. She dried out the contents of the wagon as best she could. Some of his bedding was still wet, but he said he’d sleep on it, anyway. She shrugged and walked back to her tent. Hope knew she’d fallen asleep fast because she missed Anna peeking into her tent to say goodnight, as she always did.
Each day was a replica of the day before: more walking, more dust, and several river crossings. They saw the Indians charging tolls to access water crossings. Daniel paid the fares, ate whatever she gave him, and remained quiet.
After a week of traveling, she saw a tear roll down Daniel's cheek as she served dinner. He was holding a small locket in his hand. She looked over his shoulder and saw the locket contained a tiny photograph of Nancy.
“Daniel,” she said kindly, “you must try to remember that God’s in charge, and he allows things to happen for a reason.”
He quickly dropped the locket into his shirt pocket. “What reason would God have to take my wife away from me?”
“We don’t have the answer to things like that, but there's been sin in the world ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and sin brings illness and suffering. Some people die young, and we need to accept that and move on. Nancy’s with God, now, and she's probably rejoicing in heaven with people she knows up there.”
Daniel patted the locket in his breast pocket. “How would you know?”
“I’m a Christian, and I read the Bible.”
Daniel’s eyes glowed from the fire. “Your husband was nothing but a crook. No wonder you can handle his death so well. My Nancy was a saint.”
“I didn’t know he was a crook, and he was still my husband.”
“He was a thief! I can understand God taking him, but not Nancy.”
Hope knew that she didn’t grieve for Callum deep inside, but Daniel’s words angered her. He had no right to say such things. She grabbed the plates and cooking pan and marched down to the river to wash them.
She left Daniel by the fire to brood after she’d put the dishes away and walked to her tent. Hope dreaded each day with Daniel.
Hope was too angry to fall asleep right away, so she peeked out of her tent and saw Anna sitting on a log by the fire. She crawled out and sat beside her.
“Hope! How’s it going with Daniel?”
“He’s… I don’t like him much, Anna.”
“Keep his recent loss in mind, dear.”
“I know, but he said some hurtful things.”
“Will you marry him when we get to Fort Laramie?”
“Absolutely not. Even if it means I have to stay there instead of moving on to Oregon.”
“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. I’d hoped you two might hit it off. I think it’s just too soon for him. You won’t have to stay there. Walter and I will take you with us.”
“Thank you. It’s too soon for us both,” Hope replied. “Goodnight, Anna.”
Hope went back into her tent and thought about things. She might not have been in love with Callum, but she was sorry he was dead. The whole situation made her want to avoid ever marrying again. Daniel Townsend wouldn’t be any better a husband than Callum. Perhaps she’d be better off leaving the train, her feet were sore from walking, she craved real food, and she was sick to death of cooking over a fire.
Chapter Six
Daniel couldn’t get comfortable in his tent. He should never have said what he had to Hope. She’d done her best to help him. He’d have to apologize or make it up to her. One thing driving him to such rage was that not only had he lost his beloved, Nancy, but now Shank was forcing him to marry a stranger so soon after Nancy’s death. He couldn’t do it. Still, he needed to get to Oregon, and he couldn't manage alone. The only way to get there was to accept Hope’s help.
His father’s attorney had written him three months ago to let him know that his father was dying, and he had to get there before he passed. He had to see him one more time.
The next morning, Hope went into the wagon and pulled out food for breakfast.
Daniel approached her. “Hope, I’m sorry for what I said yesterday.”
“Thank you,” she said without looking at him. She continued to look for something in a crate. “You’re forgiven.”
“Can I help you find something?”
“No. I’ve found it. We’ll have cheese and apples for breakfast… again.”
“Is the ham gone?”
“No, but I thought we’d save the meat for hot suppers.”
Daniel shrugged. “You’re right. It would taste better then. If we stop for the day before dark, I’ll do some hunting.”
She turned to him and held out an apple. “Do you want to eat it whole or shall I cut it into wedges for you?”
It was the first time he'd noticed Hope—really noticed her. She was tiny and beautiful, with long, golden hair. Her large eyes were the color of coffee and just as warm. If she hadn’t known her husband was a crook, then not only had she lost a husband, but she’d been lied to and mistreated. He’d overheard the way her husband had talked to her a few times as he’d been loud. Daniel smiled at her. “Thank you. I’ll put it in my pocket and
