Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,100
here about the failed uprising.”
“I don’t want us to lose our jobs.” Connie looked to Rosy and then her brother. “We were just starting to make friends.”
Isaac crossed his arms. “Well, there’s also the issue of Mother and Father. We need to ensure their names are cleared and see what the government plans for them. Besides, they’ve got the legal issues of their marriage to sort out.”
“It’s ridiculous.” Connie shook her head. “I don’t want to think about it. Tom, as soon as the doctor says you can travel, we’re heading back to Portland to see to this matter.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He feigned a salute.
She gave him a look. “Are you suggesting that I’m in charge?”
Tom chuckled and pulled the blanket up under his chin. “I think we both know the answer to that.”
Connie walked outside with her brother. It was already midday, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished. I’ll bet Rosy and Tom are hungry too.”
“You’re going to cook?”
“Of course. Why not?”
Isaac shrugged. “I didn’t know you could. Ma said you spent the last seven years with your nose in books.”
“I also learned more about cooking and sewing. Aunt Phinny is an amazing woman. She enjoys a beautiful home and servants, but her modest upbringing taught her many skills. Where Mama’s training left off, hers picked up. I can make some of the most amazing dishes you’ve ever tasted. There’s one chicken dish in a mustard sauce that—”
“Stop,” he begged. “Don’t talk anymore, just cook.” He pushed her toward the shortcut through the trees.
She laughed. “Go kill me a chicken.”
Chapter 24
Connie sat between her mother and Tom as they waited for Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson to be introduced. Connie was delighted to be able to hear her speak about the Indian plight. It held special meaning in light of everything that had happened.
When Faith came onto the stage, the audience began to applaud. She was dressed in a blue evening gown with a tightly corseted waist. The three-quarter sleeves were trimmed in ivory lace, as was the square-cut bodice. Nancy and Connie had both helped her arrange her hair in a much fussier fashion than Faith normally wore, and she looked gorgeous.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she began. “I am honored to introduce Mrs. Jackson this evening. Having heard her speak in Colorado, I can tell you that you are in for an evening of great information and a rousing presentation.” She continued to tell the audience some of Mrs. Jackson’s background.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Connie whispered to her mother. Mama gave a nod, but it was Tom who leaned in to answer.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you are.”
Connie’s cheeks grew hot, and she threw a quick sidelong glance his way. “Hush.”
He gave a low chuckle, then ran his fingers over the back of her gloved hand. Connie couldn’t even focus on what Faith was saying. This romance stuff was enough to completely dislodge one’s thoughts.
“And now I give you Mrs. Jackson.”
There was thunderous applause as a stylish older woman walked across the stage. Connie was anxious to hear what she had to say after hearing Faith speak so highly of her. Yet for all her desire, she was more than a little aware of the handsome man at her side.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be able to speak to you this evening. Many of you who are familiar with my work know that my heart is to better the fate of the American Indian. Tonight, I would like to speak about what I have learned as I’ve traveled this fair land.
“At this time, there are between two hundred and fifty thousand and three hundred thousand Indians in America, not including Alaska. Many tribes are now extinct due to war and disease, but of those remaining, there are around three hundred separate tribes.”
She stepped to the side of the podium. “Many were annihilated at the hands of white men determined to rid the world of those they called savage. Looking at their deeds, I wonder who truly was the savage.”
Mrs. Jackson continued speaking. Her comments made Connie think of Clint. He was sitting in jail and certain to be found guilty and hanged. The thought of someone she’d grown up knowing, someone she had once loved, being hanged sickened her. She knew he had done wrong—had even threatened to kill her—but Connie couldn’t find it in herself to want him to die.