Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,26

despite the rules, many continue to speak their Native language at home.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Clint looked at Tom in disbelief. “It only causes irritation and fighting. There are multiple tribes here. They need a common language.”

“But you just said they had one.”

Clint shook his head. “They need to speak English for their own good. They will never be accepted into the white community—they will never be given white jobs if they can’t speak English.”

“I wasn’t suggesting they not be taught English, but why is it wrong for them to speak their Native tongue at home? Why is it wrong for them to keep their culture alive? After all, that’s why I’m here. The government is worried that these cultures will all be lost to the ages.”

“You sound like the priest. He encourages them to keep their cultures alive as well. I’ve told him before—and the nuns as well—that one of these days it’ll backfire on them, and we’ll have an uprising.”

“Maybe you’d find a more peaceful and cooperative people if you worked to incorporate their beliefs and culture into their everyday life. Maybe the children would be more eager to learn if they could share their heritage rather than shun it. I’ve always known the Indians to be a proud people.”

Clint shook his head again. “You’ve got a lot to learn, Tom. We teeter on the brink of war every day. We dare not give even one of these people a reason to fight, and that includes reminding them of the past. I’ve been fearful since hearing about your work to catalog the various tribes. Mark my words, this is only going to stir up trouble. The people, once reminded of their old ways, are going to fight to perpetuate their traditions and language. You may well find yourself undoing decades of work, to the detriment of all.”

Chapter 7

I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come see you while Mr. Tom Lowell was still in town,” Major Wells told Seth. “I would have appreciated getting to meet him.”

“We discussed the situation and the things I’d learned in the past. I told him about our concerns about who was now in charge, since Lakewood and Berkshire are dead.” Seth shook his head. “We know there are others involved, but no doubt they are being very cautious.”

“No doubt.” Major Wells picked up the cup of coffee Nancy had poured him earlier. “Even the local gatherings are being less public with their speaking events.”

“Perhaps they realize that they’re being watched. I don’t trust that Gerome Berkshire kept such things to himself. He might have been spying for us to save himself from jail, but I know he wasn’t completely forthcoming with information.”

Wells put the cup back on the table with a nod. “It will be good to have a man at one of the reservations.”

“And a woman.” Seth chuckled. “Nancy’s cousin Connie is not easily dismissed. She is angry about her folks being accused. She intends to see them cleared of any supposed guilt. I thought Nancy was stubborn, but Connie is more tenacious than any of them. She’s also the adventurous type. She won’t back down from a challenge, even if it’s dangerous.”

“That could cause more trouble than good,” Wells replied. “I can’t believe the officials brought her in on this.”

“They didn’t. Connie more or less imposed herself on them. They don’t know it, however, and I need your promise that you’ll say nothing on the matter.”

Wells frowned. “I owe my allegiance to the government of the United States.”

“I realize that. I’m only asking that you don’t volunteer this information. I’m sharing this with you because I want you to understand how much I believe in this family and their innocence. Please say nothing.”

“Very well. I’ll remain silent for now. However, if I see something amiss, I’ll have to reconsider.” His brow furrowed. “There very well could be unforeseen problems. I’ve never known women to keep a balanced mind when emotional connections were concerned. I fear that her love of her parents will blind her.”

Seth shook his head. “I don’t think so. I think she’s a very collected and reasonable young woman. I believe she’ll be beneficial to everyone concerned.”

“And if it turns out her parents are involved? Will she be forthcoming with the truth?”

Seth considered the question. “I believe she will be the first to declare the truth. It won’t be easy, and she won’t like it, but Connie is staunch in her desire for truth. She would want to see her