Savage Spring (30 page)

Alexandria stepped up on deck, breathing in the fresh, clean morning air, thinking how good it was to be alive. She waited for Tag and his father to join her as she watched Claudia being taken away.

All at once, Claudia broke away from her captor and ran down the deck of the ship. Before anyone could stop her, she quickly climbed up on the railing and jumped overboard.

Alexandria ran to the railing and stared down into the water. She could see the waves rippling against the ship and strained her eyes to find Claudia. Suddenly Claudia surfaced and cried out as she struggled to stay afloat.

“Help me, someone—I can’t swim!” Claudia cried.

Several men dived off the railing of the ship and swam toward the drowning woman, but Alexandria knew they wouldn’t reach her in time. She watched as Claudia was swept away in the current, soon to be lost from sight.

Alexandria shuddered and closed her eyes as she felt Tag come up beside her. She heard him mutter softly.

“It is ended, Morning Song,” he said, not realizing he had spoken aloud. “Your spirit can now be at peace.”

Russell James placed his arm around Alexandria’s shoulder. “Let’s go home, my dear—it’s all over,” he said in a kind voice, hugging her to him.

Alexandria had bathed, eaten a light supper in her room, and had now fallen into an exhausted sleep. The horrible ordeal of the last two days had taken its toll on her, and her sleep was deep.

Tag and his father sat in the study getting reacquainted over glasses of brandy.

“I suppose you will be wanting to move onto the estate tomorrow,” Tag said, still unable to believe his father was actually alive. Now as he gazed at his father’s face it stirred many boyhood memories, and he wondered why he hadn’t recognized him at once. He supposed it was because he had believed him to be dead.

“No, not until the whole house has been completely redecorated
and every stick of furniture replaced. I have an aversion to living in that house until it has been restored to its original beauty,” his father told him.

“You’ve been inside then?”

Russell smiled. “Yes, on several occasions, but unknown to the Landons, of course.” He took a sip of his brandy and set the glass down. “You have grown into a fine young man, Tag. Tell me…where is Joanna?”

Tag leaned back, knowing the rest of the night would be spent in recalling the past and telling his father about Joanna and Windhawk and Morning Song—about their life and the Blackfoot Indians.

Russell listened to his son speak, interrupting him every so often to ask a question. It was hard for him to visualize his daughter married to an Indian, but when Tag told him how Windhawk had saved his and Joanna’s life, the objections he felt seemed to diminish. He could hear the love and respect in his son’s voice when he spoke of Windhawk.

Tag told his father of his own marriage to Morning Song and about her tragic death.

After he had finished speaking, both men lapsed into silence for a long time. Finally Russell spoke. “I can hardly imagine being a grandfather. I hope you will understand that I am a bit horrified by the fact that my daughter is married to an Indian and my grandchildren are all half-breeds. I suppose at one time in my life I would have strongly objected, but I have lived a lifetime and have seen many things. Hopefully learned a few things.”

“I think you will like Windhawk, Father. He is like no man I have ever known, whether he be white or Indian.”

“Well, I’m sure as hell going to find out. I have every intention of seeing your sister. I will expect you to take me to her.”

Tag smiled. “I thought you might feel that way.”

“We will leave as soon as I put things in order here. Will we take Alexandria with us?” Russell asked, watching his son’s face closely.

“I…don’t know, Father. She may not want to go.”

“Why don’t you ask her and find out?”

“I think because I’m afraid she will say no.”

“She is quite a lady, this wife of yours. If I were you, I wouldn’t let her slip away.”

Tag looked at the ceiling for a moment and then back to his father. “Tell me, what have you been doing all these years? We thought you were dead,” he said, in an obvious attempt to change the subject.

“For the most part, I have sailed the seven seas. I don’t know if you are aware of it, but Howard Landon hired a man to come to Oregon to kill me.”

“Simon suspected as much, but we thought the man had succeeded, and so did Howard Landon—what happened?”

“You may well ask. As it happened, the man did smother a friend of mine to death, thinking it was me. As you will remember, I sent word that you and your sister were to take a ship and come to me in Oregon. When the
Althea
docked, and you and Joanna weren’t on board, I boarded her, heading back to Philadelphia to find out what had happened to the two of you. There was a fierce storm, which blew us off course in the Atlantic, and the
Althea
went aground somewhere off the coast of Florida. Many of the passengers and crew were shanghaiied by a Russian merchant ship—and I didn’t get free until a year ago.”

“We Jameses are not known for living simple, quiet lives, are we?” Tag asked, smiling.

Russell picked up his glass and held it out to his son in a salute. “No, but we sure as hell are survivors.”

“Joanna is going to be overjoyed when she learns that you are alive, Father.”

“Do you think there is any chance she will come back to Philadelphia with us?”

“No; she would never leave Windhawk, nor would he allow her to go. She’s happy, and that’s all anyone can ask out of life.”

“I suppose so, son. What about you—will you return to Philadelphia with me?”

“I don’t know. Much of my future plans will depend on Alexandria.”

“I hope you will come back with me, Tag. I always had the dream that you would one day grow up and I could rename the business James and Son.”

Tag was thoughtful for a moment. “I find myself torn, Father. I have lived as an Indian since I was twelve. Mine was a peaceful and rewarding existence. When I returned to Philadelphia, I found an artificial world that I didn’t belong in and didn’t understand.”

“What about Alexandria? Surely you don’t find her artificial, son?”

Tag gazed deep into his father’s eyes. “No, she is the most real thing that has ever happened to me.”

“You said that you loved Morning Song. Does her ghost stand between you and Alexandria?”

“No. I have loved two unique and wonderful women. Morning Song belongs to the past…without Alexandria, I have no future.”

“She must love you. I feel sure she does.”

“I don’t know. I suppose I’m afraid to ask her for fear of what she may say.”

“You can’t know until you ask.”

“How soon do you think we can leave?” Tag asked, changing the subject again.

Russell James drained his glass and stood up. “We should be ready to leave in about a month.”

“You understand that more than likely we will have to winter with the Blackfoot—since it is almost summer now. Winter comes early to Blackfoot country.”

“Will I be welcome in the Indian village, do you think?”

Tag smiled. “You will be astounded by the welcome you will receive by Windhawk and his Blood Blackfoot. Joanna is very important to the tribe—as her father, I expect you’ll be offered a rousing welcome!”

Alexandria awoke the next morning, feeling stiff and sore all over. She turned toward the window and thought about the events of the previous two days. It was hard to realize that Claudia was dead, and Melvin and her other accomplices were locked away, awaiting justice.

Alexandria had never known anyone who was so evil. Barbara and Rodney were not unlike Claudia in some respects, but although they had schemed and plotted to take Meadowlake away from her, she doubted that they would ever plan to kill anyone.

Spring was over, and so was a chapter of Alexandria’s life. She watched the cool summer breeze stir the curtains at the windows. Tag had helped her overcome all her difficulties, and she could now return to Meadowlake with no fear of her stepmother and Rodney.

It was wonderful that Tag and his father had been reunited. Now perhaps Tag could put the bitterness out of his heart and look forward to a bright future. Alexandria knew she wouldn’t be a part of that future. It was very painful thinking about leaving Tag, but she had decided it was time for her to go home to Meadowlake. It didn’t matter that, according to the law, she was Tag’s wife. As painful as it was to admit, Alexandria knew Tag still had deep feelings for Morning Song. She herself needed some time to be alone at Meadowlake, so she could reflect on her future.

How different her life was now. At one time, all she had wanted was to live at Meadowlake in peace and contentment, without Barbara’s constant badgering and Rodney’s leering glances. Now she knew that wouldn’t be enough. Alexandria had found a true and lasting love, and she would never love another man as deeply as she did Tag.

What Alexandria really wanted to do was to tell Tag of her love and beg him to allow her to stay with him. But she knew she had been little more than a nuisance to him—it was past time for her to leave. She had worn out her welcome, and she knew it would be best if she were gone when Tag and his father returned in the afternoon.

Alexandria jumped out of bed and hurriedly put on her clothing. She had made her decision. She would go home to Meadowlake! It was past the planting season, but if she worked very hard, she could still put in some crops for this year’s harvest. Again she reminded herself that she was her mother’s daughter. She would be strong and face whatever the future had in store for her.

When she reached the dining room, she found Farley eating his breakfast, so she sat down beside him.

“I’m glad to see you back, Farley. We missed you around here.”

He shoveled a hot biscuit into his mouth, and grinned. “I heard you had some excitement while I was gone. Sorry I missed it.”

Alexandria smiled at the old man who had become so dear to her. “We could have used you. Tell me, what do you think of Meadowlake?”

Farley shook his fork at her. “I like your farm better than this here place, but it’s still a tad too civilized to suit me. I was glad when Tag told me this morning that we was going home.”

“You…and Tag are returning to the Blackfoot village?” she asked, as her heart seemed to break into a thousand tiny pieces.

“Yep, as soon as things get cleared up here. I surely was surprised to learn that stranger was Tag and Joanna’s pa, weren’t you?”

“No, I have known for some time who he was.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so, then?” Farley asked pointedly, giving her an amazed glance.

“Mr. James asked me not to tell anyone.”

“Well, I’ll be a lop-eared jackrabbit. I found me another woman who can keep her mouth shut. I was beginning to think Joanna was the only woman I know who could keep a secret.”

“I suppose I will be returning to Meadowlake,” Alexandria said, hoping Farley would tell her that Tag wanted her to go with him instead.

“I ’spect so. Mrs. Green stayed behind to wait for you. She sent all them servants packing and got the place running right nicely. I guess you’ll want to see to the planting and all.”

Alexandria stood up. “Yes, I suppose I will. Do you know when Tag will return?”

“Nope. Him and his pa went riding out bright and early this morning. They didn’t say when they’d be back.”

“Do you think Tom would mind driving me to Meadowlake today, Farley?”

“I can’t see why he would. You go put your things together, and I’ll see to the hitching of the buggy.”

Alexandria left quickly, hoping Farley wouldn’t see the tears in her eyes. As the old man watched her leave the room, a smile covered his face. Alexandria would have been surprised if she had known how well he understood her feelings. He scratched his grizzly white beard and ambled outside. He thought it would be a good idea if Alexandria was gone before Tag returned. It wouldn’t hurt the young pup to have to go after her. Farley knew that the two young people loved each other, but they were too foolish to admit it. He reckoned that some time apart would do them both good. He didn’t have the slightest doubt that when they left Pennsylvania, Alexandria would be with them. Maybe, if Tag thought he had lost Alexandria, he would do something about their situation.

Tag and his father had a busy day. The first thing they did was go to their house and dismiss all the people who had worked for Claudia and Howard Landon. They then went into town and hired new servants, laborers, and decorators
to redecorate the house. By midafternoon they ended up at the shipyard. Russell had found his old bookkeeper and had put him in charge of straightening out the finances. It was long past the dinner hour when they finally returned home.

Farley came ambling in as Tag and his father were eating a late dinner, and the old man sat down to have a second helping of dessert.

“Where is Alexandria?” Russell asked. “Has she already gone to bed?”

“Nope, she lit out for her farm early this morning. She told me to tell you both that she didn’t like good-byes, and she wished you both good fortune. Said if you was ever out her way you was to drop by.”

Tag stood up and threw his napkin on the table. “The hell she did! What right has she got to go anywhere without consulting me? Why did you allow her to leave?”

Russell caught Farley’s eye, and he saw the twinkle dancing there. That wily old fox, Russell thought, he knew exactly what he was doing. Russell James smiled to himself. The old man had realized that Tag would never allow Alexandria to go without at least an explanation—they both knew he would go after her.

“I didn’t see no sense in holding her here. It’s past planting time on her farm. I ’spect she’s got her work cut out for her.”

“Well, that’s gratitude for you. She forgets all we went through together and just runs off without a by-your-leave,” Tag said, stomping out of the room.

Farley leaned back in his chair and suppressed his laughter. “You’re his pa—how long you ’spect it’ll take him to go after her?”

“Well, I would say he will be angry for about a week—then he will begin to be angry with himself for caring. By the third week, I would estimate he would be ready to knock anyone out of his way that tried to keep him from her.”

Alexandria had always loved Meadowlake in the summer. The land seemed to reflect every shade of green known to
man. She had found that keeping busy gave her little time to dwell on her heartache. It wasn’t until late at night, when she lay in bed listening to the sound of the wind in the trees and the night birds singing to their mates, that she would feel lonely. At those times she would often cry herself to sleep.

If she closed her eyes and concentrated very hard, she could remember what it had felt like to have Tag take her in his arms and make love to her. Many times Alexandria had resisted the urge to go to him and tell him how much she loved him. She thought about how Tag had come into her life at the time when she had needed him most. He had stood by her and helped her through every difficulty. She tried to imagine what Morning Song had looked like and what there had been about her that had inspired the undying love of a man like Tag.

She wondered if Tag and Farley had started back to the Blackfoot country. How empty her life was now that she knew she would never see Tag again. All she had to look forward to was growing old alone. No matter that their wedding had been held under the most adverse circumstances, she knew she would always think of herself as Tag’s wife.

Alexandria rolled over on her back and closed her eyes, praying for a reprieve from her misery. Would it not have been better if she had never met Tag? She turned to her side and stared at the shadows dancing on the wall as the breeze blew the branches of the trees. No, how could it be better never to have known love?

She closed her eyes tightly, wishing for the sleep that eluded her. Wasn’t love supposed to be beautiful? It wasn’t supposed to leave an empty void in one’s heart.

Alexandria pulled her mount up beside the stream. Dismounting, she bent down and cupped her hands, taking a deep, cooling drink of water. The day was hot and cloudless, and the sky was a hazy blue. She turned her head to the sun and closed her eyes, feeling its warmth on her face. She
could smell the fresh, clean aroma of the damp earth, which had been left behind by an early morning shower. She was almost contented as her eyes moved over Meadowlake, knowing that as far as the eye could see, the land belonged to her.

Tag dismounted at the hitching post in front of the big stone farmhouse, while his father and Farley watched the uncertainty in his eyes. Mrs. Green had been watching out the front window, and she rushed out to the front porch to greet them with a welcoming smile.

“I was wondering when you would be calling on us,” she said warmly.

“Where is Alexandria?” Tag asked, wondering why she hadn’t come out of the house to greet him.

“I saw her riding toward the stream just a short time ago. I imagine she’s still there. It’s just over that hill, if you want to follow her. You won’t need your horse; it’s but a short distance.”

Hearing a rider in the distance, Alexandria placed her hand above her eyes to shade them from the glaring sun so she could see who her visitor was. One good thing she had found since she returned to Meadowlake was that her neighbors had welcomed her back wholeheartedly. Once they had learned that Barbara and Rodney weren’t coming back, many of them had offered to help her in any way they could. She was finding out, from the comments many of them made, just how much they had disliked her stepmother and Rodney.

When the rider drew near, Alexandria saw that it was Bart Lewis, whose farm bordered Meadowlake to the east. He had been very helpful to her since her return. He had even sent some of his workers to help her plant the corn and potatoes. Alexandria’s heart went out to Bart, because his wife had died three years back, leaving him with three small children to raise.

“You are looking lovely today, Alexandria,” he said, dismounting and removing his wide-brimmed hat.

She looked up at him, thinking he was a nice-looking man, with his sandy-colored hair and deep brown eyes. She was grateful to him for his kindness, and it showed in the bright smile she gave him. “I must warn you, I am a fool for pretty words,” she laughed, feeling flirtatious.

“I passed by your cornfield, and even though you planted late, if the weather holds I believe you will have a good crop this year.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Bart. I hope the time will come when I can repay you for all your kindness.”

“When I help a pretty woman, I don’t want thanks, but you could do me a favor.”

“You name it.”

“I was kind of wondering if you will be going to the Hamiltons’ barn raising this Saturday week?”

“No, I wasn’t planning on going. There is so much to do around Meadowlake, I don’t feel I can spare the time. If you would like me to keep the children while you go, however, I would be delighted to accommodate you.”

“No, that wasn’t what I was asking.” His eyes shifted down to study the toe of his boot. “I was wondering if you might like to go with me?”

“The lady won’t be going anywhere with you. Hasn’t she told you she has a husband?”

Alexandria spun around to face Tag. She could tell by the coldness in his blue eyes that he was angry. “Tag, when did you come?” she cried, wishing she dared throw herself into his arms. Her heart seemed to soar with happiness because he had come to see her! She noticed he was once again dressed in buckskin. Could this mean he was going back to the Blackfoot village?

His eyes moved past her to stare at the man who was looking from Tag to Alexandria in confusion. “I asked you a question—did Alexandria tell you she had a husband?”

“No…I never…she didn’t tell me,” Bart stammered.

“Tag, I would like you to meet Bart Lewis, my friend and
neighbor. Bart, this is my husband, Taggart James,” Alexandria said, trying to cover up for Tag’s rudeness.

“Just how good a friend are you to my wife, Mr. Lewis?” Tag asked angrily.

Bart looked at Alexandria. “I see that the two of you have things to discuss. I’ll just be going on home now.” He swung into the saddle and looked back at Alexandria. “If you need me, you have only to…”

“She won’t be needing you,” Tag said, pulling Alexandria close to him possessively and giving Bart a murderous look.

As Bart rode off, Alexandria moved away from Tag. She couldn’t understand why he was behaving in such a rude manner. “You could have been a little nicer to Bart. He has been a good neighbor to me.”

“I didn’t ride all this way to watch some neighbor fawning over my wife.”

“Bart is not like that—he is a gentleman, and besides, I don’t know what business it is of yours.”

Tag looked as though he would like to say more, but he clamped his jaw together tightly. He was still angry, but he decided not to pursue the matter. He didn’t quite know how to deal with his jealousy, since he had never before experienced this strange, troubling emotion.

“I’m sure if you come up to the house, Mrs. Green will have a good meal ready for you,” Alexandria said, still confused by Tag’s strange attitude.

“My father and Farley are with me,” he mumbled, not yet ready to forgive Alexandria for being with another man when he had been unable to get her off his mind.