Excitement tingled through her. “Where are they? How far, and is there a trail?”
He hesitated before answering, as though weighing the risks of sharing the information with her. “They’re all to the west. Not a place for a lady to travel alone.”
“I’m not alone. I’m with friends.”
He sent a glance toward the trail.
“They’re back at camp.” Maybe she was being foolhardy by making it so clear she was out here alone. She quickly added, “But I didn’t come here by myself. I’m here with ... my brother.” The words slipped out of their own accord. It wasn’t true, of course, but he didn’t need to know that.
She glanced over the man’s shoulder, then nodded that direction. “I see him coming now.” She shifted her focus back to the map. “How would we get to these falls? Is there a trail or a road?”
The man looked where she’d motioned, then turned back to her. It was hard to tell if he believed her or not, but he was focusing on the map again, so hopefully she’d accomplished her purpose.
“I don’t know if there’s a trail. The map doesn’t show it. You’d have to ask someone who’s been out that way.”
She lifted her gaze to him. “Do you know anyone who has?”
Something flickered across his expression, like a door closing. “I’m sure there are trappers who have. But that won’t help a woman like you.”
Urgh, this man was frustrating. But she held in her ire and gave an understanding nod. “My brother can speak with them. Do you know who he should ask? And where he might find them?”
Once more the man regarded her for a long moment. Too many heartbeats pounded in her chest as she waited, but she didn’t back down. Just kept a pleasant—yet capable—look on her face.
“A man named Parson at the rendezvous. He’s staying in a lodge with a lean-to tent staked next to it, near this end of the camp. I think he’s been that way before, and he’s getting ready to lead a group there again.” He raised a staying hand. “You don’t want to travel with those trappers. Just get directions from them.”
Relief swarmed through her, and she tried not to let her grin spread too wide. “I’ll be sure to tell him that. Thank you.”
The man nodded, then turned toward the trail. He didn’t say good-bye, but he certainly seemed to be leaving. Probably worried she’d ask more questions he didn’t want to answer.
As he strode away, an impish thought slipped in, and she couldn’t help herself as she called out to him. “Wait, I didn’t catch your name.”
He paused and glanced back, his expression guarded. “Allen. Grant Allen.”
Now she couldn’t help her grin. “Thank you, Mr. Allen. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
Once more he nodded and turned away. This time she let him go.
She had much to figure out in order to keep going on this search for Steps Right. She couldn’t disappoint or worry her family, but she also couldn’t lose her first viable lead.
Was there a way she could possibly accomplish both?
FOUR
“Are you sure you want to go alone?”
Faith held Elise’s hands, the woman who had been so kind to her these past days. She met her gaze, though it was hard, knowing she was misleading these wonderful people. “I’ll be fine. Really. I’m leaving early enough. I bet I can even make it home in one day.” If she were going home. Which she wasn’t.
Elise studied her face, not letting go of their joined hands. “I’m not sure your sisters will be pleased with me.”
Faith gave a gentle squeeze. “They’ll be fine. They know I’m stubborn. But they also know I’m capable. I’ve lived here in the Territory for three years now. I can ride a day or two by myself.”
Elise nodded, though she still looked uncertain. “This land does make you strong.” Then she pulled Faith in for a hug. “I’m sorry you didn’t find Steps Right. We’ll keep looking on our journey and send word if we find her.”
For just a moment, Faith let herself breathe in the warm security of the embrace. How long had it been since she’d been truly held by a mother figure? Her sisters would slipan arm around her shoulders sometimes, but not a true hug that wrapped her fully. Made her feel loved and cared for.
The burn of tears stung her eyes. And when Elise pulled back, Faith blinked to keep from letting them show. “Thank you for everything. I’ve loved getting to know you and your family.”
Elise smiled and reached for her husband, Goes Ahead, who stood back a few steps with Faith’s gelding, Two Bit. The Gros Ventre man came to his wife’s side. “We will pray your journey is safe and you find the grandmother you seek.”
