“And so you shall.”
After the supplies were brought up to the fort and put in one of the storehouses, the soldiers went across the river to join their comrades and Lord Selkirk followed Eleanor and Arran back to the governor’s house. He would lodge with them while visiting the colony.
“How long do you intend to stay?” Arran asked.
“A few weeks, at most,” Selkirk said. “I’d like to return to Montreal before winter to be with my family.” He sighed. “I’m sure I will be facing endless hours of meetings, trials, and interviews regarding all that has happened.”
“I’m sure your family will be eager to have you return.” Eleanor pulled out a chair for the earl. “Please sit, we have much to discuss.”
Nicolette brought another bowl and served the earl rubbaboo and fresh biscuits. He ate heartily, praising her for the food, though it was nothing compared to what he was used to at his ancestral home.
They spent the first part of their evening discussing all that had transpired since Arran left Fort William. Selkirk told them about a storm that had capsized one of the canoes transporting the North West Company partners to York Factory. Despite theirheroic efforts, one partner, six Indians, and two de Meuron soldiers had lost their lives. The others continued on and were now at the factory, waiting for transportation to England to stand trial.
“I’m sorry to hear about the loss,” Arran said.
“It’s been a bad business, all around.” Selkirk pushed aside his bowl and leaned back in his chair. “I fear I will be dealing with the consequences of these events for years to come. Already, I have much to answer to.”
“I will aid you in whatever way possible,” Arran promised.
“Thank you.” He smiled, though the expression did not reach his eyes. “But my greatest hope is that you and Eleanor will stay here in Assiniboia and continue the work we’ve begun. I promised you a thousand acres of land, if you could make this colony survive for five years,” he said to Arran. “It has only been four, but for all the hardships you have endured, and the dedication and bravery you have displayed, I want you to have the deed to the property before I leave. It’s time you two start to build your lives. How does that sound?”
Arran looked to Eleanor, who smiled.
“It would be our pleasure,” she said. “Our pleasure and honor.”
“I must confess,” Selkirk said to Eleanor. “When you asked to come here, Jean and I were concerned that the hardships would be too much for you. But we knew you were in a difficult place and needed a fresh start.” He smiled. “I’m happy to see our concerns were unfounded.”
“I wouldn’t say they were unfounded,” Eleanor said, her brown-eyed gaze resting on Arran. “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth everything we endured. And I couldn’t imagine being here with anyone other than Arran. Despite his modesty, he really is an excellent leader.”
“I truly hope you two will continue to find happiness and joy in Assiniboia.” Lord Selkirk looked from one to the other. “My greatest dream is for families to flourish and grow here for many generations to come.”
“And so they shall,” Arran said to the earl. “I will see it is done.”
“Thank you.” Selkirk pushed away from the table. “And now I will retire. It’s been a long journey and I intend to wake early to see my colony.”
“Good night,” Eleanor said.
Selkirk bowed before her. “Good night.” He walked toward the stairs and the room Eleanor had sent his luggage to when he first arrived.
Arran and Eleanor sat at the table for a minute longer, both in quiet contemplation.
“With the additional supplies Selkirk brought,” Arran said to his wife, “I believe we will have all we’ll need to stay here throughout the winter.”
Eleanor smiled. “That makes me very happy.”
“And with the additional manpower, we will break more cropland and plant earlier in the spring.”
“Do you think Selkirk will send more settlers?”
“I’m certain.” He rose and offered her his hand. “And once we have cattle, we will be truly self-sustaining.”
“Your dream is not far off.” She took his hand. “I’m so proud of you, Arran. It takes a great deal of fortitude to believe in something enough to see it through to completion even when there are hardships.”
Arran was reminded of the night, over a year ago, when he, James, Archie, and Old John were the only people left at Fort Douglas. That night, like so many others, he had cried out to God, asking Him why He wasn’t answering Arran’s prayers. He’d been certain he had heard God’s call to come to Assiniboia. Itwas a good calling and a noble purpose, so then why was each step a fight for survival?
Now, as he drew his wife to his side and thought about all the things that had happened in the past year, he could see God’s hand in it all. Yes, there had been a great deal of suffering and hardship, but there had also been blessings and abundant joy. They still had many obstacles to overcome, and there were a lot of unanswered questions, but Arran was confident that God would continue to guide them, come what may. And though He had not answered all of Arran’s prayers in the ways that Arran had hoped, God was still good and faithful to answer in the ways that were best.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon. The kind of autumn day that Eleanor wished she could somehow bottle and break open again during the long, cold months of winter. The air was warm and pleasant, smelling of rich, fertile soil. There were no bugs or other critters to hinder the gathering of colonists, nor any clouds to mar the vast sky overhead.
