She opened her mouth to speak, but Governor Semple rose from the table at that moment and lifted his hands to quiet theroom. “We will leave Fort Douglas at first light,” he said to the group. “I would recommend that all of you get a good night’s sleep, so we are not encumbered tomorrow. It will take us three or four days to reach our destination at Fort Daer in the land called Pembina.” He nodded at them. “I bid you good night.”
The group rose to their feet, several of them picking up sleepy children to take them to their homes in Colony Gardens or their tents within the fort.
William was called away by a family who wished to speak to him about baptizing their children, so Eleanor was left to say good night to Fiona and her family.
The other colonists filed out of the main hall, evading Eleanor as much as possible. She smiled at several of the children and moved out of the way for people to pass her. She tried not to let her face show the heaviness she felt in her heart at their rejection.
“May I see you back to the governor’s house?” Arran asked, suddenly at her side, his voice low and deep.
Eleanor’s lips parted at the unexpected request. It was the first time he’d sought her out since her arrival. She managed to nod but couldn’t find her voice.
He helped her slip into her spencer, which was on a hook near the door, and waited until she placed her bonnet over her curls. He watched her silently as she tied the ribbon under her chin.
“You’ll not survive the winter in that hat or coat.”
“William has purchased a capote for me, with a hood. I shall wear it tomorrow when we leave the fort.”
“William?” He studied her with an unreadable expression. “He’s buying you gifts, then?”
“In exchange for my help,” she said quickly. “For taking care of Miriam.” Why she felt she needed to explain it was a mystery to her. “He also bought several things for the baby.”
Arran didn’t respond but held the door open for her to pass through into the frigid night.
Large snowflakes drifted slowly to the ground and rested on Eleanor’s shoulders. The air was so cold, and so crisp, she could see her breath fog in front of her face. The spencer did nothing to keep her warm and she was thankful for William’s forethought in purchasing her a capote. She should have worn it tonight.
“I’ll see that you have mittens and moccasins before we leave in the morning,” Arran said from beside her. “And I’ll inquire if James has leggings for you to wear beneath your dress.”
Despite the cold, Eleanor’s cheeks warmed at the mention of leggings. A man didn’t discuss what a woman wore under her dress. But she had to remind herself that they were no longer in England and his words meant that he was thinking of her comfort and safety—that he was thinking of her. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“You’re ill-prepared and I canna lose another colonist.” He said it so matter-of-factly, any warmth she felt from his forthcoming gifts was cooled.
They walked slowly across the yard, in no hurry to reach the governor’s house.
“What will happen to Duncan Cameron when we leave?” she asked.
Arran looked across the fort yard and shook his head, clearly irritated. “Semple has ordered that he be released in the morning. His aim was to frighten Duncan and let him know who was in control. He spoke to Duncan and the man promised he would not bring any more trouble to the colony.”
“You don’t believe him?”
“Nay.” Arran’s voice was filled with disgust. “He’s charmed Semple, just as he’s charmed all the others. I wouldna trust anything he says.”
“But we’ll be safe at Fort Daer?” She couldn’t hide the concern in her voice.
“Safe enough, for the winter.” Arran’s voice softened. “This is no place for you, as I’ve said, but as the deputy governor, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, Eleanor. You have my word.”
Despite his reassurance, frustration filled her chest. “I’m tired of you telling me I don’t belong here.”
“You don’t.”
“Did you belong here when you first came as a boy?”
He didn’t respond.
“I might not have experience with this sort of life, but I’m strong and smart, and I’m not afraid to learn.” She no longer cared how he felt about her arrival in Assiniboia. “Please do not discredit me now, before I’ve even had a chance to prove myself to you.”
“You have nothing to prove, Eleanor.” His jaw was tight as he spoke to her. “I simply want to spare you—”
“I do have something to prove, if not to you, then to myself.” She was amazed at how different Assiniboia was from the life she’d always known—yet it did not intimidate her. “My life in England is dead and I’ve had time to mourn that loss. God has given me the opportunity to start over, here, with these people. I might not have a great deal to offer them, but what I do have, I will give with all my heart.” She looked deep into his dark brown eyes, wanting him to finally hear her. “What is a life, if it’s not spent well, on things that truly matter? My life in England meant little to me or anyone else outside my home. But here.” A tremulous smile lifted her lips. “Here, I might be of real use. I might have a purpose and contribute to something bigger than myself.” She would convince the colonists that education was necessary and see that all the children were enrolled in her school, proving to Arran that she was needed. Wanted. “If it’syour dream,” she said to him, “then why can’t it be my dream, as well? Why am I exempt, because I am a woman?”
