"I know. We became allies in a cause and formed a friendship that will last us all our lives, I think."
"Yes, but, you don't understand. You were there for me all those years ago, and I…I wish I were free to tell you what I must. Yet, I can't say it. I keep trying to tell you, but I can't."
"Ease your mind. Come, let us take a walk. Would you like me to show you through our village before we enter the fort? Perhaps we might find my uncle and my auntie. I believe they might still be sitting within their lodge."
"Are your parents here, also?"
"Of course they are, as well as my little sister—who is not yet married—and my two older sisters who are married and have children."
"Do you have any brothers?"
"I do not. I do, however, have three sisters, as I have now told you."
"It's strange, isn't it? It seems to me like I know you so very well, and yet I didn't realize you had three sisters."
He shrugged.
"I…I don't think I am ready to take a walk through your village today. In truth, I feel unprepared to meet your family. Perhaps you might take me to the fort instead, since I should unpack my things."
He nodded. "This is a good idea. Come, follow me. I will set the pace slow enough so you can follow me without difficulty." He stood away from the tree.
"Follow you? But—"
"You are in Pikuni country now. You should remember that a man never walks with or behind a woman."
"I know, but I have boots on my feet that have a rather high heel, making it hard for me to walk across the prairie, and I could use your arm to steady me, if you please."
He chuckled a little. "I cannot give in to your idea of what I should do. Either I lead you to the fort or you go alone."
"But—"
"Would you have me be laughed at by every man and woman in my camp and made to endure jokes about whether I am a man or a woman?"
"Of course not, but—"
"Then, follow me."
And, even though he set his pace to be slow and easy, he yet heard her complain, "How am I to step over the prairie 'without difficulty,' as you say, when I do not have your arm to hold on to? I say this again: my shoes have heels that forbid this to be an easy trek for me. I need your arm."
"Hush," he cautioned, glancing over his shoulder at her. "A proper Blackfoot woman does not speak to a man as she follows him. Nor does she complain about what is a man's custom. She knows her talk might distract him if he were to meet any danger."
"But," she responded, "a Blackfoot woman would be wearing moccasins, and so it would be easier for her to follow a man without his assistance. Besides, what if it were my intention to distract you?"
He smiled, reminded again of her inclination to speak forthright. However, she was in his country now, and, glancing over his shoulder, he thought it wise to caution her. He said, "Beware. In Pikuni country, a woman must not tell an unmarried man that she would like to distract him. He might believe the woman to have more on her mind than renewing friendship."
He heard her blow out a breath. "Excuse me, Mr. Falcon, but I do hope to distract you. Indeed, I am wishing to distract you very much."
He laughed. He couldn't help himself.Hánnia,it was true: he had missed this girl. And, while he might protest her habit of speaking when she shouldn't and seeking to advise him on important matters—and he, a man—he, nevertheless, rejoiced at her return to his country.
