Page 56 of The Lady of Red River Valley (Ladies of the Wilderness #2)
Chapter Twenty-Four
I t took the better part of a week to resettle the colonists in their homes at Colony Gardens. Arran and the other men worked tirelessly to make the necessary repairs to the buildings, while the women and the de Meuron soldiers harvested the crops that had been planted earlier in the year.
“Will we need to remove to Pembina for the winter?” Eleanor asked Arran one evening when he’d come home for supper.
“I haven’t decided. With the bumper crops and supplies Selkirk sent with us, we might be able to stay in Assiniboia.
” Arran had been debating with himself about this very issue.
He knew the colonists desired to stay in their homes, but if they grew short on food, they would need the reassurance of buffalo that Pembina had offered in the past.
A knock sounded at their door. Arran rose from the table to answer. It was Archie.
“There’s a company of men coming down the Red River,” Archie said, excitement in his voice. “Looks to be Lord Selkirk and the other soldiers.”
Arran nodded and smiled. “Thank you. I’ll be at the gate in a minute.”
“Lord Selkirk has finally arrived?” Eleanor asked.
“Aye. Would you like to join me in welcoming him?”
“I’m eager to hear news of my cousin,” she said. “It feels like a lifetime since I’ve seen her or Lord Selkirk.” She went to the door and took her shawl off the hook. “Having a firsthand account is far better than a letter.”
Miriam stayed with Nicolette while Eleanor and Arran walked through the fort to the riverside gate.
They stood there and watched the six canoes as they floated downriver.
The sun was just setting, offering a spectacular pink-and-orange glow across the heavens.
A golden hue covered all of Assiniboia, crowing it in magnificent splendor.
It seemed as if the colony knew who was coming and was putting on a show for its founder.
Across the water, on the east side of the Red River, dozens of tents had been set up in the area designated for the de Meuron soldiers.
Some had begun to build their houses in preparation for winter.
Their presence had already sent a message to the Nor’westers and Bois-Br?lés.
If anyone tried to bother the colony again, they would have to face nearly two hundred mercenary soldiers, as well as a hundred and fifty determined settlers.
Not one person had abandoned Assiniboia since the Battle of Seven Oaks. No one wanted the death of the twenty-three men to be in vain—including Arran and Eleanor. The decision to stay had not once been questioned by either of them.
In due time, the brigade arrived and Lord Selkirk disembarked. The canoes were laden with an abundance of supplies, which were quickly unloaded and stacked on land.
Lord Selkirk slowly walked up the riverbank and came to the gate. His weary look disappeared when he saw Eleanor.
“My dear,” he said, stretching out his hands. “You look lovely.”
“Lord Selkirk.” Eleanor curtsied and then went into the earl’s embrace for a hug. “It is good to see you again.”
“And you.” After he hugged her, he held her at arm’s length, his bright blue gaze taking in the length of her. “You look radiant. Assiniboia has been good for you.”
“If I’m radiant,” she said, “it’s because of my husband.”
“Husband?”
Arran could not contain his smile.
“Arran and I were married at Jack River House,” Eleanor said, taking his hand in hers. “Four weeks ago. We wish you could have been there to witness the happy event.”
“Congratulations, MacLean,” Selkirk said to Arran, offering his hand to shake. “You are a very lucky man.”
“Aye,” Arran said. “I dinna ken a happier man in the entire Northwestern wilderness.”
Eleanor looked up at Arran with complete and utter devotion. He still couldn’t believe she was his wife.
“And how is your wife?” Eleanor asked Lord Selkirk. “I’m anxious to hear word of her.”
“She sends her love, though she wishes she could have come. I left her and the children in Montreal.” Lord Selkirk sighed. “I thought it best, given the dire circumstances facing the colony earlier this year.”
“Aye,” Arran agreed. “A wise choice.”
“I’m happy to see you’ve taken back the fort, MacLean.” Selkirk glanced around, appreciation and approval in his voice. “Well done.”
“Thank you, my lord. It wasn’t difficult with your army at the ready.”
Selkirk stood for a moment, slowly turning to take in the full scope of his colony. He shook his head, amazement and disbelief in his gaze. “I never thought I’d see Assiniboia with my own eyes. God is good, indeed.”
“She’s a fine colony,” Arran said. “None better. And we have you to thank for that.”
“You have yourself to thank.” Selkirk shook his head. “If there’s anyone who should get the accolades for her success, it should be you. I owe you everything, Arran.”
“Many brave men and women have worked hard for Assiniboia.” Arran would not take all the credit. “I have been only one person in the midst of many great people.”
“Yes,” Selkirk agreed. “But she’s only as fine as her leaders.” He smiled at Arran. “I look forward to getting a full tour in the morning, when the light is better.”
“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 their heroic 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.
It was a good calling and a noble purpose, so then why was each step a fight for survival?