"We will go with you," said Amelia all at once. "Maybe all the way to Fort Union. It depends on my being able to convince my husband to make the long trip there."

Oh dear.Perhaps she should have thought through this need to tell Amelia her plans. This was especially true because her friend was known to be hardheaded when it came to safeguarding her friends.

At last, Sharon gazed at her friend, and, thinking quickly, said, "I am sorry I cannot tell you exactly why I must leave. But, please, I beg you. Do not come after me or think you must accompany me."

"Sharon…my dear friend, Sharon, how can you ask this of me? You are my best friend. Indeed, you are as close to me as a sister. But, if you are determined to do this, well, all right. The most I can do is to make sure you don't do it alone."

Sharon grimaced, feeling helpless. If Amelia were determined… Why, even Amelia's husband had been unable to keep his wife in camp when she had been unwavering in her decision to follow him into danger.

But, a thought suddenly occurred to Sharon: there was a favor she needed to ask of her friend. Perhaps this request might keep Amelia here with her husband and the rest of her family.

Sharon took a deep breath, gathered her courage to her, and, as she gazed at Amelia, she said, "I need you to stay with the family in the winter camp and defend my honor from David's profanity against me because I fear he will try to ruin me. And, this is why you cannot come with me."