"There are problems because of the many gold-seekers, or grubstakers as they are often called," said József Fehér. "I fear Fort Benton has become wild with moral depravity, and in answer to the tribes' demands, another fort is being built between the Marias and the Teton Rivers, close to the land granted to us by your people. It is not so much that I fear where they have decided to build the fort. Indeed not. But, the building of it has taken the labor away from me and my boys, and I fear it has been left to only myself, Henrik, Red Fox and my two boys to finish the project."
First Rider nodded. At length, he said, "It better…gold not found. Gold-seekers not good. More coming?"
"I fear it is so," answered József. "As it is, I am forced to hire men from amongst those grubstakers to protect the house. But, who can I hire to guard us from those degenerate men I am forced to hire? If we could, my boys and I would guard, defend and build our home, but a man needs to sleep now and again."
"None are safe," added George. "As it is, both Red Fox and I are required to watch over my younger sister rather than to hunt or help build the house."
"I don't need you to watch me!" Briella objected.
George didn't reply, giving his sister a look, it being meant to quiet her. But, Briella was not to be silenced so easily, and she said, "After all, I am wiser than some women and I would not put myself into a position to be gossiped about being adulterous, and—"
"Briella!" Both George and Czanna spoke at the same time.
"But, I'm only saying what—"
"Hush up, Briella! Now!" Mária Féher settled the matter with a look, causing Briella's pout to turn to tears.
But, the sudden silence in the tepee was oppressive, and Liliann knew at once who was the person being referred to as "pretending to be married."
Liliann tried to speak words of comfort to Briella who was now openly crying. In truth, Liliann tried to force words out of her mouth to say the most comforting of phrases to ease over the situation. But, it was impossible.
Luckily, First Rider spoke up and said, "Kind of woman you speak of…not in family. Never will…be…in our family."
"Certainly not!" exclaimed Czanna. "There is no one like those women at the fort here in this camp. And, I am glad."
Although Liliann appreciated First Rider's and Czanna's words, given different circumstances Liliann would have fled and recovered from the unwelcome character slight in her own way. But, it simply wasn't possible. This was, after all, her lodge.
And so, Liliann quickly decided to take the tiger by the tail, and she murmured, "Is Ernest still living at the fort, then?"
Only silence answered her question.
At length, however, her father spoke up and said, "He be still at the fort a-waitin' the next steamboat, no mistake. And, he be not in jail, as should be God's own justice. See, the sheriff be as wicked as Stuart, and may the devil bless them both."
"Oh," was all Liliann could utter.
It was Mária Féher who eased over her youngest daughter's faux pau, and she said, "I am sorry, Liliann. No one here wishes to spread gossip and particularly this nasty piece of trash, which we all know to be a blatant lie. The problem is that there are other children at the fort who tell tales. It is anotherreason why we are most anxious to finish the building of our new home and move into it. I am so very sorry. You are like family to us. You always have been, and always will be."
"I thank thee, Mistress Féher. But, I would not be havin' thee feelin' guilty over somethin' that is the fault of Ernest tellin' lies about me. In truth, I am glad to know what is bein' said about me. And, as I am healed now from me own physical injuries, I can get over this as easily as I healed from the other, no mistake."
"You are most kind and generous, Liliann. And, I hope you will forgive us all."
Liliann nodded, then said, "Of course. But, there be nothin' to forgive. Briella is like me own sister, and I love her."
And so, the evening carried on, the topics of discussion a little more lighthearted, until, at last, First Rider picked up the pipe—that had been passed around earlier—and emptied the ashes onto the ground, the traditional manner in which the man of the house called an end to the evening.
Cheerfully, the family arose and, one by one, stepped toward the entrance. But, before Czanna left, she turned and said, "I have loved being here this evening, and I thank you kindly, Liliann and First Rider, for your hospitality. The family is staying with Stands Strong and myself, of course, and you are always welcome to visit."
Soon their guests had all left amidst praise for Liliann and First Rider; all, that is, except Briella, who stayed behind.
Coming to stand before Liliann, the young girl gasped once, then again, before murmuring, "I'm sorry, Miss Liliann. I love you and I do not think the same way as the other children at the fort. I never have."
Liliann stood up and, reaching out, took Briella into her arms, hugging the child. "There be no harm done. Indeed, I am glad to know what is being said about me."
Briella nodded, and with a final look at her former nanny, she, too, left.
As soon as the tepee flap had closed behind the young girl, First Rider came up to his feet and paced toward Liliann. Reaching out to her, he nestled her against him, hugging her tightly. It was a precious moment as Liliann stood within his embrace. And, so good did it feel, she hoped it wouldn't soon end.
At length, he whispered in her ear, "You…here. Those bad people not here…cannot get to you. If had known chief of fort also evil, I would have scared Maká pato'si away…he not stop running till back across Everywhere Water in East. Should your husband…do it now?"
