Separate Roads Read Online Free PDF Page A

support in the forts. The Indians hardly are going to cease to cause problems just because the East is at war.”
    “I’ve had nothing but pleasant encounters with the Indians around here. Why, some of the Omaha tribeswomen have been helping with the grading work for the railroad. It seems unchivalrous, but their menfolk stand about watching while their women work. Then come payday, they are there to take the earnings and spend it as they please.”
    “It’s their way,” Rich replied. “Men are warriors and hunters, not laborers. Indian men protect their families and hunt. Women do the menial tasks and see to the common work. The Omaha are at peace. There are Indian agents to provide government food and supplies. They have few choices that have not already been made for them, and because of this, they are left rather idle. We aren’t always very wise as educated men.”
    “How so, Captain?”
    “What did we expect them to do with their lives once we civilized them?” he asked ironically. He didn’t mean to take up a cause for the Indian and, in fact, knew that he would probably fight and kill many an Indian warrior before the wars were behind them and true peace came to the country. But still, he didn’t know why the white settlers and government officials were so surprised that the Indians would rise up against the onslaught of people coming into the territory. The coming of the settlers forced changes in the Indian’s way of life—a way of life that had existed far longer than the white way of life in this country.
    The clock on the mantel chimed eight. Rich looked at his own pocket watch as if to confirm the time, then apologized. “I’m afraid I need to be on my way. It was nice of you to invite me to share in your party.”
    “I’m sure Jordana was pleased to be able to offer this more formal thanks for what you did for her in Missouri.”
    Rich nodded as he caught sight of Jordana in an animated conversation with her sister-in-law Caitlan O’Connor. Her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes were sparkling from the merriment of the evening. He touched the place on his back where she had struck him. It didn’t hurt much anymore, and in truth, it more amused than encumbered him.
    She was some woman. His mother would say she was just the right kind of woman for a man like Rich. Then he frowned and turned to go. No woman was right for him. He wouldn’t saddle any woman with the miseries of his past.
    “Jordana!” Brenton called as O’Brian crossed the room toward the door.
    He saw her look up to catch sight of him taking his leave. She said something to her sister-in-law, then made her way to the door. “Are you leaving us already, Captain?”
    “’Fraid so, Miss Baldwin. Duty calls. I do want to thank you for an interesting evening.” He knew she’d understand his meaning.
    Jordana nodded. “I hope you didn’t find it overly stimulating.”
    She was teasing him. He could hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes. Were he not a confirmed bachelor with so many other issues to deal with, he might well have considered giving her more attention.
    “No, it wasn’t too stimulating. Perhaps a little out of the ordinary for me, but not to my detriment.”
    “Good,” Jordana said with a smile.
    “I do hope yar back gets to feelin’ better,” Caitlan said as she joined the others at the door.
    “I’m sure it will,” Rich replied as Brenton opened the door for him. He stepped out into the night air and secured his hat. “Good night, and thank you again.”
    He heard them close the door as he reached the gate. A part of him wished he could go back inside and spend the evening in companionable conversation, while another part of him was restless from the time away from his men. They had a job to do, and that should be enough to hold his focus.
    Jordana’s face came to mind, and Rich smiled. “Then again,” he muttered out loud, “there’s always something to draw you off course.”
    He remembered