Tykota's Woman(71)

"Carry him safely, Indian pony," she said between sobs. "Carry him back to Valle de la Luna."

Slowly she headed back to the house, and she frowned as she saw buggies being brought to the front. The guests were leaving, though it was still early.

She weaved her way between departing buggies. When she got to the front door, John Kincaid was there, his gaze somber.

"Mr. Kincaid, has something happened?"

He studied the tip of his boots for a moment, then looked up at her. "Well, ma'am, your sister got some bad news, and Mrs. Silverhorn thought everyone should go home. I'm sorta hanging around in case I'm needed."

John followed Makinna as she rushed inside, looking for her sister. "What kind of news?"

"It's her husband, Miss Hillyard. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but he was killed in an accident."

"Where is Adelaide?"

"Mrs. Silverhorn took her upstairs."

Makinna hurried up the stairs and burst into the bedroom she shared with her sister. Adelaide was lying on the bed, and Hannah Silverhorn had pulled up a chair and sat beside her, holding her hand.

Makinna ran to her sister, going down on her knees. "My sweet Adelaide, I am so sorry. I just heard."

Adelaide's eyes filled with tears, and she sat up, pulling her sister onto the bed and hugging her tightly. "Why did it have to happen to Tom?"

Makinna rocked her sister back and forth as she would a child. "We never know why these things have to happen, Adelaide."

She felt Adelaide tremble. "I feel so guilty because I wasn't with him." she sobbed.

"Hush, you don't know what you're saying, dearest." She brushed a damp curl out of Adelaide's face. "Hush. I will stay with you, and we will go through this together."

Adelaide clung to her, and Makinna met Hannah Silverhorn's sad eyes. "How did it happen?" Makinna asked.

"I believe it was some kind of mining accident. A cave-in."

Makinna shuddered. "Try to rest, Adelaide, I will stay right here."

"We will both stay with you," the older woman said.

It was almost morning when Adelaide finally fell asleep. Makinna dressed in a light cotton gown and stood at the window to watch the sunrise. This was a sad day for both sisters. Although Tykota was not dead, she knew she would never see him again.

She went downstairs and found Mrs. Silverhorn in the dining room. Hannah motioned for Makinna to sit beside her, then poured her a cup of coffee.

"I am sorry about your brother-in-law, Makinna."

"I hardly knew him. He and my sister married when I was quite young."

"Adelaide seems to be carrying a lot of guilt. You must help her get over it."

Makinna pushed the coffee cup away and leaned back in the chair. "Adelaide wants to go home tomorrow. I am going with her."

Hannah Silverhorn patted Makinna's hand. "Of course, you shall. You can get her settled and then come back. Or even better, help her settle her affairs and bring her back with you."

"Mrs. Silverhorn, I have grown very fond of you, and I thank you for all you have done for me and my sister. But I will not be coming back. Ever."

"But I thought you and my son-"

Makinna stood. "For Tykota, it is best this way."

Hannah lowered her head. "Tykota has had so many things forced on him, but you were the one person that he-"

"I know," Makinna said sadly, moving to the door. "I will always... He will always have my heart."

At breakfast the next morning Mrs. Silverhorn informed Makinna that John Kincaid would be driving her and Adelaide to El Paso. Makinna was sad to be leaving Hannah Silverhorn; she had become very fond of the kindhearted Englishwoman who had so generously taken her and Adelaide into her home and made them feel welcome.

Hannah walked Makinna to the door. John was already assisting Adelaide into the buggy. Tykota's mother took Makinna's hand. "Please remember, my dear, that you will always be welcome at Biquera Ranch. If you find that San Francisco is not to your liking, you will always have a home here."

Makinna kissed Hannah's cheek. "I will remember, and I thank you for all your kindness. But I shall not return to Texas."

"What shall I tell my son?"

"Will you do something for me?"

"You know I will. You have only to ask."

Makinna pressed a letter into Mrs. Silverhorn's hand. "Give this to Tykota for me."

Hannah glanced at the letter, then back at Makinna. "Is this the way you want to say goodbye to him?"

"It's the only way. You once spoke to me about how Tykota's two well-meaning fathers placed too much responsibility on his shoulders. I will not add to that burden. He must feel free to choose the road he will travel, and I know his heart is with the Perdenelas people."