Hello everyone! This chapter took a little longer than expected because of it's length but I hope everyone enjoys it. Special thanks to ELY72 and VLS2 for following this story since the last chapter was posted! There's a lot of ground to cover in this chapter as everyone will find out, and I'm setting up somethings for later on in the story too. As usual, I will respond more in depth to reviews and give translations at the end of the chapter. Enjoy!
Song Listings for this Chapter:
1. Beauty and the Beast by Emma Thompson (2017 version) (Uncas/Alice dance scene)
2. Carry on Dancing by Savage Garden (Cora/Nathaniel kiss scene)
Chapter 7-The Fort Part 4
Cora handed over the basket of new bandages to Mrs. McCann in the surgery, who smiled her thanks. Cora managed a small smile in return, but inside her mind felt like it was turning itself inside out. She knew what she had to do about Duncan, of course, and while she didn't doubt that it was the right decision, there was surprisingly a small pang of regret as she thought about how it would hurt him. But then his lie about the Camerons' farm came to her again and the regret went away, especially when she thought about Juliet. He had seen for himself what had been done to the little girl, how she had been cruelly orphaned, and still he had lied about it. Lied about it in front of men who were trying to protect their families from the same fate. How could he do that?!
Nathaniel. There it was again. It was surprising to think about it in regards to Duncan but then again it wasn't. She knew he had noticed the way she had gone to Nathaniel in the burial ground on their way to the fort and since then, how she had distanced herself from him. Of course they had their own roles to play at the fort, but it was more than that. In the council room, his eyes had gone back and forth between hers and Nathaniel's as if he knew. Knew that there was something between the two of them even if they themselves hadn't worked out what it was and he couldn't stand it.
'Is that why he lied?' Cora thought. 'because of jealousy?' Shame flooded her at the thought that she could be somewhat responsible for the militia and Mohawks not being able to return to their families even though logically she knew that she wasn't to blame. "Are you alright, miss?" Mrs. McCann's gentle question brought her back to reality. Forcing a smile, she said, "I'm fine, thank you." The older woman's eyes turned thoughtful as they looked at her. "It may not be my place to say this, miss, but you are a wonderful help around here, you and your sister." She told her, continuing, "and how you've taken little Juliet under your wing-not many ladies such as yourselves would do that." Cora shook her head at the praise, "It's the only thing we could do, thank you for your kind words, but how could we not help?" she answered. Mrs. McCann shook her head at that, "You don't realize how rare it can be, miss." She said. Cora figured that was true. She had witnessed it for herself in the council room. Mercy and kindness could definitely be in short supply.
Touching her arm for a brief moment, she smiled at Mrs. McCann, "Thank you." She said hoping the simple phrase carried what she intended. Some things were hard to put into words. But when she was shown a smile as her answer, she knew they had. Turning and beginning to walk out of the surgery to join her sister and Juliet for supper, she remembered her earlier thoughts about not returning to England. Maybe…just maybe…there could be a life here for her, somehow. Thoughts of the Cameron's farm and Juliet and her conversation with Nathaniel in the burial ground broke in and her mind continued to whirl. It is more deeply stirring to my blood… That had been true and it remained true. Something here fulfilled a deep need in her that she still didn't understand but it was there.
"You look rather lost there, miss."
Cora almost jumped out of her skin. She'd been so deep in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed that the man who had been on her mind all day-well to be honest, since they had met-was right in front of her. He stood there, looking amused as he leaned his rifle against the outer wall of the surgery and waited for her reaction.
She honestly didn't know what to say to him. Her mind was torn apart and she still felt irritated yet again, but this time it wasn't directed at him. It was inward in a way. Couldn't she decide what she wanted? And get a moment's peace to do so?
Fortunately, Nathaniel took up the conversation. "Mind troubled?" he asked, a mix of gentleness and humor in his voice as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She nodded. How had he known? Logically she guessed her face had given it away but she suspected it was more than that. "Yes," she admitted with a sigh, feeling the irritation leave her as did so. Despite everything that was going on right now-the siege, the colonial and Mohawk need to leave to protect their families and his own family-he had noticed her. No one had ever really done that before. Alice and her father might have come close but they were her father and younger sister. Not Nathaniel.
Nathaniel's gaze at her turned concerned and he gestured in the direction she was headed. "Why don't I escort you wherever you're headed and you can clear your mind a bit?" he asked her. Cora nodded, maybe this would help. Right now she felt on the verge of a splitting headache from everything that was going through her mind. "I'm on my way to join my sister and Juliet for supper." she said and he nodded, letting her go through the doorway slightly ahead of him. He came alongside her as they started walking. Cora knew what she had to say. "I overheard your meeting with my father-I apologize and I will speak with him myself. I don't understand why he did not-" Nathaniel cut in, "Don't bother, miss, we're having a meeting by ourselves to look at our options." He said quietly. Cora took it in, figuring it would be best not to say anything else. If what she had observed about these people was true, the militia would be a smaller force the next morning at the fort. She was surprised he had all but told her. So he trusted her. She had trusted him with her life from the outset, by circumstance, and now it seemed he trusted her in return.
"Your brother should return to the surgery tonight, there is ointment that can be applied to help his healing," she told him, knowing it was best to change the subject. "I'll let him know." Nathaniel answered. A comfortable silence fell between them, and they were almost at their destination. Suddenly Cora didn't want it to end. She wanted it to be longer, and to talk for even longer, and then…a new thought popped in her head overwhelming all the others. Was he what she wanted? Was Nathaniel what was still to start? Or had it started already? Glancing at him, she admired his profile, his aquiline nose and the shape of his strong jaw and the small, tight braid that fell over his shoulder on his right side. His eyes flitted over to her just then as if he had felt them, and his lips twitched in amusement and he raised an eyebrow at her. She felt herself blush. "What are you looking at, miss?" he said, feeding her words from the surgery back to her. Cora forced herself to hold steady. "I'm looking at you, Nathaniel." she answered, using his first name for the first time. It felt right. She kept looking at him, seeing beyond his physical appearance to what she had seen about him as a man. He was a formidable fighter, that was certain, but he was also a devoted son, brother and friend. She had seen how he cared for those around him, whether it was comforting Juliet on her eyelevel or standing up for the rights of his friends despite what could happen to him. Again, she felt that need inside her make itself known.
They had reached the officer's quarters and Nathaniel paused a short ways from the door. "Enjoy your supper, Cora." He told her, using her first name. It felt wonderful to hear her name from him. "Thank you, Nathaniel." She told him, a slight emphasis on his name. He nodded at her with a small smile and turned and walked unhurriedly away. She watched him go before heading inside for supper. A new feeling of certainty was growing inside her.
The new something had begun.
"Cora?" a knock at the door of their room and Duncan's voice could be heard. Cora felt her stomach tighten despite her earlier resolve at the sound of her name. It seemed that she was going to have to face him sooner rather than later as she had hoped. But maybe..she could still hold it off. Alice and Juliet had just laid down to sleep, so as Duncan entered the room, she lifted the basket of laundry she'd been holding and pressed a finger to her lips. Duncan paused. He looked anxious. "I wanted to talk with you." He said earnestly. A shifting noise from the bed caused Cora to look down at Alice, who was stirring now along with Juliet. Alice sat up in the bed, standing up and helping Juliet up as well. "Talk with Duncan, Cora." She told her, "I must manage. I cannot be an invalid schoolgirl." "Alice.." Cora started to say, not knowing why her sister was saying that now. While she had always tried to be the mother figure for Alice since their mother had died, she knew logically that her sister was a young woman now. But it was hard to let old habits die. "Juliet and I will see if Mr. Phelps needs anything, won't we poppet?" she said brightly to Juliet as they left the room. Cora watched them go with a sick feeling. She'd have to do it now.
"I'm sorry-I" Duncan looked embarrassed as they left but shook his head a little and came towards her resolutely. "Cora, when we come together back in England and are married and away from this place, what had to be done and said here will matter not at all. I'm certain of that." He said with desperation that was clear on his face. Cora knew what he meant about "what had to be done and said." Lying about the Cameron's farm. But it hadn't had to be done and little did he know that with it, he had solidified her final answer to him. "Duncan, I promised you an answer." She said, setting down the laundry basket to give her a moment to prepare herself to give her mentally rehearsed speech, "You've complimented me with your persistence and patience, but the decision I have come to is that I'd rather make the gravest of mistakes than to surrender my own judgement." Without intending to, her head had slumped down at that last part. Despite everything, including the lie and her feelings as she had told him at the Patroon's estate, he was still her oldest friend and she didn't like having to hurt him. Forcing herself to lift her head and meet his gaze, she continued, "Please take this as my final answer. It must be no." Duncan's face turned stricken. A heartbeat of silence followed and then he broke it. "I see." he said quietly. He looked at her as if he wanted to say something else, but began to turn and leave the room. Cora felt relief flood over her, replacing her early sick feeling, as he opened the door and left the room. When the door closed behind me, she lifted the laundry basket again to her hip and sighed, feeling at least one of her mental burdens slip away.
Alice led Juliet out of the officer's quarters and towards the surgery, despite the sound of gun and cannon fire that continued on around them. Boom. A particularly loud blast of cannon fire hit just then and she flinched but refused to let herself do more than that. Juliet's hand tightened on hers, and she knew she was counting on her to take care of her. She couldn't let her down. She couldn't let herself down.
"Just a little noise, poppet." She told her, forcing a smile down at Juliet's worried face. She continued moving them towards the surgery. Once they reached it, she scanned the area for Mr. Phelps. He was tying off a bandage around a Regular soldier's knee. "Mr. Phelps, is there any way we can help?" she said. "Miss Alice, Miss Juliet, you are up late." He said, looking up at them. Alice resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Et tu, Mr. Phelps? She thought. Juliet she could understand but her? He continued, "If you could make a paste of honey and onion for wounds, that would be helpful since we are low." Alice nodded, but then realized that she didn't know what to do. Cora had said she would show her how to create some of these medicinal cures, but then they had needed to make bandages instead that afternoon. Well, at least she could try.
A flash of green and a thin, dark braid caught the corner of her eye just then and she looked up to see that Uncas had entered the surgery just then. "Good evening, Miss Alice." He greeted her, and smiled down at Juliet whose face lit up at the sight of him. "Mr. Uncas," she greeted him in return. "I came to see about getting some ointment for my wound, my brother mentioned it to me." He told her. "I-I was just about to go make some-Juliet and I were." She said, keeping her voice steady. His eyes had a hypnotizing effect on her. Dark ones that could turn fierce in an instant yet melt with laughter just as fast. "Would you like a hand?" he asked, surprising her. Alice wondered if he knew she didn't really know how to do it. "Yes, thank you, that would be wonderful. I actually don't know how." She said, looking down embarrassed. Juliet probably knew more than she did about it. Maybe she was just an invalid schoolgirl after all.
She glanced back up and saw that Uncas was still watching her, not looking down on her but with compassion. "It's all right to not know how to do something," he told her softly, "the important thing is that you are willing to learn how to do something. And how can you do that if you aren't willing to admit that you don't and let someone teach you?" Alice blushed. She knew it was true, but it was hard to see it sometimes. Everyone else seemed far ahead of her in terms of practical skills.
"Come on, I'll show you." Uncas gestured to the storeroom in the surgery and stepped back to let Alice lead the way. Alice walked through the door with little Juliet still in hand. The room had no door and was therefore in plain sight of anyone who cared to enter so it was proper enough. Besides, Juliet was there. "Mr. Phelps said he needed a paste of honey and onion," she said as she moved towards the shelves that held various medical supplies. Uncas followed her and took two mortar and pestles off one of the shelves and placed them on the work table in the room. "Juliet, get us two dried onions and a jar of honey." He told her quietly. Juliet nodded and fetched the requested items quickly. Uncas took them from her and placed them on the table. Taking one of the dried onions, he turned to Alice. "You need to peel the onion, like this." He told her and demonstrated pulling the skin off. Alice picked up the other onion and began to peel it, making the same motions that Uncas did. It was simple enough once she saw what needed to be done. When both onions were peeled, they were placed in one of the mortars. Uncas picked up the jar of honey and poured some in each. "Don't use too much at first, you can always add more later," he told her, "but you want it to have equal amounts of honey and onion for the most benefit." Alice nodded, trying to commit to memory the amount of honey he had added. He picked up one of the pestles and turned towards her again. "Now you take the pestle and begin to grind the onion into the honey to make the paste." He started the process with his own ingredients and Alice copied his movements with her own. It was clumsy work on her part though, and the smell of the onions brought tears to her eyes. Suddenly a finger had slipped onto her cheek and caught one. Turning towards it, she saw that Uncas had moved closer to her and was standing a little behind her. "Like this, it's easier this way." He told her, placing his hand on her pestle over her own hand and correcting her movements. The callouses on his hand contrasted with her own soft skin. There was something right about how he helped her, taught her and corrected her. She liked that he was close to her right now. She felt safe. And…good.
Feeling the muscles of Alice's wrist and arm had relaxed as soon as he had touched hers and began to work the pestle with her, Uncas felt a warmth enter his body. He thought back over the time they had spent together so far, and how Alice had surprised him so many times. He knew what being the younger sibling was like, and how hard it could be to step out on your own two feet. But Alice was rising to the challenge. It seemed her delicate exterior could be a façade for the strength that lay dormant underneath, and if that was true and it was nurtured, she could be an extraordinary woman.
Taking a look at her determined grey eyes, he found himself wanting to do just that.
Outside in the fort, silence reigned briefly. The French cannon had stopped unexpectedly for the time being, and everyone took the unexpected reprieve to rest for a moment or two. A group of Mohawks lit their pipes and released clouds of tobacco smoke into the courtyard while nearby, one of the laundresses hummed a tune to an injured man who lay asleep.
Nathaniel crouched in a shadowy corner with some members of the militia, who had taken advantage of the sudden ceasefire to meet and decide what could be done. Jack had already broken the news to both them and the Mohawks. Munro could not be convinced. They would not be given leave to return home and defend their families. Despite their terms with Webb, they were at the mercy of crown law.
"He won't be convinced. Punishment by hanging or firing squad but I'd say it's worth the risk to try and leave." Nathaniel spoke up. "Yeah, Nathaniel, but you weren't ever for being here." Ian replied. He felt torn, as did most of the men, between the need to protect their families and the threat of death literally hanging over their heads. "That's right, I saw it that way then and I see it that way now. Ian, if I had kin in the settlements, hell be damn sure I'd be long gone." He answered. Ian's brow furrowed. "What do we do about being under crown law?" he said directing his question to Jack. Jack's head was down, and Nathaniel could tell that he was thinking. He knew that his friend was torn, he'd admitted it himself at the recruitment gathering. Feeling a sense of responsibility to England while believing in a man's own dominion over himself. "I believe that if they set aside their law as and when they wish, their law no longer had rightful authority over us. All they have over is tyranny." His voice was quiet but firm. "And I will not live under that yoke. So I will stay here no longer." He looked up at the other men. "Anyone caught leaving the fort could be shot so each man make your own decision. Those who are going be back, be back in an hour." Nathaniel broke in to offer advice, "Out the northern sally port. Strike for the east side of the swamp till you clear the French picket line. Head north over the ridge, then come about southeast. Fork left in Little Meadow, and you're free of the outpost and skirmishers." He finished. The men started to mutter among themselves, "Should've skun outta this long ago." One man said. "Got no families, Captain." One younger man, William, spoke up. "Figured we stay and give a hand." Jack nodded at that.
"I'll cover you from the top of the bastion." Nathaniel told them. It was their best bet for safety, at least as long as they were within range of Killdeer. Jack looked surprised, "You're not coming with us?" he asked. "Got reasons to stay." His friend leaned in with a teasing look, "One of those reasons wear a striped skirt and work in the surgery?" "It does," Nathaniel turned his head and rolled his eyes, "no offense but it's a better looking reason than you Jack Winthrop." He caught the smile on his face as he turned back to face him, becoming serious again. "Push hard cause you gotta clear the French outpost by dawn. Good luck, Jack." He'd do his best to make sure they'd make it. They stood then, and the other militiamen started off in different directions to prepare but Jack and Ian stayed behind. "We need to talk with you, Nathaniel and your family before we go." Jack said, "about Juliet." Nathaniel nodded, he'd been expecting this since Jack had asked him what would happen to her the night before. "I'll find them. Meet by the north magazine?" At their nod, he walked off in search of his father and brother.
Uncas gently stroked the back of Juliet's head as she drifted off to sleep. "Sleep well little one." He whispered and stood up from his crouched position by the bed. Once he had finished making the medicinal paste with Alice, and Alice had applied some of it to his sutured wound, it had been clear that Juliet needed to be put to bed. He had carried her back to where she and Alice and Cora were staying in their father's quarters, and tucked her in.
Watching Uncas tuck Juliet into bed from her position near the table, Alice found herself smiling. The sight of the Mohican warrior, with tomahawk and knife hanging from his belt, kneeling down to put a sleeping child to bed was very endearing. Shadows from the candles lit in the room played off his features, highlighting the tenderness and dedication that she saw in his face. Thinking back to the surgery, she had noticed that same dedication there when he had shown her how to make the onion and honey paste. It seemed that whatever he did, he put his whole self into it. She liked that.
Coming back to the present, she noticed Uncas was facing her and had caught her smile. She froze. But then, she watched his features relax into a smile of his own, straight white teeth contrasting beautifully with his copper skin and dark eyes and hair. It mesmerized her.
Just then, the sound of violin music drifted in from the outside courtyard. It sounded like a minuet was being played. Alice wished that she could dance, she'd loved dancing at balls and parties in Boston and London. There was something freeing about it, moving to the music and letting yourself turn and skip.
"Would you like to dance, Miss Alice?"
The question from Uncas floored her. Dance? With him? Did he know how to dance a minuet?
Seeing the shock on her face, Uncas continued, "I learned English dances years ago, when Nathaniel and I attended Reverend Wheelock's school. Since then, I've had the chance to practice when we've gathered for parties or celebrations at our friends' homes." While it probably wasn't something that most people would've guessed about him at first glance, Uncas loved dancing, whether it was the traditional dances of his people or the dances of their settler friends. Dancing allowed you to slow down, at least inside, and to think about nothing more than the movements you were making and the rhythm of the music. And in the case of the English dances, who you were dancing with.
Alice felt stunned by what Uncas had just told her, but in a way she thought she shouldn't be. He kept surprising her by what he could do and what he knew. Suddenly, she felt a strong hand slip into her right one and lift it gently. "You were nodding yes." Uncas told her when she looked surprised at him. Alice hadn't noticed she was nodding until he told her and blushed. Uncas only smiled at her, and then released her hand and stepped back. Offering her a graceful bow, he waited for her. Feeling like she was diving into deep water, Alice slipped into a curtsy. Rising, she faced him and nodded. They began.
Taking Uncas' outstretched hand, Alice turned with him and began the forward steps. 1, 2, 3. She could feel the counts that the dance master had tapped out years ago in her bones. Glancing at Uncas, she noticed how graceful he was as he moved in perfect time on his moccasined feet. At just the right moment, he turned and released her hand, moving in a circle, his footwork perfect. She did the same, listening to the violin music that seemed to grow louder and her heartbeat which was now beating faster in time. Seeing Uncas's arm extend to her again, Alice took his hand a second time and began to move with him. Right step here, slide your foot left. Looking up at his face, she saw a strange look in his eyes. It was more than the gentleness she'd seen there before. This was deeper.
Uncas looked at her too and found himself wishing that the dance would never end. While he'd danced with other women before, they had never made him feel this way before. The warm feeling that had entered him before came rushing back full force and stronger this time. Alice's delicate beauty came alive when she danced.
Moving to the forward steps again, Alice felt Uncas' grip tighten on her hand slightly as if he didn't want to let go. Responding in kind, she didn't want him to let go.
"Alice?" a knock on the door and Cora's voice interrupted their dance. Dropping hands simultaneously, both Uncas and Alice moved away from each other and tried to compose themselves. "Yes, Cora?" Alice answered her sister softly, not even having time to worry about her sister finding her with Uncas. After all, he had been helping her with Juliet. And she knew Cora had been admiring his brother.
Cora entered the room. "Good evening, sir." She said to Uncas, her face not giving away any of her thoughts about seeing the two of them together. Uncas nodded, "Good evening Miss Munro. Your sister was kind enough to apply some ointment to my wound in the surgery and Juliet was sleepy so I carried her back to her bed." He told her by way of explanation. "Please don't feel you have to explain yourself to me. Your family has proven to be the most honorable of people." Cora told him genuinely. Alice was glad to hear Cora say what she had been thinking too.
Uncas realized that it was probably time for him to go, even though he felt reluctant to. "I'll be on my way. Goodnight, Miss Cora, Miss Alice." He told both of them, giving them each a small smile and nod that deepened when he looked at Alice. He turned and left the room, still thinking about the dance.
Nathaniel scanned the courtyard for his brother. Suddenly, his eyes lit on him emerging from the officer's quarters. "Nimahtes, where have you been?" he called out as he walked towards him. "Getting the ointment for my wound and putting Juliet to bed." Uncas replied and shrugged. "Are you sure that's all you've been doing?" Nathaniel gave his brother a teasing grin. Uncas rolled his eyes and chuckled. The familiarity of him and Nathaniel's banter was a welcome distraction.
"We need to find Nooch and meet with Jack and Ian before they leave. They want to talk about Juliet." His brother continued as they started to walk towards the barracks. Uncas nodded. "Do you think they are going to want to take her in?" he asked. Nathaniel lifted a noncommittal shoulder. "Taktani. Shekwe. They can't take her with them now." Silence fell between them. Uncas knew what his brother was talking about, he had told him and their father about the failed meeting with Munro. It wasn't surprising they would leave.
"Shekwe it would be for the best if one of them took her in eventually, she'd be in a familiar environment at least." Uncas spoke up, thinking over his conversation with their father. He hated the thought of being parted from Juliet though and judging by the way his brother had grimaced for a brief moment, he suspected he felt the same way. Nathaniel looked at his brother. "Shekwe. But I don't know if that matters in the end." He said. Uncas knew that his brother was speaking partly about himself with that, the adopted child of the two of them. They reached the barracks, and found their father standing outside. "Nooch, Jack and Ian want to meet with us about Juliet." Nathaniel said. Chingachgook nodded at his sons. "Ahitka." He joined his sons as Nathaniel led them towards the northern end of the fort.
Jack and Ian were already there when they arrived. "My son said you wanted to talk with us." Chingachgook started off the conversation. Jack and Ian both nodded. "Yes, we wanted to talk with you about Juliet. We didn't get to finish our conversation from last night and now.." Jack's voice trailed off and he shook himself slightly before continuing. "You said that you hadn't made any plans for her yet. Is that still true?" The three Mohicans exchanged glances. "I've spoken about it with my sons since but we will listen to your ideas. Nothing has been decided yet." Chingachgook replied. Jack looked over at Ian before he spoke, "It's terrible what Juliet's been through and we've been talking about how we could help. You all know I don't have a wife yet, but you know Katherine's married and lives about a three day trip from here." Both Uncas and Nathaniel remembered Jack's older sister Katherine from their school days at Reverend Wheelock's. She and Jack along with their parents had been the first to welcome the Mohican boys into the school community. They had gone to her wedding with her husband Thomas. He was a good man, who had welcomed the Mohicans as family friends from the beginning and they had since visited them at their farm from time to time. But Juliet had never met them or their daughter Margaret. "I think they could be willing to take her in, I could ask them." Jack finished. Ian joined the conversation then, "And my wife and I could talk about taking her in. We would do our best to give her a good home if we did."
Nathaniel knew what their friends said was true. He believed that they would do their best. But at the same time, he didn't want to part with her and he knew his family felt similarly given his father's conversations with him and Uncas. He thought back over the last few days, the horror of discovering the cabin and her family's fate mixed with the intense relief of finding Juliet alive. Carrying her through the forest as they made their way to the fort and promising not to leave her when she cried in the council room. When he had taught her the basics of cleaning Killdeer, he had seen how she enjoyed being close to him as he had shown her what to do. Guiding her hands had felt natural. "Give us a moment." He heard his father tell them. They nodded and the Mohicans moved away slightly to speak somewhat privately.
"What do you think?" Chingachgook asked his sons, looking at both of them. Having spoken with them each before, he left it to them to make the final decision as one of them would raise her if they decided to adopt her. Nathaniel exchanged glances with Uncas, revealing that they had similar thoughts going through their heads. Despite not wanting to be parted from Juliet, part of them knew that it would be logical to agree to bring Juliet to one of their friends' homes after they left the fort. It would be a frontier home and that was what she had known her whole life. But still the thought of leaving her after all she had been through was painful.
"Nooch, perhaps we should take them up on their offer of a home for Juliet." Uncas said slowly. It wasn't what he wanted for himself but he was forcing himself to think about what was best for Juliet. Their father nodded, "Is that what you really want, nkwis? And you, nkwis?" he said turning to Nathaniel who hadn't said anything yet which was unusual. "That may be the most logical option, Nooch, but I don't know if it's the best one." he said honestly. Noticing that his father and brother were waiting for him, he continued, "She's attached to us, we all know that, she's begged us several times not to leave her. It's probably best if she stays with us at this point and we make her family." Nathaniel looked from his father to his brother, noticing that while their father's expression remained outwardly neutral his eyes had turned soft. Uncas spoke up "It is very hard to think of leaving Juliet but is her becoming one of us what's best for her? It would all be new for her and unlike you brother, she will remember her family and life before. Besides, neither you or I have a wife yet." At that he stopped suddenly, his mind going back to Alice. He thought of her and Juliet asleep in the officer's quarters now and secretly, he wished he could have them both here with him now.
Hearing both his sons' thoughts, Chingachgook decided it was time to voice his own, "You have made good points, but I think that your older brother is right when he says that Juliet is bound to us now, Uncas. She has known us her whole life and we were the first people she saw after the tragedy. Whatever decision is made for her future, that bond will remain." Uncas knew that his father and brother were right about that. Although he had never known his mother who'd died shortly after he was born, he knew that her death had tied his father even closer to him and then to Nathaniel, who he'd found shortly after and who had also lost his birth family. Grief, no matter how old or young the mourners, had a way of binding people together.
"She's young, nimahtes, she'll adjust. We will help her." Nathaniel said, "She can grow up knowing both worlds, the way we did." Their father had done the same for them. "It's not that I don't want Juliet to stay as part of our family, it's that I want what's best for her." Uncas said, feeling that his brother was charging ahead as he often did without thinking through all the details. "We all do or we wouldn't be having this talk." Nathaniel said with a smirk at the obvious. "And which one of us would be her father or her uncle?" Uncas shot back. His brother shrugged. "We can work out the details later, we just have to decide that she's staying." There was no way that they could formally adopt Juliet right now anyway, and they would have until that happened to decide.
Juliet's beaming smile and her joy at seeing him when he'd brought her and the Munro sisters breakfast that morning came to him, and deep in his heart, Uncas knew that he couldn't be parted from her. Meeting his father and brother's eyes again, he nodded, seeing in their eyes that they knew he was in agreement. They turned back and rejoined their friends.
"Your offers are kind and if John and Alexandra were here, I know they would be grateful for your generosity, but we believe it is best that Juliet stay with us." Chingachgook told them. "She has bonded with all of us and one of my sons will adopt and raise her as his own daughter. She will be loved with us." Jack and Ian nodded, and Uncas noticed that Ian looked a bit relieved. Having come from Scotland only two years' prior, he and his family were still getting established on their farm. It would be challenging to bring in a recent orphan like Juliet but he admired the man for being willing to make the offer. Jack, on the other hand, had the same expression on his face that he'd had ever since he and Nathaniel were in school with him and about to attempt some kind of mischief together. Let's think about this. This was not over in his eyes.
Ian must have sensed the need for Jack to talk privately with them because he told Jack that he would get their belongings together for both of them and meet him at the northern sally port within the hour. Uncas reached out and touched his shoulder as he passed, "Thank you. I know John would be happy to know that you were willing to step in as a father to Juliet." He told him. Ian nodded, a sheen of tears glistening in the faint light from the fires in the courtyard. "It's the least I could do…he'd have done the same for me." He clapped Uncas' shoulder in return. "But I know that he would be proud to know his daughter would be raised by someone like you and Nathaniel. He thought the world of your family." He left them and Jack moved closer to the Mohicans, rubbing his brow.
"Look, you know I have nothing but respect for all of you but have you really thought this through?" he asked, looking from Nathaniel to Uncas. "Neither of you has a wife and you remember how it was for you, Nathaniel, back when we were all in school together." Nathaniel knew what he was talking about. When he and Uncas had first started school, they had both been subjected to any number of comments and stares by some of the settler students (and to some extent, the native students) but the brunt of them had definitely fallen on him. Comments about his clothes, tattoos and more personal ones about his family. That was when his father had taken him aside and told him how to deal with people like that "Do not try to understand them and do not try to make them understand you. They are a breed apart and make no sense." Words he still lived by.
"You know one of the reasons I have to stay and seems like Uncas might have one of those too." He gave his brother a teasing grin, to which he got an eye roll in return. "As for everything else, we'll take it as it comes along." "Being a girl will make it harder." Jack said. "Maybe, but we'll guide her through it." Nathaniel replied, knowing in his heart though that their friend was right. They'd have to be vigilant about it, especially in the beginning. Jack looked at the three of them and nodded slowly. "All right. She couldn't ask for a better father from one of you two wild boys." He said, a rakish grin breaking out. All three of the Mohicans chuckled at that. Turning serious again, Jack continued "Ian was right. John and Alexandra would be proud that you are making Juliet one of your own." Silence fell in respect for the dead.
"Guess I better get back with everyone." Jack broke the silence and left the magazine. Once he was gone, Chingachgook turned to his sons. "Nuwatun weltek wemi keku Kuxena wenchixen." Nathaniel and Uncas nodded, noticing the bittersweet expression of their father and the dull pain that they all felt at the loss of their friends. He wasn't being capricious with his words, instead he was reminding them to look to the future that would be.
Their family of three had now grown to four.
Nathaniel walked through the fort's inner yard, mulling over the events of the day. Ongewasgone had just told him that he was staying, the Mohawks having sworn their solemn word to stand in alliance with the English. He'd admired his friend's integrity even though he believed it was being wasted.
Thoughts continued to swirl through his head as he made his way through the small groups of Regular soldiers, Mohawks, camp followers and a Regular officer here and there. The sound of a violin added to the cacophony of noise, bringing a sense of rhythm to life at the fort if only for a moment. Cora. Juliet's adoption. Cora.
The dark haired Munro daughter kept coming back to the front of his mind, as she had for the past two days. Her beautiful smile and long, dark wavy hair half-gathered up and the rest tumbling down her shoulders earlier had made him see her differently than before, even though she had already been on his mind. She had looked especially attractive in a more natural form, which he appreciated. But it was more than that. Her confidence and skills in different ways-ranging from her ability to prepare a pistol to suturing knife wounds-showed him that she was different than other upper class English women. It showed him that she could not only survive in his world but likely thrive, given the chance.
Nathaniel. The way she had said his first name earlier had stuck with him. It was a small thing, but the look in her eyes had said it all. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. The question was, would she allow herself to go for it? And would he?
Using a balled up handkerchief, Cora mopped the sweat from the brow of the miltiaman's face, trying to bring him some comfort. She knew with a sinking feeling that it wouldn't be enough, just as she had known when she'd given him a heavy dose of alcohol to help him sleep. The bullet he had taken straight through his lower abdomen was too deep. If he lived to see the morning, it would be a miracle. Gripping his hand tighter in hers, she leaned forward and pressed her cheek against their clasped hands. With the way things were looking for all of them at the fort, it might be a miracle if any of them made it through the next day.
The sound of violin music began drifting through the open door and walls of the surgery, and she looked towards it. A flash of dark hair, long rifle and wampum belt caught her eye and she saw Nathaniel again. He moved through the courtyard and her eyes followed him. Looking away for a moment, she thought about the misery that surrounded all of them but also the certainty that she felt return from earlier. Carpe Diem. The Latin phrase entered her mind. Seize the Day.
Feeling that she was diving deep into icy, cold water she stood and left the surgery.
Nathaniel continued to make his way through the courtyard, his sharp eyes taking in everything and nothing all at once. The thoughts continued to come, images of what could be. Cora standing with him under the stars, faint whisps of breath coming in the cool air. Showing her how to tan a deerskin. Swimming together on a hot summer day. Having her smile for him as he slipped below soft fur pelts to join her on a cold winter night and…
She was in front of him. Now.
Their eyes met and held. Cora took a step closer, letting him know that she was willing. The certainty that she had felt before was there full force now, letting her know that this was right for her. One heartbeat passed and then another. Moving forward, Nathaniel took her hand and led them towards a shadowy corner of the fort.
Light from the fires created shadows around them as they faced each other, hands and arms gently intertwined. Thud-thud. Thud-thud. The sound of their heartbeats echoed in the small space, letting them know that both of them were as anxious about this as the other. But at the same time, both were certain.
A quick breath, and Nathaniel came in with a kiss, to which Cora responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his head and drawing him closer. He deepened it, savoring the feeling of her lips on his, never wanting it to end. A need to breathe ended it, and both looked at each other, wanting more.
Coming together again, their kisses were shorter now but equally passionate. Cora felt Nathaniel lift her into her arms, and she relished the feeling, feeling like she was flying. She held onto him as they caught their breath, relaxing and trying to let their heart rates slow down to normal. She shifted in his arms, and he tightened his grip protectively, each knowing the same thing.
They belonged together.
Nimahtes: My brother (Delaware)
Taktani: I do not know (Delaware)
Shekwe: Maybe
Nuwatun weltek wemi keku Kuxena wenchixen: I know that all good things come from our Father (God/Creator)
Like I said at the beginning, there was a lot of ground to cover in this chapter. The romantic scenes were my favorite to write-especially the Uncas/Alice dance scene. Uncas moves with a certain grace during the movie that Alice also shares so dancing seemed like the perfect thing for them to have in common. In watching the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast (2017 version) I was inspired to recreate it in a way here because of the mix of melancholy and hope that the music creates in that scene which I think fits with where our characters are at right now emotionally in so many ways. Cora/Nathaniel are still my favorite couple though, and I thought they needed a "bridge moment" between the surgery and the stolen kiss scene so I gave it to them. Despite their confident natures, I've always seen a bit of hesitancy in that scene between both of them so slowing it down and giving them a chance to think was a way to explain that. Cora is having to begin to turn her back on some things that she has been brought up to believe in or to think, and that is never easy to get out of your system. As for Juliet, we now know that she will be officially becoming a part of the Mohican family. I decided it was time to make it clear that she will be staying with them permanently, and also to set up some characters for interaction with later in the story. Jack was probably the supporting character "standout" in this chapter in the terms of creating his backstory. I wanted someone who had known Nathaniel and Uncas since childhood (and gone to school with them) and Jack seemed like the right fit, in terms of someone who had the emotional historical "standing" to question and challenge them a bit as a friend.
ELY72, thank you for your support of this story, your modern scenarios in your stories for these characters are so unique and interesting! Lovely102 I definitely agree that no one will take better care of Juliet than the Mohicans (and a Munro sister or two!). MohawkWoman thank you for saying I've created a strong family dynamic with the characters, that's exactly what I've been trying to do.
