Chapter 35
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - July 1874
Lou burst through the front door, her face alight with excitement. "A telegram for you!" She announced, practically throwing the flimsy paper into Violette's lap.
Her fingers trembled slightly as Violette unfolded the telegram, her heart pounding in her chest. The words swam before her eyes for a moment, then sharpened into focus. "Found Gabrielle. Will return in a few weeks. Buck."
Tears welled up in Violette's eyes, a mixture of relief and joy threatening to spill over. Weeks felt like an eternity, but compared to the agonizing uncertainty of the past few days, it was a beacon of hope. She clutched the telegram to her chest, a silent prayer escaping her lips.
At first, Louise couldn't understand why a delay of few weeks, it was Kid who reminded her that Gabrielle had probably been injured and needed time to recuperate. Whatever the reason, the entire household was relieved.
In the last couple of weeks, Violette and Teresa had become quite close and spent much of their time whispering and giggling when they weren't in school or riding horses through the prairie.
It was these last few nights though that Louise noticed the glances and flirtation between her brother and Violette. While at first, she thought it was just a passing fancy, she realized how quickly this could spark a fire and burn out of control very quickly. It wasn't too long ago she was their age. Being Gabrielle, wasn't there, Louise felt it was her duty to step in and lay down the ground rules.
Her earlier conversation with Jeremiah had been surprisingly smooth. The angry teenager he once was had matured into a thoughtful young man. Louise had impressed upon him the importance of treating Violette with respect, a young woman sheltered from the harsh realities of the world.
More importantly, she'd reminded him that no matter how much Violette wanted to stay, her sister was her guardian and they would be going back to Baltimore once she returned with Buck.