The Colonel nodded. "We've been able to keep them under control."
Eve smiled and nodded.
"Tell us more about the savages, Mrs. Dawson." The woman persisted.
"Well, they were much like we are. They spent their time, weaving baskets, making blankets and mocassins. The men were busy hunting, and I guess planning things."
"Like wars?"
"I don't know. I didn't ask. When you are captive you don't get to ask questions much." She smiled sweetly at the lady.
"And your daughter, did they treat her well?"
"Yes, they didn't bother her at all. I was able to keep her at my side all the time."
"Mrs. Haley watches the children here for us, so they don't sit at our table. They have their own, in the kitchen. Matthew and Jane Ann are there now. You see in the military talk of wars and such are common and as adults that's fine, but not for little ears."
Eve nodded. She'd have to get used to the rules around the place.
"I've heard there are many scandalous things they do with captives…"
"I wasn't there that long…"Eve smiled tightly.
"Oh I didn't mean you my dear."
"So…where is your husband?" the woman next to her asked.
Eve glanced at Hawk, but he was still talking to the Colonel. "He's dead; he died of a fever two years ago."
"Oh dear. That's so sad."
"Yes," Eve nodded. Then something occurred to her that scared her witless. Her face went totally pale. Hawk had relations with her and she could be caring his child right this minute. It almost made her ill with fear. These people would eat her alive if they knew that. And if she was pregnant, what would she do? She needed to talk to Hawk about it before he left.
Strange that it just now occurred to her of the consequences of her actions. Faced with life and death situations, she'd given no thought to other problems.
The chatter went on half the night even though they had music and danced. Hawk did not dance with her.
However, some of the young soldiers asked her to dance. She was whirled about the floor many times and every man seemed to take a turn at it. She tried to be gracious to all of them, but her heart wasn't in it. She was worried now.
She caught Hawk staring at her a time or two, but he said nothing more to her.
As one of the young men accompanied her to her quarters, she sighed. She missed Hawk. She was so tired of answering questions about her capture. It would seem that having relations with an Indian changed many things. Things she hadn't expected.
She wasn't the same woman as she was two months ago. She had changed and that change had surprising consequences to face.
Matthew had met a couple of kids and they had played after supper, but it was late now and she put them both to bed.
Restless she went outside.
She leaned against the railing and stared out at the moonlight. What was she going to do? What if she were pregnant?
A voice came from behind her. "Don't turn around. Your talking to me now would not be a good thing. I came only to say goodbye…"
She wanted to see him, but he refused her even that. At least he hadn't totally forgotten about her.
She took a deep breath. "You're leaving now?"
"In the morning, probably before you wake up. I am glad you are safe now. You and your family."