A Dream for Tomorrow by Melody Carlson

slowly shook her head.
    “Here.” Elizabeth handed Mrs. Taylor her washrag. “You can help my mother and Ruth finish up these dishes and pack up the kitchen gear. I have plenty of chores at my own camp to attend to now.” She turned to Ruth. “You stay here and keep helping Grandma. There’s much to do to get ready for the crossing.”
    “Maybe Ruth would like to ride with us,” Clara offered.
    Elizabeth glanced at Mrs. Taylor. “Unless Mrs. Taylor would care to.”
    “I am fine to remain with you, Elizabeth,” Mrs. Taylor muttered as she washed a plate.
    “All right then. Ruth, you ride with Grandma and Grandpa.” Elizabeth was relieved that Mrs. Taylor was cooperating with them this morning. She didn’t know how much Mrs. Taylor remembered from the previous night, but Elizabeth felt she should be made aware of her behavior. Perhaps it might even motivate the old woman to set aside her pride and judgment and begin interacting with her fellow travelers.
    Elizabeth glanced at her mother. “I’m sure you and Ruth can fill Mrs. Taylor in on the activities last night.” She tried not to smirk. “I think she might find it enlightening.”
    Ruth giggled and Clara just shook her head.
    “Wha—what happened?” Mrs. Taylor asked in a shaky voice.
    “Well, it’s bit of a long story,” Clara began.
    “A funny story,” Ruth added with a twinkle in her eyes.
    Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh as she walked over to her wagon. The image of Mrs. Taylor dancing in her nightgown would probably provide her with chuckles for years to come. She knew that her mother’s version of Mrs. Taylor’s embarrassing debacle would be told gently. And she could count on Ruth to be polite about it as well.
    It was a relief to be able to move about in the back of her wagon without Mrs. Taylor’s imposing presence. She aired the bedding in the sunshine while she tended to organizing and packing and securing—readying her wagon for fording the river. It felt good to know they would be moving again and getting closer to their goal. The break had been somewhat welcome, but she knew that time was critical. They were more than halfway there, but the easy part of the journey was behind them. According to her father, the worst was yet to come.
    “Getting ready for today’s crossing?”
    She paused from shaking dust out of a blanket and smiled at her brother. “I’m working on it.”
    “I just told JT and Brady to start getting your team ready. Eli just stopped by to tell Pa we’ll be the third unit crossing today, and the first unit is already halfway through.”
    “So it’s going well?”
    “So far. The river is still pretty high, but Eli said that’s in our favor. He said the key is to keep your team moving. Don’t stop, or you risk getting your wagon wheels stuck in the silt.”
    She nodded as she folded the blanket. “How is Eli? I don’t think I’ve seen him for more than a week or so.”
    Matthew eyed her curiously. “Does that mean you’ve been missing him?” His teasing tone reminded her of their childhood days.
    “No.” She reached for another blanket. “I was simply curious.”
    “Well, it seems he’s been scouting along the river, trying to find a better place for us to cross in case the rains didn’t let up. He also did some Indian scouting. And some hunting. Gave Ma another good buffalo roast.” He smacked his lips. “Supper will be good tonight.”
    She gave the blanket a shake. “That’s nice.”
    “Do you want me to tell Eli anything for you?” Again with the mocking tone.
    “No thank you, Matthew.” She gave him a stiff smile and he just chuckled.
    “Happy crossing, sis.”
    “You too, Mattie.” She smirked at him. “Don’t be letting your bride fall out today.”
    His grin faded some. “If need be, I’ll tie her into the seat next to me.”
    Now Elizabeth laughed. “I have a feeling Jess would have something to say about that .” Their sparring was cut short by JT and Brady