Quicksilver Passion (132 page)

Happily ever after
. Wasn’t it too bad that life wasn’t like a fairy tale? Silver smiled and nodded absently, thinking of Cherokee. It had been three and a half years since he had ridden off to fight. She had no idea whether he was alive or dead. In the meantime, she had made a life for herself as governess to the Duchess’s child and she was happy, she supposed. At least a lonely little girl loved her.

The child said,
Let me give you a treasure, Silvery.” She kissed Silver’s palm and closed her fingers over it.
A treasure to put in your pocket.”

Silver laughed.
Let
me
give
you
a treasure.” She put a dime in the child’s hand and closed her fingers over it.
Now that treasure will buy lots of things—candy for both of us.”

I love you, Silvery, I wish you were my mama.” She hugged her governess.

I love you, too, sweet darlin’.” Without thinking, she had used his words. His rugged face came to her mind. Why did she keep thinking of him? If he weren’t dead, she would have heard from him somehow—if he wanted to keep in touch. Of course he might have returned to Buckskin Joe.

Silver herself had gone back on the anniversary of the smallpox epidemic each year to lay flowers on the graves of Al and the others who had died from the disease. Some of the blooms had scattered seeds and now there were wild flowers throughout the graveyard. She didn’t let anyone see her when she went, not that there was anyone much left in the little settlement. In a few more years, it would be a ghost town. Prospectors now were going on to bigger strikes, and places like Fairplay were booming. Besides Silver didn’t want anyone who remembered her beauty to see her and pity her.

Cherokee
. The memory hurt.
Let’s wash up for dinner,” she said, holding Wannie so the little girl couldn’t see the tears that came to her eyes and threatened to overflow. She had to swallow hard before she could speak.
Later, I’ll read you another story.”
If the prince ever comes for you, can I go along?” Waanibe’s dark eyes danced with enthusiasm.
I’d like to be your little girl. When I do see other children on the street, they’re mean to me. They call me ’half-breed.’”

Half-breed.
She almost felt Cherokee’s lips on hers.
I don’t think a prince is coming for either of us anytime soon,” she said gently.

Let’s play dress-up now,” Waanibe pouted.