The Canadian Highland

George came to our shelter the next day wearing a sad expression. Only a few weeks ago he came here from his work at Fort Douglas, and I could tell he brought troubling news.

  “Molly, it looks like I’ll be leaving later today. I hope I’ll return quickly, but I can’t say for sure.”

  “But George,” I exclaimed, “You just got here. Why do you have to leave again?”

  He came inside our shelter and made a motion for everyone to come close. He was letting us in on a secret. “As you all probably know by now, MacDonell has proclaimed all the food in the area for the HBC.”

  Everyone nodded at this. His news was hardly a secret throughout the camp.

  “There are large stock piles of buffalo meat throughout the area at different trading posts. The North West Company will not give up this food, even though the Governor has promised to pay with British pounds for all food at a fair rate. There is a large quantity of Buffalo meat at Brandon House, a North West fort some five days march from here. There may be over twenty tons of food. It’s up to us to make our way to Brandon House and secure the food for the settlers.”

  “That sounds dangerous,” my uncle plainly stated. “Are you up to the task?”

  “I’ve been training with a gun for some time, and I can load a musket in under thirty seconds. Walking with snowshoes continues to improve every day. With this job, we have the element of surprise, so we will do what is needed without any harm coming to us.”

  My eyes start to well up a little. I know George was aware of how I felt, but he could not do anything about it with everyone present.

  “There is nothing to worry about,” George continued, “Once we seize the pemmican, we’ll quickly be on our way.”

  “Good luck son,” Papa said as he extended his hand. “Remember, you intend to marry my little girl here, so keep yourself safe and come back to us unharmed.”

  “That’s exactly what I intend to do sir. Molly, walk outside with me for a little, will you?”

  Leaving the shelter with George, we made our way to the storehouse where we would not be disturbed by prying eyes and listening ears. “George, I don’t like this. Are you sure you have to go?”

  “Molly, there’s not much I can do. I’ve been given an order, and I have to obey. I’m not worried about the danger. I just hate to have to leave you now that I have you in my sights. I hope for a day where I can wake up every morning and see your beautiful face looking back at me.”

  “Oh George, you’re so sweet.” As we held each other’s hands, our foreheads touched and the cold breath danced between our faces. I squeezed his hands and felt an equal force as he bent down to kiss me goodbye. “Come back to me safe, my love,” I quietly whispered.

  “I will do everything I can to stay out of harm’s way. I will return as soon as I can.”

  I didn’t want to see him leave. Every time we leave each other, there is a feeling deep in my stomach, a sickness I can’t bear. With each passing month, my feelings for George grow stronger. So far, he has come back to me safe and healthy, but can I expect that every time? If something terrible were to happen to him, I’m not sure if I still have the strength left to deal with it.