Read Online Mail Order Bride: Westward Christmas Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides, Book 11) by Linda Bridey - Free Book Online Page A

losing a leg.  “Thankfully you were here to help her.”
    Ben nodded.  “There are some times when I think we were meant to lose our fortune so that I would notice that there were more important things than money.”
    “Perhaps,” Sasha agreed.
    “I believe that had our wealth remained intact that I wouldn’t have been as good of a doctor,” Ben said introspectively.  He looked at Sasha and smiled.  “Being poor as a church mouse tends to teach one some life lessons.”
    They arrived at the home of Brown Otter’s family and Ben greeted his mother, Pond Lily.  Ben had a strong fondness for the family.
    Ben signed to Pond Lily, “I am here to see Wandering One.”
    “Yes, of course,” she signed back.  “Come in, please.”
    Ben motioned for Sasha to follow him into the tipi.  Sasha smiled at Pond Lily and ducked inside with Ben.  The interior was dark, but her eyes adjusted quickly.  Pond Lily brought up the rear.
    A little girl sat up against a backrest.  One of her legs, encased in a cast, was stretched out before her.  She looked up and smiled at Ben.  He signed to her, “Hello, little one.  How is your leg feeling?”
    He knelt beside her and began examining her even as he watched her sign, “Better.  It still hurts, but not as bad.”
    Wandering One was not quite two years older than her brother and was able to sign very well. 
    “Good,” Ben said.  “Pond Lily, has there been any kind of drainage or any fever?”
    He looked up to see Pond Lily sign, “No.  She has been completely fine.”
    “I am bored,” Wandering One said.  “When can I get this thing off?”
    Ben smiled at her.  “I know, but you must be patient a little while longer.  It won’t be too long until you can run and play again.  But if you don’t listen to what I tell you, it won’t heal and it will be much longer until you can.  All right?”
    “Yes.”  Wandering One wasn’t happy, but she would do anything to be able to get back to her normal life.
    Ben nodded his approval.  To the girl’s mother he said, “I think the willow bark tea will do the job now.  I’d like to stop giving her the laudanum.”
    “I understand,” Pond Lily said with a smile.
    “I’ll be back again next week to check on her.  If there is any problem, have someone come get me,” Ben said.
    Wandering One held out her arms to Ben and he happily embraced the girl.  “You be good until I come back.”
    “I will,” she signed when he had released her.
    Back outside, Ben told Sasha everything that had been said in the tipi.
    “I knew that the Lakota used some sign language.  Sparrow has mentioned it from time to time, but I didn’t know it was so extensive,” Sasha said.
    “Yes, it is, and much of it has to do with body language,” Ben said. 
    “I see.  I hope her leg keeps healing so well,” Sasha said.  “Where are we going now?”
    “To see either Black Fox or Wind Spirit.  Whenever I’m here, I always check to see if there are others who need to be seen,” Ben said.
    Sasha’s gasp of surprise served as a warning to Ben, and he turned and struck out.  The blow hit Raven in the middle of his chest and the young brave went down.  Raven hadn’t been expecting Ben’s attack and the force Ben had used kept Raven from being able to breathe for a moment.
    He rolled over on his hands and knees and willed his lungs to expand.  Sasha stood back, her eyes wide, looking back and forth between Ben and Raven.  Ben smiled and bounced on the balls of his feet a little.
    “C’mon, Raven, get up,” Ben said.
    Raven’s lungs finally cooperated and he started laughing.  He flung his long black hair out of his face and got up.  He looked at Sasha with laughter in his eyes.  “You gave me away,” he accused good-naturedly.
    “I’m-I’m sorry,” Sasha stammered.  She cried out as hands grabbed her upper arms and pulled her backwards. 
    Wind Spirit, Raven’s mother, said, “Do not fear.  This is a game