Indian Paintbrushes

Jane was travelling through country she had not frequently traversed. She had her companion with her and they were riding their horses through territory known as the "Piney Woods", when they came across a plum orchard leading up to a cottage. They were tired and their horses were tired, so they rode up the path to the house, hoping to find a place to stay for a few nights.

Jacob, the groundskeeper, had been in the orchard inspecting the fruit when he saw her. Jacob then went to the landowner who sent him back to bring Jane to the cottage. The master of the house noticed she was not originally from that land. Her skin was sun-kissed, her hair was braided down her back and was as black as night. Her eyes were the color of blue bonnets. Jane said they had gotten lost on their way to Houston, the capital. The master of the cottage was glad to inform them that their destination was not more than fifty miles from their current location. He offered that they stay while their horses recuperated and suggested that they do the same. Jane agreed to stay a few days. The gentleman was delighted and immediately gave orders that they be taken to the house and shown to their quarters. Here is what the ladies saw: there was the orchard and the road leading up to the house, there was an iron gate they passed through, there was a wall of shrubbery enclosing a courtyard, and there were stables and gardens with daises and black-eyed Susans. At this time, a stable boy came and took the horses away. Before them now was the cottage with vines running up its walls. Inside the house was a fireplace and a staircase that led to the bedrooms. As they were led upstairs, they walked into a corridor that had rooms on either side. Jane and her companion were given adjoining rooms, then they were left alone until supper-time.

When they were called for supper, they did not come right away so Rebecca, the house-servant, was sent to retrieve them. When she opened the door, the lighting was dim and Rebecca found both guests asleep in their separate rooms, so she did not disturb them. The next day, Jane and her companion wandered off to different parts of the estate. Jane walked through gardens of roses and sunflowers until she stumbled upon an enclosed area. There was no shrubbery and only a few rows of pink flowers. They were white in the center and faded into a pale pink at the tip. She gingerly reached out a hand to the plant and felt one of the petals between her fingers. It was paper thin and very soft, like silk. "Be careful. They're delicate." Jane whipped around, startled, only to find her host standing at the garden gate.

"It's very beautiful." She said gesturing to the whole garden. He looked at her and cocked his head sideways.

"Not everyone thinks so," he whispered darkly. "Some think it's a waste of time and I should focus more on my political career."

"What's your name?" He inquired suddenly. Timidly, she replied, "Jane."

"Jane," he whispered. She smiled graciously. "And what would yours be, sir?"

"Solomon."

"That's my eldest brother's name. It's a very trustworthy name."

"Where are you from, my dear?"

"The Comanche lands."

"Do you really like my gardens, Jane?"

"I do, Solomon. My favorite part are the prairie flowers. They remind me of my home."

"There's a field not far from here where they grow wild. Would you like to see them?"

"Oh yes! That would be wonderful," her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I'll be away tomorrow but I'll take you there the day after."

"That will be fine."

"But for now we need to get inside. A storm is coming," he pointed up and dark storm clouds were beginning to cover the sun.