Innocence Lost

Chapter 10

Ella Walked across the camp with Sadie. "Its funny," she said, "how you and I have gone for the same sort of clothes style."

Sadie looked at Ella. The tight jeans, and cowboy boots, and the loose shirt covered by a silver brocade waistcoat, were more along the lines of what you might see on a man, but they did suit her.

She looked at her own outfit, jeans and short boots, with a shirt and jacket. With a hat that had a brim, enough to keep the sun out of her eyes.

"We didn't get you a hat," she said.

Ella smiled. "Oh well, maybe we can go into town again without the men, and spend a bit more time shopping." She laughed, "and maybe hit the poker table. Its a shame we had to rush back."

Sadie frowned, "yes, that was a bit odd."

They both sat down on a log, by one of the camp fires. They were alone.

"Ella, what's going on with you and Dutch?"

Ella flushed. "we..we..Oh, we went out yesterday afternoon, and made love in the long grass" She blurted out, and then put her hand over her mouth. She giggled.

"I'm not sure if I was supposed to tell anyone," she said.

Sadie looked at her, and smiled. "I don't think it will be much of a surprise, when they find out."

"What about you, and Arthur?" She asked.

Sadie laughed, "what about me, and Arthur?"

"I've seen the way you look at him," she smiled.

"Oh I don't think Arthur is that interested in me," Sadie replied, "he's just a good friend."

Ella raised her eyebrows, "I think you might be mistaken," she said, and laughed. "I've seen the way he looks at you too!"

Both women laughed. Sadie nodded towards Pearson's wagon. "Lets go have a beer," she said, "to celebrate our new clothes." They walked over to Pearson's wagon, and made a beeline for the beer crate.

When Dutch and Arthur arrived back at camp, Sadie and Ella, were on their second beer.

Arthur looked across, and saw the two woman laughing, and chatting together. He was pleased, he thought Ella may need a friend in the coming weeks.

Arthur took Dutch to one side, "does Hosea know about you, and Ella?" He asked.

Dutch looked at Arthur. "I think he may have guessed that something is going on, but you're the only person that actually knows, Arthur. I don't really want to stand on the table, and make an announcement!" He laughed. It was the first time he had laughed, since speaking to Maxwell Rowan.

Arthur nodded towards Sadie and Ella.

"I think that maybe someone else knows now," he said.

Dutch looked across towards where the two women were sitting.

"Its probably not a bad thing, and you, and Sadie, well, your almost like a big brother and sister to her"

Arthur sighed. "She's a good kid, considering all she's been through. If its OK with you, I might fill Sadie in on what's happened today?

Dutch nodded. "Not a bad idea, If you go and grab Sadie, I can have a chat with Ella. Find out if she remembers anything, and if she does, why she hasn't told me."

Arthur nodded. "Take it easy on her though," he said.

Dutch smiled, "See, just like a big brother."