The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

Hell Hath No Fury

By the time Lorna got back to camp, everyone was already packing up. The ladies rushed to greet her, as Pearson and Swanson took the wagon to be filled.

She explained what happened to the best of her knowledge, then broke the news that John had been arrested. Abigail grew angry, stomping and cursing - Jack looked as if he was about to cry.

"When Arthur and the others get back, I'm sure they'll go get John."

Abigail sighed."I'm so tired of this!"

"We'll get him back, now get to work!" Mrs. Grimshaw barked.

Lorna frowned."I'll be back down, I'm getting out of this thing."

"Good thing, Mrs. Morgan, we got lots to do and no time to do it." She hustled across camp, barking out orders. 

Lorna hurried inside the plantation, still feeling sick to her stomach. She wasn't sure how Arthur did it, though she imagined with twenty years under his belt, it didn't affect him anymore. Though she still didn't know how anyone could get used to it. 

She quickly discarded her dress and put on some old duds, more than prepared to bust down tents and pack wagons. She didn't have a choice, there wasn't anyone else here to do it. She pulled her hair back in a quick braid then turned to Lily, who sat on the floor, playing with the blanket that was supposed to be on the bed.

Figuring she couldn't leave Lily alone, not after the incident a few days ago, she pulled out an extra sheet and created a sling to put Lily in. She'd seen pictures of Native women carrying their babies that way and if they could do it, she could too. It was a bit difficult, but after a few tries, she managed to tie the sheet around her.

Lily settled against her chest comfortably; yawning. It made sense that she was tired, it was just about nap time. She hurried back downstairs with some extra blankets and pillows, taking a mental note of everything else that needed packing. 

The ladies in camp were really helping out, more than just their fair share of chores. Mary-Beth and Tilly were helping Pearson and Swanson pack the wagons, as Sadie, Mrs. Grimshaw and Karen were rounding up the horses. Uncle sat against a tree, napping. 

Pearson noticed Lorna standing there with nothing to do and called her over. 

"Mrs. Morgan!" He bellowed."Take those crates to that wagon over there. Then if you could, those sacks too."

She nodded."Alright, I'll try."

She lifted the crates filled with fruits and vegetables with ease, but the sacks were heavier and more difficult to lift, especially with a sleeping baby strapped to her chest.

"Where the hell is Molly?" Karen snapped."And why ain't the princess helpin' out?"

"Probably off drinking! She don't get attention from Dutch anymore, so she drinks!" Mrs. Grimshaw replied.

Karen snorted."Well that ain't good enough for me! I've got lady problems and you don't see me cryin' in a corner or laying down. No, I'm doin' my fair share plus her share!"

"Just do your fair share Miss Jones, and shut your Goddamn mouth!" 

Lorna gritted her teeth as she drug a sack of cornmeal toward the wagon, hoping that Pearson would take notice and help her out, but he was too busy taking down tents to pay her any mind.

She suddenly yelped when something popped in her hand and reared back. Her hand was throbbing and she felt as if she could cry. Between the heat, frustration and now this, it was almost too easy to cry.  

"What happened?" Mrs. Grimshaw asked.

"I...My hand."

She took her hand and inspected it, kneading her palms and fingers, until Lorna yelped again. She raised a darkened brow.