A Life Of 'Shine - Lem Fike

28

Nora left a day after the offer, packing her's and Lem's things that night so nobody could see her want for departure. Harry didn't have anything he brought over and so packing his things was not as much as a worry.

That morning she sought out Dutch, asking around camp for him which eventually led to Nora finding him just a little out of camp.

"Morning, Mister Van Der Linde." She greeted, keeping her voice soft spoken as if she was the most gentle of woman in her time. Dutch wasn't faltered by this new act, rather amused by it but managed to keep a calm expression on.

"Good morning." He reciprocated, closing his book he had previously been reading before the interruption.

Nora took a deep breath, sitting next to him on the fallen tree stump while preparing herself for giving the news of her intentions in leaving.

"You been real nice to me and the other too, I also really appreciate you allowing me to stay the night Arthur kidnapped me. I uh, I hate to cut your hospitality short but I really gotta get leaving. I'm real sorry, Dutch."

"It's not a problem at all, I can send Charles to help you pack and to help take what you brought, or what Lem brought, back to your homestead." Having already packed and seeing no need for anyone to involve themselves in her chores she simply shook her head in refusal.

"There's no need, sir. But thank you for the kind offer." The other nodded, walking away from the log with a smile. Nora remained, looking forward at the trees ahead of her.

"Hello, mind some company?" Nora looked behind her, recognising Tilly who had stopped a couple of feet away from where she sat.

"Not at all, the tree's rather comfortable." To this, Tilly gave a polite chuckle. The female stepped closer, sitting next to Miss Morgan.

"You and I haven't spoken much have we?"

"I don't think we've spoken at all, Miss Jackson. But I've heard good things about you, from Mary-Beth and Arthur."

Tilly nodded, using her hands as support on the tree while she leant forward. "Guess that's a good thing, I saw you out here and thought you'd like a little company. Heard Dutch and Arthur talking a bit ago, apparently you're leaving?"

"Stayed for much longer than needed. You and the other's were real nice to me, but I do gotta get back home and back to Maggie." Nora confessed, letting out a long sigh.

The girls sat alone for a little while longer, just looking at the dancing leaves infront of them.

"Mary-Beth and Kieran used to make trips into town, stopped after he disappeared and I was thinking maybe some of us should all go out? A little trip, it may be good for us since we're bored out of our minds." Tilly exaggerated the last few words, earning a small giggle from Nora who only nodded in agreement.

"Maybe Valentine, since that's where y'all came from. We can take a wagon and drop your stuff off too, and you of course."

"If it's no trouble."

"None at all, I'll go tell Mary-Beth and Karen you were okay with the idea."

She waved goodbye before walking back into camp, straight over to where the girl's were currently seated. They looked to be washing some clothes but had immediately stopped their chore when Tilly told them the news.

"We'll ask Uncle or someone to help with the wagon, we'll meet you by the horses in five. Go get your things." Mary-Beth had approached Nora, talking briefly as she walked past. Nora only nodded as she usually did, walking to what was once here's and Lem's own small bedroll.