Page 14 of Red Hawk's Woman

“In what way?”

Lesley slanted her a look. “Well, ever since I can remember, my parents have drilled into me the ethics of not keeping artifacts, but rather turning them over to a museum or some other similar institution. ‘We are not collectors,’ they would say to me. But really, we don’t intend to do that in this case, do we?”

“You know that we don’t,” said Effie.

Lesley lifted her shoulders. “Then you must grasp what I mean about the unusual nature of this dig.”

“Yes…but you do remember that my father gave his word to Mr. Clark, don’t you? And⁠—”

“Don’t get me wrong,” interrupted Lesley. “I’m not disagreeing, I’m simply of the opinion that this dig is…different. It’s more in the field of anthropology than archaeology, since we’re hoping to study a people not only by means of the things they left behind, but also by meeting them face-to-face…if that’s even possible.”

Effie shrugged. “I admit it doesn’t seem very plausible. Yet I am committed to continuing my father’s work—and your father’s too.”

Lesley sighed. “Yes, yes. It’s all rather dull, though, isn’t it? Oh, did you see the bathing suit I brought with me? It’s the very latest thing.”

Effie grinned pleasantly. “No more swimming in a blue gown for you, then?”

“Have you seen these new suits?”

“Yes, I believe I did notice them in a fashion magazine or two.”

“Oh, they are the sweetest things,” said Lesley. “Trousers, much like knickerbockers, and a blouse tunic with a belt. Mine is in blue flannel. Would you like to see it?”

“Of course.” Effie smiled. “But you should wear it so I can properly admire it.”

Lesley beamed. “Yes, yes, I agree. And that would be fun, wouldn’t it?” She rose to her feet. “I will return momentarily.” With this said, Lesley swept out of the room.

Effie returned her attention to the task at hand before the interruption, and stepping toward the vanity, she assured herself that the artifacts were still intact and well wrapped. She shut the drawer.

It was strange, really, that her father had entrusted the care of them to her and not to his best friend, John Owens. It wasn’t that Effie didn’t like having the responsibility—in truth, it was a point of pride that her father trusted the valuables to her—it was simply that, outside of the two students who accompanied her, Effie was the youngest member of the team, and yet she was the one in charge of the entire affair.

Still at the mirror, Effie looked up and smiled at her reflection. How glad I am to be back in the Montana Territory. Alas, I was beginning to despair that I might never see this country’s beautiful mountains and wide-open spaces again.

The knock at the door was expected, and glancing up, she called out, “Come in.”

Lesley came into the room, modeling the bathing suit, turning this way and that.

“Oh, it’s wonderful.” Effie chuckled pleasantly. “Look at how it effectively covers you, yet it is evident you will have freedom when you swim. Have you tried it in the water yet?”

“No, I haven’t,” said Lesley. “But I am anxious to do so. Would you like to come swimming with me today?”

“I would love to, but you know that I can’t. I must hire a guide as soon as possible. I really do want to be prepared so that when your parents arrive, we will not be delayed because of me.”

Lesley made a face. “They wouldn’t mind. They are used to me delaying them.”

“Yes, I’m sure they are quite forgiving. But still, this is the first time I have been the director of a project, and I am anxious to prove myself. I only hope your father is not upset that it was I who was put in charge of it.”

Lesley looked as though she might say something serious, but the impression was quickly gone. “Far from it. You know how studious he and my mother are. They are simply happy to be coming back to this territory.”

“As am I,” said Effie.

Lesley tilted her head. “I guess I am too. But I had better go and change before Henry comes back from his breakfast. Heaven forbid I keep him waiting.” With another smile and a wave, she opened the door.

Effie waved as well. “Till later, then.”

Lesley disappeared in a rush of flannel swimming wear.

Effie closed the door. What she hadn’t told Lesley was that she, too, had brought a swimming costume with her. But hers lay at the bottom of her trunk, unworn and unused, since she had not yet found the courage to wear it in private, let alone in a public place. Nor did she presume to wear it here, since the world at large still considered such things scandalous.