The next morning the children were all doing various things outdoors with the other Indian children, with the exception of Inga, who disguised her not mingling with the others with staying busy doing chores such as what she was doing now; bringing water up from the creek.
When she reached the teepee she set down the buckets to open the teepee flap, but her hand stopped mid-action as she heard voices inside, and what sounded like muffled crying.
“It’ll be all right, Anika. She’ll come around with time.” Inga heard her father’s voice.
“I know, Jakob, but it’s so hard seeing her so adamantly against my family.”
“I know it is. But at least the rest of us are fine with them. Think about White Feather, her husband and all her sons are against us. It must be very strained for them.”
“Yes. I just hope Inga can get past that they’re Indians and accept that they’re family too, just as much as your side is.”
Her parents continued to talk, but Inga wasn’t listening anymore. For the first time since they left home she felt a twinge of guilt.
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That evening, Pa and Ma called Inga in to the teepee and told her to sit down.
“We have something to tell you, Inga.” Ma said.
“Oh?”
“Yes. Your father and I were talking this morning, and, well, I let your father tell you.” Inga cringed, wishing she hadn’t eavesdropped. What were they going to tell her?
“Inga, back when we were still in Ohio, we got a letter from your Grandmother Nora’s sister in England, Rena. Do you remember her?”
“Yes,” Inga said slowly, wondering what this was about.
“Well, she was wondering about one of you girls coming to visit her.”
“All the way in England?” Inga breathed in amazement.
“Yes. At first we shoved the idea off, thinking that wouldn’t work, what with all you children did helping around the farm and such. But like your mother said, we were talking this morning, and we’ve decided that you may go visit Rena.”
“M-me?” Inga asked in unbelievement.
“Yes, you, Inga.” Pa replied.
“We will take you to the stage coach station the day after tomorrow. Then you will take the ship going to England.” Ma informed her.
“So soon?” Inga asked.
“Yes. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Ah, I suppose so.” Inga said in bewilderment.
“Very well.”
“How long will I be staying?” Inga asked.
“For as long as you wish.”
“W-what if I want to come back?” Inga asked in a near whisper.
“Your aunt is paying passage for both ways. You will be able to come home any time.” Pa answered.
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“Inga, are you really going to England?” Adah asked.
“Yes, Adah.”
“I’m going to miss you.”
“Oh? I thought you were tired of your dainty older sister. Now I won’t be here to spoil all your fun.”
“Inga, that’s not how I think of you! We just don’t think the same on some things, that’s all. I really will miss you, but I hope you have fun in England with Aunt Rena and all the fancy people.” Adah said.
“Fancy people. Hmmm. That sounds...... interesting.” Inga said.
Just then the stage coach rumbled up, and soon Inga and her belongings were loaded aboard.
“Come back soon, Inga!” Her family called as the stage coach rolled off.
“Good bye!”
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Part 4 coming next month!
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