And then she remembered too, what had happened to Helene twenty years ago at Fort Dearborn.
Maybe being blown to bits would be a better way to go.
"And here's just the man to take charge of rationing the water," said Cooper.
Nicole turned to see her father climbing up the stairs, pulling himself along on the banister and leaning on his walking stick. As he reached the top of the stairs Frank took his arm and helped him over to sit on a wooden box near the rifle port.
Elysée said, "One of the women, Mrs. Russell, insisted on taking my rifle and standing guard in my place. I will be just as happy not to have to fire at any red men for a while. I keep thinking I might shoot Auguste."
Nicole gasped. "Auguste! Papa, he would never be out there."
"Perhaps not. Have you spoken to anyone who had news of my grandchildren?" Elysée asked her.
Nicole was about to say "They're all here" when she realized whom he meant.
"Raoul and Clarissa's children?" She shook her head sadly. "No, Papa. Anyone from Victoire who isn't here—we don't know what happened to them."
Elysée sighed. "Poor little things. In all the years since they were born, I got to speak to them only once or twice."