The House Of Crow Collection

5. A Mother's Guess

Francisca had just finished getting ready for bed when there was a knock at her bedroom door. A click of the latch and her mother entered. It was a ritual that the two had, brushing each other"s hair. Francisca took a seat on a backless upholstered bench that was placed in front of a dressing table with an adjustable mirror. She watched in the mirror as her mother removed the combs that held her hair in place, and combed it out with her fingers.

“I envy the thickness of your hair,” said Carmen, taking Francisca"s hair in her hand. She straightened and smoothed it. “It is well past your waist. You have been truly blessed.”

Carmen, reaching over Francisca"s shoulder for a hairbrush said, “Señor Crow appears to be very much a man, but he is also very rough in his manners. Señor LeRue is much more the gentleman. It must be his French-Mexican background that makes him so.”

Carmen picked up the hairbrush from the table and began brushing her daughter"s hair. “So, did you find the after-dinner conversation interesting?”

Francisca"s heart leaped. She stared at her mother"s reflection. As Carmen brushed her daughter"s hair, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, indicating she knew she had guessed correctly. Francisca had eavesdropped, listening to the men talking.

Francisca conveniently bent her head down so her mother could better brush her hair and also so she could not see her blush. “I think they are brave men who saved my brother"s life. However, they live with Indians, and they are rough men.”

Carmen brushed the long black hair, keeping her eyes on the mirror. Her daughter did not look up.