The Delicate Pioneer

Felicity was far too delicate to be pioneering to Oregon Territory! Ironically, it was her parents who died en route, leaving her with her Uncle Jon and that infuriating tease Arne, also orphaned, who jeered at the ailing, self-pitying Missy Flissy. And Seattle turned out nothing like a southern plantation with sunshine and slaves: it was dense rainy forest with six houses, Indians and wild animals.

Surprisingly, the challenge suited her. Slowly she made friends with the Indians and discovered a love of animals. Chief Seattle befriended and encouraged her to make 'strong shining thoughts'. She cut off her limp colorless plaits, tamed feral cats, learned to cook and housekeep-and to tease Arne back! They had almost become friends, when Uncle Jon's family arrived-including the beautiful, charming, golden-haired and genteel Adelaide who had always reduced Felicity to sullen inferiority. And she was loudly horrified to find Felicity tanned, sturdy, crop-curled, barefoot, cooking in a log cabin, on friendly terms with Indians and skunks. She was also too refined, delicate and ladylike to do anything at all. And to make it worse, Arne fell heels over head for her charm and beauty.

But Felicity had the last word, after all.