BooksbyTraciePeterson
THEHEART OFCHEYENNE
A Love Discovered
PICTURES OF THEHEART
Remember Me Finding Us
Knowing You
THEJEWELS OFKALISPELL*
The Heart’s Choice
LOVE ON THESANTA FE
Along the Rio Grande
Beyond the Desert Sands
Under the Starry Skies
LADIES OF THELAKE
Destined for You
Forever My Own Waiting on Love
WILLAMETTEBRIDES
Secrets of My Heart
The Way of Love
Forever by Your Side
THETREASURES OFNOME*
Forever Hidden
Endless Mercy
Ever Constant
BROOKSTONEBRIDES
When You Are Near Wherever You Go
What Comes My Way
GOLDEN GATESECRETS
In Places Hidden In Dreams Forgotten In Times Gone By
HEART OF THEFRONTIER
Treasured Grace
Beloved Hope
Cherished Mercy
THEHEART OFALASKA*
In the Shadow of Denali
Out of the Ashes
Under the Midnight Sun
SAPPHIREBRIDES
A Treasure Concealed
A Beauty Refined
A Love Transformed
BRIDES OFSEATTLE
Steadfast Heart
Refining Fire
Love Everlasting
LONESTARBRIDES
A Sensible Arrangement
A Moment in Time
A Matter of Heart
LAND OFSHININGWATER
The Icecutter’s Daughter
The Quarryman’s Bride
The Miner’s Lady
Beyond the Silence*
Serving Up Love**
*withKimberleyWoodhouse
**withKarenWitemeyer,ReginaJennings,andJenTurano
ForacompletelistofTracie’sbooks,visitTraciePetersoncom
©2024byPetersonInk,Inc.
PublishedbyBethanyHousePublishers Minneapolis,Minnesota wwwbethanyhousecom
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Ebookeditioncreated2024
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans forexample,electronic, photocopy,recording withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher Theonlyexceptionisbriefquotationsinprintedreviews
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisonfileattheLibraryofCongress,Washington,DC
ISBN978-1-4934-4530-1
ScripturequotationsarefromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBible
Thisisaworkofhistoricalreconstruction;theappearancesofcertainhistoricalfiguresarethereforeinevitable
Allothercharacters,however,areproductsoftheauthor’s imagination,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,iscoincidental
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NOVEMBER 1867
INDEPENDENCE, INDIANA
“ItseemsallIeverdoisattendfunerals,”MarybethKrugermurmuredasthecemeterycaretakersbeganshovelingdirtoverher father’scasket.
Justdaysago,allhadbeenwell SheandPapahadbeentalkingaboutthecomingofChristmas Papahadagreedtofreighta loadofgraintoEvansvillefromafarmthirtymilesout.Asnowstormblewinandmadetheconditionsworsethananyonehad seeninyears.ThesherifftoldMarybeththatKlausKrugerwasnearlytohisdestinationjustbeyondPigeonCreekwhen tragedystruck.Thehorsesgotspookedbythewindandsnow,andthewagonendedupupsidedownattheendofthebridge. ThedoctorsaidPapahadbrokenhisneckanddiedinstantly.Marybethsupposedthatwasbetterthanlingeringinpainand suffering Butbestwouldhavebeenifhehadn’thadtheaccidentatall Herlittlesister,Carrie,wasn’teventwoyearsold,and attheageoftwentywithnohusbandorlivingrelatives,Marybethhadnomeanstosupporther.Whatwereeitherofthemto do?
Shefeltsomeonetouchhershoulderandturned.ItwasEdwardVogel.Herdearestfriendinalltheworld.Shesawthe dampnessinhiseyes.Heandherfatherhadbeenclose.SheandEdward’swife,Janey,hadbeenlifelongfriends,butJaney’s wasanothertragicdeaththatweighedheavyonMarybeth.
“Youreadytogohome?”Edwardaskedher.
“IfeellikeIhavenohome”Shelookedacrossthecemetery “Ikeepthinkingofallthedead Therearesomany Ourlives havebeenshortmomentsofjoyencompassedbysorrowanddeath.”
HelookedtowardwhereJaneyandhissonwereburied,andMarybethcouldn’thelpbutfollowhisgaze He’dmarried Janeyafterreturningfromthewar.AndthenJaneyhaddeliveredastillbornsonanddiedherselfshortlyafter.Marybethhad beendevastatedbyJaney’sdeath.Theyhadbeensoveryclose.
Theyweresurroundedbythegravesoftheirdepartedlovedones Marybeth’smotherhaddiedsevenyearsearlier Marybeth’sstepmother,Sarah,haddiedaftergivinglifetoCarrie.Nowherfatherwasgoneaswell.ForEdward,therewas Janeyandhisson,hismother,andtwobrotherswho’ddiedinthewar “Marybeth,Iwashopingtohaveawordwithyou.”
Sheturnedtofindtheirpastor Shegaveanod “Thankyouforsuchaniceservice,PastorOrton” “Yourfatherwasagoodmanandtrustedfriend,Marybeth.Wewereblessedtohavehimasanelder.” “Yes.Helovedourchurch.”Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.AneighborhadofferedtohaveCarrieovertoplaywithher childrenwhileMarybethattendedthefuneral,butshestillneededtogethome
“Iknowthisisadelicatematterandperhapsapoortimetobringupsuchasubject,buthaveyouconsideredwhatyouwill doaboutyoursister?”
Marybethfrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Thepastor’sexpressionwasoneofcompassion “Well,youandshearealonenow,andyouhavenomeansofsupporting her,muchlessyourself.”
“I’msuretheremustbeabettertimetotalkaboutallthis,”Edwardpipedup.“Thegraveisn’tevencovered.”
“Yes,Iknow Ifeelterribleforit,butontheotherhand,Icannotallowforababetogohungry,”thepastorreplied Marybethlookedattheolderman.HehadbeenpastoringatthelittleMethodistchurchforaslongasshehadmemory.He hadpresidedoverhermother’sfuneralandherstepmother’s “Carrieisn’tgoinghungry,”Marybethsaidinabarelyaudiblevoice.“Thehouseisfulloffood.Peoplehaven’tstopped bringingfoodsincetheaccident.”
“Butthatwillonlylastafewdays.Intimeshemaywellstarve,”themansaid.“ThatiswhyI’msuggestingyougiveherup. Letherberaisedbyafamilywhocanprovideforher.I’vebeenspeakingwithThomasandMarthaWandless.They’requite well-off,asyouknow,andwouldbehappytotakeCarrieastheirown”
“Butshe’snottheirown.She’smine.I’veraisedherfrombirthanddoneagoodjob,ifIdosaysomyself.”Marybeth’sire grew Peoplealwaysseemedtothinktheyknewwhatwasbestforotherfolks,butPastorOrtonwastheworstofallfortrying toarrangepeople’slives.
“Now,Marybeth,nooneistryingtosuggestyouhaven’ttakengoodcareofyoursister,andwhileyourfatherwasaliveand
providingforthebothofyou,noonewouldhavesuggestedthingsgoonanyotherway.” “Ishouldsaynot.Papawouldhavetornintothemanwhosuggestedhedividehisfamily.”Shefixedthepastorwithaglare. “Hewouldhavedespisedtheinterferenceorsuggestionthathecouldn’ttakecareofhisown” “Andwouldhavewellbeenwithinhisrights.But,child,youhavenohusbandandnootherrelativetoprovidealivingfor youandyoursister Winterisuponus,andyou’llneedmoneyforheatingandfood Wherewillyoucomebyit?” “I’llhelpher.”Edward’svoicewasreassuring.“I’msureotherswillaswell.”
“Foratime,”thepastorsaid,nodding,“asgoodChristianfolksshoulddo,butitwon’tbepossibletocontinueforever” “I’msureitwon’tneedtocontinueforever,”Edwardreplied.
“Edward!”Theyallglancedupathisnamebeingcalled.Itwashissister,IngaWeber.Shewavedandcalledoutagain. “Edward,couldIspeaktoyouforaminute?”
HeturnedtoMarybeth.“I’llberightback.”
HemovedtowardInga,leavingMarybethfeelingdeserted Howwasshetofightforhersisterwithouthissupport?Pastor Ortonhadalwaysintimidatedher,andshewassureheknewit.Sheglancedbackathimandsquaredhershoulders.Shewould justhavetobestrong
PastorOrtonshookhishead.“YoumustthinkofpoorCarrie.Shehasnowlosthermotherandfather.TheWandlesscouple couldprovideherwiththatandgiveheralifeofease.Theyhaveplentyofmoney,andCarriewouldlivealifewithoutwant.”
Marybethfinallyfoundhervoice “I’mhersisterandtheonlymothershe’severknown Icouldnevergiveherawayasif shewereadollI’dgrownboredwith.IpledgedtomystepmotherandmyfatherthatIwouldalwayscareforher.”
“Marybeth,youneedtoseereason YouhavenowaytoprovideforCarrie I’msureyouwouldn’twantthelawtobe involved.”
“Whatareyousaying?”Marybethfixedtheoldermanwithnarrowedeyes.
“I’msayingthatthosewhoknowbettermightbecomeinvolvedandtakemattersoutofyourhandslegally.Afterall,wejust wantwhat’sbestforyoursister.She’sonlyababe.”
“I’mwhat’sbestforher,andshe’swhat’sbestforme Webelongtogether We’velosteverythingelse Howcouldyoubeso cruel?”
“It’snotmeanttobecruel,Marybeth Ifyouweretocalmamoment,youwouldseethatforyourself”Hereachedouttotake holdofherarm,butMarybethpulledback.“Please,I’monlytryingtohelp.Soonyou’llhavetofindajob,andyouwon’tbe abletodothatandcareforyoursister.There’safamilywiththewillandmeanstoprovideforCarrie.Theycangiveherwhat youcannot,Marybeth.I’msurethey’dallowyoutovisit.”
Edwardreturnedjustthen.“Weneedtobegoing.”HetookholdofMarybethandturnedherfromthepastor’sintenseface. “Afternoon,Pastor”
HeledMarybethtowherethewagonstood,horsesstompinginthesnowandblowingoutgreatcloudsofbreath. “Areyouallright?”
“Hewantstotakemysisterfromme.AftereveryoneelseI’velost.Hewantstotakeheraswell.”Asobbrokefromher throat,andMarybethpulledherwoolenscarftoherface.“WhydidGodallowthistohappen?”
“I’veaskedmyselfthatoverandoveraboutalotofthings”HehelpedMarybethupontothewagonandthenfollowedher “Hestillhasn’tansweredme.”
“It’snotmyfaultorCarrie’sthatMrs Wandlessisbarren I’velongfeltsorryforher,knowingthatshewantedchildren I’ve evenprayedforher.Peoplehavesuggestedtheyadoptbeforenow,butshe’salwaysputthatoff,hopingtohaveherownbaby.I don’tknowwhyshesuddenlyfeelstheneedtorobmeofasister”
Edwardpickedupthelinesandreleasedthebrake.“Busybodies.That’swhattheyare.PastorOrtonhasalwaysstuckhis noseinwhereitwasn’twanted.Hethinksjustbecausehepastorsachurchthathehastherighttobeinallthedetailsofhis flock’slife”
“Iknowwhathe’ssayingmakessensetohim.”Marybethletthetearsrundownhercheeks.Thecoldairstung,butshedidn’t care “He’srightthatIdon’thaveanywaytoprovide OncethemoneyPapasavedisgone,Ihonestlydon’tknowwhatwe’ll do.Atleastheownedthehouseoutright.”
“ThenthatwillcometoyouandCarrie I’lltalktomybrother-in-law,ifyoulike Hecanhandlelegalstuffforyousince he’salawyer.Idon’tknowifyourpahaddebts,butIdoubtit.Hewasprettyfirmonpayingcash.”
“Yes,hewas,andIknowofnothingthatheowed.Hewouldn’tevenletmerunatabatthegrocers’.”Marybethwipedher facewithherscarf
“Oh,Edward,Iknowyou’rehurtingtoo Paalwayssaidyouwerelikethesonheneverhad” “Hewasalwaysgoodtome.MypasaidhewasthebestmaninIndependence.”
“Theyweregoodfriends Righttotheend,”Marybethadmitted “Iappreciatedthatyouandyourpawerepallbearers I appreciateevenmorethewayyouhelpedPawhenhewasalive.”
“HewaseasytoworkwithandgoodtoteachmeaboutthingsIdidn’tknow.”Edwardshookhishead.“Healways understoodmydesiretoworkasanofficerofthelaw.Heencouragedmewhenmypastartednaggingmeaboutquittingthat workandcomingbacktohelphimwiththehorsefarm.”
“Pahadatalentforseeingwhatamanwascutouttodo.Heoftenspokeofwhatagreatdeputyyoumade.”
“Iwishmypacouldunderstandlikeyoursdid.Raisinghorsesisjustnotmycalling.Ingalovesit.Herboysloveittoo,so therewillbesomeonetocontinuethefamilybusiness ButIintendtogoonworkinginlawenforcement Ilikebeingapartof thepolicedepartmentinEvansville.”
“That’sbecauseyou’regoodatit”Marybethsighedandhuddleddowninherwoolencoat “Iwassurehopingitwouldn’t turnsocoldsosoon.”
“Metoo Peoplegetmeanwhenitgetscold You’dthinkthey’dgofindaplacetostaywarmandkeepinside,butinsteadit seemstomakethemseekattentionoutofboredom.Wearrestedthreedifferentgroupsoffolksyesterdayforfighting.” TheyturneddownthestreetwhereMarybeth’sfatherhadpurchasedthefamilyhouseovertwenty-twoyearsago.Backthen, thetownofLamasco,asitwascalled,wasonlyabouteightyearsold SituatedonthewestsideofPigeonCreekacrossfrom Evansville,Indiana,thiscommunityhadattractedavastnumberofGermanimmigrants,includingMarybeth’smotherand father MarybethhadbeenthefirstoftheirfamilytobeborninAmerica HerfirstsixyearsofschoolhadbeengiveninEnglish andGerman,soshespokebothfluently.
In1857,thepartsofLamascothathadoverflowedtotheeastsideofPigeonCreekhadbeenincorporatedintoEvansville, butonthewestsideofthecreek,folkshaddecidedtoremainindependentofEvansvilleandchangedtheirnameto Independence.SomeoftheolderfolksstillcalleditLamasco,butnooneseemedtomindmuch.
Marybethrememberedwhentheirhousehadbeenonlyoneofahandful Nowhouseswerebuiltsidebyside,blockafter block.Ithadbeenawonderfulplacetogrowup,andshe’dhopedtogivethatlifetoCarrie,butnowshewonderedifthat couldstillhappen
ShelookedoveratEdward.Theirtalkofthehorsefarmseemedtohavebroughthimevenlower.“I’msureyourfatherwill understandintime.Helovesyou.”
Edwardbroughtthehorsestoastopandglancedherway.“It’sofnomatterrightnow.You’vejustlostyourpa,andit’snot righttofocusonanythingbutthat.Look,I’llbebytomorrowtobringyousomemorewood.Doyouhaveplentyfortonight?”
Marybethnoddedandjumpeddownfromthewagon “Ido I’mgonnagostirupthestoveandgetafiregoinginthefireplace beforeIheadovertopickupCarrie.Thanksagainforstandingbymeatthefuneral.IknowPawouldhavebeengratefulfor yoursupportandallthatyou’redoingformeandCarrie”
Hesmiledforthefirsttimethatday.“I’mhonoredtohelp.YouandyourpagotmethroughtheworstofitwhenJaneyandthe boydied.”Healwaysreferredtohissonas“theboy,”sinceheandJaneyhadn’tpickedoutanameforhim.Edwardhadburied themtogether,withtheboysafelytuckedinJaney’sarms.Thegravestonesimplyread Jane Vogel and Son
“That’swhyGodgaveustoeachother,”Marybethsaid,lettingthefinalityofthemomentsettleonher.Papawasreallyand trulygone Sheglancedatthehouseandtrembled
“Bestgetinoutofthecold.I’llseeyouinthemorning.”Edwardslappedthereinsandheadedondownthestreet. Marybethhadneverfeltsoalone
Edwardmadesurethehorseshadadequatefeed,thenwentintothehouse.HeandJaneyhadrentedthisplaceattheedgeof townwhenthey’dmarried.Thatwasshortlyafterhe’dcomehomefromthewar.Ofcourse,he’dneededtimetofinish recoveringfromawoundhe’dtakenattheSiegeofSavannah Aballcoredaholethroughhissideandoutthebackintheblink ofaneye.Lossofbloodhadnearlykilledhim,butthankfullynothingvitalhadbeenhit.Littlebylittle,Edwardhadrecovered enoughtobesenthomejustafterthefirstoftheyearin1865
Ingahadbeenhisnursesincetheirmotherhadmournedherselftodeathoverthelossofhistwobrothers.Shehaddiedthat SeptemberafternewsthatJacobhadbeenkilledinAugustattheBattleofAtlanta TheirbrotherGuntherhadtakenaminiéball twoyearspriortothatatShiloh.Motherhadbeenconvincedthatshewouldloseallthreewhenthebrothershadenlistedto joinEvansville’sTwenty-FifthRegimentoftheIndianaInfantry.Andshe’dnearlybeenright.Edwardmighthavediedbutfor thefactthatafterbeingwounded,he’dmistakenlybeentransferredwithsomespecialpatients sonsofcongressmenand senators toahospitalinWashington.There,he’dreceivedqualitycarethatwouldn’thavebeenavailableonthebattlefield. Mostlikelyithadsavedhislife IngacalleditGod’sprovision Edwardsometimeswondered,however,ifhehadcheated deathandthatwaswhyJaneyandtheboyhadtodie.
Onceinsidethecoldhouse,Edwardmadeafireinthehearthandsatdowntoenjoythewarmthbeforeheadingoutforhis nightshift.They’dbeenoutsideforfartoolonginthegrowingcold.HeprobablyshouldhavetalkedMarybethintocanceling thegravesideservices,butithadn’toccurredtohimatthetime.Thankfullythewindhadn’tbeenblowing.
Catchingsightoftheletterhe’dleftunopenedonthetable,Edwardgotupandgrabbeditbeforesettlingbackdowninfront ofthefire.Itwasfromhisformercommandingofficer,MajorHenderson.Themanhadwrittenonlyoncebefore.Thatletter hadcometocongratulateEdwardonhismarriageandtoofferhopethatEdwardwasfullyrecovered
Edwardlookedattheletterforamoment.MajorHendersonhadalwayshadplanstogooutwestafterthewar.LikeEdward, hewasalawenforcementofficerwithastrongdesiretokeepthelawandorderofafrontiertown.Edwardhadalwaysfigured togetenoughexperienceinEvansvillethatonedayhecouldgowestandtakeupapositionstandingguardoveranentire community.HeandHendersonhaddiscusseditquitethoroughlyonce. Heopenedtheletterandreadthecontents Hendersonwasamanoffewwords,alwaysgettingstraighttothepoint This letterwasnoexception.
I’m sure this letter takes you by surprise, but I have an offer to make
Aftergettinghomefromworkthenextmorning,EdwarddecidedtoeatbreakfastbeforegoingtoseeMarybeth.Allthroughthe night,thewindhadpickedupuntilitwashowlinglikeabansheeandblowingaroundanythingthatwasn’ttieddown Theonly goodthingwasitkeptfolksoffthestreetsandmadeEdward’snightfairlyquiet.Thewindfinallycalmedjustbeforedawn,and bythetimehisworkwasdone,itseemedbacktonormal.
Hebuiltupthefireinthestoveandsetthecast-ironskilletatoptheburner.Hecutahunkofsideporkanddroppeditinthe pan.Itcrackledandsizzledimmediately,sendingapleasantaromaintotheair.Next,hegroundsomecoffeeandfilledthepot withwater He’ddoneforhimselfmostofhisadultlifeandfounditacomfortableroutine He’djoinedthearmyateighteen afterjustafewmonthsofworkingfortheEvansvillePoliceDepartment.HissuperiorshadnotedthatEdwardhadatalentfor gettinginandoutofplacesunnoticed,soMajorHendersonrecruitedhimforreconnoitering Sometimesthatmeantseveral daysoutonhisown doingforhimself.
Ofcourse,marriagetoJaneyhadprovidedhimwithalovingcompanionwhosawtohiseveryneed.Janeywasoneofthose womenwhotookprideinseeinghimwellcaredfor.Itwasn’tuntilshewasbedriddentryingtobeartheirsonthatEdward realizedjusthowmuchshedid.Whenshedied,Edwardwasbacktodoingforhimself,andhedidhisbestnottothinkabout whatwasmissinginhislife
Hisbrothers...hismother...Janeyandtheboy.Whatgooddiditdotothinkaboutthemandhowmuchhemissedthem?It servednogoodpurposeandjustlefthimallthemoremelancholy Amancouldlosehismindthatway Heflippedtheporkandwenttoslicehimselfacouplepiecesofbread.Onlythendidheallowhimselftothinkoftheletter he’dreceived.MajorHendersonwantedhimtocomewesttoanend-of-the-railstowncalledCheyenne.Thegreat transcontinentalrailroadwasbeingbuiltfromcoasttocoast,amarveltobesure,givenallthattheywereupagainst:weather, natives,ruggedmountains,anddesert.Itseemedthatthecrewworkingfromeasttowestplannedtostopforthewinterin Cheyenne sonamedafterthelocalIndians
Edwardfinishedwiththebreadandwenttothetable,wherehe’dlefttheletter.Hepickeditupagainandscannedthefew lines
Because of your being a family man, married and surely by now you have children, I want to invite you to join us in the growing town of Cheyenne We need family men to settle this town I can offer you a job on the town’s police force, and with that comes a fine salary and a town lot on which to build your own house.
ButEdwardwasn’tafamilyman Janeyhaddiedandtakenhischancesatafamilywithher Theoffersoundedlike everythingEdwardhadeverwanted,however.HewastiredofEvansvilleanddeath.Anewstartinanewplacesoundedlike heaven.
He’devenprayedaboutitlongandhardbeforeheadingtowork Thenthateveningwalkinghisbeat,hestillthoughtand prayed,despitetheannoyingweather.MarybethandCarriekeptcomingtomind,andwiththeirpredicament,aplanhadstarted toform HecouldmarryMarybeth Platonically,ofcourse Hewasn’tabouttomarryanotherwomanandriskherlifebybeing intimateandgettingherwithchild.Marybethwasagoodwoman,andhernaturewasthekindEdwardappreciated.Hecould explainthesituation,andhewasalmostcertainshewouldseethesenseinit Thenhewouldhavehisfamily-manstatus,and shewouldhaveahusbandandprovider.Noonewouldworryabouttakingherbabysisterthen.
Theporkwasstartingtoburn,sohehurriedtothestoveandtookitup.Hepouredmostofthegreaseintoacan,then ploppedthetwopiecesofbreadhe’dcutintothefryingpan Theybrownedupfastandeasy Thecoffeewasn’tyetdone,but thatdidn’tstopEdwardfromthrowingthesidemeatbetweenthetwopiecesoftoast.Hebowedhisheadandblessedthefood, thenaddedaprayerthatMarybethwouldbereceptivetohisproposition
MarybethhadjustfinishedhelpingCarriewithheroatmealwhenaknocksoundedonthefrontdoor.Shewipedhersister’s mouthbutleftherinthefeedingchairwithasmallpieceoftoastandjambeforeheadingtothedoor.Whowouldbecallingat thishour?
SheopenedthedoortofindPastorOrtonstandingthere.Themanbesidehimwasn’tsomeonesherecognized.
“Marybeth,Iapologizefortheearlinessofthehour,butIwantedtoseehowyouandCarriearedoing.I’vealsobroughta friend,JudgePerkins.”Thepastornoddedtowardhiscompanion.“Mightwecomein?”
Shegaveasigh “Ofcourse IwasjustfeedingCarrie”Sheleftthematthedoortofendforthemselvesandmadeherway backtothekitchen.
Thepastorandjudgefollowed Marybethdidn’tmissthewayeachmanseemedtoinspecteveryinchandcornerofthe house.
“Youkeepanorderlyhouse,Marybeth,”thepastorhadtoconcede
“Myfatherwasalwayswellpleased.”Shetookaseatatthetablebesidehersister’schair.Carriehadalreadydevouredthe jamandtoast,soMarybethpreparedheranothersmallpiece.
“Mightwesit?”thejudgeasked
“Yes,ofcourse.Idon’tmeantobeabadhostess.Isimplyhavealotonmymind,”Marybethtoldthestranger.“Weonly buriedmyfatherjustyesterday”
“Yes,PastorOrtonrelayedthatinformationtome.”Themantookachair,andthepastordidlikewise.“Mycondolences.”
“Thankyou”Marybethdidn’tbothertolookup
“Marybeth,IbroughtalongJudgePerkinssothatwemightdiscussthesituationregardingyoursister.Ithoughtifyouhad questionsabouthowthingsmightproceed,thejudgecouldgiveyouanswers.”
“IthoughtImadeitclearthatIwasn’tinterestedindesertingmysister”MarybethhandedthetoasttoCarrie,whosquealed indelight.
“Tanksyou,”CarrietoldMarybeth
“You’rewelcome,littleone,”Marybethsaid,smoothingbackCarrie’sbaby-fineblondhair.
“Iknowthisisahardthingforyoutoconsider,Marybeth,butyoumustbereasonable.”ThepastorglancedatJudgePerkins. “Youareasinglewomanwithnomeansofyourown.Yourfatherwasn’tawealthymantoleaveyoualargeinheritance.”
“Wedidallright,andmyfatherdidsetasidesomemoneyforme.Ihaveenough.”
“Perhapsforthetimebeing,butthealmanacsaysitwillbeahardwinter Thatmoneywillbeeatenupinfuelandfood And whatwillyoudoifyoucomedownsick?Whowillcareforyoursisterthen?”
“Idon’tintendtocomedownsick,butI’msureifIdid,wewouldworkitallout”MarybethwatchedCarrieratherthan lookatthemen.
“Younglady,Iamnotofamindtoimposemywilluponyou,giventhatyou’vejustlostyourfather,”thejudgebegan.“I’m surethatyourheartisquiteovercomewithsadnessandthedesiretostiflefurtherchange,butImustkeepinmindthewelfare ofyourlittlesister.She’smuchtooyoungforyoutocareforalone.Youwillhaveneedofworkingtosupporther,andwhere willshestaywhileyouseekthatemployment,muchlesswhenyoutakeiton?”
Marybethdrewadeepbreathandpusheddownheranger.Howdaretheycomeherethedayafterthefuneralandtrytoforce hertogiveupCarrie?PastorOrtonwouldneverseehergracehiscongregationagain
“Iknowthatthesituationlooksratherworrisometoyouboth,however,Ibelievethatwewillbejustfine.Severalofour friendshavepromisedtohelpwithprovidingwoodandcoalifweneed.AndPapahadalreadylaidinalargesupply,sowe mightnothavetobotheranyone ThereisalsoanicenesteggthatPapasaved Ourneedsarequitesmall,andIcantakein mendingorlaundrytoearnextramoney.I’vegivenitalotofconsiderationandknowthatGodwillprovideforourevery need”
“It’sremarkablethatyourfaithissostrong,”PastorOrtonsaid,smiling.“Butdon’tyouseeitwouldbesomuchbetterifyou hadonlyyourselftoworryabout?”
“Andgiventhatthereisachildlesshusbandandwifewhowouldbehappytoprovideforyoursister,don’tyouthinkit wouldbebestforher?”ThejudgegaveheralookthatsuggestedmaybeMarybethhadn’tevenconsideredthepossibility.
“Carrieismyresponsibility,andnotonlythat,butI’mtheonlymothershehaseverknown Haveeitherofyouthoughtof that?She’squiteattachedtomeandItoher.Wouldyouripachildoutofmyarmstoputherwithstrangerswhoknownothing ofherlikesanddislikes?Tomethatsoundsquitecruel”
“Marybeth,thosethingscanbelearned,”PastorOrtonsaid.“Carriehasneverhadanothersetofparents,thatistrue.But becausesheissoyoung,shewilllearnandsoonforgetthislife”
“ButIdon’twanthertoforget,”Marybethsaidalittlelouderthanshe’dintended.“Idon’twanthertoforgetourfathernor hermother.Idon’twanthertoforgethowmuchIloveher.Pleaseunderstandthatthematterisclosed.Idonotintendtothrow awaymysisterorpushheroffonsomeoneelse Ihaveprayedaboutthisandknowwhatmyroleisinherlife Imademyfather andstepmotherapromise,andIintendtokeepit.”
Marybethgottoherfeet,andatfirstneithermanmoved Finally,theystood Thejudgefrownedandshookhishead.“Itwouldseemthatthemattermaywellhavetobetakenoutofyourhands.The welfareofthechildismuchmoreimportantthanyourfeelings.”
LookingtoPastorOrton,Marybethkepthertemperincheck.“Iamthankfulforyourconcern,butuntilyoucanhonestlysee thatthereisaproblem,whynotallowtheLordtomoveasHewillinthismatter?Youhave,afterall,preachedonmany
occasionsthatGodisincontrolandwillhaveHisway.”
Thepastorstoodsilentlyforamoment,thenlookedatthejudge.“Letusgoanddiscussthiselsewhere.Intime,I’msurewe canconvinceMissKrugerofhowseverethissituationis”
Theyheadedforthedoor,andMarybethforcedherselftofollowthemratherthanscoopupCarrieandrunintheopposite direction Shenoddedattheirgood-byesandquicklyclosedthedoorandlockeditbehindthem Leaningagainstthejamb,she felttearscometohereyesandletgotheholdshe’dmaintainedonheremotions.
“Oh,Father,pleaseprotectusfromthesemen Don’tletthemtakeCarriefromme Haven’tIlostenough?”
Aknocksoundedonthedoorbehindher,andMarybethjumped.Surely,theyhadn’tcomebacktocausehergrief.Sheturned andreachedforthekey,thenpaused.Shecouldleavethedoorlockedandrefusetoopenit.Maybeshecouldtellthemthat Carrieneededherforsomething
Sheopenedhermouthtospeak,andtheknocksoundedagain.Marybethbitherlowerlipandprayedforstrength.
“Marybeth,it’sme Edward”
Shehurriedtounlockandopenthedoor.Shewipedathertearsashesteppedintothehouse.“I’msorry.IthoughtPastor Ortonandthejudgehadcomeback”
“Whatjudge?”
ShesighedandheadedbacktoCarrie.“PastorOrtoncamewithajudgetoconvincemetoletthemhaveCarrie.Itoldthem no Theyweren’tveryhappywithme,andIfearedthey’dcomebacktojust well,takeher”
“I’msorry.Iknowthatmusthaveupsetyouagreatdeal.”
“They’renevergoingtoleavemealone Mr andMrs Wandlessaredeterminedtotakemysisterforthemselves WhatamI todo?”
“That’swhyI’vecome.”
Marybethstoppedmidstepandturned.“Youhaveanidea?” “Ido.Comeandsitwithmeforamoment.”
Marybethmotionedtothetable “Wecansithere Carrieisjustfinishingupwithbreakfast”Shedroppedontoawooden chairatthetableandlookedatCarrie,whowaslaughingandsmearingjamaroundthetrayofherchair.Papahadjustbought heroneofthosenewcontraptionswiththetraythatraisedupandlowereddownoncethechildwasseated Itwassuchanice thingtohave,andMarybethhadbeensogratefulforit.
Edwardsatacrossfromheratthetable.HetookthesameseatPastorOrtonhadvacated.Itwassonicetohaveherfriend thereintheolderman’splace.
“Iknowthismaysoundlikeastrangeproposition,buthearmeout,”Edwardbegan.“Ireceivedaletterfrommyformer commandingofficer,MajorHenderson He’saskedmetocometoCheyenne It’sseveralhundredmileswestofhereinthe DakotaTerritory.Thebigtranscontinentalrailroadwillgothroughthere,andthey’venearlyreachedCheyenne.Theyplanto stopthereforthewinter IwentandtalkedtoafellowattherailyardinEvansville HesaysthattheUnionPacificRailroad intendstomakeCheyenneabigheadquartersfortheline.Cheyenneisboundtobecomeabigcity.”
“You’regoingtoleaveme?”Marybethfeltherheartsink,andherstomachbegantoache.
“No”Edwardpiercedherwithalook “IwanttotakeyouandCarriewithme” Marybethshookherhead.“How?”
“That’sthepartthatmaysoundstrange Look,theywantfamilymen Menwhoaremarriedandsettleddown,hopefullywith children.Theywanttocivilizethearea,and...well,Iguesstotheirwayofthinkingmarriedmenareabletodothatbetter thansinglemen YouknowaswellasIdothatwomenareoftenlookedatasastabilizingfactor”Hegaveherahalfhearted smile.“Wefellasprobablywouldn’tevenworryaboutsilverwareortakin’showersifnotforyouladies.”
“Soyouwantustogoalongandpretendtobeyourfamily?”Shethoughtonthemattermomentarily.Itwouldgetherand CarrieoutofPastorOrton’shands
“No,Idon’twanttopretend.Look,youknowthatIneverintendedtomarryagain.Iwon’tkillanotherwomanbygettingher withchild Ijustwon’t Andyoutoldmeyoudidn’tknowifyou’deverfindahusbandwhowouldacceptCarrie Well,I would.Wecouldmarry innameonly andI’dbeapatoCarrie.Shealreadyknowsme.”Hereachedoverandwaggledhis fingersatherasiftotickleherside Carriesquealedandgiggled,squirmingasifhe’dalreadytouchedher “Shedoesloveyou,”Marybethadmitted.Sheconsideredallthathe’dsaid.“Idotoo.You’vebeensodeartomeeversince youmarriedJaney.”
“AndIlovethetwoofyou,”hereplied “Thiswouldhelpusbothout,but unfortunately,themajorwantsmeoutthereas soonaspossible.Doyousupposeyoucouldmakeyourminduprightaway?”
“I’llputittoprayerimmediately”Marybethcouldn’timagineshewouldhaveabettersolution,buttheideaofmarrying Edwardwithoutthekindoflovethatwasintendedinamarriageleftherfeelingstrangelyempty.
“I’llcomebacktomorrowforyouranswer.”
Marybethnodded.“I’llhaveone.”
Shedidn’tbothertoshowhimoutofthehouse.Instead,shelookedatherbabysister.Carriewasoblivioustowhathadjust takenplace.Shehadnowayofknowingherentirefuturewasontheline.EitherchoiceMarybethmadewouldcompletelyalter Carrie’slife Herownaswell
MarybethcleanedCarrieupandguidedhertothefrontroom,wherehertoysawaitedinasmallwoodenboxPapahad made Carrieimmediatelyfoundthingstooccupyherselfwith,andMarybethsatonthefloorbesideherandwatched She’dbeggedGodforasolution,anditwouldseemHehaddeliveredone.Edwardhadwantedtogowestforaslongas Marybethhadknownhim Janeyhadwantedthattoo,butMarybethhadneverplannedtoleaveIndependence “Cheyenneisalongwaysaway,”shemurmured.Carrielookedupforamoment,thenreturnedherattentiontoaragdoll. TherewasreallynothingleftforherinIndependence.Therewasnofamily.Mostofherextendedrelativeswerestillin Germany Shedidn’tknowanyofthem,andneitherMamanorPapahadeverreallyspokenofthem Shehadafewfriendsin theneighborhoodthatshewouldmiss,butotherwisetherewasnoonewhoreallycaredaboutherandCarriestayingon. AnimageofJaneyonherweddingdaycametomind Marybethhadbeenhermaidofhonor Shehadbeensohappyfor JaneyandEdward.Theywereperfecttogether,andJaneyhadconfidedthatshehadneverknownsuchhappiness Edward washerall
WhatwouldshethinkofMarybethmarryingherhusband?WouldshemindforthesakeofsavingCarriefrombeingtaken away?
“Janey,Idon’tknowifyoucanhearme,butInevercovetedyourhusband Edwardhasalwaysonlybeenadearfriend I wouldn’thaveevenmethimbutforyou.I’vealwaysenjoyedhiscompany,andheisagoodman,butIknowhelovedyou... andhe’llneverloveanyoneelse”
Shefeltasadresignationwaftoverher.WasitacceptabletoGodtomarryamanforthesakeofanythingotherthanlove?
“Lord,Youknowthesituation,andI’vebeenprayingforasolution.Thiswoulddefinitelyresolvethematter,butisitall right?”ShealmostimmediatelythoughtofstoriesfromtheBiblewheremarriageswerearranged.Peopledidmarrywithout beinginlove.ItgaveMarybethasenseofpeaceandassurancethatshewouldn’tbegoingagainstGodifshemovedforward withEdward’sproposal
Iftheymarried,shewouldcommitherselfwhollytohim,andifthetimeevercamethathewantedamarriageindeedas wellasword,shewouldwillinglygiveherselftohim Butcouldsheliveherentirelifewithoutthetrueloveofahusband?
Shelookedatherlittlesister.Carriedeservedsecurity,andMarybethwantednofurtherthreatoflosingher.Surelythatwas worththepriceofgivinguponfallinginlove.
“I’mgladyoucameouttoseeus,”Ingasaid,bringingEdwardalargesliceofcake.“ImadethisacoupleofdaysagowhenI madethecakeforMarybethandCarrie”
“Hello,son.Whatbringsyououthere?”hisfatherasked,comingintothekitchen.
Thefamilyfarmwasn’tthatfarfromtown,butithadbeenawhilesinceEdwardhadgracedtheirdoorstep.IngaandGeorge hadtakenupresidenceherewithFatherandseemedquitecontenttoraisetheirfamilyhere,whileapartofEdwardalwaysfelt oddinreturningtohischildhoodhome.WithMothergone,itneverfeltquiterighttohim.
“Ineedtotellyoubothsomething”HetookthecakeandforkthatIngaofferedandputthemdownonthekitchentable “It can’twait.”
“Soundsserious,”hisfatherreplied Ingaputanotherpieceofcakeonaplateandhandedittoherfather.Thenshegrabbedthecoffeepotwithapotholder.“Sit, Pa,andI’llpouryouacup.”
Hedidasshesaid,andshesawtoitthatheandEdwardeachhadasteamingmugtogowiththeirdessert.Oncethatwas done,shesatdownbesideherfather.“Sowhat’sthisallabout?”
Edwardtookasipofthehotcoffee,thenputthecupdownbeforespeaking “Ihadaletterfrommyoldcommandingofficer, MajorHenderson.HewantsmetocomewesttoCheyenne.It’sanewtownintheDakotaTerritory.Thetranscontinental railroadisgoingtogorightthroughthereastheybuildwest Hewantsmetoworkforhimpolicingthetown” Hisfatherheldthecoffeetohislipsbuthadn’tyetsampledit.“Seemsalongwayofftogoforajobwhenyou’vealready gotone.”
“They’replanningbigthingsforCheyenne,andtheywantmarriedmenwithfamilies.”Edwardhelduphishand.“Iknow whatyou’regoingtosaybuthearmeout.Marybethishavingnoendoftroublewithsomefolkswhowanttotakehersister awayfromher IwanttomarryherandgiveherandCarrieprotectionandtheabilitytostaytogether” “WhowouldwanttotakeCarrieawayfromMarybeth?”hissisterasked.
“PastorOrton He’sbeentalkingtoThomasWandless,andapparentlyheandhiswifewanttoadoptCarrie Pastorevengot ajudgetocometalktoMarybeth.Scaredhertopieces.IfigureifImarryher,thenthematterisresolved.Pastorisworriedshe won’thaveanywaytoprovideforCarrieandherself,butifshe’smarriedtome,she’llhaveprovision.Carrieknowsmeas wellassheknewherownpa,andIfigureIcanbeagoodfathertoher”
“Soundslikeyou’vegiventhisquiteabitofthought,”hisfathersaid,finallytakingalongsipofthecoffee.
“Ihave Prayertoo YouknowI’vewantedtogowestforalongtime Thisopportunitycan’thappenformeunlessIhavea family.MajorHendersonstressedtheneedformarriedmenwithfamilies.WithMarybethandCarrie,Igetawifeandachild.” “ButIthoughtyouwerenevergoingtomarryagain,”Ingasaidinawhisper
“Iwasn’t.It’llbeamarriageinnameonly,andMarybethunderstandsthat.Iwon’tbethecauseofanotherwifedying.”
“Son,youknowthatisn’talwaysthewayitworks.Youcan’tgoblamingyourselfforJaney’sdeath.Therewasobviously somethingwrongwiththeboy ThedoctorsaiditsickenedJaneyaswell Thatwaswhyshedied”
“Iknowwhathesaid,butIwon’triskithappeningagain.”
“I’vehadfourboys,Edward,”hissisterspokeup “Iwouldriskmylifeoverandover,ifnecessary,butallwentwell,and wecamethroughitwithoutharm.That’sthenormalwayofthings.ThewayGodputustogether.”
“Well,itdidn’tworkoutthatwayforJaneyandtheboy,butthat’sbesidethepoint Marybethmusthaveawaytokeep Carriesafe,andthiswillsolvethematterforusboth.”
“ButMarybethshouldn’thavetogiveuptheloveofahusbandinordertosavehersister,”hisfathersaid,frowning.His browknittogetherasitusuallydidwhenhewasconsideringadifficultsituation “Haveyouthoughtofthesacrificeyou’re askingofher givinguplove?”
“Neverexpectedmyfathertobetheromanticofthefamily,”Edwardsaidwithashrug,“butthefactis,shewon’tbewithout love.I’velovedherforalongtime.She’slikefamilytome.Carrietoo.Itmaynotbethekindofloveahusbandgivesawife, butshe’llhaveit,andI’llseetoitthatshehaseverythingelsesheneeds.”
PasharedalookwithInga,thenshookhishead.“Onedayyou’regonnaseeitwon’tbeenough.Ihatetothinkaboutwhatit willdotothebothofyouwhenthattimecomes.”
Edwardignoredthesenseoftruththatcamewithhisfather’sstatement Hecouldn’tofferMarybethmore Thiswouldjust havetobeenough.
“Youknowyou’llbealoneoutthere.Nofamilytohelpyoualong.”Ingareachedoverandgavehisarmasqueeze.“You’ll onlyhaveeachother.”
“Andthemajorandhisfamily I’msurewe’llmakefriendsquick I’mtobegivenapieceoflandaspartofmyagreementto come.Therailroadhasportionedoutcertainlotsforthetown.Theywanttoattractfamilieswest,andthesoonerfolkssettle andbuildhouses,thebetterfortherailroad”
“Andtherailroadintendsforthistobeabigtown,eh?”
“Yes,Pa It’ssituatedinsuchawaythatitwillbelikeacrossroads GosouthandyouhitDenver Eastandwestandyou’re goingtogocoasttocoast.Eventually,northwilltakeyouallthewaytoCanada.Theyplanfortheretobeatleastadozen tracksconvergingonCheyenne.It’sgoingtobequitetheplace,andtrainsfromalloverwillhavetogothroughthere.It’llbe likeChicago”
“Well,Isupposeifyourmindismadeup...”
Edwardcouldheartheconcerninhisfather’stone Whetheritwasworryoverthedistanceoroverhissonmarryinga womanhedidn’tintendtofullymakeawife,Edwarddidn’tknow.Andfrankly,hedidn’tcare.Heknewthiswaswhathehad todo Therewouldnevercomeabetteropportunity,andMarybethwasdesperateforhelp Hecouldn’tjustleavewithout seeingherneedsmet.Janeywouldneverwanthimtodothat.
“Itis.NowIneedtogoseeMarybeth.”
HegotupfromthetableandturnedtoInga “WouldyougetGeorgetocomeoverfirstthinginthemorningtoMarybeth’s house?She’sgonnaneedhimtohandlesettlingherfather’saffairsandsellingthehouse.I’mhopingtogetusoutonthelate morningtrain,sohe’llneedtocomeearly”
“You’releavingtomorrow?”Fatherasked.Hiseyeswidened,asdidInga’s.Sheremainedwordlessbutnodded.
“Ithinkit’sforthebest.”EdwardleanedoverandgaveIngaahug.“Prayforus.” “Iwill,”shesaid,holdinghimtightly.“AndI’lltellGeorge.”
Edwardlethergoandmovedovertohisfather,whohadalreadygottentohisfeet.“Idon’tknowwhattosay,son.” “Justsayyou’llprayforme”
“Iwilldothat.”Theyembraced,andEdwardtriednottothinkabouthowitmightbethelasttimehe’dseetheolderman. Therehadbeentoomuchlossalready Hepulledawayandsmiled “HorsesareneededinCheyennesameashere Youall mightfindyourselveswantingtorelocate.”
“Itisathought,”Ingasaid.“IknowGeorgehasspokenofitbefore.”
Edwardsmiled.“Seethere.”Helookedathisfather.“Theysaythere’slandenoughforeveryone.Thousandsofacres available.Imaginewhatyoucoulddowiththatkindofrange.”
“Itistempting,”hisfathersaid,smiling “ButIthinkI’llwaitandhearwhatyouhavetosayaboutit Mightbethewinters areworseandlanddryer.Goliveonitawhileandthentellmehowgreatitis.”
Edwardnoddedandheadedforthedoor Hepausedonlylongenoughtotakeuptheuneatenportionofhiscake “Thisis mightygood,sis.I’lltellMarybethtobesureandbringyourcakewithusonthetrainwest.”
HewasgratefulthatIngadidn’tbreakintotears.Thankful,too,thathisfatherhadbeensopleasantaboutitall.Hecouldsee theworryinhiseyes,butthefactthathekeptmostofittohimselfwasacredittotheolderman Paknewitwouldn’tchange Edward’smind,sowhyspeakaboutituntiltheywerefightingoverthematter?
OnhiswaytoMarybeth’s,Edwardstoppedbythecemetery ItwasthelastthingheneededtodobeforeseeingMarybeth Hetiedhishorseoffandmadehiswayacrossthedriftedsnow.Thewindhadblownoveranysignofthosewhohadattended thegravesideservicestwodaysbefore
Edwardbentdownandbrushedsnowfromtheheadstonehe’darrangedforhiswifeandson.Forafewmoments,hestared downatthewriting: Jane Vogel and Son Hesupposedheshouldhavegiventheboyaname.MaybeGodhadoneforhim. “I’mleavingIndependence,Janey”Edwardgazedacrosstheheadstonetotherowsofstonesthatmarkedothergraves “I’m sorrytohavetoleaveyoubothbehind,butMajorHendersonhascalledformetojoinhiminCheyenne.” Thesun’sbrillianceofferednorealwarmth Theairwasstillplentycold,andEdwardstompedhisfeetinthesnowtokeep somesemblanceofwarmth.
“I’mgonnamarryMarybethKruger It’sjusttotakecareofherandhersister Iknowit’swhatyou’dwantmetodo,andI promisedyouI’dmarryagain.Ofcourse,iffolksinheavenknoweverythingaboutwhat’sgoingondownhereonearth andI don’tknowthattheydo,butifso thenyouknowit’sjustamarriageinname.Ijustcan’trisklosingherlikeIlostyou.Iknow youunderstand,andIwon’texplainagain Still,sometimesIcan’thelpbutwonderifmysurvivin’thewarcameatthepriceof losingyou.IknowPasaidGoddoesn’tworkthatway,butIcan’thelpbutthinkIshouldhavebeentheonetodie.”
Edwardblewwarmbreathagainsthisglovedfingers “Iguessthatdoesn’tmuchmatternow MarybethandCarrieneedme IsupposeinmywayIneedthemtoo.They’vebeenseein’methroughthebadtimes thelonelytimes.Klausdidtoo,butnow he’sgone.You’veprobablyalreadywelcomedhimupyonder.”Edwardshovedhishandsinhiscoatpockets.
“Ijustwantedtocomebyandletyouknow.Iknowitsoundssilly.Youaren’there.Igetthat.Youandtheboyhavea heavenlyhomethat’sbetterthananythingIcouldhavegivenyou,but...well,justknowthatImissyou.Himtoo.”
TherewasanachingemptinessinEdward’sarms.Helongedtoholdhisfamilycloseandfeeltheirwarmth havetheir livesgoon.Hefrownedandturnedbacktohishorse.Therewasnothingmoretobesaid,andhesuddenlyfeltrathersilly standingouttherefreezingtodeathandtalkingtoagravewhenheneededtobespeakingtoMarybeth
MarybethwasanxioustoseeEdwardagain.Shefearedhemighthavechangedhismind.Maybeuponreflectionherealized howridiculousitwastojustupandmarryhiswife’sbestfriendsothathecouldtakethemhundredsofmileswesttostarta newlife.
“Oh,Lord,pleasedon’tlethimhavechangedhismind”
PastorOrtonhadalreadybeenbythehouseearlier.Hehadknockedonthedoorfornearlytenminutes,butMarybethhad pretendedtheyweren’thome.Carriewassoundasleepinthebackroomanddidn’tsomuchaswhimperasMarybethsat besideherbedprayingthemanwouldleavethemalone Wheneverythingwentsilent,Marybethbreathedasighofreliefand thankedGodthatthemanhadgoneonhisway.ThenshebegantoprayinearnestthatEdwardwouldcomeandassureherthat heintendedthemtomarry
Afterprayingaboutthemarriage,Marybethhadhadapeaceaboutitthatshereallycouldn’tunderstand.Shekeptwaitingfor theretobeanudgeoruneasyfeeling,butthemoresheconsideredwhatshewasabouttodo,themoreitseemedright. Theywouldmarryasfriends,determinedtocareforeachother’sneeds.Ifsomethingmoregrewoutofthearrangement,then itwouldcomebecauseGodordainedit.Theyweren’tlyingtoeachotherortoanyoneelse.Theywouldloveandhonoreach otherinsicknessandhealth,forricherorpoorer,andremaintruetooneanother ThatwassomethingMarybethknewshecould dowithouthesitation,andshefeltconfidentEdwardcouldmanageitaswell.
WhenEdwardshowedupanhourlater,Marybethstoodreadyandabletogivehimananswer “Iwillmarryyou.Iwillbetruetoyouandloveandhonoryouuntilmydeath.”Shesmiled,andhedidaswell.
“Let’sgoseethejusticeofthepeaceinEvansvillerightnow.Itoldhimwemightbecoming,”Edwardsaid,glancing around.“Where’sCarrie?”
“She’snextdoor.IaskedMrs.Parkertokeepaneyeonherandnotletanyoneknowshewasthere.Ineededtopickupafew thingsintownafterItalkedtoyou IguessIhadn’texpectedthatwe’dmarrytoday,butitsuitsmejustfine”
“Iletmyfamilyknow,”herepliedandreachedforMarybeth’scoatwhereithungbythedoor.“Georgeisgonnastopbyin themorningtosetthingsupforyouwiththehouse”
“Whendoyouthinkwe’llleave?”
“Tomorrow,latemorning.I’vecheckedonthetrainschedules.It’sperfect.”
Marybethnodded,butinsteadofcomingdirectlytohimshewenttothefireplaceandtookdownatinbox Sheopeneditand revealedastackofbillsandcoinage.
“IwanttogiveyouthismoneyPasaved It’snearlyahundreddollarsandwillhelponourtrip Ijustaskthatyoualsotake thisdrawingImadeofCarrie’sfeetandgetherapairofbootsforthetrip.She’salmostoutgrownallofhershoes,andapair oflace-upbootswouldbegoodandsturdy”
“Keepit,andwe’llstoptoshopafterwemarry.Itrustyouwiththemoney,Marybeth.You’veneverbeenthetypetobe frivolous.Keepyourpa’smoney.We’llneeditsoonenough.”
Shetookoutsomeofthelargerbillsandfoldedthemwiththedrawing “I’lltakethisalong,then”Sheputthelidbackon thetinandsetituponthemantel.“AndyousaidGeorgewillcomebytomorrow?”
“Yes,he’llfigureoutwhatisneededtohelpyouwiththehouse Doyouwanttorentitoutorsellit?”
“Sellingitmakessense.WecanusethemoneytobuyanotherplaceinCheyenne.IknowyouandJaneywererenting,soif youpreferthat,it’sallright”
“Ifigurewe’llprobablyhavetorentatfirst,butMajorHendersonsaidthatapieceoflandcomeswithmyjob.Ihavesome moneysaved,andmaybeinthespringwecansaveupenoughandbuildonit.”
“MaybeGeorgecanhavethisplacesoldbythen,andwecanusethatmoneyaswell” Edwardnodded.“Maybewecan.”
Marybethsmiled “ItwouldseemGodisprovidingforallofourneeds” “Itwouldseem.”
Hehelpedherwithhercoat.“Haveyouheardanymorefromthepastor?”
“Hecamebyearlier.Isawhimopenourfrontgate,andIhurriedtothebackroomwhereCarriewasnapping.Ihidinthere whileheknockedonthefrontdoor.ThankfullyCarriesleptthroughit.”
Edwardfrowned “Idon’tlikethatyoufeltyouneededtohide Idon’tlikethatatall Awomanoughttofeelsafeinherown home.Heneedstoknowthisisoutofhishandsnow.FirstchanceIget,I’llgotalktohim.”
Marybethdiduphercoatbuttonsandgrabbedherhatandscarf “Iwouldappreciatethatverymuch Hefrightensme Iknow Ishouldn’tlethim,butIcan’thelpit.Carrie’sallIhaveleft.”
“No,youhavemenow.You’llhavemefortherestofourlives.”Hepaused,andhisexpressionsoftened.“IpromiseI’ll takegoodcareofyouboth.I’velovedyoubothforalongtime,andthatwon’tchange.Iknowit’snotwhatyoudeserve, Marybeth,butI’llworkhardtotrytomakeyouhappywithwhatIcangiveyou Justdon’taskmeforwhatIcan’tgive”
Marybethswallowedthegrowinglumpinherthroat.Iftheydidn’tgetamoveon,sheverywellmightstartcrying.She nodded “Iwon’t Ipromise”
Theceremonywasshortandsimple.Therewerenoflowers.Nowell-wishersexceptfortworatherstodgy-lookingmen whoworkedwiththejustice Therewasreallynothingatallthatsuggestedtheywereparticipatinginaweddingratherthana courtcase.
Marybethtriednottoletitmakehersad.She,likemostgirls,haddreamedofherweddingday,andthiswasnothinglike that
Oncethejudgefinished,theysignedthepapers,andEdwardtooktheircopyofthemarriagecertificateandfoldeditup. “Let’sgettheshoppingdoneandthenheadhome,”hesaidashecarefullytuckedthepaperintohisinsidepocket Marybethnoddedandtookholdofhisarm.“Thenwhat?”
Heglancedatherforonlyamoment,thenfixedhisgazestraightahead.“Wegotoourhousesandpack.Takewhat’s importantforsettingupourhousehold.I’llcomewiththewagoninthemorningandbringacoupleofemptywoodencrates.We can’ttakemuchinthewayoffurniture,butwe’lltrytotakewhatwecan.HopefullywecanbuystuffinCheyenne.” “IwanttotakeCarrie’sfeedingchair Canwemanagethat?” “Wewill,”Edwardreplied.“We’lldowhateverwehavetodotomakethiswork.”
Whetherhewastalkingaboutthechairortheirsituation,Marybethwasn’tsure
Marybethwokewellbeforedawntofinishherpacking.Shehadalreadymanagedtoputtogetherastackofhouseholdgoods thatshefeltwereimportanttobring Thentherewereafewthingsthatshehopedtoneverbepartedfrom:hermother’sfavorite dishes,acoupleofquiltshermotherhadmade,aswellasoneMarybethhadmadeforCarrie.
TherehadbeensomuchfoodleftoverfrompeoplebringingitafterherfatherhaddiedthatMarybethurgedtheneighborsto comeandgetwhattheywantedaftershepackedabasketwithitemsforthetrip.Theywerehappytooblige.Noneofthefolks aroundherwereverywell-off,andtheextrawasmuchappreciated.Oncethefoodwasclearedout,Marybethwashedand driedallthedishes ShewouldarrangewithGeorgetogetthemtoInga,whocouldthenseethattheygotbacktothewomenin thechurch.
Afterbreakfast,Mrs Parker’soldestgirlhadcometogetCarrie Theyhadarrangedforhertoplaynextdoorwhile Marybethdidherfinalpacking.Itseemedtherewasstillsomuchtodoandsolittletime.Thankfully,shehaddoneupallofthe laundrythedaybeforethefuneral.Ithadkepthertoobusytothinkaboutburyingherfatherandnowfreedherupfromalotof last-minutewashing.
ShefoldedupthelastofCarrie’sclothesandputtheminasmallleathersuitcase.Shewouldkeepthiswithherontheirtrip. ItcontainedallthatCarriewouldneed,includingsomewarmerclothesthey’dpurchasedalongwiththenewshoes
Afterthiswasdone,Marybethassessedthestacksofthingsinthelivingroom.Shehadtowels,washcloths,andlinensfor thebed thingsthattheywouldneedfortheirnewhome Withthose,sheaddedtwocast-ironskillets,alargesouppot,and twosmallerpots,alongwithvariouskitchenutensils.Shehaddoneherbesttokeepthingstoaminimumandpackthingsinside ofotherthingssoastotakelessspace,butitwasimperativetheyhavethethingsthatwouldhelpthemestablishcomfortin theirnewhome.
Lastnightshehadrepackedhersewingbaskettoincludeeverythingshethoughtshemightneedinordertomendandmake clothes Inasecondbasket,shegatheredbandages,ointments,andotheritemsthatwouldbeusefulwhensomeonecamedown sick.ShesupposedtherewouldbesuchthingsinCheyennebutcouldn’tbesure.Cheyennewasinthewildfrontier,andeven withthetrainnowreachingthem,suppliesmightbeverylimited
Sheknewtheywouldhavetopayextraforeachpieceoffreightandwantedsomuchtopackonlywhatwasabsolutely necessary.EspeciallysinceshehadnoideaofwhatEdwardwouldbebringingalong.
Whenaknocksoundedatthefrontdoor,MarybethfigureditwouldbeEdwardandwenttoopenitwithoutworry Instead, shefoundPastorOrtonwithThomasandMarthaWandless.Butthistime,ratherthanbeafraid,Marybethsmiled.
“Goodmorning”Sheglancedateachperson
“Pleaseforgivetheearlyhour,butIworriedthatwemightnotcatchyou.Istoppedbyyesterday,andyouwereapparently gone We’vecometotalktoyouaboutCarrie Maywecomein?”PastorOrtonasked “Youmay,butIhaven’tlongtodiscussanymatter.I’mleavingsoon.”
“Thisneedn’ttakelong.”
Marybethsteppedbackfromtheopendoorandallowedthetriotoenter Wheneveryonewasinside,Marybethclosedthe doorandjoinedthem.Theyallseemedquiteinterestedinherstacksofgoods.
“What’sgoingonhere?”
BeforeMarybethcouldanswerthepastor,thedoorbehindheropened,andEdwardenteredthehouse.Hisactionsurprised her Usually,heknockedandwaitedtobeinvitedin,butthistimehejustwalkedinasthoughheownedtheplace Marybeth smiled.Shesupposedhedid,nowthattheyweremarried.
“Pastor,Mr.andMrs.Wandless.”Hegaveeachanod.“Ifiguredtostopbyyourplace.Whatbringsyouaroundsoearly?”
“IwasjusttellingMarybeththatwedidn’twanttomissseeingheraswedidyesterday,”thepastorreplied Hefrowned slightly.“Areyouaccustomedtojustwalkinginunannounced?”
“Iwasn’t,butyesterdayMarybethandIgotmarried”
MarybethwenttoEdward’ssideandlookedbackatthepastor.“Wedid.”
Edwardseemedtoanticipatethattheoldermanmightnotquitebelievehimandpulledoutthemarriagecertificate.“Youcan seeitforyourself.”
Thepastortookthepaperandreadit.“ImustsayI’mquitesurprised.” “Well,sometimesGodhasplansthatsurpriseallofus,”Edwardsaid,takingbackthepaper
“IsupposeI’mgladthatyou’rehere,sincewe’vecometopersuadeMarybethtoallowMr.andMrs.Wandlesstoadopther sister,Carrie.”
Marybethtensed,butEdwardgentlytookholdofherarm “I’msorry,folks,butMarybethandIhavenointentionofgiving Carrieup.She’sapartofourfamily.”
Thepastorclearedhisthroat “Now,seehere,youtwoarejustgettingstartedandwillnodoubthaveafamilyofyourown ButCarrieneedsafamilytoo.Mr.andMrs.Wandlessaretheperfectcoupletoraiseher.Theycanofferhereverycomfort.”
“Butthatisn’tnecessary,”Edwardreplied
“Adoptionisawonderfulthing,”Marybethadded.“I’msuretheorphanageinEvansvillehasotherchildreninneedof homes.Carrie,however,isn’tinneed.Shehasahomeandismuchloved.I’msorry,buttheanswerisno.Iwillnotgiveupmy sister”
Mrs.Wandlesslookedtoherhusbandandthentothepastor.“Ithoughtyousaidthatshewantedabetterlifeforhersister.” Tearsformedinhereyes
“Wehaveintrudedwhereweshouldnothavecome.PastorOrton,Iwillspeaktoyouaboutthislater,”Mr.Wandlesssaid, takingholdofhiswife “Come,dear”
“Wait.I’msurewecanmakesomesortofarrangement,”thepastorcalledout.
Mr.andMrs.Wandlessdidn’tevenlookback.TheyheadedforthefrontdoorasMr.Wandlesshandedhiswifehis handkerchief
Marybethcaughtuptothem.“I’llprayforyou,”shemurmuredastheyexitedthehouse.PastorOrtonwastoblameforallof this,afterall Itwasn’tthefaultoftwopeoplewholongedforachild Theyweremisledbythepastor,plainandsimple
“Youtwoarenotseeingreason.Thatpoorcoupleismostdesperateforachild,andyouhavedeniedthemthatdream.You shouldbeashamed,”PastorOrtonbegan.
Edwardshookhishead.“Andyouwerebargainingwithsomethingthatdidn’tbelongtoyou.Idon’tknowwhatyoustoodto getoutoftheentirearrangement,butyou’retheonewhoshouldbeashamed.”
Themansputteredashestruggledtoreply “I well youhave ”Hestoppedandshookhishead “Ionlywantedto helpMarybethandCarrieintheirtimeofneed.”
“AndperhapsMr Wandlessinturnwouldhelpyoubuildthatnewchurchyou’vebeendreamingof?”Edwardasked Marybethwassurprisedbythat.She’dneverconsideredthatPastorOrtonmighthaveanulteriormotive.
“IfMr.Wandlesschosetoshowhisappreciationinsuchafashion,therewouldhavebeennothingwrongwiththat.”The pastorshookhisheadagain.“Youwerewrongtomarry,andyouknowit.It’sthereasonyoudidn’tcometomeforthejob.You knewIwouldrememberourconversationofjustafewweeksbackwhenyoutoldmeyou’dnevermarryagainbecauseyou couldneverloveagain Iknowyoudidn’tmarryfortherightreasons”HelookedatMarybeth “Ipresumeyoutalkedhiminto thissothatyoucouldselfishlykeepyoursister.Goddoesn’thonorsuchthings.You’vebroughtacurseuponyourself.” Marybethfeltatinglegoupherspine Hadshedonethat?
“YoupreachednotlongagothatJesusbecameacurseforussothatweneednevercomeundersuchthings,”Edward interjected.“YousaidthatifwebelongedtoHim,weneedn’tfearcurses.”
“Idid,”thepastorreplied,“butit’sclearthatyoudon’tbelongtoHim” “Andhowdoyoufigurethat?IgavemyhearttoJesussomeyearsago.Marybethdidtoo.Whoareyoutojudgeus?” “I’myourpastor,andIhavethatright”
MarybethcouldfeelEdwardtensing.ShelongedtoputanendtothesituationandgaveEdward’sarmapat.“Wedon’thave toolongbeforeweneedtocatchourtrain Didyoubringthecrates?”
“Georgeisonhiswaywiththemandmythings.”Edwardseemedtocalm.“Pastor,weneedtobidyoufarewell.Marybethis right.Wehaveatraintocatchsoon.”
Edwardopenedthefrontdooragain “Infact,Georgehasjustcome”
“Youtwodidn’tmarryfortherightreasons,”thepastorrepeatedashefollowedEdwardtothedoor.“Godwon’thonorthat. You’relivinginsin”
Marybethfeltoverwhelmedbythethingshewassaying.She’dneverseenPastorOrtonactinsuchamanner.Wasthistruly allaboutmoneyandanewchurch?Shehadonceheldsuchrespectfortheman,butnowhewaslikeastrangertoher PastorOrtonheadeddownthewalkinahuff.Hedidn’tevenbothertoacknowledgeGeorgeWeberashepassedhimonthe way.
Georgeglancedoverhisshoulderashereachedthefrontdoor “What’swithhim?”
“I’lltellyouinside,”Edwardreplied.“Let’sgogetthosecratessowecanfinishpacking.”
Themenworkedtogethertobringintworatherlongwoodenboxes Marybethwasrelievedtoseetheirsize Withthesmall boxesshealreadyhad,therewouldbeplentyofroomforallsheneededtotake. “Sowhat’swrong?”Georgeaskedastheysetthelastboxdown.
“PastorwantedtoforceMarybethtogiveupCarrietoMr.andMrs.Wandless.I’dheardsomethingthatsuggestedWandless wasgoingtoprovidethemoneyforanewchurch.I’mthinkingthiswaspartofthedeal.PastorOrtondidn’tadmitit,butit
seemslikely.”
GeorgegaveMarybethasympatheticsmile.“Sorryhewouldputyouthroughallthat.” “Nowhetellsuswe’recursedandlivinginsin,”EdwardaddedbeforeMarybethcouldspeak “Themanisobviouslyupset oversomethingmorethanCarrie.”
“Itsoundslikeyou’reprobablyontherighttrackthinkingthathe’slosingoutonsomething He’sbeentryingtotalkthe wealthiercongregantsintobuildinganewchurchforalongtime.HeprobablysawMarybeth’ssituationwithhersisterand figuredthatwouldbethewaytosecureMr Wandless”
Marybethwenttothefirstofthewoodencratesandpulledoffthelid.“DidyoubringnailstosecurethisafterIpackit?” “Idid,”Georgesaid,pullingahandfulfromhispocket.“Ifiguredyou’dhaveahammer.” “Ido”Marybethpickedupastackofnewspapers “AfterIlinethebox,I’llfetchit” “Iknowwhereit’sat,Marybeth,”Edwardsaid.“Yougoaheadwithwhatyou’redoing.” Georgewenttohelpherbypickingupasmallerbox “Thisisheavy What’sinit?”
“Mymother’sdishes.They’rebreakable,soIwrappedthemindishtowelsandputtheminthatbox,hopingtheshipping crateswouldbebigenoughtoholdit Ifigurewecanpadthesmallerboxinsidewithtowelsandragrugs” “Thatsoundsgood.Onceyougetthepaperdown,let’sputoneoftherugsdown.Wecanspreaditoutinsuchawayto cushioneverything.”
TheywerejustgettingtotherugwhenEdwardreturnedwiththehammer “Mightaswelltakethehammertoo Can’thave toomanytools.”
“Papa’stoolsaremostlyintheshedoutback Ifyouwanttogothroughthemandtakewhatyouthinkwe’llneed,thatwould bewonderful.Ihadforgottenallaboutthem.”
“I’vegotabunchofmyownbutletmegosee.George,didyoubringthepapersyouneedMarybethtosign?” “Idid.Marybeth,thesepaperswillbasicallygivemethepowertohandlethehouseandyourfather’sestate.Isthatwhatyou want?”
“Yes”Sheglancedupandsmiled “Itwillbeagreatrelieftoknowyou’retakingcareofeverything” “Andwhatisityouwantmetodoexactly?”
“Selleverything I’mtakingwhat’simportanttomeandCarrie We’vegotsomethingsfromeachofourmothers,aswellas everydaythingsIfigurewe’llneed,buttherestcanbesold.AllthefurnitureandwhattoolsEdwarddoesn’twant,aswellas whateverelseI’veleft.Ifyouseesomethingyouwant,George,feelfreetotakeitaswell.”
“Notwithoutpayingyouforit.I’llholdanauctionandsellstuffthatway.ThenI’llputthehouseupforsale.Ithinkitwill sellfast.Yourfatherkeptitingoodshape.”
“Yes,butsomefolksarestillhurtingformoneyafterthewar It’sonlybeentwoyears,andit’snotbeeneasyonanybody, evenintheNorth,andwe’resituatedrightontheedgeoftheSouth.Seemslikefolksaroundheresufferedmorelossthan some”
“Therewasplentyofmiserytogoaround,butthingsareimproving.”
Marybethnodded.“Ihopeitwillsellfast,becausewe’llneedthemoneytobuildourownplace,butifnot,perhapsyou couldarrangeforittoberentedout”
“I’lldomybestforyou.”Georgeplacedtheboxofdishesinthecushionedspotthey’dmade.“Thisshouldkeepitpretty safe We’llhavethemmarkitfragileatthestation Hopefullythatwillkeepanyzealoushandlersfromtossingitabout” Itwasn’tlongbeforeEdwardreturnedwithadozenorsotools.“I’llputtheseoutinmycratewiththeothertools.”
“Oh,Ialmostforgot IknowPawouldhavewantedyoutohavethis”Marybethhurriedintoherfather’sbedroomand returnedwitharifleandammunition.ShehandeditovertoEdward.“I’msurethere’sroomtopackit.”
Edwardlookedtherifleoverandnodded.“I’dbehonoredtohavethistorememberyourfatherby.”Hetuckeditintoafold ofblankets,thenaddedtheammunition “I’msurewe’llbegladtohaveit Didheteachyoutoshoot,Marybeth?” Shesmiled.“Hedid.Heworriedthatthewarmightcomethisfarnorth,andImightneedtoprotectCarrieandmyself.I don’tdotoobadifIdosayso”
Georgechuckled.“Well,fromwhatIhearyou’llneedsuchskillswhereyou’regoing.” Marybethfrowned “Iknowit’sawfullywildoutwest,butIhopeIwon’thavetorelyonmyshooting” “We’llrelyonGod,”Edwardremindedher.
“Ofcourseyouwill,”Georgedeclared,takingupthelastofthepillows.“Let’sgettheseinthere.”
“Oh,wait,Istillhavethecoffee-andteapots”Marybethhurriedtothekitchenandcamebackwiththeitems Edwardtook themandtuckedthemintothebox.
“Thatall?”heasked
“Exceptforwhatwe’llcarrywithus” sheturnedtoobserveeverycorneroftheroom “it’sallinthecrates.” EdwardhelpedGeorgesecurethelidsandnailedthemshut.Marybethwatchedwithasenseoffinality.Itwasalmostasif theywerenailingclosedacoffin.
“Thatjustleavesourbags,”Marybethsaid,glancingaroundtheroomagain.Thiswasthelasttimeshewouldbehere the onlyhomeshe’deverknown.Shegaveaheavysigh.“IshouldgogetCarriewhileyoutwoloadthewagon.”
“Seeifthatneighborofyourscancomeandstandasasecondwitnessforthesigningofthepapers,”Georgesaidas Marybethpulledonhercoat.
Marybethnoddedandhurriednextdoor ShehadneverbeenoutsideofIndependenceandEvansvilleinallofherlife Now shewasabouttoleaveallsheknewforavastopenworldthatstillhadIndianwars.Whatwouldbecomeofthemall?
Father, please don’t let this be a mistake
EdwardandMrs.ParkerwitnessedMarybethsigningthepapers,thenGeorgehadhimsignaseparatesetjusttocoverany legalitieswithhimasMarybeth’shusband.WhenGeorgewascompletelysatisfied,theyheadedtothetrainstationin Evansville
CarriebouncedupanddownonMarybeth’slapastheyenteredthebusiestpartofthecity.Shewasexcitedaboutallthatshe saw
“Lookie.Lookie,”Carriedeclaredoverandover.Thenightbeforeshe’ddonethatwithhernewboots.
Marybethlaughedathersister’santics,andEdwardfoundhimselfdoingthesame.Carriewasgoodforthesoul.She delightedinsomanythings.HopefullyshewouldhelpEdwardandMarybethkeeptheirsenseofwonderandhumorduring whatwerecertaintobeharddaysahead.
Abriefwaveofguiltwashedoverhim Washedoingtherightthing,takingthemwest?TheirlifeinCheyennewasgoingto besomuchharderthanwhatMarybethhadknownhereinIndependence.She’dneverevenexperiencedanythingoutsideofher littlecircle He’dgonetowarandhadseenthehorrificgriefitcaused Hehadexperiencedsuchthingsthatheprayedshe’d neverknow,andyetwiththeIndiansstillquiteactiveinthewest,wildanimalsrunningamok,andotherdangers,hemightbe takingMarybethandCarrietotheirdeaths.
Heglancedbackattheboxesthey’dpacked.HehadtoadmireMarybethforherfrugalchoices.Theyhadtalkedaboutthe needtochoosewisely,andshehad.Shehadgivenupsomuchforhim.Hewouldfindawaytomakeituptoher.He’dseethey builtahouseassoonaspossible Ofcourse,themoneywouldprobablycomefromthesaleofherfather’shouse,butEdward hadanicenesteggtoaddtohers.Andhewouldworkhardtoraisewhatevermoneytheyneededtoseethejobdone.Evenif hetookonanextrajobortwo
Onlymomentarilydidhisthoughtsgobacktowhatthepastorhadsaidaboutthembeingcursedandlivinginsin.Therewas notruthtothat.Edwardwasconfidentthattheyhaddonetherightthing.HewascertainthiswaswhatGodwantedforthem. Wasn’the?
Heloweredhisheadtowardoffthewindandwhisperedaprayer.Itjusthadtobetherightthing.
Please, God, don’t let me have just made things worse
Georgebroughtthewagontoastopnearthebaggageandfreightplatformatthetraindepot.Hejumpeddownand immediatelyhailedacoupleofmen
EdwardlookedtoMarybeth.“Whydon’tyouandCarriewaitinsidethedepot?GeorgeandIwillgetthistakencareof.” Shenodded.“Willyoubringthebagswhenyoucome,orshouldItrytotakethem?”
“GeorgeandIcanbringthem Justgetinsideandgetwarm”
HetookCarriefromherarms,thenhelpedherdownfromthewagon.Carriewasstillquiteexcitedaboutallthatwas happening Shebobbedupanddowntryingtoseeeverythingatonce Thebrimofherwoolenbonnetknockedagainst Edward’slefteye.
“You’rewilderthanabagfullofcats”Edwardkissedhernose “Icantellyou’regoingtolovegoingonthetrain” “Train!”Carrierepeatedandclappedhermittenedhands.“Go,go,train.” Edwardlaughedinspiteofhisconcerns.“Yes,we’regoingtogo,go,train.” Marybethtookhersisterinhand “Let’sgoinside,Carrie We’llgetwarmandwaitfor ”ShelookedatEdward “We haven’ttalkedaboutwhatsheshouldcallyou,butIsupposeitshouldbePapa.” Edwardfeltatighteninginhischestforjustamoment “Wecanfigurethatoutlater Goonbeforeyoufreeze” Marybethmethiseyesandnodded.Sheunderstood.Shewassocompassionate,andhefeltoverwhelminggratitudeforthat. Onewayoranother,hewasgoingtoseethatthisworkedforallofthem.Heowedherthat.
BythetimetheyarrivedinOmaha,theyhadchangedtrainsthreetimesandwrestledCarrieformilesonend.Asthey disembarkedfromthetrain,Edwardcarriedthebags,andMarybethheldhersleepingsister Itwasjustpastsuppertime,and Marybethfeltfamished.
“Doyousupposewecouldgetsomethingtoeat?”sheasked,shiftingCarrietoherrightshoulder.
“Thatwasmythought.First,though,let’sseeaboutaroom.ThenIcanleaveoffourbags,andmaybeyouandCarriecould waittherewhileIfindsomethingforustoeat.”
“I’dlikethat,”Marybethsaid “Idon’tknowwhetherI’mhungrierthanIamtiredortheotherwayaround,butIwouldlove tobeabletoputCarrieinabed.”
“Iunderstand Shehasbeenahandful Ineverknewalittlegirlcouldhavesomuchenergy” MarybethgaveEdwardasmile.“Youhandledherperfectly.I’veneverknownanyonebutPatohavesuchpatiencewith her.”
Astheyexitedthetraindepot,Edwardlookeduponesideofthestreetanddowntheother.“Lookslikethere’sahotelthat way.Let’sstopandseeiftheyhaveanyrooms.Seemslikeaniceplace atleastontheoutside.”
Marybethnoddedandfollowedhimtothethree-storybuilding Shegaveasilentprayerforprovision Thelastthingthey neededwastobetraipsingaroundOmahalookingforaplacetostay.
ThewindpickedupasEdwardopenedthehoteldoorandusheredMarybethinside Shesighedinreliefatthewarmththat washedoverher.Thankfully,Carriedidn’tevenstir.
“Evenin’folks.Lookin’foraroom?”abaldingmanaskedfrombehindthereceptiondesk.
“Weare,”Edwardreplied,puttingtheluggagedown.
“You’reinluck.Ihavejustoneroomleft.That’llbetwodollars.Justsignhere.”Themanturnedtheregistrybookaround andhandedEdwardapen
EdwardsignedthebookandpaidfortheroomwhileMarybethdidherbesttostayonherfeet,holdingCarrie.Shehadn’t realizedjusthowverytiredshewas Thetrainhadbeennoisyandexhausting Dirtytoo ItwashardtokeepCarriecleansince shewantedtocrawlaroundonthefloorandexploreundertheseats.
“It’sonthesecondfloorattheendofthehall,”theproprietortoldEdwardashehandedhimakey.“Roomnumberisonthe key,andthebathroomisjustnextdoor”
“IstheresomewhereIcangetsomedecentfoodandbringitbackheretothehotel?”Edwardasked.“My...wifeand daughterareexhausted”
“Wehaveadiningroomhere.Icanarrangethatforyouifyoulikeandhaveitsentup,”themanreplied.“Getyoubigbeef sandwichesandsomeofthebestapplepieyou’lleversinkyourteethinto Maybesomemilkforthelittleone”
EdwardlookedtoMarybeth.Shenodded.Anythingsoundedgoodatthispoint.Edwardpaidthemanforthefoodandtook upthebagsonceagain.Heledthewayupstairs,andMarybethfollowed.Carriefelttenpoundsheavierthanshehadjust momentsbefore Itwouldbesogoodtobeabletoputhertobedandrelax
Theyreachedtheroomandmadetheirwayinside.Itwasquitenice.Thefull-sizedbedwasframedwithawoodenheadand footboard Themattresslookedthick,andtherewasanicequiltatopitwithtwoadditionalblanketsfoldedacrossthefootof thebed.Twodollarshadseemedanoutrageousprice,buttheaccommodationswerebetterthanexpected.
“Thosepillowslookcomfortable,”Edwardsaid,pointingtothehead
“Ithoughttheentireroomlookedamazing.”Sheplacedthestill-sleepingCarrieonthesideofthebedfarthestfromthedoor, thenbegantounbuttonhercoat.
“She’scompletelydonein,”MarybethsaidasshemoveddowntountieCarrie’sbootlaces “Ihopeshe’llsleepthroughthe night.”
“Won’tsheneedsomethingtoeat?”
“No,rememberyougotherthatglassofmilkearlier?Shedrankitallandatethelastpiecesofcheeseandbread.I’msure she’llbefine.Iwishwecouldbothhaveabath,butI’llwashherupinthemorning.”
MarybethsetCarrie’sbootsasideandslippedheroutofthecoat.ShewenttooneofthebagsEdwardhadluggedupstairs andopenedit.AfterretrievingCarrie’snightgown,Marybethgrabbedalargepieceofwaxedcanvasandathicktowel.
“I’mcompletelydoneinaswell Whowouldhavethoughtsittingonatrainwouldwearapersonout?”
“Itwasn’tthetrain.Itwasthelittlegirlwhowantedtobeeverywhereatonceonthetrain,”Edwardsaid,smiling.He glancedaroundtheroom.“Thisshouldsuitthetwoofyouwell.I’llwaituntilthefoodcomesandthenseeaboutfinding anotherplacetosleep”
“No!”Marybethhadn’tmeanttoreplyquitesoloudly,norinsuchadesperatetone.“Pleasedon’tgo,”shesaidmorecalmly. “Iwouldbeafraidtobeherealone Can’tyoustay?”
Henodded.“Icanstay.Ijustdidn’tknowifyou’dbecomfortablewithmehere.”
“You’remyhusband,Edward OfcourseI’mcomfortablehavingyouhere Idon’tevenmindsleepinginthesamebed After all,Carriecanbetherebetweenus.”
“Icansleeponthefloor.Theplaceisclean,andwithacoupleofblankets,Ishouldbejustfine.”
Marybethdidn’targuewithhim Shewasjustrelievedthathewouldstay Shespreadopenthewaxedcanvasandpositioned itandthetowelunderhersisterincaseshehadanaccidentinthenight.
“Ididn’trealizeOmahawasthisbig,”Edwardsaid,lookingouttheshadedwindow “Isupposeallthetownsalongthe transcontinentalrailroadlinewillhavethepotentialforsuchgrowth.”
“Isupposeso,”Marybethreplied ShepulledthequiltandsheetuparoundCarrie’sshoulders Asshestraightened, Marybethcouldn’thelpbutrubhershoulders.
“Wantsomehelpwiththat?”Edwardaskedashecasthiscoataside.
“Oh well ifyoulike”
HecamebehindMarybethandbeganmassagingtheknotsinhershoulders.Marybethcouldhavecried.Itfeltsogoodto havethemusclesworkedover Carryinghersisteraroundalldayhadreallybeentoomuch “Thatfeelssomuchbetter,”shesaidwithasigh.
“Youcandothesameformesometime,”hereplied.
“Notimelikethepresent.You’retaller,though,soI’llneedyoutositontheedgeofthebed.”
Edwardhesitated,causingMarybethtoturnandgazeintohiseyes.“Comeon.Thefoodwillbeheresoon.Mightaswell feelbetter”
Hedidn’tsayawordbutdidassheinstructed.Marybethputherhandsoneithersideofhisneckandstartedthere.She pretendedshewaskneadingbread Themusclesofhisneckweretaut Ittookquiteafewminutesofrubbingandpressingher palmintothembeforetheystartedtoloosenup.Sheworkedherwaydownhisshouldersandintohisupperback,feelinghim relaxalittlemore.
Theknockonthehotelroomdoorcausedthembothtojump.Marybethcouldn’thelpbutgiggle. “Goodness,we’reactinglikechildrencaughtstealingcookies.”
Edwardactuallysmiledatthisandwenttothedoor Heopenedittofindastewardwithatray “Yourorder,sir.”
“Bringitin,”Edwardsaid Heglancedaroundtheroom Therewasasmalldresseracrosstheroom “Justsetitontopover there.”
Themannoddedanddidexactlythat.Edwardduginhispocketforsomethingtotiptheman.“Here,”hesaidastheman headedforthedoor “Andthanks” Themantookthecoinsandsmiled.“Thankyou.Ihopethefoodisenjoyable.” Withthatheleftandclosedthedoorbehindhim EdwardlookedtoMarybeth “I’msorrywedon’thaveatableandchairs” “I’mfinesittingonthefloor.”Shewenttothetrayandlookedthingsover.“Oh,itlookswonderful.Theyevensentwaterand aglassofmilk”
“I’llgetthetray.Yougoaheadandsitwhereyouwant.”EdwardpickedupthefoodasMarybethsanktothefloor. “Thisisasgoodaplaceasany.”Sheleanedbackagainstthewoodenfootboardofthebed.“IjusthopeIcanstayawake longenoughtoeat”EdwardpositionedthetraybetweenthemandsatontheflooroppositeMarybeth
Sheliftedtheclothnapkin.“Looksliketherearetwosandwichesandtwopiecesofapplepie.I’msureIwon’tneeda wholesandwichorpieceofpie YoucanhavewhatIdon’teatasI’msureyou’llbeabletopolishitoffandthensome” Marybethcuthersandwichinhalf.Eatinginsilence,shewonderedifEdwardwassorryyetthathe’dincludedherand Carrieonthisadventure Itwouldsurelyhavebeeneasiertotravelwestwithoutthem
“Goodeats,”Edwarddeclared,easilydowningtheroastbeefandbread.Hedidn’tbalkatallwhenMarybethpushedthe otherhalfofhersandwichtowardhim.
Theysaidverylittleastheyate Marybethfiguredhehadnomoreenergyleftthanshedid Shesampledthepiebutfoundshe wasalreadymorethanfull.
“I’mgoingtosavethemilkforCarrieinthemorning Ifyoudon’tmind”
“Ithinkthat’swise.We’llneedtocatchthetrainearly.”
“Whathappenedtoourcrates?”MarybethbegancleaningupasEdwarddugintothepie.
“TheywentontoCheyenne.Iarrangedforthemtolockthemupatthestation.We’llgetthemthedayafterwearrive or rather,laterintheday.Thetrainwon’tarriveinCheyenneuntilaroundthreeinthemorning.”
“Irememberyousayingthat.It’sstillimpressivetoimaginegettingonthetraininthemorningandgettingtoCheyennein onlytwentyhoursorso.That’snearlyfivehundredmiles.”
“Iknow Iwastolditcouldtakefortytofiftydaysbywagon”
“Andwe’llgetthereinmerehours.Justimaginewhenthey’llhavetheentirerailroadinplaceandyou’llbeabletogofrom onecoasttotheotherinjustamatterofweeksinsteadofmonths”
“Probablylesstimethanthat.Itwillbeawonder.”
Marybethsuppressedayawn “I’mgoingtogetreadyforbed Wouldyouputthemilkonthedresser?Ithinktheroomwill becoolenoughthatit’llkeepjustfine.”
“Ifnot,Icouldputitontheledgeoutsidethewindow.”
Sheshookherheadandyawnedagain “No,it’dfreeze It’llbeokay”
Aftergatheringhernightgownandrobe,sheglancedaroundtheroomtryingtofigureouthowbesttochange.Itdawnedon herthattheclerkhadsaidthebathroomwasnextdoor “I’llstepnextdoorandcleanupabit...andchange.”
Edwardnodded “Keepourdooropen ThatwayI’llhearandseeifanyonetriestocauseyoutrouble”
Marybethhadn’tthoughtofsomethinglikethat.Shesmiledandgaveahalfnodbeforeheadingout.Therewassomuchof thisarrangementtheyreallyhadn’tconsidered.
Shelookedatherreflectioninthemirror Herfaceseemedpalerthanusual Thinnertoo Shesupposedshehadn’teaten muchsincePapadied.HerattentionhadbeenfocusedonmakingsureCarrieate.Peoplefromthechurchaswellasneighbors hadbroughtfoodtothehousefordays,butMarybethcouldn’trememberanyofthemeals
Pullingthepinsfromherhair,shecouldn’thelpbutwonderifEdwardregrettedhisdecision.Didshe?
“Itwastheonlythingwecoulddo,”shemurmured.TryingtofightoffthepastorandMr.andMrs.Wandlessbyherself wouldhavebeenimpossible.PastorOrtonhadalreadygottenajudgeinvolved.TheywouldhavetakenCarriefromher withoutdelay.
Shelookedagaintoherreflection Nomatterwhathappened,shevowedtomakethingsaseasyonEdwardaspossible He wastheheroinherstory hersandCarrie’s.Nomatterwhatthefutureheld,shepromisedherselfthenandtherethatshe woulddowhatevershecouldtomakecertainEdwarddidn’tregrethisdecision
Edwardawokeearlythenextmorning.Itwasn’tevenlightoutside,butthenagain,dawncamelaterandlaterasthecalendar pushedtowardtheendoftheyear.Hestretched,surprisedathowwellhefelt.ThatmassageMarybethgavehimthenight beforehadreallydonethetrickwithhisstiffneckandsoreshoulders Shehadatouch Hegotupandcrackedthehalldooropentocheckhispocketwatch.Fourforty.Theyhadalittlelessthanthreehoursbefore theyneededtocatchthetrain HeglancedoverhisshoulderandsawthatMarybethandCarriewerestillsleeping Heopened thedooralittlewidertoletmorelightfilterin.CarriehadsnuggledintoMarybeth’sarms,andthey’dpulledthequilttightly aroundthemselves Marybeth’sblondhairmingledwithCarrie’s,makingitalmostimpossibletotellwhereoneleftoffandthe otherbegan.
Foralongtime,Edwardjuststoodwatchingthem.He’dusedtowatchJaneythatway.Sheseemedsoangelicinsleep.He’d toldhimselfwhenshewaslaidoutforthefuneralthatshewasjustsleeping Nothingmore Itwastheonlywayhecouldkeep fromrushingtothefrontofthechurchtotakeherintohisarmsaspeoplepaidtheirrespects.
Memoriesfloodedhismind Janeysleepinglatebecausehe’dfailedtowakeherup Herchidinghimforitbecauseshehad thingsthatneededtobedone.Usually,itwaslaundryorbaking.Janeyalwaysmadetheverybestbread.Marybeth’sbreadwas justasgood Hecouldn’thelpsmiling Thegirlsoncehadacontestbakingpiestoseewhoshouldentertheirpieintothe countyfair’sjudging.Edwardandhisfather,alongwithMarybeth’spa,hadbeenthejudges.They’dsampledeachpie,then toldthegirlsthey’dhavetosamplethemagain.Theyputawayfourpiecesofpieeachbeforeadmittingthatbothwereequally delicious,andtheycouldn’tpickjustone Thegirlsgavethemsuchahardtime ThatyearatthefairMarybethandJaneytied forfirstplace,vindicatingthemen’sinabilitytodecide.
Edwardnearlylaughedoutloud,andwhenhelookedatMarybethagain,hesawthatshewasawakeandwatchinghim “Goodmorning.Youlookmightyhappyforamanwhospentthenightonthefloor,”shesaidasCarriebegantostir.“Would youlightthelamp?”
“IwasjustrememberingthattimeyouandJaneyhadusjudgeyourpiesbeforeyouenteredthematthefair.”Hewenttothe bedsidetableandfoundthematches.Helitthelampandturnedthewickup.
Marybethchuckled “Thatwassomethingelse They’dneverhadatieatthefair,buttheheadjudgetoldmetheyhadnever hadtwopiestasteequallydeliciousrightdowntotheflakycrust.”Shepushedbackthequiltandsheetandsatup. Herstraightblondhairsplayedoutaroundhershouldersanddownherback Edwardimagineditfeelinglikecornsilk She roseandtookupherrobe.OnlythenwasEdwardawareofherstateofundress.Heturnedratherquicklyonhisheeltoclose
thedoor
“Sorry.Iwasn’tthinking.”
“I’mcompletelycovered Noneedtoworry,”shereplied Edwardpeekedoverhisshoulderandsawthatshewaswrappedintherobe.Carrieroseuponherkneesandheldupher arms “Iwet”
Marybethnodded.“Ifiguredyoumighthavetroublesincewedidn’ttakeyoutothebathroombeforebedlastnight. Thankfully,Imadeprovisions Hopefullythetopsheetisn’ttoobad Comealong We’llgetyoucleanedup” “I’lltakecareofthebed,”Edwardsaid,figuringheshoulddohispart.
“I’lltakethematandtowelwithme.Youmightcheckandseeifshegotanythingelsewet.”Marybethgatheredallthethings she’dneedandheadedwithCarrietothedoor “Howmuchtimebeforewecatchthetrain?”
“Justunderthreehours.”
Shebeamedasmile “Plentyoftimetotakecareofeverything”
Hemarveledatherserenityandeaseofmanagingthesituation.Shereallywasquitespecial.Janeyhadalwayssaidthat Marybeth’scalminthefaceofastormorbadtimewasinspiring Hesupposedhe’dseensomeofthatovertheyears Now, however,itseemedfarmorepersonalandevident.He’djusttakenherawayfromallthecomfortsofherhomeandstillshe awokewithasmileandkindword.Shewasquitethewoman.
Marybethdidn’tknowwhatshe’dreallyexpectedofCheyenne,butarrivingintheweehoursofthemorningandfindingitstill veryactivetookherbysurprise Gamblinganddancehalls,saloons,andbrothelswereopen,andwhatlookedtobehundreds ofpeoplestillmilledthestreets.
OnthetrainfromOmaha,Edwardhadspokenwithanoldergentlemanwhosatjustacrosstheaisle.Hewasinvolvedinthe townplanningforCheyenneandtoldEdwardthathewouldbegladwhentherailroadmoveddownthetrackstobuild elsewhereandleftCheyennebehind.
“Wewantanicetownwithgoodpeoplelikeyourselfandyourfamily,”hehadsaid,smilingatMarybethandCarrie “Right now,you’dthinkitwassomethingfromthepitsofhellitself,butIhopethatwon’tkeepyoufromconsideringitsfuture.” Hisdescriptioncontinuedashespokeofrailroadmensoroughandcrudethatthey’dmakesailorsblushwiththeirlanguage andcomments.ItseemedthemainfocusofCheyenneasatownwasvice,andthegodlierfolksweredeterminedtorid themselvesofitassoonaspossible.
“ThehotelisjustablockoveronSixteenth,”Edwardtoldher.“Let’sgetamoveonsowedon’tfindourselvesmixingwith thewrongfolks.”
Marybethnoddedandstuckclosetohisside Carrie,thankfully,sleptthroughtheruckus Shehadstirredseveraltimes,but herdayofclimbingupanddowntheseatsandrunningtheaisleswhengivenachanceleftheronceagainexhausted.Marybeth couldonlyhopeshemightsleepwellintothemorning
Atthehotel,shechangedCarrieintonightclothesandputhertobed.Theroomwasquitesmall,butatleastitwasprivate. Edwardtoldhermostoftheclientelesleptinacommunalroomwithasmanyasthirtymenstretchedoutfromwalltowall. Theysharedonecommonbathroomwithbrushes,combs,andrazorssharedaswell.Therewereonlyfiveprivateroomsinthe entirehotel,andtheyrentedformuchhigherthanthecommunalroom.Thesmallbathroomtheysharedwiththefourother roomsonthefirstfloorwasn’tmuch,butitwasclean Marybethcouldonlyimaginethefilthofthecommunitybathroom upstairs.
Therewasn’tmuchspaceforEdwardtostretchoutonthefloorsowhenMarybethsuggestedhesharetheratherlargefullsizedbed,heagreed.Thebedhadbeenpushedupagainstthewall,soMarybethtookherplacethere,andEdwardmoved Carrieintothemiddleofthebedbetweenthem.Heblewoutthesinglecandlethey’dbeengivenforlightandeasedintothe bedinthedark
MarybethfeltthebeddipdownasEdwardaddedhisweight.Shehadn’tbeenatalluncomfortablehavinghimwithherin theroom,buthavinghiminherbed,evenwithCarriethere,causedhersomeunexpectedconcern Whatiftheyallendedup huddledtogetherinthemiddle?Beingtogetherthatwaymightbecomealltoopersonal.Asitwas,Marybethhadn’tchangedout ofherclothes,andshedidn’tfigureEdwardhadeither Theyreallyshouldhavethoughtthepracticalitiesthroughmore thoroughlybeforestrikingoutontheiradventure.
MarybeththoughtoftheirsituationforalongtimeafterEdwardbeganthedeepbreathingofsleep.Thingshadmovedsofast thatshereallyhadn’thadtimetoconsidereverything,buthereshewashundredsofmilesfromhome,livinginatownthatwas knownforbeingdangerousandfoul,marriedtoamanwhodidn’tloveherasawife.
Sheglancedtothesideinthedark Shecouldn’tseehimbutknewthatEdwardwasthere Shecouldhearhimbreathing couldfeelhiswarmth.Itwasnicetohavethelatter,astheroomwasquitechilly. What is going to happen to us, Lord?
Shehadprayedoffandonthroughoutthetrip,butthiswasthefirsttimeshehadreallyworriedabouttheiroutcome.Ina townlikethis,thedangerswereboundtobehigh.HowcouldshekeepCarriefromharmwhenitsoundedlikeitwasall aroundthem?WhatwouldshedoifsomethinghappenedtoEdward?
Whenshewokeuphourslater,Marybethsatupwithastart.Carriewasstillasleep,butEdwardwasgone.Knowinghim,he probablyfelttheneedtofindhisfriendandlethimknowthey’darrived Sheeasedoutofthebedandlookedaroundtheroom Itwasthenthatshenoticedthereweren’tanywindows,andtheroomwasmorelikealargepantryorwashroomthana bedroom.
Shedressedquickly,sorrythatherpreparationsforthedaycouldn’tincludeabath.Shewonderedwhenthatluxurymightbe hersagain.Shetookthepitcherandwenttothebathroom,happytoseethatitwasdeserted.Therewasasmallcoppertuband astovewithalargereservoirofwater Hotwater Shecouldhavecriedatthesight
Marybethfilledthepitcherandtookupawashclothandtowelandhurriedlyreturnedtotheirroom.Carrieslepton. Marybethusedthetimetocleanupandarrangeherhair.Bythetimeshe’dsecuredthelastpin,Carriewasawakeandaskingto gotothebathroom
“Youdidsogoodnottowetthebed,”Marybethsaid,takinghersisterbythehand.“You’reabiggirl!” “Ibiggirl,”Carrierepeatedproudly
OnceCarriehadrelievedherselfandMarybethhadbeenabletocleanherupandreadyherfortheday,thelittleonestarted complainingofhunger
“Peasewannaeat,”shesaid,lookingtoMarybethhopefully.
“Idotoo,butI’mafraidwehavenothinghere.Ithinkwe’llhavetogofindagrocerandbuysomefood.”
“Buyfood,”Carriesaid,clappinganddancingaround “Buyfood”
Marybethlaughedandgrabbedhersister’scoat.ShehelpedCarrieintoitanddidupthebuttons.Afterthat,shefound Carrie’sdiscardedbonnetandsnuggeditontoherhead Itwasalmosttoosmall Itseemedthechildwasgrowingeveryday
Whenshewentforherowncoat,MarybethfoundanotelefttoherbyEdward.“‘Wenttofindthemajor.Bebacksoon. Edward,’”shereadaloud ShelookedatCarrie “Well,thatexplainswhereEdwardwent” “Wegonow.”Carriewenttothedoorandtriedtoopenit.Thankfully,shewastoolittletogripthehandle. Marybethtuckedthenoteintohercoatpocketandwenttohersister.“Youmustholdmyhand.It’sdangerousoutside.” CarriedidasshewastoldbutseemedcompletelyoblivioustowhatMarybethhadsaid Itwasn’tlikelysheunderstood,but Marybethknewshewouldhavetogetitacrosstoherintime.CarrieneededtostickclosetoEdwardorMarybeth,especially withalltheroughcharactersthemanonthetrainhaddescribedasregularcitizensofCheyenne
Retracingherstepsfromtheearlierhours,Marybethfoundtheclerkatthefrontdesk.“IneedtolocateastorewhereIcan buyafewcansofmilkformy...ah...afewcansofmilk maybesomebreadandcheese.”
Thebeardedmansmiled.“Ofcourse.Armstrongs’isjustashortwalkaway.Gooutthedoorandturnleft.Followthestreet upablock.Itdoesn’tlooklikemuchfromtheoutside,buttheyhaveagoodselection.”
Marybethnodded “Thankyousomuch”
“Youmightwanttowaitforyourhusband,missus.Justtobesafe.”
“I’mafraidIdon’tknowhowlonghe’llbeandmy thebabyishungry”SheandEdwardstillhadn’ttalkedmuchabout howtheyweregoingtopresentCarrie.Wasshegoingtojustbetheirdaughter,orweretheygoingtomakeanefforttoexplain thepast?
“You’llwannakeepaneyeoutfortrouble,”themantoldher.“Mostofthereallybadcharactershavegonetobedandwon’t beonthestreetstobotheryou,andtherailroadmenhavereportedtowork,buttheremightstillbesometroublemakers.”
“Thanks I’llkeepmyeyesopen”MarybethliftedCarrieinherarmsandheadedforthedoor “Thankyouagain”
Shesteppedoutsideintohernewworldandpausedtotakeitallin.Dirtstreetsedgedwithsomeboardwalks.Unpainted, newlybuiltbusinessesalongsidetentsthatadvertisedeverythingfrompalmreadingtohotbathslinedtheway
Freighterswereoutmovingsuppliesfromthetrainstationtovariouslocations,andpeoplebegantoappearfromvarious shops.MarybethglancedatCarrie,whohadgrownquitewiggly.
“Areyouexcited?”
Carrieclappedherhands.“’Cited.”
Marybethnodded “Metoo”
Edwardhadlittletroublelocatingthejail.Thetwo-storybuildingwasbrand-new,andinsidehefoundhisoldcommander finishingwithsomepaperwork
“MajorHenderson.”
Themanlookedupandsmiled.“EdwardVogel,asIliveandbreathe.You’reawelcomesight.”
“Gladtobehere,Major”
“No,no.CallmeFred.Thewarisover,andI’djustassoonputthatpartofmylifetorest.” “Freditis”
Hendersonpointedtohisledger.“Therewereseventyfightstobreakuplastnight.Seventy.Itrytokeeparecordofeach one,butit’simpossible.Therewereburglariesandmurderousthreats,andevenakillingthateveryoneswearswasselfdefense,sonothingfurtherwillbedone.”
“NolawwestoftheMississippi,eh?”Edwardlookedaroundtheroom.“It’snotatallwhatIexpected.”
“Cellsarebehindus,andcourtisupstairs EdMelangerwaselectedcitymarshal,andthepolicemagistrateisanold frontiersmannamedJohnSlaughterwhommostofusjustcallJudge.Wehopetohaveacitypoliceforceofatleastadozenby nextyear YouandIwillbeapartofthat”
“Andthat’sthelawinCheyenne?”Edwardasked.
“Thatandaboutseventymen maybemore,seemsthenumbergrowsdaily ofaspecialpoliceforcewholiketotake mattersintotheirownhands.”
“Vigilantes?”EdwardmetHenderson’sratherblankexpression
“Callthemwhatyouwill.They’relocalbusinessmenandcitizenswhoarestrivingtocleanupCheyenne.It’sbeen troublesomeattimes,butitissavingthecityalotofmoneyindealingoutjusticeswiftlyandtothepoint Sometimesthe vigilantesdropoffmiscreantstobedealtwithhereatthejail.There’salwaysadetailedlistofeachman’scrime.Wecollect thefinesandturnthemlooseorlocktheminchainsandturnthemovertothearmyformanuallabor”
“Whatabouthangings?I’veheardvigilantesintheWestarenotoriousforthat.”
“Theyare.”Hendersonheavedasigh.“However,forhangingoffenseswe’vealwayshadmultiplewitnesses,sometimes entirecrowds,who’vegivensworntestimonyineachcase LikeIsaid,it’ssavedthetownalotofmoneynottohavetohold courtandtrials.I’vebeeninformedtolooktheotherwayandseethevigilantesasausefulgroupwhoareonthesameside.” “Idon’tknowhowIfeelaboutthat,”Edwardreplied Heshookhishead “Seemsatownoughttoberunbythebook” “Exceptforonething,Edward.Thereisn’tabooktogobyouthere.WehavehadsomehelpfromthelocalarmyatFort Russell They’rejustafewmilesawayandputprisonerstoworkfromtimetotime Therailroadhadsomeoftheirown police,butnowthatthetownofCheyenneisformed,we’redoingourbesttocreatelawandorderaswego.We’rewritingthe book,sotospeak.ThevigilantesarebasicallygoodmenwhocareaboutCheyenne.Andthey’regettingresults.Theypushin andgetthefacts,thenhangtheguiltyorarrestthem,anditsendsarealmessagetoscumandlowlifes There’salotoffearand tremblingwhensomeonefindsanoticepostedontheirdoordemandingtheyleavewithintwenty-fourhoursbyorderofthe VigilanceCommittee”
“Isupposeaplacelikethishastotakewhateverhelpitcanget.”
“That’sthewayIlookatit.LikeIsaid,we’reseeinggoodresults,andtherearejustwaytoomanybawdyhouses,saloons, gamblinghalls,andsuchforahandfulofdeputymarshalstoseeto.TherearethousandsofpeopleinCheyenne,withmore comingineveryday.Thecitymarshalfiguresit’ssomethinglikeathousandmentoeverydeputy.Byspringwe’llseethe numberscutatleastinhalf,ifnotbytwo-thirds,butthatdoesn’thelpusnow”
“Whywillthepopulationdropsomuch?IthoughtthiswasadivisionheadquartersfortheUnionPacific?”
“That’salwaysthewayitisattheendoftheline Whentherailroadmoveswestandsetsupanotherend-of-the-trackstown, allthesupplieswillgothere,andthevicewillfollow.Mostofthemenwhoaren’tdealingdrinksorcardsareworkingforthe railroad,andmostofthewomenareworkingforthemselves.That’swhyIstressedtheimportanceofwantingmarriedmen withfamilies.”
“Yeah,Icouldtellbywhatyousaidthatsinglemenweren’texactlywanted.”
“Now,that’snottrue,butyoumustunderstand,womencivilizeaplace Familiesservetomakeitevenstronger Schoolsand churchesareneededwhenyouhavefamilies,andthosetwothingsbringaboutmorelawandorderthanadozenpolicestations. I’mlookingforwardtomeetingyourwifeanddaughter IwasneversogladtogetatelegraminallmylifeaswhenIgotyours sayingyouwerecomingtoCheyenne.Iknowyourcharacterbetterthanmostofthemenwhoservedunderme.I’dtrustyou withmylife.”
EdwardnotedtheadmirationinHenderson’sexpression Hecouldn’tlietohim notnow “Ineedtoexplainsomething.Justbetweenyouandme.”Edwardglancedaround.Thecellbehindthemcontainedseveral prisoners Theywereguardedbyadeputywhoconversedwiththemasiftheywerealloldfriends Someofthemprobably were.Afewofthemenplayedcardstogetherandgaveanoccasionalprotestofbeingcheated,butmostofthemenslept. Edwardloweredhisvoiceandleanedin “MywifeJaneydiedtryingtobearmeason Theyarebothburiedbackin Indiana.Imarriedagoodfriendwhowasindireneed.Herfatherpassedawayleavingherandherbabysisterorphans.When yousaidyouneededfamilymen,Ifiguredthiswasagoodwaytohelpherandmyself.”
“Yousuredidn’tneedtodothat Iwouldhavetakenyouanyway,”Hendersonsaid,frowning “Itservedusboth.”
“Marriagesofconvenienceusuallydo,”Hendersonrepliedwithashrug “Strangerthingshavehappened Folksmarry completestrangersouthereallthetime.Nextthingyouknowtheyhavetenchildrenandarepillarsofthecommunity.” “No,thatwon’thappenwithus Iwon’triskanotherwomanthatway Janeywasmyworld,andknowingIhadahandin takingherlifejustaboutcausedmetotakemyown.HadmyfaithinGodbeenless,Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedone.” Edwardhurriedtocontinue.“Look,I’mjustbeinghonestwithyou.Youdeservethatmuch,Major Fred.Thatwasayear ago,andI’minabetterplacenow Marybethdidalottoseemethroughmyloss ShewasJaney’sbestfriendandovertime becameoneofmineaswell.She’sgotagoodheadonhershoulders,andwhenfolksstartedthreateningtotakehersisterfrom her,IknewIhadtohelpherout”
“Whywouldtheytakehersister?”
“Whydofolkseversticktheirnosesintootherfolks’business?Theythoughttheywerebeinghelpfulwhilegettin’something theywantedforthemselves.Acoupleofrichfolkswantedachildandcouldn’tseemtohaveone,andMarybethhadnomeans
