by Zina Abbott
Kit knew he needed to hurry to where he had left his horse. The light was bright now, and he could easily catch up with the rider and spot the horse with its white hoof coverings. However, the moon would set soon. He might lose her in the resulting darkness.
~o0o~
Eliza knew the panic she constantly fought back since she left Aunt Phoebe and her room caused her heart to race faster than usual. She rode past from where she could be seen from the house and the mill and stopped the horse on an isolated stretch of road long enough to remove the wrappings. These she stuffed in her bag. She mounted again, and continued her journey as fast as she dared towards Oak Hill. A glance at the moon told her she soon would be riding in darkness.
Several minutes later, Eliza looked off to her right. A few lights across the river told her she now passed the town of Kerr’s Ferry. She sucked in her breath in an effort to strengthen her resolve. Somehow, she would find her way in the dark. She desperately wished Kit was there to help her. However, her aunt had been right; going up on the hill to meet him in their usual place carried too much risk. She must have faith Kit would figure out why she did not come and would find her in town.
Kit said he lived in Kerr’s Ferry. The realization hit Eliza like a hammer. He might not find her. She must be prepared to reach Oak Hill and leave on the train by herself.
Eliza heard a horse approaching from behind her. Whoever it was, they rode their horse even faster than she had been pushing Joey’s mount. Had her uncle awakened and realized she was gone? Was he coming after her?
“Eliza!”
Eliza barely heard her name as it traveled through the air as if carried by a breeze following the river. She urged Joey’s mare to go faster, hoping she could see the road in the limited light better than Eliza could. Then she remembered, the river flowed from the mountains to the east towards the ocean to the west. The summer winds generally came from the west.
“Eliza! Wait up.”
The voice sounded closer. It did not belong to her uncle. Still over the sound of pounding hooves, she couldn’t recognize it.
Eliza shrieked as a horse and rider came up next to her and a hand grabbed for her reins to pull her horse to a stop. Panicked, while Joey’s horse danced beneath her, she fought to free the reins to break away. Next arms enfolded her and pulled her into an embrace that nearly unseated her.
“Eliza, it’s me. Kit.”
The fight deserted Eliza. She clung to the man who held her close. “Oh, Kit! I’m so glad it’s you. I couldn’t meet with you tonight, but I had to get away. Aunt Phoebe helped me. I didn’t know how to get word to you.”
“I was watching. I saw you leave. Since I didn’t know who stood in your window looking out at you, or what her intentions were, I dared not make myself known.”
Eliza launched into the tale about her uncle’s plan and managed to tell enough for Kit to get the gist of it. He stopped her with a kiss she regretted having to end.
“Tell me the details later, Eliza. Right now, let’s get as far down the road as we can before we lose our light. I have a lantern, but if possible, I want to be farther away from Kerr’s Ferry before I light it.”
The two reached Oak Hill. Once Eliza told Kit of her aunt’s instructions regarding Joey’s horse, he led her to the livery, but stayed out of sight while she dealt with the owner. When she joined him, he could tell something upset her.
“What happened, Eliza? Did he say something rude or treat you disrespectfully because you’re out riding so late?”
“No. he asked me if I’m Joseph’s other daughter that came to live with him last year. He’s heard gossip about what Uncle Joseph plans to do.”
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Oak Hill, California – August, 1882
Chapter 16
~o0o~
K it reached over and pecked her forehead. “Stay right here where I can see you and my horse, Eliza. I need to have a little talk with the gentleman and find out where he got his information.”
Annoyed about being trapped in this situation, Eliza fidgeted as she watched Kit talk to the liveryman that cast more than one glance her way.
Eliza watched the two men nod, shake hands and wave as they parted.
Kit returned and reached for Eliza’s hand. He pulled her to him. “I told him Joseph may love you like a father, especially now your parents are gone, but you are his niece.”
“I still wish he wouldn’t tell people that. I want Benjamin to be my father.”
“He is. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Kit felt grateful he had taken the time to travel back to Ohio to get the full details of this case from Eliza’s grandmother. He pushed back the surge of guilt that he had not yet told her of his full involvement with finding her and helping her communicate with her grandmother. He knew once he told her, she might become so angry as to spurn him entirely. However, for now, as he pulled her into an isolated section of town along the river and listened to her, he was able to listen to her tale without interrupting her for clarification. He could fill in most of the details from what he already knew.
“Aunt Phoebe said he plans to visit his attorney’s office tomorrow morning and tell him he wants affidavits filed declaring I’m his daughter so he can strengthen his claim to become my guardian. She thought if I left tonight, in the morning he’d come looking for me instead of going to see his lawyer. Once I leave on the train, he will realize there is no point embarrassing himself and the family by naming me his illegitimate offspring. But, if the livery man has already heard that kind of talk, Uncle Joseph’s already told people.”
Eliza paused, then threw her hands up in frustration, almost smacking Kit in the face. “I’m so annoyed with the laws that say because I’m not yet twenty-one, I cannot manage my own financial affairs. Then, because I’m a woman, if I marry, whether I’m over or under twenty-one, my husband makes the decisions concerning me whether I like how he does it or not. I’m old enough to think for myself.”
Kit thought about her words. “It’s because the law wants unity in a family, Eliza. Unfortunately, the ideal purpose quite often doesn’t match reality in practice. Do you still trust me, Eliza?”
“I suppose I do. Right now, it’s difficult for me to trust any man.”
Kit had assured Eliza he cared about her. He promised to help her. She hoped he was honest with his intentions. She wondered, when the situation grew dire, would he still be there for her? Or, if Uncle Joseph promised a pay-off to Kit once he obtained control of her estate, would an offer like that turn Kit from her?
“Please trust me, Eliza. Your grandmother trusts me. She told me to bring you home.”
With a questioning expression on her face which Kit could barely make out in the darkness, Eliza studied him. “I know you said Grandmother Arnold gave you a letter to deliver to me. Did she really tell you to help me get back home, or are you just saying that to get me to come with you?”
“Yes, she sent me. She hired me to help you return to Ohio.”
If grandmother offered to pay Kit to help her return to Ohio, what he would earn from her would probably be greater than what her uncle would offer to keep her here. How had her trust in Kit gone from being personal to one that took into account mercenary considerations? “I’ll trust you, Kit. For now. But I need to you tell me everything.”
“I will, but we must get you off the street. Up you go in my saddle and I’ll ride behind until we arrive at my room.” Kit helped Eliza on his horse before he mounted behind her.
The more Eliza considered his plan, the deeper her frown grew. “I’m not sure I like the idea of going to your room, Kit.”
“You need a place to hide until it’s time to catch the train, Eliza. The hotel in town is the first place your uncle will look. After I settle my horse in the poll barn behind the building, as long as we enter up the back stairs, no one will see you. You’ll sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the floor ne
xt to the door. Early in the morning, we’ll go to see the Methodist preacher.”
Eliza twisted in the saddle to study Kit’s face. “My aunt gave me money for a train ticket. First thing in the morning I need to go to the depot to buy my ticket and find out when I can board the train.”
“I have our train tickets. First the minister, then the train depot. I don’t trust your uncle.”
“Why the Methodist minister?”
“Because I was warned the Presbyterian minister is a close friend of your uncle’s and won’t do anything without consulting with him first. On the other hand, the Methodist minister doesn’t much care for Joseph Wells and will likely be more cooperative.”
“That still doesn’t explain anything. What do you have in mind, Kit?”
Kit inhaled, stopped the horse, and pulled Eliza around so she could see his face. “Eliza, I’ve come to care for you deeply. More than that, I’ve fallen in love with you. I will do what it takes to return you safely home. Will you marry me?”
Her mouth agape, Eliza stared at Kit, aware he waited for her answer. She knew what she wanted. She wanted Kit. However, so much had happened recently, she felt unsure about making such an important decision without first seeing her grandmother for herself. Then Eliza realized with everything that had happened in the past few weeks, she could not afford the luxury of delaying her decision.
Thoughts of Caroline Arnold and what Eliza knew of her preferences prompted another concern.
“A Methodist minister, Kit? Grandmother Arnold won’t like hearing we were married by a Methodist minister.”
~o0o~
The following morning, Kit left Eliza to prepare the best she could with the summer gown that had been stuffed in her bag. A rumpled minister met Kit at the door of the parsonage. Once Kit explained the situation, he agreed to perform the marriage. He sent Kit off to locate the deputy constable who would soon be off duty. The man also was no fan of Joseph Wells. For the second witness, he would tell his wife to prepare for the event.
Kit returned to his room to find Eliza dressed in a slightly wrinkled pale fuchsia gown and the dark winter bonnet with the net ties she had worn the night before. Staying to the back alleys, Kit led her to the small church on the edge of town. With the presence of a frumpy but happily grinning wife and a somber but curious deputy constable to act as witnesses, the minister performed the ceremony. As he ended, he declared them husband and wife.
After everyone signed the marriage register, shouting at the front of the church caught their attention. The minister shoved the journal into his wife’s hands and whispered instructions to her to take it to the parsonage and lock it up.
Joseph Wells, bleary-eyed and unshaven, barged into the sanctuary. His gaze fell upon Eliza. “There you are! You are to come with me.”
He turned his attention towards Kit. His eyes narrowed as his hand reached towards his coat pocket. “I figured it was you. How dare you steal my daughter from me? I told you what would happen.”
“I did not steal Eliza, Mr. Wells. She came willingly.”
The click of a hammer being pulled back and a round being chambered in a pistol arrested everyone’s attention. All eyes turned towards the deputy constable who now held Joseph Wells at gunpoint. “That better not be a pistol you were reaching for, Mr. Wells. If it is, you’ll find yourself under arrest.”
Joseph dropped the object in his pocket and pulled his hand out to point at Kit. “That man abducted my daughter. I want him arrested.”
Trembling, Eliza clung to Kit for support. “Uncle Joseph, I’m grateful that you love me like I’m your own daughter. I appreciate all you and Aunt Phoebe have done for me. I will miss my cousins. But, I’m leaving on the train for Ohio this morning.”
“No, I forbid it. I’m your guardian while you’re here in California, and I say you need to come home with me.”
Kit offered a hint of a grin as he shook his head. “No, she’ll not be coming with you, Mr. Wells. As her husband, the responsibility for her support and protection, legal or otherwise, now falls to me. I suggest you give up this quest to be named as her guardian. As for the rumors circulating regarding your relationship with Eliza, I suggest you quell them while you can so they don’t reflect negatively on you or your family.”
“You money-grubbing, opportunist…The marriage is invalid.” Joseph turned to Eliza. “You have not reached the age of majority, Eliza. You need my permission to marry.”
Kit interrupted. “No, sir, she does not. While it is true she has not reached the age of majority, legally she is of the age of consent. She did of her own free will agree to marry me, which these two men can attest took place before you arrived.”
“I’ll have your neck, Mr. Halsey.”
The deputy constable stepped between Joseph and Kit. “This couple has a train to catch. You keep these threats up, Mr. Wells, you’ll find yourself a guest in my jail until after they’ve left.”
“I’m married, Uncle Joseph.” Eliza paused and offered her husband an adoring look. She turned back with a plea in her eyes. “Please be happy for me. Tell Aunt Phoebe and my cousins I’ll write soon.”
His expression now serious, Kit addressed Joseph. “You have your daughter Julie’s wedding to attend to, Mr. Wells. I’m sure with the family connection between you and your business partner, you’ll be able to work out the financial arrangements for your new venture.”
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Dayton, Ohio – August, 1882
Chapter 17
~o0o~
A s Kit expected, it was Caroline Arnold’s driver who met them at the train station. After they collected the couple’s valises which had increased in number since Kit stopped in Sacramento long enough to properly outfit himself and his wife for the trip home, they rode back to the Arnold home. Eliza nearly bounced with anticipation at being reunited with her grandmother. Kit wondered if he would be welcomed or booted out on the front walk.
The driver dropped the couple off at the porch while he continued to the back to put up the carriage and arrange for the luggage to be brought in. As soon as the butler opened the front door, the pair saw Caroline Arnold standing at the bottom of the staircase, the cane gripped in her fingers the only reminder of her attack of apoplexy.
Eliza pulled free of Kit’s arm and rushed to her grandmother. She flung her arms around Caroline, nearly knocking her off-balance. “Oh, Grandmother Arnold, you look wonderful. I’m so happy to be home.” Eliza released her hug but kept her hands on her grandmother’s shoulders while she studied her. “You look fully recovered.”
Caroline lifted her cane a few inches. “Not quite, but it won’t be long.” She looked over and caught Kit’s gaze, then turned back to her granddaughter. “Well, let’s don’t just stand in the entry all day. Come into the parlor and sit down. I have a feeling you have a lot to tell me.”
Caroline eased herself unassisted into her favorite chair. Kit noticed she offered him a baleful look when he sat next Eliza on the small sofa.
“Well, tell me what happened.”
“First of all, Grandmother Arnold, we have some wonderful news. I wanted to send a telegram, but Kit thought it might be best to tell you in person.”
Kit noticed Caroline raised an eyebrow when Eliza addressed him by his first name.
Eliza clasped his hand in both of hers. “Kit and I are married, Grandmother. I’m now Mrs. Christopher Halsey.”
Caroline Arnold glared at Kit. Kit watched her raise her cane like a rapier and shake it at him. Yes, her strength and muscle control had definitely increased in the past few weeks.
“I warned you, Mr. Halsey. I hinted that I might consider granting you the privilege of courting Eliza, but clearly told you if you married her, I’d withhold the tuition money for your law school.”
Eliza sucked in a breath and turned to Kit. “You never told me about that.” She turned back to her grandmother. “You didn’t really tell him tha
t, did you, Grandmother?”
“I certainly did. I will not be deprived of attending my only granddaughter’s wedding. Kit cleared his throat and stood. “I understood the consequences, Mrs. Arnold, and I fully accepted them. If you recall, I warned you I would do what I must to get Eliza safely away from her Uncle. The very things we talked about when I last visited with you were what he had set into motion to hold Eliza to him and attempt to gain control of her and her financial affairs.”
Caroline waved her hand twice in a downward motion. “Oh, sit down, Mr. Halsey. I don’t like people looming over me. Now, start at the beginning and tell me everything.”
Kit obeyed and rejoined his wife on the sofa. In answer to Caroline’s pointed questions, between Eliza and Kit, they told her the details of what had taken place in California. As they concluded, Caroline turned a gimlet eye to her granddaughter. “Married by a Methodist minister, Eliza? Honestly? You know how I feel about that.”
Kit cleared his throat. “Mrs. Arnold, if you would be so kind, could you please explain what you have against the Methodist faith?”
Caroline made a brushing motion with her hand. “I have nothing against the Methodist believes. They’re just as good as any other church, I suppose. It’s being married by them I object to.”
With an expression of expectation, Kit waited for her continue.
“My maternal grandparents were married by a Methodist circuit rider. They thought everything was fine and the man would record the details written in his journal with the proper authorities. Only before he could do so, the fool tried to cross a creek swollen with spring run-off. The rushing water swept his horse out from under him. He never found his horse, and by the time he found his journal, the pages were soaked and the ink washed away. The whole thing was blank.” Caroline jerked her hand through the air. “Phffft! The marriage record was gone, just like that. Fortunately, the couple’s parents had recorded the details in the family Bible. They took that and the two witnesses to the county courthouse and was able to get it recorded so there was no question the marriage was legal.”