by Danni Roan
“Francis swears he’ll just tag along after Matrice until Noah agrees to let them wed, but how’s he supposed to look out for himself?”
Mary Ellen nodded her agreement the worry in her eyes making Rock take her hand in his and pat it gently.
“Sometimes parents are mighty stubborn,” George postulated. “I think it makes children even more determined in the long run though.”
“Poor Francis,” Polly said letting her knitting fall to her lap. “He’s come so far and done so much to help Agnes and the children, just like you Rock. Now to be told you aren’t welcome, and that the girl you love is going to move away.” She shook her head making the loose bun at the top of her head wobble.
“I don’t know much about these things,” Mary Ellen said, “but those two seem dedicated to each other. There’s just something about it when they’re together; a sort of energy.”
Polly smiled. “Sometimes it’s like that,” she said stifling a yawn. “My, I’m terribly tired tonight. George won’t you help me tend the fires before I get ready for bed,” she added with a significant glance.
“Yes, of course,” George said smiling at Mary Ellen and Rock. “I’m meetin’ the train early tomorrow, so’s I don’t want to be up too late. See you two later,” he finished waving as he walked Polly back in doors.
A cool breeze drifted down the quiet street and only the sound of the old player piano in the saloon could be heard in the distance.
“I can’t believe you have to go next week,” Rock said still holding Mary Ellen’s hand in his. He’d grown accustomed to her being here. He’d grown accustomed to stopping by for a cup of tea and a chat or simply sitting and listening to her read on one of their outings.
“It has been a lovely visit,” Mary Ellen agreed looking at her small hand clasped in his. She felt like a much younger woman sitting on the front porch with Rock. He was a wonderful pretend beau. She was sure there had never been better.
“What will you do when you go home?” he asked. He’d avoided asking her about leaving because he knew her absence would leave a hole in his life.
“I really don’t know. I’m not needed at the school anymore, and to be quite frank I’m still very annoyed at the board. The house I lived in is still available to me though, so I don’t have to worry about that.”
Rock nodded. He was afraid that if he spoke she would hear the sorrow in his voice and since their courtship was only for the experience he didn’t want her to feel badly about leaving. She had a life back in North Carolina, and he couldn’t ask her to give that up for a make believe beau.
They sat quietly for a bit both absorbed in their own thoughts before Rock finally spoke. “I reckon I’ll come in to town tomorrow to see the Ratners off,” he said. “I might not agree with Noah’s decision, but it ain’t my place to say. Still I’d like to bid them well.”
“If you don’t mind I’d like to join you,” Mary Ellen said, looking up and seeing a maelstrom of emotions in his dark eyes.
“I’ll see you in the morning then,” Rock said with a smile rising and walking her to the door.
Mary Ellen smiled at the big man with the bigger heart, and impulsively, she leaned in kissing his cheek before stepping through the door.
Rock touched the spot on the side of his face where Mary Ellen had kissed him. It was cool to the touch, but the tingles filling his body were as warm as a summer rain.
***
George looked up and shivered as the five braves in buckskins and feathers stepped off the train in the crisp light of a new day.
The men were regal in their bearing and the oldest man’s large head dress of feathers gave him such presence that George stood taller in response.
“Can I help you?” George asked.
“We are looking for Lame Antelope,” one of the younger men said a glint in his dark eyes.
“He in some kind of trouble?” George asked boldly.
A smile twitched at the other man’s lips. “I’m sure he is,” he stated. “Can you point me in the right direction?”
“I think you’ll find him out on the main street,” George pointed in the direction of the town. He couldn’t help but wonder if after all this time Francis’s kin had come to collect him.
As the Indians started toward town, a small man in a brown frock stepped down from the train gazing around him.
“Oh hello,” he called. “You must be Mr. George.” The man’s dark eyes sparkled with cheer as he offered his hand. “I’m Brother John; I believe I’ll be staying in your establishment for a few days.”
George grinned. “Pastor Dalton only told me to wait for a guest,” he said. “I reckon things are gonna get interesting here in Biders Clump.”
“I believe life is always interesting,” the elderly priest said with a grin. “Shall we?” he added pointing toward the street.
Leaving the hand cart for the porter, George and Brother John made their way toward town in the wake of the braves to where the Ratner’s wagon stood parked just down the street from the boarding house.
Matrice sat on the seat next to her father tears pouring down her face as Francis stood stony faced in front of the team.
“I will go with you,” the young man said, his dark eyes flashing with determination.
“Lame Antelope,” the man with the tall head dress spoke snapping Francis to attention. “Why are you still here?” The austere voice reverberated down the street making heads turn.
George watched as Polly Esther, who had been standing on the front porch along with Mary Ellen and Rock clasped a hand to her chest.
“I cannot leave brother,” Francis said his body tense. “Even if I come home, my heart will not come with me.”
Mr. Ratner turned in his seat eyeing the four braves. Just as he had suspected the boy’s family were savage and cold.
“Big Bear, why are you tormenting that boy?” Brother John hurried to the group. “Francis we have not come to bring you home unless you want to come,” the little man said. “We have come to see if we can help.”
The four braves broke into smiles stepping forward and embracing their little brother. “Brother John told us of your problem,” the oldest spoke looking up at the Ratners who sat huddled together on the wagon bench.
“You ain’t stealing my daughter from me,” Mr. Ratner spoke eyeing the shotgun that sat propped against the seat.
“No one is trying to steal your daughter,” Brother John said. “But if you were honest with yourself, you would admit that you have already lost her.”
Noah Ratner looked to his wife then back at the priest. “This has already been settled,” Mr. Ratner said.
“Has it?” Brother John stepped closer to the wagon. “Is this how you want this to end?” He looked between Francis and Matrice seeing a connection between them that no one could deny. Every time their eyes met an electric field seemed to snap and crackle around them.
“I have come to tell you in person that the elders and the priests would welcome Matrice as the wife of Lame Antelope.” Big Bear said lifting his chin as he regarded the other man. “Many view my people as savages, as ones who are simple or unknowing, but we are an old people, and we understand love.”
Noah fidgeted with the reins in his hand as his daughter’s soft sobs tugged at his heart. He’s been stubbornly resisting what was so obvious to everyone else. His little girl was a grown woman, and she loved Francis with all of her heart.
He had hoped that if he allowed them to spend time together that she would realize that it was only a passing fancy, but the truth was there plain to see. It wasn’t even that he was so opposed to his daughter marrying an Indian, but more that he wasn’t ready to give her up.
Again Noah looked at his wife who nodded slightly as she patted her daughters shoulder.
“How do I know that you won’t try to change her?” he asked.
“We may be a people of the land,” Big Bear spoke, “but our hearts are in God’s hands. We have learned of
the three in one who loves us, and we live by his laws. Is that not enough?”
Noah slumped in his seat, his heart weary of the fight and all of his stubborn pride drifted away like smoke on the wind.
“Brother John,” Pastor Dalton’s voice made them all turn. “I see you’ve made it in the nick of time,” the portly pastor said hurrying toward them and offering his hand to first the priest then the braves. “Why don’t we all convene at the church and talk this through.
“No need to go all the way to the church just yet,” Polly Esther called tugging her shawl around her shoulders. “You all just come on in and I’ll put on the coffee.”
George grinned seeing his wife invite everyone into the boarding house and hurried to help.
Noah urged the mules closer to the boarding house and climbed down, but before he could even turn around Matrice had launched herself into the arms of a waiting Francis who held her tight.
Agnes Ratner looked between her daughter and her husband and knew that he had finally come to the conclusion she had made weeks ago. Their little girl was all grown up and ready to start her own life.
“Matrice,” she called her voice snapping. “Go on in and help Miss Polly.”
“Yes ma’am,” the girl replied pulling away from Francis and wiping her eyes. Francis grabbed her hand and followed her into the boarding house along with his brothers and the priest.
“We’ve lost her,” Noah said as Agnes helped Atrum and Beatrix climb over the seat.
“We haven’t lost her Noah,” Agnes replied. “We’ve just done our job and raised a good loving daughter.”
Noah watched his two youngest children head into the boarding house then reached up to his wife, helping her down from the wagon.
“You think this is the best thing?” he asked seriously.
“I think it is the only thing,” Agnes replied.
“But I only just got you all back,” Noah said.
Agnes laid her hand on her husband’s strong face. “Can you think of anything better than knowing that our daughter will be loved and cared for the rest of her life?” she asked. “It’s time to let her go Noah.”
Noah closed his eyes leaning into his wife’s gentle touch. “It’s hard.”
“I know, but we’ll know she’s happy.”
Noah leaned down and kissed Agnes gently. “Let’s see what they have to say,” he spoke taking her hand and following the children through the open door.
Chapter 19
“Polly is there anything I can do to help?” Mary Ellen asked that evening as Polly put the finishing touches on several dishes.
“Oh my no, Mary Ellen, you’re our guest.”
“I don’t feel like a guest anymore,” Mary Ellen said with a grin. “I feel like a friend.”
Polly turned her piercing blue eyes bright with cheer on the other woman who looked up at her hopefully. “Well if that’s how you feel I’d love to have some help. Would you mind whipping the cream for me? I can’t believe we’re pulling off a wedding in just one day.”
Mary Ellen laughed. Even now the men were over at the church organizing seats. “How’s Doc handling the news that he’ll be losing his best helper?” she asked.
“He’ll adjust,” Polly said. “I think he’s glad that Francis will be able to bring what he’s learned back to the valley with him.”
“Rock said that Doc has learned a good deal from Francis as well,” Mary Ellen said pouring the cream into a copper bowl. “I still can’t believe the Ratners and Francis’s kin worked everything out.”
“His older brothers are going on toward the pass that Titus and the Bentley’s came through so recently,” Polly Esther said. “They know of a place that might be perfect for Noah and Agnes to settle. It’s about half way between here and the valley.”
“That means Francis and Matrice can visit once they’re settled and maybe spend some extra time with her family,” Mary Ellen said. “I’m so amazed that the whole mess is all coming together.” If things hadn’t come to a head when they did, she would have completely missed the happy occasion, and though she didn’t know the young couple well, she could see how they adored each other.
“It sure was some meeting,” Polly said pulling a roast from the oven. “Big Bear talked to Noah for ages telling him about the Valley. Then Brother John and Pastor Dalton had their turn.”
“You have to feel for Mr. Ratner as well,” Mary Ellen said. “He only just got his family back, and now he’s giving his daughter away to a young man he hardly knows.”
“That’s true, but he’ll have time to get to know Francis better while they travel toward their new home.”
“Where are Matrice and Agnes now?” Mary Ellen asked. She knew that Polly had found a dress that Matrice could wear for her wedding day and that Matrice and Agnes were preparing.
“Over at the church with the Daltons and Brother John,” Polly replied. “There that’s the last dish,” she added. “Now let’s get ready.”
***
Matrice turned looking at the long ecru dress that made her skin seem to glow. “Mama, it’s so beautiful,” she gushed.
“I can’t believe you’re all grown up baby,” Agnes said. They’d been through so much over the past few months and everything in her life had changed. For a while Agnes Ratner had wondered how she would manage on her own.
“Mama,” Matrice sniffed hugging her mother tight. “I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble. All I know is that when I think about leaving Francis, I can’t breathe.”
“I know honey,” Agnes said patting her daughter’s back. “It’s called love.”
Matrice stepped back dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief her mother handed her.
“You and Papa will be alright won’t you?” she asked softly as her mother adjusted the dress, fanning out the long train.
“We’ll all be just fine,” Agnes said. “I’m glad we can be closer together than I expected earlier. Big Bear said the place he’s taking us is close to a small former mining town, and that though it isn’t booming anymore, folks are friendly and open to strangers. Besides, I don’t have to give you up just yet since you and Francis will be traveling along with us on your way to the valley.”
“Brother John said he’s looking forward to the trail home,” Matrice said. “He said he’s never been out on the open trail,” she added with as a smile.
“Father John is in for a surprise,” Agnes said with a grin. “And your father is happy that you’ll be traveling on to the valley with the priest to keep an eye on you.”
“Can I come in?” Noah called through the door. “They’re almost ready for you.”
Matrice turned to look at her father. He was dressed in his best clothes and for the first time she noticed the hint of age around his mouth and eyes. “Papa,” she said walking into his arms.
“It’s time sweetheart,” Noah said holding her close and turning sad eyes toward his wife. “Are you ready?”
Matrice stepped back nodding. “I feel like I want to go two different directions at once,” she said with a smile.
“But you feel drawn more one way than the other,” he said as he offered her his arm, smiling as she nodded.
Noah walked his daughter down the aisle where Francis stood in a dark suit, his mane of coal black hair pulled back by a leather thong. He knew that Francis was a good man, but he couldn’t quite forgive him for stealing his daughter’s heart, at least not yet.
Looking up Noah Ratner saw Pastor Dalton and Brother John standing together prepared to conduct the ceremony, and a soft peace seemed to trickle into his soul. He wasn’t simply giving his daughter over to the young brave, he was giving her over to God as well.
Together Noah and Matrice made their way to the front of the church, passing neighbors and well wishers, and Noah felt a swell of thankfulness for the location where his family had come to rest in their time of need.
Reluctantly, but with hope and prayers, he laid his little girl’s hand
in to the strong bronzed one Francis offered, replying for both himself and Agnes when asked who gives this woman to be wed.
Agnes reached out and took Noah’s hand as he settled in his place next to her in the front pew. “I’m proud of you,” she whispered squeezing his fingers as they watched their oldest child pledge herself to the man she loved.
As the vows were said and the bonds of marriage read, Agnes smiled happy for Matrice, and thankful for the tiny town at the foot of the Rockies that had taken them in when they’d had nowhere else to go.
The reception and gathering after the wedding was just another opportunity to bid farewell to people who had become friends. She watched Rock, the man who found her and her family not so long ago, huddled in the snow. She smiled happy to see the big man sitting next to the tiny woman who had been visiting Biders Clump. He seemed happy.
The big man looked up and smiled at Agnes, who had earned his respect as she worked to hold her family together in difficult times. He was pleased that her husband had found them and that Francis and Matrice at least had found their happily ever after.
Turning back Rock looked down at Miss Bigsby and wished things could be different for them as well. He knew it was just the romance of the wedding that had him longing to have their fake relationship be real.
Miss Bigsby was special, and all too soon she would be climbing on a train and disappearing from his life forever.
***
Francis took Matrice’s hand as the night wore on as their friends and family celebrated their union. He didn’t know what he had ever done to deserve the happiness in his heart, but he knew he would treasure it forever.
Tonight he would take his new bride back to the little apartment he had at the back of Doc Walkers office, and together they would start their life together. “It’s time we go,” he whispered to his bride, waiting as she kissed her mother and father good night before leading her down the street toward their small haven.
“I know I don’t have much to offer you,” Francis said as Matrice clung to his hand. “But I will love you forever.”
Matrice stopped turning Francis toward her. “Francis, I never dreamed I’d ever fall in love with someone like you. I feel like everything that happened in my life was to bring me to this place so that I could meet you. I don’t’ care what we have as long as we have each other.”