Sara Jane glanced at Rebecca, not waiting for an answer. “What a silly question, Mama. Of course she is. I can’t wait to show her the new dress shop, the one with the adorable hats.”
Distracted, Rebecca found it difficult to concentrate on Sara Jane’s chatter. Not for the first time she wondered why everyone was evasive when she questioned setting up a meeting with her father. Taking advantage of the lull in conversation as Sara Jane paused for a breath, Rebecca ventured, “Elizabeth, it seems to me we should have heard something from my father by now. The hearing date is fast approaching. I couldn’t help but wonder if there’s something you are not telling me?”
“I will admit we were hoping to spare your feelings to some extent. You appeared to be having such a good time. We wanted to avoid any unpleasantness for as long as possible.”
“You are kind to want to protect me. Still, I can withstand whatever you have to say.”
Elizabeth’s mouth formed a grim line. “Your father believes we are part of some cruel scheme to cause him pain. He holds to his story affirming you are back east at a finishing school. Part of the reason why we are going back to town a little bit prematurely is so we can discuss an idea which could provide additional evidence.”
“What kind of evidence?”
“We believe it would be beneficial to visit the doctor you saw here in town years ago.”
Dumbfounded, Rebecca stared.
Seeing Rebecca’s expression, Elizabeth hurried to explain. “Perhaps, if you were examined by the same doctor who treated you as a child, he could confirm your identity rather easily.”
Watching Elizabeth’s face, Rebecca wondered, if her mother had lived if she would have looked like Elizabeth now. She had been very kind. Even so, could she trust her?
Studying her hand, Rebecca traced the wide, ugly scar running through the middle of her palm with her forefinger. It was a reminder of her repeated nightmare of an event that occurred when she lived with her stepmother and of the doctor who treated her. “I only have a vague recollection.” Clearing her throat, she said, “I do recall becoming fearful every time I saw him. Dr. Benton mentioned some doctor’s methods, though acceptable, he considers barbaric. I would prefer not to see the man again.”
Elizabeth gasped. “I had no idea. Let’s forget I ever suggested anything of the sort.”
Rebecca stared into the horizon as she mulled over her childhood. “I have often wondered about my father, questioning why he didn’t want me. As a young girl, I would picture him as a character in a fairy tale, a knight in some far away land slaying dragons. As I got older, I believed he was trying to escape the same sort of tragedies we endured, blizzards, locust and the lack of rain. After Papa Horace died, I learned my father was a prosperous rancher, and I quit making excuses.”
Elizabeth frowned, blinking rapidly. “Your mother would be so disappointed in your father’s actions. Honestly, I would like to throttle the man.” Reaching for a handkerchief, she wiped her face.
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “Please, don’t cry. You caught me feeling a little melancholy. I have had a wonderful life. I was raised by a couple who loved me. I’ve been surrounded by good friends. Now, I have y’all and feel more blessed. So please, you must stop,” Rebecca pleaded as she fought to keep her own tears from falling.
“You are right, Rebecca. Mama, don’t cry, or your eyes will be puffy. Then we will have to wait to visit the dress shop,” Sara Jane said earnestly.
Elizabeth gasped at her daughter’s reaction but upon seeing Rebecca’s startled expression, broke out in laughter as Rebecca joined in.
Drawing her mouth into a pout, Sara Jane asked, “Will one of you please tell me what is so funny?”
Chapter 22
Dear Papa,
It is so very cold. Adam says he is afraid that we will lose most of our livestock. Papa Horace doesn’t speak of it, but I see him staring out the window. I know that he is worried…
Preparing for church, Rebecca admired Sara Jane‘s blue silk dress that perfectly complemented her new hat. It was a beautiful, elaborate design, its brim an overlay aqua silk satin, trimmed with petite silk muslin ruffle and decorated with lace.
Elizabeth had selected a fancy edge, Gable Bonnet, with velvet flowers, trimmed in green ribbon. She insisted Rebecca pick out a new hat also. “It is my treat.”
Rebecca hadn’t had a new hat in years. She turned the price tag over and gulped. She could feel her eyes widening. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”
Elizabeth clucked her tongue as she placed the bonnet on Rebecca’s head. “Nonsense, please allow me to do this as back payment for all of those birthdays I missed.”
Dressed in her cornflower blue dress this morning, Rebecca admired her reflection in the mirror. She adjusted her hair under the simple straw bonnet trimmed in blue ribbon and flowers quickly before joining her cousins as they made their way to church.
Although she felt a little out of place next to her cousins in their silk dresses, she found her calico dress was more in line with what most of the other women wore at the service. The church was full and warm but pleasant as she benefited from a woman beside her who made good use of her hand-held fan.
Numerous ladybugs flew back and forth as they searched for a place to rest on the sanctuary walls. Despite her best efforts, Rebecca couldn’t take her eyes off the tiny red spotted insects. The pastor slapped his hand on the podium which brought her and several others’ attention back to him.
He held his well-worn Bible out toward the congregation. “This morning we will be discussing how to talk to God, or some would say, approach God in prayer. Turn with me if you will to the Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 11.”
“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?”
Thumping the page, he leaned toward the congregation. “God welcomes our prayers, anytime, anywhere, anyhow. He wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you.”
Stepping down from the podium, he paced the front of the church. Thick, dark eyebrows drew together as he studied the faces of the congregation. “Now, let me tell you a story. After being put to bed, a child asked for a drink of water. The father denied the request. The child repeated the question until finally, the father warned if he asked again he was coming to give him a spanking. The child answered, ‘Pa, when you come to give me my spanking, can you bring a cup of water?’”
Chuckling to himself, the pastor pointed his finger at the crowd. “There will be times when we will go through suffering. You might be in a period like that now. If not, hold on, it’s coming. “Though we may never understand why certain things happen, God wants us to talk to him about it in our prayers. We are to trust as a child, knowing if He sees it for our spiritual good it will be granted. Regardless, He will not send us away empty-handed. Let’s trust Him today.”
Rebecca smiled at Sara Jane as they walked out of the church. “I enjoyed the sermon today. I look forward to sharing the illustration with Pastor Nelson once I get home.”
Feeling a little sad, Rebecca realized she was a bit homesick. If she were in Carrie Town today, she would have been leaving the church with Sam. Her shoulders slumped. Although Sam kept his promise about corresponding frequently, she missed him, the girls, Molly, and her family. A small tug on her dress brought her attention back to reality as she was surprised to see Hannah Hood smiling at her.
“Hannah, I am sorry I didn’t notice you at first. I had almost forgotten you lived nearby.”
Clapping her hands, Hannah hopped up and down. “See, Mama. I told you it was Rebecca.”
“You sure did. What a nice surprise. Why didn’t you tell us you were planning on visiting?”
“At the last minute, I accepted my cousin’s invitation.” Motioning in the direction of Sara Jane who was chatting happily with a friend, Rebecca continued, “I am staying with the Brooks family. Are you acquainted with th
em?”
Mary gave a smile and a wave to Sara Jane. “That is Elizabeth Brooks’ youngest daughter, isn’t it? I daresay it is a small world. Please, step over here for a moment and speak with my father, won’t you?”
As they worked their way through the small crowd, Hannah grabbed Rebecca’s hand, hurrying her along. “Grandfather, Uncle Jacob, look, it’s Rebecca.”
Jonas Weber clasped Rebecca’s hand in a warm greeting. “My dear girl, how nice to see you. Miss Towns, let me introduce you to my brother, Jacob Weber. He is an attorney here in town. Jacob, this is our dear friend, Rebecca, from Carrie Town. She’s been a wealth of information and advice regarding our little Hannah.”
Rebecca smiled. Examining the two men, she at once saw the family resemblance. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Weber.”
Jacob Weber stood motionless as introductions were made. “I am sorry, young lady. I didn’t catch your name. You are a friend of Hannah’s, did you say?”
Rebecca felt Sara Jane’s hand on her arm. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Rebecca, Mama and Papa are waiting.”
Making her excuses, Rebecca hurried away. “It was very nice to meet you. I will see you soon.”
Jacob Weber eyed his brother, Jonas, sternly. “Tell me again, what did you say her name was? How do you know her?”
Surprised at her uncle’s reaction, Mary volunteered, “She is a patient of Dr. Benton in Carrie Town. He has been treating her for years for the same condition Hannah has. Rebecca is forthcoming and has been so helpful about her own struggle with asthma.”
“Asthma, you say?”
“Jacob, what in the world has come over you? Why are you acting like this?”
“It is probably a coincidence. Did you say the young lady’s last name was Towns?”
“Yes, her name is Rebecca Towns.”
Mary placed her hand on her father’s sleeve. “Actually, her real name is Rebecca Mueller.”
“What?” Both men said simultaneously.
Mary Hood patted her father’s arm. “Papa, you knew that. You’ve forgotten. Towns is a nickname she was given when she was a little girl. Her given name is Rebecca Mueller.”
Puzzled, Jonas remarked to his daughter, “I don’t recall ever hearing her referred to as Mueller.”
“It is such a sweet story. You see, Rebecca’s mother died, and her father couldn’t care for her, so the town sort of adopted her.”
“How can this be?” Seeing the odd expressions from his brother and niece, Jacob realized he had voiced his thoughts. Tugging at his collar, he continued, “Tell me this, Mary, the young lady she was with wouldn’t happen to be Elizabeth Brooks’ daughter, would she?”
Chapter 23
Dear Papa,
I had a nightmare last night. I dreamed I was so hot that I couldn’t breathe. When I woke up the scar on my hand was itching…
Adam tried to keep a straight face as he observed the uneaten roast left on the table. “Emma, let me take those leftovers to Cookie. I bet the ranch hands will finish it off in no time.”
“Really? I didn’t think it was any good. There was so much left.”
“Don’t be silly, girl, your cooking is coming along fine. I filled up on potato soup. Did I mention how good the bread was? It was delicious.”
Emma searched her father’s face. “Pa, you aren’t just saying that, are you? If it wasn’t for Molly, I would have burned the soup too.”
Adam glanced at the ceiling as he contemplated what he could truthfully say without hurting his daughter’s feelings. He glanced over at Grace and Sadie who had remained unexpectedly quiet while drying the dishes.
Both girls eyed the leftovers of overdone meat, but catching his meaning Grace offered a smile of encouragement. “Aunt Molly said you are coming right along on your cooking. You get a little better each day, right, Sadie?”
Sadie’s forehead puckered. “It’s true…she did say that.” Wavering, she added, “The bread was good. Especially after you cut the burnt parts off.”
Adam winked at the girls. “See there. You are doing fine. It simply takes practice. Now you go take a break or go out to your garden which I know you’ve been itching to do. We will make sure everything gets cleaned up, won’t we, girls?”
Emma eyed the girls suspiciously before bolting out the door.
Adam motioned for Grace to help him clear the food off the table. “Let’s put this food in something so Emma won’t see. Sadie, you keep watch. Let us know if she heads back this way”.
The threesome worked together until Adam placed the last of the food into a flour sack. “Now not a word you two. If I hear you squealed, I’m liable to make you eat whatever Emma makes from this point on.”
Heeding the warning, solemnly both girls agreed. Grace nudged Sadie with her elbow. “Don’t worry, she won’t hear anything from us, we promise.”
“Alright now, you girls know I don’t want to hurt her feelings, right? We know how much she hates cooking, but we appreciate her pitching in and doing her best. Now I am going out to the barn to see if I can get some of your pa’s shepherds to eat this.”
Sadie gasped. “Uncle Adam, please don’t, it might kill them.”
Laughing as he picked up the sack, he shook his head and headed for the barn. Adam motioned for Sam as he carried the bag over to the shepherd who had recently delivered a litter of pups. “Sam, alright if I give your mama dog some of the leftover roast?”
Not hesitating at all, Sam replied, “You can sure offer it to her, but I doubt she will eat it.”
Laughing together, they watched as the dog finished the roast off appreciatively.
Adam grinned from ear to ear. “What do you know about that? She polished it off in no time.”
Sam shuddered. “Better her than me.”
Chuckling, Adam agreed. “I sure thought Emma would have gotten a handle on this cooking thing by now. I will be glad when Molly is better or when Rebecca gets back.”
Sam pulled a letter from his pocket and showed it to Adam. “It seems it might be a while. Sounds as though her pa is putting up a stink. He seems determined to prove Rebecca is an imposter. She mentioned she might have to get another doctor to examine her to compare her medical records. I don’t like the sound of it. I wish she would give up on the whole thing.”
“I understand how you feel. Even so, I think it is important Rebecca see this through. I noticed you talking to Peter earlier today, what did he have to say?”
Sam motioned his head at the house. “I wanted to wait to discuss it when there were no little ears to hear.”
“We probably have a few minutes. After the girls get through with their chores, they were going to sit with Molly. She’ been reading Little Women to them again. I don’t know how many times she’s read it. Still, they can’t seem to hear it often enough. I believe I can about recite it from memory myself.”
Sam surveyed the exterior of the house to confirm the girls had not ventured outside. “Peter doesn’t seem surprised in the least by what is going on. I can’t understand a man acting in that way toward his own daughter. Peter said Rebecca’s father raised his stepchildren in a privileged lifestyle. He has two sons by the second wife to boot. All accounts say he is an attentive father.”
Adam shook his head. “I have been scratching my head over that man’s actions for years.”
“Peter did say Rebecca was taking things in stride. He said she has put on weight and seems to be enjoying her stay. Every time I think about how I ignored what she was going through it makes me sick to my stomach.”
“You can’t go back and undo anything, all you can do is do better going forward. Other than going to fetch Rebecca back, what do you feel you could or should do for her straightaway?”
“I’ve been thinking. I want to be there when she meets with her father.”
“Do it then.”
“Would you and Emma be willing to watch the girls for me for a week or two? I hate to ask, especially since Molly is having so much trouble.�
��
Smiling at the thought of his wife who had been bored to tears since the doctor told her to stay in bed for at least the next few months, Adam agreed. “Molly is fine. Doc says if we can keep her in bed a little longer she should be able to make it almost full term. She is fed up with all the resting and worried too. The girls won’t let her be bored, that is for sure. Besides, her mother will be coming to help any day now. So, we will have plenty of help.”
As a weight of concern lifted, Sam sighed in relief. “If you are certain it is okay? I will take the order I just finished to get it ready to ship. While I’m in town, I will stop by Peter’s office to take him up on his offer to let me go along with him next week. Sam motioned to the saddle on his workbench. While I am visiting Rebecca, I will deliver Mr. Weber’s saddle personally.”
Winking, Adam replied, “Sounds like a mighty good plan.”
Chapter 24
Dear Papa,
Adam said I could live with him and Molly forever if need be. I don’t feel right about it though…
Standing in his attorney’s office, Charles Mueller swiped his large hand through his blonde hair now streaked with silver and shouted, “That’s a lie, who put you up to this?”
As a private investigator, John Cumming was familiar with delivering news people didn’t want to receive. He was highly recommended, his reputation stellar, and his services came at no small cost. He waited for an affirmative nod from Jacob Weber, the attorney, before proceeding.
“Mr. Mueller, don’t you think given the fact there was a substantial bonus to disprove the original report I would have done so? There is not, nor has there ever been a Rebecca or Becky Mueller at the school she was to have attended. Additionally, there is no administrator at the school by the name you provided who sent the quarterly reports.”
“Whoever has been dispersing the money has been getting away with it for years. As a result, your daughter has not been provided for. Not only has she never attended school back east, she is currently staying here in town.”
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