She rested her head against his chest and released a contented sigh. “And you are my handsome, brave and charming hero.”
After the dance with Emmett, Caroline noticed Solomon sitting at one of the tables with his family. She gripped her husband’s hand, pulling him with her through the crowd. “I’ve never met Solomon’s wife or children before. Can we go talk to them?”
“Of course, we can.” Emmett walked with her to the table, greeting Solomon first. Then Caroline locked eyes with his wife, Esther.
The woman’s eye grew wide. “Miss Caroline?”
She gasped, as a sudden memory from youth—helping with the Underground Railroad—flashed in her mind. “Esther?
“Oh, it does my heart good to see you again, child.”
Caroline continued staring at her old acquaintance in shock. “We never knew if you and your children made it north safely after escaping from the fire.”
Esther wiped tears and gripped her hand. “Oh, dear child. I could never be thankin’ you and your family enough for shelterin’ us at the church. We never would-a made it.”
Caroline looked at the smiling faces of her three young children while wiping tears of her own. “When we met, you said the eldest and your husband were moved to another plantation. How did you find each other?”
She reached for Solomon’s hand and held it tight. “That was all God’s doin’. He brought us back together here in Missouri.”
Her husband looked down at Caroline with a wide smile. “Thank you, Miss Caroline. Esther told me ‘bout the family who helped her. I never knew you were a part of it.”
She shrugged. “We only did what we knew was right. God works in mysterious ways.”
“Indeed, ma’am, He does.”
That night as Caroline readied herself for bed and sat at the vanity to comb her hair, her mind swirled with memories of her youth and more recent events.
Emmett entered the room and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “What are you thinking about? Is something troubling you?”
Caroline smiled up at him. “No, I was just thinking of Esther and Solomon. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her sitting at that table tonight.”
“And I couldn’t believe you knew each other.”
She nodded. “It was like my life has been a huge jigsaw puzzle and tonight some major pieces fit together.”
His brow furrowed. “Puzzle pieces?”
Caroline swallowed a lump in her throat before clarifying. “After the church in Atlanta burned down, my family splintered apart. My father and brother argued constantly about my parents’ role in helping the slaves escape. It wasn’t that Hugh supported the harsh treatment of slaves. He just cared about our family and preserving our way of life in the south more. That was why he joined the Confederate Army.”
Emmett’s comforting arms wrapped around her. “I understand. Many families were conflicted over those issues.”
She put down her brush and craned her neck to look at her husband. “I blamed myself for my brother’s death for so many years. I supported the strangers hiding under the church instead of my own kin. It was a hard pill to swallow, but tonight I finally found some peace.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He gave her a knowing smile and wiped a tear from her cheek.
“You know, the Bible says not to grow weary of doing good…that it would reap a blessing in time. I think I finally understand. God did use our sacrifice to help others. Our efforts were not in vain. Looking at that family reunited tonight showed me that.”
She leaned into his comforting embrace and buried her face into his shirt as her body shook with sobs. However, her tears were not ones of despair, but ones of joy. God had given her heart the peace she had been searching for.
Chapter Eighteen
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
As the third week of November came to an end, the weather gradually grew colder, but the warmth of the cozy log cabin made a perfect refuge. Caroline spent time working on her quilt and other various sewing projects. Mrs. Clark had come to call after hearing of her sewing abilities and asked if she’d consider making some clothing to sell at the general store. Caroline happily agreed, knowing they could use the extra money with Emmett’s injury keeping him from work for several weeks.
She also spent her time giving Felicia sewing lessons. They were currently working together to make a special gown for Christmas. Besides that, some of the ladies at church had shown interest in starting up a quilting group once a week. She could hardly contain her excitement over the prospect of the new group and having the opportunity to fellowship with her neighbors. It seemed God had used her grandmother’s quilt to bring many blessings her way.
When Caroline wasn’t sewing, Ma Riley helped her learn to cook some favorite family meals, like fried chicken, pot roast and meatloaf. She was growing in skill and looking forward to Thanksgiving when she could utilize all she’d learned to make a delicious family meal for everyone.
During the past few weeks, she was also encouraged to see Emmett’s health improve enough to begin working in his shop again. Thomas seemed to be adjusting well and spent most of his time after chores working with his uncle as an apprentice in the shop.
Word of the attempted robbery on their way to Lebanon reached her mother’s ear eventually and she received a worried letter from her. Caroline wrote back assuring her they were safe and sound. She told her about the new developments with Thomas and Felicia. Then she invited both her parents to come for a visit in the spring. She didn’t know if her mama would agree to something like that, but at least she’d tried.
After his morning chores, Emmett came in from the shop and found her sitting in the rocking chair working on another garment to add to the folded pile of clothing on the side table for Mrs. Clark.
After warming his hands by the fire, he approached and leaned in for a quick kiss. “How is your day going, my lovely bride?”
She grinned while putting down her project. “It’s going well. I’m almost finished with this blouse. Do you think you could deliver the garments to Mrs. Clark in the General Store when you deliver some of your projects to town tomorrow?”
He sat in the chair across from her with a thoughtful smile on his face. “I sure could. You know, I actually had a large order sent in from Lebanon this week, too.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s wonderful!”
“Yes, it is, although quite unexpected so close to the holiday. It also gave me an idea. What if we all went to Lebanon together as a family? Christmas is right around the corner. It might be nice to go to the shops there and pick out some special gifts for the family.”
“Can we afford that? I had planned on making homemade gifts to save money.”
He nodded. “I have a bit saved away for special occasions. We could make a long weekend trip out of it—stay a few nights at the Lebanon Inn and eat at a nice restaurant. What do you say?”
Her blue eyes sparked with excitement. “I say let drive! It’s a bully idea. We could leave tomorrow, right after breakfast.”
He chuckled at her southern-style enthusiasm. “We’ll tell the children this afternoon. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.”
The next morning, the entire Riley household was up early and buzzing with excitement over their excursion to Lebanon. Felicia was in a cheery mood, dressing in one of her warm Sunday dresses with thick stockings to ward off the cold breeze. She sang songs all over the house while tending to her morning chores. Even Thomas was full of gusto while helping Emmett hook up the team of horses and load the furniture for delivery into the wagon.
After breakfast, Ma Riley washed dishes and prepared lunches for their journey while Caroline sat at the kitchen table and wrapped all the garments she’d sewn for Mrs. Clark with brown paper, tying them with ribbons to protect the fabric from the elements. When she was done, Ma Riley and Felicia helped her carry all the p
arcels out to the wagon.
Soon they were headed toward town in happy spirits. Caroline sat next to Emmett and cuddled close to him for warmth. Even with a warm petticoat, hat and mittens, she still felt the cold air seeping through.
They made a quick stop in their small town to deliver some of Emmett’s furniture and Caroline’s clothing for the general store. Then they headed north toward Lebanon. As the morning turned into afternoon, the sun came out and made the temperature outside much more agreeable. The eight-hour trip was a long, but pleasant one. They stopped halfway to eat lunch and then continued on toward their destination, arriving an hour before dusk.
After paying for a room at the inn, Caroline stayed there with Ma Riley and Felicia to freshen up for the evening and don their Sunday best while Emmett and Thomas delivered the furniture to the general store. After they returned and changed, the whole family headed out to find the nice restaurant Emmett had heard about.
After navigating the streets on foot for about ten minutes they finally located the place. Caroline felt like royalty as Emmett offered her his preferred arm and escorted her inside. The restaurant wasn’t as regal as some of the highfalutin ones they had seen in St. Louis, but it was still a rare treat for all of them. She stole a glance at the children, whose eyes were wide as wagon wheels taking in the chandelier with candles in the middle of the dining area, the tables with linen tablecloths, fine china and silverware.
Soon they were seated at one of the tables and given menus. Emmett told them to choose whatever they wanted since they didn’t eat out often, but in the end they all chose reasonably priced dishes they were familiar with.
When the food came, they joined hands in prayer, thanking God for the enjoyable trip and for helping them arrive safely. There was so much to be thankful for.
Afterwards, Caroline enjoyed her grilled salmon and garden salad and Emmett seemed to be enjoying his steak and roasted potatoes. The children and Ma Riley had all ordered a grilled chicken dish that looked bully as well. Then for dessert they all tried some chocolate mousse. Everything tasted excellent and when it was time to return to the hotel, they were all stuffed, but happy. It had been a memorable evening for all of them.
On the walk back home under a blanket of stars, Caroline couldn’t imagine any evening ever topping the one she had just enjoyed with her new family.
“Caroline, look,” Emmett said, pulling her out of her daydream.
“What?” She looked at the light pole he was pointing at and gasped, seeing the wanted poster for Clem Sanders with a hundred-dollar reward. “Oh, dear. I guess they haven’t found him yet. Do you think we should be worried?”
Emmett shook his head as they continued walking. “No, sweetheart. He’d have skedaddled from this part of the state by now. He lost most of his men and was injured during the coach robbery attempt. Plus, everyone knows his face now.”
Caroline nodded and moved closer to him as they walked. She knew Emmett was probably right, but seeing his picture still sent a shiver down her spine. She offered up a silent prayer of protection for her family as they reached the inn.
Chapter Nineteen
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
The next morning, Caroline woke up excited to explore the streets of Lebanon like the rest of her family. They traveled down the streets together until reaching the furniture store.
Emmett stopped and turned to her. “I’m going to go in here and inquire about a possible furniture order. The general store I delivered merchandise to last night is further down Main Street. They have a large selection of fabric if you’d like to go down with Ma and Felicia while I’m talking to the store owner.”
“That sounds like a bully idea.”
“All right. I’ll meet you in half an hour there.” He gave her a brief kiss before turning to Thomas. “Would you like to come with me?”
The boy shifted back and forth on his feet for a moment. “There is a store I wanted to look at past the barber shop. Is it all right if I go alone?”
Emmett crossed his arms, appearing to think it over for a moment. “I suppose you’re old enough. Do you still have the money I gave you?”
Thomas nodded, patting the pocket of his trousers. “Sure do.”
“All right. Be careful and watch out for bummers on the street. They like to lurk around these larger towns looking for money to snatch. Meet us at the general store in half an hour.” The boy agreed and then the family parted in opposite directions.
When the girls reached the general store, Caroline was amazed by the variety of fabrics displayed on the walls near the back. It was a quilter’s dream. However, she looked at the price tags with caution, ever mindful of their budget.
She only needed a few more patches for her grandmother’s quilt, so she selected one violet silky fabric to remember their trip to Lebanon. Then her eyes were drawn to some soft pastels on sale in the corner.
She touched the velvety fabrics before catching Ma Riley watching her. As a half-smile formed on the older woman’s lips, Caroline knew she was in danger of revealing her little secret, but she couldn’t resist grabbing a few bolts of pastel blue, green and yellow. She took them to the counter and told the store owner she wanted two yards of each color.
While her fabric was being cut, she browsed around the store, looking for a few gifts for the children. Felicia was preoccupied looking at the selection of children’s chapter books, so she didn’t notice.
A ring sounded at the door and Caroline looked up in time to see two men in cowboy hats walk in with handkerchiefs over their mouths. One walked with a limp. She gasped and hid behind a shelf. “Those men are the part of the Sander’s Gang. I think the tall one with the limp is their leader.” she whispered. “Have you seen Felicia anywhere?”
The older woman shook her head with terror radiating from her eyes. “No, I haven’t.”
Caroline peeked around the shelf, eyes frantically searching the area for any sign of the girl, praying the entire time. After a few intense moments, she breathed a sigh of relief, spotting Felicia by the drawing pads and pencils near the front counter of the store. She was still browsing the shelves, oblivious to the danger right around the corner.
“Fill this bag with money,” the first bandit demanded, pointing a gun at the store owner.
She obeyed and filled the bag he handed her with cash from the register. “Just take the money and go. Please don’t hurt my customers.”
He glared at the woman. “I’m not leaving with just the money. The jewels in the display case—put those in the bag, too.”
The owner held the key with trembling hands and tried three times before successfully turning the lock to access the jewels in the case.
Caroline tried to catch Felicia’s attention again. This time the girl saw her and she motioned for her to get down on the floor. She obeyed, but inadvertently dislodged a pencil from the rack. It rolled onto the ground, drawing the attention of the second bandit.
He turned and saw Felicia right away, clamping his hand over her mouth before she screamed. “What do we have here? Were you spyin’ on us, little missy?” Felicia shook her head as tears streamed down her cheeks, but the man continued to hold onto his hostage.
Seeing Felicia so terrified made Caroline’s motherly instincts kick in. She stood from her hiding place with her hands on her hips. “That’s my daughter, sir. Now, you got your money and jewels like you wanted. I demand you release her this instant!”
Emmett had just finished going over his catalog with the store manager when he looked at the clock and saw the time. He was supposed to meet his family ten minutes ago. He thanked the owner for his time, shook his hand and left him a copy of the catalog before leaving the store with a smile. The meeting had been promising and he hoped the man would contact him to make an order soon.
“Pa,” a voice called through the crowd of people on Main Street. “Pa!”
He was confused at first, looking around for someone else who might be missing a child. Then Thomas emerged from the crowd, face red from running. Joy filled his heart, hearing the boy call him Pa for the first time, but it was quickly replaced with alarm. “What’s wrong?”
“The general store is being robbed! Caroline, Felicia and Grandma are being held hostage. We’ve gotta find some help.”
Emmett’s heart skipped a beat as Thomas’ words registered in his mind. Over half his family members including his new bride were all in the general store and they were in grave danger. He knelt to Thomas’ level and looked him in the eye. “I need you to do something for me.”
“What?”
“Go find the sheriff’s office. It’s down 3rd Street. Tell him what happened and we need help.”
Thomas nodded, but his eyes filled with fear. “Where are you going?”
He held the boy at arm’s length and released a deep sigh. “I’m going to help our family.”
“You can’t, Pa. They could kill you.”
“I have no choice, Thomas. It’s my job to protect them.” He paused and managed a brave smile. “Just in case I forget to tell you later, I like hearing you call me Pa.” The boy smiled with tears in his eyes before Emmett continued. “Everything is going to be fine, Son. God has brought us together as a family for a reason. I don’t believe He’ll let us get ripped apart now.”
“All right,” Thomas agreed and surprised him with a hug. “See you soon, Pa.”
Chapter Twenty
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
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