Overwhelmed in Oklahoma

by Elissa Strati

  “We were talking about food and I reminded him he’d promised to teach a number of us how to make pies, something his mother had taught him, saying men needed to know how to take care of themselves in case there was no woman around. Turned out he was better at pie making than his sister so it became a big joke.

  “You know, not a few months later he made good on his promise and taught a bunch of us how to make pies the way his mother did. I like to think mine are almost as good as his, thanks to his instruction.

  “He always made me feel real good about myself and not like it was shameful that I was good at doing men's work. He just laughed and said, ‘Charlie Sue, it's all work the Lord provided us, and he didn't say whether man or woman should do it, just to get it done. And whoever is there, that’s the one that has to do it.’ I try to remember that when I'm given a hard time for not being as feminine and fancy as my cousins.”

  Clint rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I think I remember Charlie Barnett and his buddies Tom and Reggie. They were like the Three Musketeers and we kids were in total awe of them and their antics when we’d come visit y’all with your cousins.

  “You’re right. That whole crew tolerated the little ones, but Charles would sweep right in and pick us up if we’d taken a tumble, and always had a kind word.

  “It was watching him deal with bullies that showed me the way,” Charlotte murmured, and allowed Clint to take her arm and escort her to the house.

  CHAPTER 7 – Building Site?

  About an hour later most of the non-family members had departed. Recognizing that the ladies’ footwear was not up to a long stroll, Joe had thoughtfully pulled the buckboard around for the ladies. Helping them up, he took the reins and drove them over to where they'd been standing the day before, under the tree. As they stepped down from the buggy, Cindy's eyes lit up as she moved in a slow circle.

  “Oh,” she breathed, “this is a lovely spot. I didn't even know you had a site like this on the ranch! You can see over the creek into the range but you're totally blocked from the main house. This could be our nice, cozy little hideaway—and yet it's close enough that I can easily walk over if I need anything.

  “Oh, Joe, this is just perfect!!” She reached over and gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek, blushing as she did so.

  “Well,” he said, trying to be offhand about it, “you can blame Charlie for making me come up here.”

  He strolled over and reached his hand up to a sturdy branch coming out of the tree.

  “Maybe we can put up a swing here so we can set out in the evening and enjoy the sunset,” he added gazing into the eyes of his fiancé.

  Charlie was starting to get uncomfortable around the lovebirds, so she cleared her throat, which succeeded in bringing both of them back to the present.

  “It's real nice that you're going to have a swing before you have a house,” she commented dryly. “Let's figure out exactly where you want the house to sit and what kind of rooms you want inside of it, and which way the breezes flow, so we can put the windows in the right places for maximum comfort. Are you going to want a cellar? Is there good water nearby?

  “And,” she added, turning to Cindy, “I've already suggested he plan on having a pump in the kitchen.”

  Her eyes grew wide and she sighed with pleasure.

  “Hauling water has always been my least favorite chore,” she admitted.

  The three of them walked back and forth over the area, roughly outlining where the main building would be and deciding on size and budget. Knowing lumber prices in Kansas, Charlie was able to give Joe an idea just how much things were going to cost, since they were planning a finished house, not a log cabin.

  “A number of the fellows have volunteered their labor,” he commented, “since I've helped most of them build their own houses over the years. Ever since I can remember, even back in school, I've known I wanted to marry Cynthia, so I've been saving my money for a good long time just for this reason.”

  Joe grinned broadly. “If she hadn't insisted on her own house, I was going to surprise her with it. Of course, although I'm good labor, I really didn't have any idea on how to lay out what I what I wanted. But I remembered how you used to be able to design things when we were kids.

  “You know that chicken coop you admire, Cindy? Cousin Charlie designed that back when she was 12 years old.”

  “Joe, I haven't seen you in a dozen years. How did you even know I do design work now?” Charlie asked.

  “Well you haven't been in touch, but your dad kept writing. He and Pa became good friends and we all missed your visits. I know it wasn't the same for you because of my sisters, but my brothers and I always had a good time when you came by. You always made up the best games!

  I realize it looks like I'm taking advantage of Uncle Jed's death, getting you out here now, but I can show you the letter I wrote that I was getting ready to send before Uncle Jed took sick. I was going to ask you to come visit and help me out!”

  “Me, and not my father?”

  “You! I always liked the way you looked at things. When you went to build something, it always came out exactly right. And for my Cindy Lou that's what I counted on.”

  Tears welled in Charlie's eyes. “That's about the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me!”

  She fished in her pocket for her handkerchief.

  “Oh,” exclaimed Cindy, “that's the handkerchief that made Josie and Bobbie June so green this afternoon. That is beautiful lace work!”

  Charlie took a shuddering breath and held it for a second, the dabbed at her wet eyes smiling. “Seems I’m a regular watering pot today. Cindy, I wouldn't offer this to many people, but as a wedding present I would be most honored to provide you with a lace collar or trim for your dress.”

  Cindy's mouth went round and then her eyes welled up and the two women embraced.

  “So will you stay and help me build my house for my bride?” asked Joe.

  “Let me check with Paw to see what is going on back in Kansas and how much time I would be able to spend on this project.”

  CHAPTER 8 – Advice from The Lovelorn

  Charlie stretched luxuriantly, yawning, feeling the tightness of her calf muscles from the unaccustomed shoes she'd worn all day yesterday, even while striding over uneven ground helping her cousin select a home site for his bride. It was clearly quite early with just hints of birds chirping as the sky lightened. Quickly performing her morning ablutions, Charlie put on her day dress, sorry her father had not permitted her to bring her normal work attire.

  She had promised Joe she would help him at least get a layout designed before they took off for Kansas, and knew her father was enjoying this reunion with his brother-in-law. Looking back, the family vacations had always been a delight for everyone but her, and most of that was caused by her female cousins’ unrelenting teasing about her lack of femininity. Well, she might be on the shelf but they didn't seem to be faring much better, with all their vaunted furbelows and frills.

  Sighing deeply, she rolled her eyes skyward and thought Dear Lord, I am very sorry for these uncharitable thoughts of mine. Please help me overcome my tendencies towards bitterness. You have already shown me it is no longer necessary for me to defend myself, for which I thank you most bountifully. And look at this glorious day you have given us!

  She took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh breeze coming through her open window. Thank you Lord for the beauty of this day. Please help me find the grace to share its beauty with my cousins.

  Feeling somewhat refreshed in spirit, Charlie went toward the kitchen where she could already smell coffee brewing. Her cousins were wonderful cooks and perhaps some of their bitterness would go away if their present beaus moved them away from the overwhelming presence of all their brothers. Of course she wasn't quite sure what the boys would do without being mollycoddled by their sisters.

  She grinned to herself. At least Joe has solved that problem. And she was so grateful that his desire to ask her adv
ice had turned this dreaded trip into a pleasure, despite the original reason for the visit. She quickly added a little prayer for her Great Uncle Jedidiah that he might finally be at peace and be with his beautiful bride, Mo sa ne, meaning Arrow of Life. Charlie remembered being entranced with a portrait of her, sitting next to her husband.

  Approaching the kitchen, Charlie realized her cousins were huddled over the table with a newspaper that one of the guests had dropped off yesterday.

  “Here it is,” said Bobbie. “That new advice column everybody's been talking about. “Dear Lovelorn:’” she began reading aloud, and then gasped, “Well would you look at this hussy! Look, she wants to steal her sister's beau!”

  “What does Lovelorn have to say about that?” queried Josie.

  “Tells her off!”

  Her own curiosity quickening, Charlie continued into the room and was noticed by Josefina. A small moue of disdain crossed Josie's features as she glanced at the less than well-fitting gown in which her cousin was clad. Charlie glanced down and chuckled to herself. She really did need to get a new dress or two. She would get that taken care of when she got home.

  “Is that the “Lovelorn” column?” asked Charlie. “We have that in our paper at home, too. Some of those predicaments are quite amusing!”

  “Well for this one I feel so sorry for the sister to have such a conniving cat for a sibling!”

  Charlie bit her tongue, remembering her promise to God this morning.

  “Yes, I concur it would be most distressing to find out that a sibling was coveting your beau!”

  “Well I am certainly fortunate in my own sister,” sniffed Roberta. “She has her eyes set in a different direction from mine.”

  “Were your gentleman callers here yesterday?” Charlie enquired. “I met so many people that I hadn't seen in more than a dozen years.”

  “Yes,” Josie replied, “I am stepping out with the Reverend Stone. Elijah's rectitude and passion for his work attracted me from the moment he arrived in town.”

  “He gave a mighty fine sermon yesterday,” Charlie agreed. “I wish you the very best in your courtship.”

  Josie blushed slightly, taken aback by the sincerity in Charlie's voice.

  “Charlotte, that is probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me.”

  It was Charlie turn to blush.

  “Josefina, I was just having a conversation this morning with our Lord about how we have never been on the most gracious of terms. I would really like to change that. We are all adults now and no longer need fear childhood jealousies.”

  Bobbie was still seething from her cavalier dismissal from the bedroom two nights previously, and not yet willing to concede she had started the whole thing, but seeing the look on her sister's face and the sincerity in Charlie’s, she decided to bite her tongue for now.

  “So you read the “Lovelorn” column, too?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes. All the ladies are thoroughly entertained by the advice given. But I cannot quite imagine writing so publicly. Just think if somebody knew it was your letter!”

  “Good morning, ladies,” came Clint’s voice from the back door. Seeing the three of them huddled around the newspaper he raised his eyebrows asking, “Is there some news of interest?”

  Charlie laughed. “Absolutely. We are enjoying the latest offering from ‘The Lovelorn.’ It is always so droll!”

  “I suppose I shouldn't admit it, but I always read it myself,” he chuckled. “Who knows when a sage bit of advice might actually be to the point?”

  Bobbie gave a quick sniff and turned toward the oven.

  “Biscuits are ready!” she declared. “Why don't you clang the bell for everyone?”

  Clint stepped back out onto the porch and did just that, and in minutes the table was surrounded by large men. When Charlie just automatically started helping bring things to the table the cousins exchanged quick glances, nodded to each other, and said nary a word but permitted her to assist, for probably the first time since they’d been old enough to work in the kitchen. Soon they were all bowing their heads for the blessing before everyone tore into the delicious biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon, and plenty of coffee to go around.

  CHAPTER 9 – Paw’s Approval

  After breakfast, her father surprised her by asking Charlie to go for a walk with him.

  “Hank, you can come, too, if you like. Why don't you show me this new homestead your cousin is so excited about, please?”

  She had chosen to wear her comfortable boots today, so Charlie was happy to comply.

  “I am right proud of the way you have been handling yourself, my darling daughter,” he commented.

  Pleased, she replied, “Paw, I'm not fifteen anymore. It seemed to me I could be an adult now. I have a really good life and the teasing and mischief my sweet cousins got up to when we were younger doesn't have the same sting anymore. I guess I've come to realize that I don't have to be the same as everybody else to be happy in life and I am blessed to live someplace where I'm allowed to be myself. In fact, being here is what has brought me to that realization—that I do not need to fear the ridicule with which I put up as a child.”

  Glancing up at him she added, “But I thank you for noticing and appreciate your approval.”

  Reaching his arm out, her father gave her a side hug as they walked. Little Hank remained a bit behind them, as proud of his sister as their father was. As they reached the site and Charlie showed them the proposed layout and some of the ideas she had had, mentioning what Cindy had suggested as well, her father squinted his eyes a bit, visualizing.

  “You don't mention Joe’s name much.”

  She laughed. “Well Joe knows he wants a house and figures it'll probably be roughly square because that's the way houses are. Beyond that he just wants his bride to be happy.

  “Paw, he asked me to take on the project. I know it's kind of slow at home right now. What do you think?”

  “Would you be able to run things on your own with local labor, or would you want Hank to stay here, too?”

  She pondered that for a moment. “I don't know that I would need him for the whole project, but it would probably be good to have Hank here to start and help me get the crew together. At home they are used to me, but the local boys won't know what to make of a woman builder.”

  Tears welled up in Big Hank's eyes.

  “You really are all grown up Charlotte Susan Monroe. I cannot believe how proud I am of you at this moment--not that I haven't been your entire life.

  “But I have a confession to make. You will remember I didn't let you bring any of your work clothes with you because we weren't going to be staying that long and this was a social occasion? But you also know that your Uncle Zeb and I have always stayed in good touch with letters.” He paused, pondering his next words.

  “Your great-uncle Jeb's passing was a shock, but was still not unexpected. The man was getting on in years and had a rough life. But I also knew from your uncle that Joe was planning to ask you to come help him build his house, even before Jed took sick.”

  “Yes,” said Charlie, “Joe mentioned that. He was feeling guilty asking me, because he thought it sounded like he was taking advantage, but Joe and I have always been close, almost like Hank; another brother. I've always been fond of all my cousins,” she paused. “Well at least the boys.”

  “Oh, Charlie,” laughed little Hank, “you know they were always just jealous because you had the freedom they didn't. Not that they would have known what to do outside of their skirts because that was all they had ever known, but you were strong and brave and free to do about anything you wanted to.”

  “I kind of knew that,” she said, “but it sure hurt when they said some of those things about what a great Ugly Stick I was. It has taken me a long time to realize what they say about sticks and stones. However, just this morning I was thinking how happy I am to be in my own skin.”

  Her dad grinned down at her. “You know I've always been proud to
have you as my daughter, and I have always known you were my daughter and not my son.”

  He looked over at Little Hank. “And you, my boy, are the best son a man could have. I have been blessed in everything except for losing your mother.”

  An eye or two was wiped here and there, followed by a bit of throat-clearing.

  “Anyway, what I wanted to tell you was that you have my blessing to stay here and help your cousin. Hank if you would like to stay as well, I will probably need you back in about a month because I have some locations that will start getting busy. A few people have approached me about projects for the fall after the harvest is in.

  “Things which won't need your expert touch, chicken,” he said grinning at his daughter.

  “Now Paw, you know I didn't put curtains in that hen house on purpose. Mrs. Murphy decided she just had to have them, so I naturally told her to go visit with Barbara and Harmony at La Belle Mode to get the exact right look. You know it does look right festive when you drive up although she had to add the chicken wire on the inside to keep the roosters from pecking the cloth.

  They all had a good laugh.

  “But here I am, Paw, without any clothes or tools, so I reckon I'll have to go back with you and get them before I can start work.

  “Well,” he said, “I sort of tricked you. I had our housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson, help pack up your things and brought them with me. That's what's in the extra box we carried along.” He chuckled at her surprise. “As I said, your uncle had already let me know of the plans, but I did not want you to feel committed or pressured. I know how rough things were on our last visit.”

  Charlie shuddered a bit at the memory. As a young teenager, she had been especially sensitive to the jibes and japes her female cousins had flung at her constantly. That was probably the most miserable visit they'd ever had and was the one that had stayed with her, since her mother had died the following year.

  Tears welling, Charlie looked her father in the eyes and declared, “You're the best, Paw!” and then stopped and gave him a big hug.