Buckeye Dreams

by Jennifer A. Davids

  “The president was at the theater last night,” he replied. “Booth came up behind him… . It was a head wound.” As Daniel spoke, Katherine blanched and put a hand to her mouth. Mary did likewise.

  “Booth’s on the run”—his voice turned low and his face darkened—“but the army will get him.”

  “What will happen now?” Katherine asked. “Will this make the war last even longer?”

  Daniel’s grave face softened as he looked at her.

  “Yes.” Mary turned toward her nephew. “Will you be called back into service?”

  “No,” he replied reassuringly. “I’ve been discharged from the army.” He looked at both of them for a moment before continuing. “I feel the war is as good as over. General Lee started something that cannot be easily stopped. And people in the South look up to him. If he sets the example, many will follow.”

  Katherine nodded while Mary embraced her nephew. While the news of the president’s death had shocked her, she was very glad to have Daniel home. A great deal of worry had lifted from Mary’s face when they had walked in earlier, to Katherine’s great relief. As they reminisced, she quietly rose and set about emptying the young major’s saddlebags.

  He was without a doubt the handsomest, kindest man Katherine had ever met. She had been frightfully nervous sitting so close to him on the ride home, as she had very little experience with handsome young men. Apart from Thomas, of course. It had been so much easier with him; their relationship had existed chiefly through correspondence. She’d been to numerous balls, of course, but her shy ways and odd coloring meant she had been little more than wall decor, much to her aunt’s and father’s displeasure.

  Words had failed her as she rode home with Daniel. Happily he asked her questions about the farm and Mary, and he was so kind and polite her nervousness eased a little. She told him about what they had been doing over the past month, including how Mary had sprained her ankle. But she had not said anything about Elijah Carr’s desire to buy the farm. She’d felt that bit of information was best left for Mary to explain.

  Katherine glanced over at the young major. She had to admit to being quite surprised that a Union soldier could have such a generous attitude toward Southerners. His voice had been full of respect as he had spoken of General Lee, and he seemed genuinely concerned for the welfare of the South, judging by what he had said to her in town. Even now he was telling Mary the concern he felt over people’s desires to punish the South for the war.

  She gathered a few things in her arms and carried them to the kitchen. As she set everything down on the worktable, the last thing left in her hand was the coffee Deckers sold. The sight of it was a forceful reminder of the town’s attitude toward her. Daniel is kind, but the South got what it deserved. The thought caused her to bite her lip, hard, and she set down the coffee to finger her scar. She didn’t mean that. It’s only right that everyone up here should treat me poorly after how I betrayed Chloe.

  Blinking away the tears pooling in her eyes, she continued her work. After putting everything in its place, she walked back into the dining room to see what else Daniel had brought home.

  “I’m so glad you were able to find him,” Mary was saying. She looked up at Katherine and gave a sad smile. “Daniel was able to find Toby and give him a proper burial.”

  Katherine looked at the young major. He was deep in thought, and weariness hung heavy in his eyes.

  “I couldn’t get to Jonah,” he said slowly. “He was with the Army of the Cumberland. I was sent word he fell at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia.” He patted Mary’s hand. “I’ll travel back down to Virginia in a few months and bring Toby back home. Ma would’ve wanted him buried with her and Pa.” He looked out the window for a few minutes before turning back to his aunt, his face grave.

  “What is it, Daniel?” Mary asked.

  “I got to see Uncle John just before Gettysburg,” he said quietly.

  Mary’s hand went to her throat, and Katherine was sitting beside her in an instant. Her friend’s eyes shone very bright as she listened to her nephew.

  “He was fine considering he had just gotten over being sick,” he whispered. “It was very good to see him.”

  Katherine felt her own throat go tight, not only for Mary’s sake but also at seeing how terribly it affected Daniel. He looked as if he had suddenly aged ten years, his face was so still and grave.

  “My friend Joshua, Uncle John, and I—we ate together a few nights before we followed General Lee into Pennsylvania. Ma had sent me some food.” His eyes were nearly beet red as he looked at his aunt. “I found him … later. Buried him.” He quickly excused himself.

  A few moments later, Katherine heard the creak of the pump out behind the house. She swallowed, uncertain of what to say.

  Mary simply sat there lost in her own memories, a broken yet bittersweet look on her face.

  “Mary,” she whispered.

  Her friend looked at her and smiled through her tears. “I’ll be fine, dear,” she whispered back. “Please, make sure Daniel’s all right.”

  Katherine nodded, rising from her seat. Walking into the kitchen, she could see the young major through the window. He was standing next to the pump in the little brick courtyard situated between the house and the summer kitchen. His hair and face were damp, and he was staring out over the hills and fields beyond the house. She hesitantly opened the simple screen door.

  It creaked slightly, and he turned around.

  “Can I get you anything, Major Kirby?”

  He shook his head and turned away, resuming his scrutiny of the farm.

  Katherine stepped out onto the porch, uncertain what she should do.

  After a moment or two, he spoke. “Is my aunt all right?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “I shouldn’t have told her.”

  “No!” Her vehemence caused him to turn back to her in surprise. “I mean … it was the only news she’s ever heard of John. It was terribly hard to get a letter across the lines. She only heard of his death through a friend of a friend.” Her voice suddenly caught in her throat. “I only wish you had seen Thomas, too.”

  He looked at her curiously. “Were you close to my cousin?”

  “I …” What should she say? That day on the front veranda played out in her mind, and all she could see were Thomas’s hurt-filled eyes as she flippantly told him she was no longer interested in socializing with either him or his family. “I cared for him,” she whispered, her eyes darting away.

  Daniel walked up to her. “I’m sorry.”

  She looked up. What had it been like for him, all these years, seeing nothing but death and destruction? How many times had he marched men toward their deaths, and how many lives had this horrible war forced him to take? He had already buried a brother and an uncle, but had there been others? Four years of combat rested so plainly upon his features that she forgot to be shy and impulsively grasped his hand with both of hers, sensing he needed to feel the warm touch of life.

  The look on his face was a mixture of surprise and gratitude as he placed his other hand over hers. He opened his mouth to say something when they heard the sound of a buggy coming up the drive.

  They immediately returned to the dining room and found Mary struggling to rise from her seat. Katherine urged her to sit back down as Daniel went to the front window, parting the white curtains for a better look. Having settled her friend back into her chair, she joined the young major at the window.

  A black buggy had pulled up in the driveway, and a well-dressed gentleman was climbing out. Her heart sank as she saw who was with him. It was Elijah Carr.

  “What on earth is Ma and Pa’s lawyer doing here with Elijah Carr?” The young man turned to look at Mary.

  “He believes you’re willing to sell the farm to him,” Mary said, her voice quiet.

  Daniel frowned as a knock came at the front door. He turned to Katherine and gave her a little smile. “Would you please see them into the parlor, Miss W
allace? Tell them I will be with them shortly.”

  As Katherine went to the door, Daniel knelt down in front of his aunt and spoke quietly. “Ma told Mr. Carr I would sell the land to him?”

  “Yes,” she replied softly.

  Daniel sat there for a moment. Since before Ohio had become a state in 1803, the farm had been in the Kirby family. His father had been very determined that his sons follow in his footsteps and farm the land just as his father had. It had disappointed him greatly that Daniel had favored books over sowing a field. Daniel had always resented his father trying to force the farm on him, especially when Jonah, his older brother, had been a born farmer and preferred it over anything else. And Toby had been the same way. Why should it matter if Daniel did not want his share of the farm?

  Because Pa saw books as a waste of time, not real work. He couldn’t see how a man could make a living reading books all day.

  He rose and looked in the direction of the parlor. Ironically, now that Toby and Jonah were gone, their shares of the farm now belonged to him as stipulated in his father’s will. And he didn’t want any of it. He already had a position to return to at Ohio Wesleyan. His mother had known that. She had always understood his love of learning and his desire to teach.

  But to sell the land to Elijah Carr? True, he was a good farmer, but he seemed to think that since his family helped found the county, the entire county should belong to him. He owned most of the land along Mill Creek. Except the Kirby farm.

  Pa would roll over in his grave if I sold the farm to him. Of course, he’d roll over in his grave if I sold the farm to anyone.

  “He’ll give you a good price.”

  Daniel looked down at Mary. His aunt was of the same opinion of him as his mother. “I know.” He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before walking out of the room toward the parlor.

  Katherine was standing in the hall between the two rooms, her dainty face distressed.

  “Are you all right, Miss Wallace?”

  She looked up at him. “Yes, Major Kirby, thank you.” Before he could ask more, she retreated to the dining room.

  Frowning, he continued on into the parlor and was immediately greeted by Elijah Carr.

  “I’m real sorry about your ma,” he said as he shook Daniel’s hand.

  “Thank you,” Daniel replied stiffly. He looked over at Mr. O’Conner and offered his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

  The lawyer gave him a small smile as he took Daniel’s hand. “Good to see you, too. Your ma was a lovely Christian woman. She’ll be missed.”

  “Thank you. Is your son well?”

  “Yes, we missed you helping him with his studies. Too young to join up, of course.”

  “He was better off. I suppose you heard about Toby?”

  “Yes. Very sad. Eliza and I are so sorry for the loss of both your brothers. We—”

  Mr. Carr cleared his throat. “I don’t believe Mr. O’Conner came clear over from Delaware to talk family.”

  Daniel glanced at him with slightly narrowed eyes and nodded. “No. I understand you brought him here on business. Why don’t we have a seat?”

  Once they were settled, Mr. O’Conner spoke. “Daniel, I’ve been told you’re willing to sell Mr. Carr the farm.”

  “Yes, I’ve been told the same.” Daniel rested his eyes on Carr.

  The man looked back at him confidently, not at all bothered by the younger man’s statement. He settled back in his seat and smiled.

  “I’ve heard the folks up at that college over in Delaware … What’s the name?” he asked.

  “Ohio Wesleyan,” Daniel replied.

  “That’s the one. Anyway, they’re wantin’ to make you more than just an instructor now.” A grin produced folds of wrinkles on either side of the older man’s face. “News of you rescuing a bunch of our boys from the Rebs made its way up here. They’re talking about making you a professor.”

  Daniel thought his heart might leap straight out of his chest, but he quickly reined in his excited emotions. “Well, I’m sure the story was greatly exaggerated. It was only about five men.”

  “Six as I heard tell it.”

  “One of the Confederates got Nate Stephens as he tried to make a run for it,” Daniel replied quietly. “We tried to go back for him, but the gunfire was too thick.”

  Carr shook his head sadly. “Shame. His wife couldn’t keep up with the farm. I forgave the debt provided she returned the land to me.”

  Daniel looked away from Carr, irritated. Nathaniel Stephens had not only been one of his men but a good family friend. Their farm had been his and Adele’s dream. He had rented the land from Carr several seasons before the war. Jonah had helped him plow up the numerous rocks and build a small frame house. Their son, Jacob, had been born there. Nate had made a good profit even those first years, according to Jonah, so much so Daniel couldn’t quite believe he still owed on the property.

  Carr spoke, interrupting his thoughts. “Look here, Daniel. You’re all set over at the college. If you sell the farm to me, I’ll give you a fair price. With the money you can set you and your aunt up real nice over in Delaware.” A look of pure hate crossed his face. “And you can send that little secesh packing back to where she came from.”

  Daniel’s irritation quickly morphed into anger. No wonder the young woman had looked upset as she left the parlor earlier. Whatever issues Elijah Carr had in the past with Southerners, he had no right to take out his rage on such a considerate young woman. He clenched his fist, fighting the desire to strike the greedy, hateful look out of Elijah Carr’s eyes. A quick prayer for calm and guidance caused his hands to relax, and the tightness in his chest began to loosen. He looked over at his parents’ lawyer. “What’s the value of the farm right now, Mr. O’Conner?”

  Mr. O’Conner scribbled a figure on a scrap of paper and handed it to Daniel.

  He looked at it and knew Carr was right. He could find someplace quite nice in Delaware for himself and his aunt. And while he had no desire to send Miss Wallace “packing,” if she had family she would rather be with, he could afford a train ticket for her to just about anywhere.

  His heart pounded. He had loved his time at Ohio Wesleyan; his years there as a student and the brief time he had been an instructor at the institution had been very rewarding. He had always dreamed of one day becoming a professor. As much as he admired his family’s dedication and hard work on the farm, he knew in his heart farming wasn’t his path. In his prayers he had always come away with the feeling that becoming a professor was in line with God’s will.

  This is Your will, isn’t it, Father?

  Daniel nearly gasped out loud at the unmistakable prodding he felt from his Lord.

  Looking up, he saw Elijah Carr’s eyes now held a glint of triumph in addition to the hardness and greed that usually rested there.

  He rose. “I’m sorry, Mr. Carr,” he said quietly. “This farm has been in my family’s hands for two generations. I feel obliged to keep it that way.”

  Chapter 7

  Katherine opened her eyes. It was still dark, but she could hear the sound of the birds’ quiet chirpings as they greeted the coming day. She smiled sleepily as she sat up in bed.

  The wildlife here was refreshingly different than what she had grown up with—no green anoles scurrying up the walls, no tree frogs making a shocking amount of noise in the evening. And the insects seemed tiny compared with those in South Carolina. She supposed it must have something to do with the weather. It was so much crisper here, not heavy and damp, although Mary had told her summers here could get just as hot and humid. Best of all, her friend had laughingly assured her there were absolutely no gators in Mill Creek. Alligators were a regular danger on the Congaree, and she had never been permitted to go too close to the river.

  Mill Creek was therefore an endless source of fascination for her. She especially enjoyed one particular place along its banks where large rocks provided a perfect place to sit and pray or just enjoy God�
��s creation.

  As she pulled on an old work dress she had borrowed from Mary, she remembered it was Sunday. The lighthearted feeling she had woken with ebbed a little. She and Mary hadn’t planned on going to services today with her ankle so bad. But with the president’s death, surely everyone would be attending church. It wouldn’t be proper to stay away.

  Her mood sobered further as her thoughts turned to Daniel and the aftermath of his conversation with Mr. Carr. She hadn’t heard all of it, having been going in and out of the kitchen, but she and Mary had both overheard his refusal to sell the farm. The words had then become rather heated. The young major had kept his temper, but Mr. Carr had to be all but forced to leave.

  Daniel had gone out to the barn after that, and she and Mary did not see him until supper. He had not said much except to explain to his aunt it would have been downright sinful to sell anything to a man so greedy. After they ate, he gathered a number of things from his room and, after insisting that Katherine continue using it, mumbled something about the barn. She assumed there was a shed of some sort he was making do with, and she felt bad she had chased him from his room. They did not see him for the rest of the evening.

  She quickly twisted her hair into a loose chignon. Had he stayed away because she had been so forward earlier? What had she been thinking grabbing on to his hand like that? Daniel Kirby must think her the most brazen woman he had ever met. But the memory of those war-weary green eyes made her wonder what she would have done differently.

  She shook herself. Stop being so silly! He’s bound to have left some pretty young thing behind who’s been pining away for him, she thought as she slipped downstairs. If that was the case, it was no wonder he had stayed away. He seemed too much of a gentleman to allow a young woman to get her hopes up. Besides, what would he see in a drab little thing like me?

  Lighting a lantern, she silently hurried out of the house and walked over to the barn. If she was quiet, she should be able to get through the chores without waking him.

  The Kirbys’ big red barn was nestled into one side of the hill. The upper floor was level with the ground on one side, while on the other, the stone basement, where the horses and cows were kept, was exposed. The upper level stored hay, grain, a wagon, and a four-wheeled carriage. A shed for sheep was built onto the south end of the barn, and the pigs had a separate sty north of the building.