by R. E. Miller
Charles agreed, but he was curious and wanted to know more about this trip, so he decided to question Lewey.
When Lewey entered from the stable, Charles immediately began to question him. “Lewey, how could Ann have possibly met an Army officer if you were escorting them everywhere?”
“I was with them everywhere, Charles,” raising his voice slightly, Lewey was now on the defensive. “It was more like he met her. We were walking through this huge building when he saw us, saw Ann. He walked over and introduced himself. What should I have done, demanded that he leave us alone?”
After Lewey explained, Charles calmed down. He put his hands on the table and stood up. “I’m sorry, Lewey, my thoughts got carried away. Apparently there was nothing you could do.” His questions then turned to the trip itself. “Did you encounter any problems?”
“No, no problems. It was just a long trip squeezed into one day. I did take the short route through Hanes Gap, as I had told you I would. I took a road called the Cogan Road. It was a rough ride but a short cut to the village of Herndon where we spent the night. We took the same route back. You can make it in a day, but it was exhausting for everyone including the team.”
Satisfied with details about the journey, Charles’ interest returned to the soldier. “What do you think about this Army officer?”
Lewey yawned from exhaustion and sat back in the chair, “His name is Phillip Matter. He’s a lieutenant and second in command at the fort.” Lewey paused to gather his thoughts. “Charles, he seems to be a fine young man. He’s well known in the area and well respected by his men. He bought us dinner at the finest restaurant in Sunbury on Saturday night.”
This brought a slight smile to Charles’ face, “Well, that’s a plus.”
“This huge building we toured is called the Market House, and it’s incredible. It’s a giant building where all types of merchants gather and display different wares under one roof. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s open Thursday through Saturday. We spent most of the day just looking at the wares. Lieutenant Matter never left our side the entire time. It was obvious to me that Ann was his attraction.”
Lewey never mentioned the dance; he feared Charles would’ve objected or gotten angry. “He seems like a gentleman to me, Charles.”
“Well, we shall see!” Charles said. “How did the girls behave? Ann didn’t get too demanding, did she?”
Lewey assured him, “They behaved as ladies, and I had no problems. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
“Yes, is there any money remaining from the trip?”
Lewey reached into his back pocket, pulled out the envelope with the remaining cash and handed it to Charles. “Do you mind if I retire?”
“Go ahead, you look exhausted,” Charles said as he pointed to the stairs.
Lewey wearily headed up the stairs to his room after thanking Mary for supper.
After the travelers retired for the evening, Charles asked for Mary’s thoughts on Ann’s news.
“Perhaps this is a good thing, Charles. Maybe her actions in Philadelphia were brought on by her mother’s death. She may have found what she was searching for. At this point in her life, she needs someone to be able to touch, even love, someone more than just a father or a friend. A lot of single women want that,” Mary remarked, throwing out a hint and then continued, “This could even be a passing thing she may not want to discuss tomorrow.”
“I hope you’re right about the passing thing, but I don’t think so. I’m her father, and I must and will do what I feel is right for her. I have plans for her, and they don’t include a husband. I intend to enroll her in school as soon as we return. Hopefully, this infatuation will pass.”
Charles made no effort to get the girls out of bed the next morning and allowed them to sleep as long as they wanted. Charles sat at the table drinking coffee and chatting with Mary, who was in her usual routine of preparing breakfast. She sat next to Charles while peeling potatoes. He bent over, gave her a peck on the check and commented, “Mary you’re an amazing woman.”
Walking over to the stove to fry bacon and looking at Charles, “Yes I am; don’t ever forget that,” she countered with a smile.
Soon they saw Rachel coming down the stairs and heading for the bathroom. Ann was only minutes behind.
“Mary, it smells so good! You sure know how to wake everyone up,” Rachel said in passing.
During breakfast, Ann again brought up the young man she had met. Repeating basically what she’d stated the night before: “His name is Phillip Matter and he’s handsome and courteous. He’s a lieutenant and is second in command at the fort. His men seem to respect him.”
Calmed from the previous night’s discussion, Charles now started talking about enrollment in school. “Ann when we get back to Philadelphia it is my intent to...”
Ann quickly interrupted, “He wants to meet you, Father.”
Charles, giving her a strained look and raising his voice, continued, “As I was saying, when we return to Philadelphia, you will be enrolled in school somewhere. Now, what’s this business about this lieutenant wanting to meet me? You’re being pretty presumptuous, young lady.”
Since Charles’ voice was escalating, Rachel kept eating and never looked up.
Ann interrupted him again. “Father, did you forget why we’re here? You wouldn’t allow me to have any callers, and I defied your wishes. I’m on the verge of eighteen and many girls my age are married and have children. Why can’t you understand that?”
Charles turned red with anger at Ann’s tone. Tapping his right hand on the table and pointing his finger, “You’re my daughter. You’re my responsibility, and I’m going to do what I deem best for you. Do you understand that?”
Chastened, Ann quickly apologized, “I’m sorry Father. You’re right. I spoke out of turn. I know you only want what is best for me, but I’m not a child anymore. I like this man, and I think he is wonderful. I’m sure you will like him too, and besides I’m not talking about marrying him.”
Charles’ anger subsided. “We are close to leaving for Philadelphia. How and when could this meeting possibly transpire?” he wanted to know.
“Next week.”
“Next week? Does he know how to get here?” Charles questioned.
“Lewey, did you give him directions?”
“No, I didn’t give him any directions.”
Looking directly at his daughter and anticipating an answer, “Well Ann, how do you think he will find us?”
“He’s going to escort us back.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m hoping you will allow me, us, to go back to Sunbury. He will then accompany us on our return.”
Upset and angry, Charles sat motionless for a moment. His voice grew louder, but he was trying to control himself. “You were just on a long dangerous journey, and now you want me to allow you to go back there again. Absolutely not!”
They didn’t speak to each other for the remainder of the day, but Ann was determined and not about to give in. The next day she started again.
Adamant about his decision and in a calm voice, “No, I didn’t change my mind Ann.”
With Christmas only a few weeks away, Charles wanted to spend the holidays in Philadelphia. His intent was to ask Mary to accompany him. After denying Ann’s request again, he asked Mary, “What are your thoughts on their return to Sunbury?”
She responded without hesitation, “I think her feelings for this officer are genuine, and if you refuse, it could drive a wedge between you. She is at an age where she wants, even needs, some independence. I believe that’s why she enjoys Rachel’s company.”
Again he valued her opinion, and all afternoon he weighed his decision. He put on his coat and walked out to the stable. It took a few minutes to catch Lewey’s eye.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” Lewey said as he continued to comb one of the horses.
“I want to ask your thoughts about another trip to
Sunbury.”
“Well, I’m rested, and now I know how to get there without directions.”
“What about the team? We’re going back to Philadelphia in a few weeks. I want them to be well rested.”
“They’ll be fine. Actually, the trip helped condition them.”
“Thank you, Lewey. Please go about your business.” Satisfied with the conversation he walked back to the lodge.
Mary was knitting what appeared to be a blanket as Charles entered and sat down beside her.
“Is that for me?”
“Perhaps.”
“Mary, I should have asked you sooner, I apologize. But since all the talk of Christmas seems to be echoing in the room, I want to know if you’d accompany me to Philadelphia for Christmas and the New Year.”
She put the knitting needles on her lap and turned toward Charles. “I’d love to accompany you.” Putting her hand on his cheek brought a smile to his face.
His thoughts returned to Ann. “I guess I’ll allow this trip even though I constantly worry about their safety.”
“Good fathers worry about their children.” Mary said. “This makes you a good parent, Charles.”
He leaned over and kissed her. “I need to speak to Rachel.” Still concerned he got up from his seat, walked over to the stairs and called for Rachel. She came to the top of the stairs. “Rachel, I’d like to talk to you. Could you please come down?”
Pointing to a chair Charles directed her to sit. Ann came to the stairway and stayed just out of sight to hear the conversation.
“I didn’t ask your opinion of this lieutenant. What did you think about him?”
She hesitated for a few seconds, and then, suspecting Ann would be listening, said, “I think he is everything Ann told you. He is handsome, smart, kind, courteous, and most of all, I believe genuine. I can sense he feels the same way Ann does. If I were looking for a caller, he would certainly interest me.”
Charles nodded thoughtfully. “Well, thank you for your honesty, Rachel. I’ve been thinking about this return trip which I’m sure you’re aware of. If you don’t want to go, there will be no trip.”
“I’m not opposed to going. I did enjoy myself, but I want to be home for Christmas. Every time I write, I tell them I’ll be home for Christmas.”
“Does that mean you have no problem returning to Sunbury?”
“I’m fine with going back.” She looked up the steps to see a smile on Ann’s face.
Reaching for a match to light his pipe, Charles assured her, “We’ll be traveling to Philadelphia soon after you return, and Mary will accompany us.”
Returning to Philadelphia was the news Rachel wanted to hear. “I’m going to write to Tom and Mother with this great news.”
Ann came down the stairs and heard her father tell Mary, “Perhaps we should accompany them to Sunbury. Then this young man wouldn’t have to return to the lodge.”
Mary cocked her head and studied him.
“I’d like to see the building Lewey spoke of – the one with so much merchandise it took them a full day to walk through it.”
Ann pretended she’d just heard the last few words. “Does this mean we can go back to Sunbury, Father?”
Charles tapped his pipe. “I suppose it does.”
“Thank you, Father!” Ann leaned over and kissed her father’s cheek. “I promise you, Phillip is looking forward to meeting you. He’s arranged to take some time off, and he’s happy to do it.”
“I’m thinking of going with you.” Charles looked at Mary. “Would you be interested in a trip to Sunbury?”
“If you want me to go to Philadelphia, perhaps I’d better spend my time getting ready for that trip,” Mary said.
Ann gave her a grateful look.
“Father, Phillip needs time off, and he wants to get away from the fort for awhile. Perhaps you and he could go deer hunting when he comes.” In her mind that was justification for a trip without her father.
“That’s a thought, Ann.”
Charles then nodded. “Mary you have a point. I’m not sure I’m up for that much traveling before our trip back to Philadelphia.” He put his coat on again and went back out to the stable.
“Lewey, can you be ready to go by tomorrow morning?”
“Yes, I’ll be ready.”
“To cover that distance in one day is too hard on all of you and the team. If you leave in the morning you should reach that inn in Herndon at a reasonable time and spend the night. You should be in Sunbury early Friday afternoon.”
Ann was elated with his decision and she hugged and kissed him, “I love you, Father.”
Charles grabbed her hands, “Just remember, Lewey is in charge. He is also in charge of the lieutenant.”
She hugged him again.
CHAPTER 8
The next morning Mary prepared breakfast as Charles and Lewey discussed the trip. After everyone ate, Lewey headed to the stable to give the coach one more look and bring the team to the front of the lodge.
Upstairs, Ann hesitated in front of the mirror and pulled her hair into a bun fastened with two tortoise shell combs. “Oh, Rachel! I can hardly wait! Can’t you please hurry?”
“I’m just about ready.” Rachel said as she reluctantly put the last piece of clothing in her travel bag.
Charles paced in front of the lodge. “Lewey, don’t let them out of your sight. This officer is still a stranger to all of us.” Then he reached in his pocket for an envelope and handed it to Lewey.
“I’ll watch them Charles, I promise,” he affirmed with a wry grin.
The young ladies stepped through the open door with their bags. “Father, thank you again for allowing us to go,” Ann said as she gave her father a kiss and hug before she climbed into the coach. Her excitement was apparent, but Rachel followed, less enthusiastic.
Even though he felt uneasy, Lewey decided to take the same route as before. Approaching the Cogan he slowed the team due to the narrow condition of the road. The dilapidated livery stable soon came into sight, and the girls heard Lewey shout, “Giddyap” as the team was now in a full trot to get through the narrow, frightening area.
“I’m going to ask Lewey why he insists on going this way.” Ann stiffened.
They stared at the window as if expecting something –or someone – to jump through it at any moment.
“I agree, Ann. This road is so eerie; I wish we wouldn’t have to go on it.”
Both girls breathed sighs of relief when the road opened up, and Lewey slowed the horses to a normal pace.
A little while later the team came to a halt. “I wish we were in Sunbury. I’m not anxious to stay here since those two men are just down the road,” Ann said as she stepped down.
Lewey made arrangements for the night and helped carry the luggage into the rooms. Passing the girls on his way out to the livery stable Lewey suggested, “Let’s all freshen up, and I’ll meet you in the dining room.”
After freshening up, the girls approached the dining room. Suddenly, fearful that the strangers might be there, Rachel tugged on Ann’s sleeve. “Lewey isn’t here; perhaps we should go back to our room and wait.”
Ann looked into the saloon as they walked through the hallway. “I don’t see him. I think it’s safe to wait in the dining area.”
They sat down, and the bartender came over to the table with a handwritten menu. “Would you like to see what we have to eat?”
“Not right now; we’re waiting for someone,” Ann responded as she looked at the doorway.
Ann gasped and looked at Rachel when she spied the ugly stranger coming into the saloon. As the bartender turned to walk away, Ann said abruptly, “Excuse me, sir. I’ve changed my mind. Could we see the menus?”
“I thought you were waiting for someone.” He shook his head, laid the menu on the table, and walked away.
“Rachel,” she whispered, “he’s here. Don’t look, just read the menu.” Ann could hardly speak. She could see him out of the corner of her eye
as she looked down at the table. “He’s looking at us. Now he’s ordering a drink.”
“We should leave. I know he’s going to come over to the table. I don’t want to talk to him,” Rachel said in a quivering voice.
Ann responded frantically, “Just keep looking at the menu. Oh no, he’s looking over and getting up from his seat.”
Lewey arrived at the table just as the stranger did. He ignored Lewey and bellowed, “Well, ladies, what brings you back so soon? Probably me, I suspect.” He laughed uncontrollably as his head tilted back and those horrible teeth were exposed.
Lewey frowned at the stranger and stepped in between him and the girls. “We have more business to take care of in Sunbury.”
“Can I buy you a drink?”
The girls shook their heads.
“No, we have to retire soon. We want to get an early start,” Lewey responded.
Chuckling to himself, he walked back to his seat. He knew the girls were frightened.
With her back toward the stranger, Rachel admitted, “I can’t stand to look at him.”
Lewey tried to calm them down. “Just ignore him. Let’s change the subject, eat and get out of here.”
The thought of the Cogan Road reentered Ann’s mind. “Lewey, why do you use that Cogan Road? Is there no other way?”
“I use that road only because it’s shorter and saves us an extra day’s travel.”
“Rachel and I both hate that route and having to go by that old livery stable.”
“I understand. I’m hoping this is our last trip to Sunbury, don’t you? Are you ready to leave?” Lewey asked as he stood to leave.
“Is he still here?” Rachel asked.
Ann glanced through the doorway. “Yes, regrettably he’s still sitting at the bar.”
When they walked through the hallway he turned, nodded, tipped his hat and said, “Ladies.”
The next day they were up bright and early and anxious to get out of there. As the coached bounced over the ruts in the road, Rachel admitted, “I couldn’t sleep at all last night. The only thing on my mind was those two men breaking into our room. I’m glad we’re leaving.”