The Cogan Legend

by R. E. Miller

  Lewey pushed mashed potatoes to the edge of his plate and then dropped his fork. He shook his head. “I can’t help but feel guilty. I thought we’d be safe enough with the Lieutenant following behind us.”

  Charles glanced at the pub’s dirty windows, “I’m relieved the weather has been in our favor and the temperature has remained below freezing, or we would have problems with Rachel’s body.”

  Lewey shook his head sadly. “I’ve never felt this helpless in my life.”

  Abruptly, Charles changed the subject. “I see your eye isn’t as swollen.”

  Lewey visibly brightened, glad to think about something else besides the girl lying dead in the back of the coach outside. “I removed the bandage this morning, and the cold air seems to have helped. I can actually see out of that eye again.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you might lose sight in that eye.”

  Lewey ate a few more bites and then pushed the plate away again. “Charles, I’m exhausted and if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed. This has been a long cold day.”

  “That goes for me too,” Charles said. He stood and put a hand on Lewey’s shoulder. He let it rest there for a moment before turning and walking to his room.

  Before he retired to his room, Charles knocked on Ann’s door to check on her and let Phillip know of the plans for the morning. Phillip came to the door and invited Charles inside.

  “How is Ann doing? Were you able to get her to eat anything?”

  “She smiled at me and took my hand. Then she ate a few bites of soup and bread.”

  “Maybe in the morning she’ll be hungrier,” Charles said.

  “Mr. Fairchild, I’m concerned that in Ann’s fragile state she could have nightmares. Someone should be close by to comfort her. Would you mind if I slept on the floor or on the chair in her room?”

  Charles paused for a moment, “Perhaps you’re right. Somebody should be close by.”

  Charles leaned over his daughter and tenderly kissed her on the forehead. She looked at him, briefly smiled, and to his surprise said, “Good night, Father.”

  As Charles turned to leave the room he looked at Ann, then Phillip and said, “This is a good sign.”

  Phillip grinned at Charles and inquired, “When do you anticipate leaving in the morning?”

  “We’re going to leave at the same time as today.”

  In the morning while Lewey hitched the team and readied the coach, Charles had the cook prepare a basket of food for the long trip. Meanwhile, Ann dressed herself, and Phillip assisted her to the lobby. When Lewey pulled the coach to the front of the inn Phillip, Ann and Charles were already waiting.

  Ann wouldn’t sit in the corner of the coach where Rachel was murdered. The night’s rest had done Charles some good, but he doubted Ann had slept. She looked paler and seemed even more withdrawn than she had the day before.

  Charles steeled himself for another long, quiet trip punctuated by sobs that seemed to break randomly from the depths of Ann’s soul. As quickly as the tears broke forth, they would stop. Ann would not look at her father and perceptibly seemed to shrink as the day wore on.

  The coach swayed from side to side as they traveled over rough dirt roads. Now and then, the wheels would fall into a chuckhole created by the erosive forces of nature or hit a rock dislodged from the cliffs that paralleled the road. The carriage was well made, and the repairs Lewey and Phillip had affected after the attack kept most of those jolts from the passengers.

  As they drew within thirty miles of Philadelphia, the coach’s wheel found a particularly large boulder that lifted the right side of the carriage into the air. The wheel slammed down, jolting the passengers out of their seats and onto the floor.

  Ann seemed to wake up as if suddenly loosened from chains that had kept her imprisoned.

  “Oh, that really hurt,” she said as she climbed back onto the seat. Charles smiled at her, relieved that she’d spoken.

  She returned his smile briefly. When she spoke, it was about a memory from the past. “Father, do you remember the first time we had a conversation about Rachel?”

  “Yes, I remember explicitly that night at dinner when you were so excited to tell me about a young lady you had met while shopping. You proceeded to tell me that she knew your mother.”

  “You don’t mind if I talk about Rachel, do you, Father?”

  “Of course not, I want you to tell me everything you can about her.” Charles felt relieved that his daughter wanted to talk. He was hoping she would let her feelings flow, let them all out.

  “I’ll never forget when Lewey pulled the team up to the dress shop that Mother frequented. I don’t know why I chose that shop, but I did, and now I’m glad I did. While I was looking at the fashions, Rachel walked over to me. She was pretty with long brown hair to her shoulder, hazel eyes and very well-dressed. She was shorter than me, but I was pretty sure she was older. She said, ‘Hello, Miss. May I be of assistance?’ I told her about Mother bringing me to the store when I was younger and that I had just come in to browse. Then she asked, ‘Is your last name Fairchild?’

  “Father, I looked at her and asked how she knew. Rachel said, ‘You look exactly like an elegant lady who frequents the shop. Her name is Mrs. Fairchild.’ I told her that’s my mother.”

  Ann continued, “She looked around and asked, ‘Did your mother come along?’ I had to tell her Mother passed away in November.” She looked sad when she told me, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I don’t remember seeing that in the paper. I can’t believe I missed it. I used to assist your mother quite often and we were actually on a first name basis. Your mother’s name was Elizabeth.” I was impressed at how well she knew Mother.

  “Then she introduced herself. ‘My name is Rachel, Rachel Miller, and I’m truly sorry about your mother. She was such a wonderful lady. She used to talk about you often, she was very proud of you, Ann.’

  “Then I knew she really did know Mother. Father, Rachel was quite a talker and a saleslady. Before I knew it, I had several items to purchase.”

  “Ann, you’re right. Rachel was indeed a talker. She impressed me as well. Please go on,” Charles urged.

  “I remember a customer came into the shop with her husband while I was there, and Rachel flirted with him when his wife wasn’t looking. She told me, ‘Every time he comes in I melt, he’s so handsome. If he’d only get rid of his wife.’ I couldn’t help but laugh, and she laughed with me.”

  Charles chuckled. “I can see why she made such an impression on you at that first meeting. I’m enjoying this Ann, please continue. You’re helping me get to know Rachel better.”

  Lost in the memory, Ann didn’t acknowledge her father’s words. “She said to me, ‘Ann, I’ll bet we could have a lot of fun if we ever went out together unless you have a beau of course.’ Ann’s eyes started to tear as she looked at her father. “I miss her, Father.” Ann had to pause for a minute to regain control of her emotions. She used a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

  “I know you do, Ann. Take your time.”

  After a moment she started again. “I told her, ‘My father doesn’t allow me to go out, but I really had no interest to do very much since my mother passed away.’”

  She stopped speaking and dabbed at her eyes again. After a moment, she confessed, “Father, I still can hardly believe Mother is gone, and now Rachel.”

  Charles crossed to her seat and put his arm around her. “It’s all right, it’s all right.”

  Even after Ann had regained her composure, Charles remained seated next to her with his arms around her. Ann leaned into her father’s comforting arms. “Before I knew it, an hour had passed that day, and Lewey pulled up with the coach. Rachel told me how glad she was to meet Mrs. Fairchild’s daughter and hoped this would not be our last meeting. Then she said something that really excited me: ‘Every Wednesday is my day off and if you ever want to go shopping, or out for lunch, or just spend time together, let me know.’ I told her that I would have to as
k you first; since I was only seventeen and you had to approve almost everything I did.”

  Ann’s confession made Charles feel a twinge of guilt. He regretted not sharing more time with his daughter. The only time they spent together was at dinner where they discussed their daily activities. He realized he had buried himself in his business after Elizabeth passed away and had neglected his daughter.

  They’d sheltered her and provided the best for her, tutoring her in everything from school to piano. Charles realized now just how lonely she had been. She had no close friends. Perhaps that was why Rachel made such an impression.

  Charles felt relief that Ann was speaking about her feelings. It made him feel better just listening to her talk. His stomach growled. No one had eaten well yesterday and when Ann paused for a long time, Charles took the opportunity to ask, “Are you hungry, Ann? Would you like to stretch your legs?”

  Ann nodded.

  He hit on the roof to signal a stop. When the coach stopped, Phillip quickly climbed down.

  Charles opened the door and upon seeing Ann, Phillip commented, “You look better.”

  Phillip assisted her from the coach and before she let go of his hand, she gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “Lewey, how is your eye?” Charles asked looking up at the cab.

  “It’s much better after seeing Ann’s smile.”

  When the journey resumed, Ann seemed anxious to unburden every memory she had about her best friend. Charles just listened.

  “Father, I have a confession to tell you. Something that I did with Rachel that I don’t think you would have approved. I had to make the decision on the spur of the moment. ”

  Charles gave her a puzzled look. “What exactly did you do without my knowledge?”

  “Remember when you told me that you had to meet Rachel before you allowed me to go shopping with her?”

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “I couldn’t wait to ask Rachel and wasted no time going back to the dress shop the next afternoon. She was surprised to see me I guess she could sense I was anxious. I told her before my Father would allow me to go shopping he had to meet you first, so that is when I invited her to dinner.

  “Rachel paused for a moment but then accepted my invitation. I convinced her to come the following Wednesday evening, and she was okay with that. After she agreed to our dinner date, Rachel invited me to spend the rest of the afternoon with her. She had wanted me to meet her mother and see her neighborhood. Against my better judgment, I accepted and told Lewey to pick me up two hours later.”

  “Ann, I’m glad you told me, but it doesn’t matter anymore. It was the right decision,” Charles acknowledged.

  Ann’s face reflected a tiny bit of relief. “Rachel lived in walking distance from the shop, and within a few minutes we were in her neighborhood. The houses were made of brick and built in rows tight against each other; nothing like our neighborhood. There were very few independent houses. Maple, oak, and elm trees lined the streets. I noticed a few older ladies out washing off the steps and sidewalks to their homes; the neighborhood appeared to be well kept. Some people were just sitting outside enjoying the beautiful day.

  “Rachel did all the talking. Pointing to the various houses, she knew the names of the families in each. She was quite popular saying hello to everyone and everyone knew her.

  “I remember she waved to an older gentleman who lived down the street, ‘Oh, there is Mr. Waggoner. Hello, Mr. Waggoner.’ She waved at him. ‘He’s such a nice man but he’s always busy. We’re lucky to see him today.’

  “I enjoyed Rachel’s company, Father. I felt comfortable with her. She was so outgoing, friendly, and a lot of fun. Rachel loved her neighborhood and told me she never wanted to leave. We walked another block, and she pointed to a house across the street. That’s where she lived with her mother. To me it looked no different than any other house along the way except for the house number.

  “Then Rachel opened the door and yelled, ‘Hello Momma, I’m home!’

  “Mrs. Miller was in the kitchen getting supper ready. We entered the living room and by the fireplace in front of the window was a rocking chair which I assumed belonged to her mother. We went in the kitchen and I met Mrs. Miller. She didn’t like formality and she insisted I call her Carrie, not Mrs. Miller. Then she told me at supper the night before Rachel had mentioned a new friend she had met at the dress shop. She embarrassed me by telling me how beautiful I was. Of course, I blushed.

  “Mrs. Miller took my hand. ‘You are, Ann, but so is my Rachel.’

  ‘Momma, I invited Ann for the afternoon to meet some friends and see our neighborhood.’

  ‘What do you think of our neighborhood Ann?’ Mrs. Miller asked me.

  ‘It’s very nice and everyone is so friendly. I’m really enjoying myself. Thank you.’ I had told her.

  ‘Well good, now I must get back to making supper, but you girls enjoy your afternoon.’ Then she invited me to stay for supper. I thanked her but informed her I always ate with my father. Rachel and I sat in the living room and talked, and she even started joking around. I felt very comfortable with her.

  “I admitted to her, ‘Rachel, I must tell you I haven’t felt this comfortable with someone in a long time. I’m really glad I came.’

  ‘Thanks, Ann. That’s why I asked you to spend the afternoon. You need to get out and enjoy yourself, and as I said earlier, I think we can have fun together.’ She changed the subject and informed me of the other person in her life she wanted me to meet. That, of course, was Tom. Curious, I asked, ‘Does he live here?’

  ‘He does,’ she freely admitted.

  “I couldn’t help but wonder how involved they were with each other so I was bold enough to ask if Tom slept in the guest room.”

  Ann blushed a little as she recalled her conversation. “Rachel hesitated, but didn’t lie. ‘No, Tom and I have a very close relationship. Mother approves, and I hope someday to be his wife.’

  “Father, I didn’t know how to respond or what to say.”

  “Well that’s something I didn’t know.” Charles sat back in his seat.

  “Rachel suggested we go outside and continue our walk. Before we left her house she saw Tom coming down the street, dirty clothes and all. ‘Here comes Tom now.’ She said and waved.

  “Tom waved back, and I noticed his muscular arms. As he came closer I saw how young he looked and wondered how old he actually was.

  “I remember he exclaimed, ‘Wow, who is this beautiful creature, Rachel?’

  “Of course, I blushed. He asked if I was new in the neighborhood.

  “Rachel told him, ‘This is my new friend, Ann Fairchild. Ann, this is Tom Straub, my beau.’

  “I shook his hand and he proceeded to ask, ‘Are you by any chance related to Charles Fairchild?’ He was fully aware of who I was from their discussion last night. I told him that you were my father.

  ‘It’s a small world. Charles Fairchild’s daughter, right here on our sidewalk.’ Tom grinned.”

  “I can hear Tom making that comment to you.” Charles laughed.

  “Rachel quickly told him, ‘Tom, mind your manners.’

  “Tom loved to kid and laugh and was only serious when he had to be. ‘I work for your father on the docks. As you can see it’s a dirty job. So, what brings you to the back streets of Philadelphia?’

  “‘Tom you’re being too inquisitive. I invited Ann. Now please go and clean up for supper.’ Rachel lifted her finger as if scolding him.

  “Father, I hadn’t had that much fun in a very long time; it was very enjoyable. I knew it was time for Lewey to pick me up, so I thanked Rachel for everything and asked her to tell her mother goodbye for me. Rachel smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you decided to join me this afternoon. I had a nice time too.’

  “Before I left I introduced her to Lewey and told her that he would pick her up on Wednesday.

  “‘Ann,’ she told me, ‘remember I’m free any Wednesday.’ I gave her a hug. I cou
ldn’t wait until Wednesday evening. I almost forgot to tell her, ‘Father always wears a suit at dinner, so please dress in formal attire.’

  “Rachel handed Lewey her address. ‘I’m looking forward to meeting your father. I’ll dress in my Sunday best.’ Lewey tipped his hat or something, and Rachel said, ‘The neighbors will really be impressed and envious when they see this beautiful coach pull up at my house, and I climb in.’ I laughed at her comment and gave her another hug then climbed in the coach to return home before you would find out.”

  “Now I know why you and Rachel developed such a close bond and she became your best friend. I’m so glad you’re sharing these memories with me. I had no idea how your friendship developed.”

  Before Charles realized the distance they had traveled, Lewey stopped the coach for the day. Once again Lewey felt they pushed the team as far as possible. The trip would be over in another half day of travel. That night they stayed at the Valley Forge Inn, a familiar stop for Charles on his journeys to and from the lodge.

  When Charles assisted Ann from the coach, both Lewey and Phillip were relieved to see her smile.

  Phillip took her hand, placed it on his arm and didn’t let go as he escorted her into the inn. The aroma from the kitchen awakened her sense of smell. “I’m hungry,” she admitted.

  Lewey and Phillip looked at Charles with delight and were now thankful that Ann seemed better.

  The long trip again was exhausting, and everyone was ready to retire following a hot meal.

  Sleep did not come as easy as hoped. The events of the next day played on everyone’s mind. Tomorrow, they would be in Philadelphia and delivering Rachel’s body to the undertaker. They would have to face Mrs. Miller and Tom.

  Charles was relieved that Ann was sharing her memories of Rachel, a positive sign that she would recover from the tragic events of the past few days. He realized how difficult the days leading up to Rachel’s final farewell were going to be for Ann. Since she was now doing much better, he didn’t want her to relapse.