by Jill Maguire
“His name was Thomas,” Nora said. “We were only married a year before he was killed in the war. He was a good man, honorable, honest, and hard working. Much like you Mr. Cohen.”
Philip accepted her compliment with a shy grin and a nod. He lifted his eyes from Annie’s cherub-like face and looked at Nora. For the first time since he had picked her up from the stage, their eyes actually lingered on each other in a kind gaze that made his heart tremble dangerously.
“My wife’s name was Sara,” Philip continued. “And I’m sure Annie’s already told you she died in a fire. Our barn, a lantern tipped and caught some hay, she was trying to save the horse and was overcome by smoke.”
“I’m so sorry,” Nora whispered. “For both of you.”
There was an uncomfortable silence before Philip cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Annie doesn’t know,” he said abruptly, leaving Nora unsure of what he meant. “About you, as my bride I mean. I told her you were here to tend to the home.”
“Well, based on my attempt to bake bread this afternoon, she must think you made a very poor choice.”
Philip laughed out loud but quickly quieted himself for fear of waking Annie. “I think she’s very happy with my choice – as am I.”
This time it was Nora’s turn to blush. She turned away from Philip’s stare and lifted the towels draped neatly over his leg. “The wounds are clean and I don’t see any sign of infection.”
“Just as I suspected,” Philip snorted. “Now, why don’t we all try and get some sleep. It’s been a very long day.”
Nora agreed. But before returning to the loft she made Philip promise to see a doctor first thing in the morning.
Chapter Ten
Philip limped to the barn and hitched Ernest up to the wagon. The horse whinnied in anticipation of the 30 minute trip into town as Philip climbed into the seat. As he was about to pull away, Nora and Annie appeared on the front porch.
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” he called. “Got a few things to do in town.”
“Is one of those things seeing a doctor?” Nora wasn’t about to let him off the hook.
“If I get around to it,” Philip teased. “Looks like the storm is going to blow over.” Philip pointed to the ominous black clouds blowing eastward across the prairie.
Nora pinned her hands to her slender hips and tilted her head to the side. She ignored his comments about the weather and focused instead on his dismissal of her question. “You better go and see the doctor, Mr Cohen,” she demanded.
Philip chuckled and snapped the reigns across the horse’s hide. “Git,” he yelled and Ernest jolted forward. He waved to Annie and winked at Nora, who shook her head and told Annie what a stubborn man her father was.
As he drove away, Philip looked back over his shoulder at Annie and Nora standing on the front porch. They looked as perfect as a postcard -- Annie in her blue flowered dress, Nora standing next to her, her tousled red curls blowing slightly in the breeze. He wasn’t sure, but as the wagon bumped along the gravel path, he thought he smelled Nora’s lemon verbena perfume on the breeze.
****
Philip’s leg throbbed as he steered the wagon through town. Although he originally had no intention of wasting Doc’s time over a few scratches and bites, he decided once he was there, that it might be wise to get Doc’s opinion. Besides, he hadn’t seen Doc in a while and wanted to say hello.
He carefully jumped down from the wagon, feeling the cloth of his trousers slide over the bandages on his leg. He thought of the wolf again, it’s beady golden eyes and saliva filled mouth. Oddly, he didn’t feel fear, only concern for Annie. He hoped the trauma wouldn’t be a setback to her recovery.
Before Philip could take two steps toward Doc’s office, he heard the shrill sound of Mrs. Filbert’s voice calling him from the post office window. He waved, hoping that would be enough. But of course it wasn’t. Mrs. Filbert was the nosiest woman in town and Philip knew exactly what she wanted.
Being the kind gentleman that he was, Philip strolled over to say hello to Mrs. Filbert. “Ma’am,” he said, tipping the rim of his hat in her direction. “Another beautiful summer day.”
“I don’t know about that,” she snapped. “Those clouds look awful dark. I think we’re in for a big storm.”
“I suppose you may be right,” he lied, knowing very well the storm was moving out. “I best be gettin’ my errands done so I can get back home before it hits.”
“Back home to your new wife?” the woman smiled, her eyebrows lifted into an inquisitive arch.
“Afraid not.”
Mrs. Filbert was dumbfounded by his response. “What, she didn’t come? Or she decided not to marry you? Which is it?”
Philip found it amusing that his personal life was of so much interest to this woman. “No woman in her right mind would want to marry a farmer like me.”
“But Mrs. Higgins at the church told me she saw a beautiful young woman getting in your wagon yesterday. I was hoping it was the woman from the ad in the newsletter. A mail order bride perhaps?”
“That was my sister Beatrice, she’s visiting from the East,” Philip told her. He knew it wasn’t very neighbourly to lie to Mrs. Filbert, but he was having fun toying with the old woman. He figured it served her right for meddling in other folks business.
“I see. Well, I won’t lie. I’m disappointed that we won’t see you at the church gettin’ married any time soon. When Annie told me how badly she wanted you to find another woman to love, I thought she’d surely convince you to answer that ad.”
“Annie told you that?” Now Philip was the one who wanted answers.
“Oh yes. She told me over and over how much she wished you’d find love again. That’s why I gave her the newsletter and showed her that woman’s advertisement. Your daughter thought the woman in the picture was so beautiful. I think her words were, “she’s going to be the one to mend my Pa’s heart.””
Philip was stunned. “Annie saw the woman’s picture?” Suddenly, he remembered Annie pointing Nora out at the station. Had the youngster recognized her?
“Not only saw it, she studied it. Sat right here on the porch for over an hour looking at that ‘ol newsletter. She’s a very curious child, Mr. Cohen.”
“She is indeed,” Philip agreed. “Well, I best be gettin’ on my way. Nice to see you Mrs. Filbert.”
“You as well Mr. Cohen. Please bring your sister by soon; I’d love to meet her.”
Philip didn’t turn around. He was still trying to comprehend the fact that Annie probably knew he had bought a bride. Maybe she had known all along. He needed to get home to talk to Annie. But first a quick trip to Doc’s office.
****
Doc McGrath had been practicing medicine in these parts for as long as Philip could remember. He was well-known for his gentle smile and firm handshake but also for his quirky sense of humour. A visit to Doc’s office was always interesting.
Philip tugged at the handle of the screen door, causing it to catch in the wind and crash against the side of the white board-and-batten building.
“Easy with that door there slugger,” Doc called from the back of the room.
“Sorry about that Doc. The wind is picking up out there again.”
“Storm’s rollin’ in,” Doc informed him. “Heard from Mrs. Snellbottom over at the switchboard that there might be more rain than we’ve seen in years.”
“Is that right?” Philip asked, doubtful of Doc’s forecast.
“That’s what she said.” The white-haired man lumbered toward Philip, his stethoscope looped around his neck, his hand extended to greet his patient. His grip was as solid as his friendship and his huge hand almost crushed Philip’s. “Reckon we need the rain too. It’ll help break this heat.”
Philip saw the beads of sweat glistening on Doc’s forehead and the dampness around his collar. The man’s towering six-foot frame was slightly hunched, and for a doctor, he was surprisingly overweight.
&nb
sp; “I could’ve sworn when I left the farm this morning that the storm clouds were movin’ out. But I don’t claim to be a weatherman, so maybe I was wrong. If there is a storm comin’, I should probably get home to Annie and …….”
“And?” Doc asked. “Is it true what they’re sayin’ about you gettin’ married again?”
Philip couldn’t believe how fast word had spread through town – it was Mrs. Filbert no doubt, up to her eyeballs in other folks business. Philip just kept walking, completely ignoring Doc’s question.
“I should get home. Annie will be worried if the rain comes and I’m not there.”
“Was there something you needed Philip? I didn’t mean to chase ‘ya off.”
“I’m fine Doc. Just wanted to stop in and say hello. Say hi to Edna for me.”
“Will do,” Doc answered and returned to his supply room.
Philip tried to conceal his limp as he walked away and hoped Nora had done enough to his wounds to prevent infection. She would know that he hadn’t been to see a doctor, but Annie’s safety and peace of mind was all he could think about.
The first drops of rain fell hard onto the brim of Philip’s hat as he pulled the wagon away from Doc’s office. The clouds were dark and drooped like bowling balls in the sky. How could he have been so wrong about the storm? This was obviously going to be a big one.
Chapter Eleven
Nora’s stood on the porch, her throat felt dry as she watched Annie spreading chicken feed across the ground. She couldn’t imagine having to work the farm in heat like this. She stepped inside and poured herself a glass of water. The cabin was quiet, no growling wolves or childish chatter and Nora closed her eyes to enjoy the silence.
Suddenly, Nora felt tired. She hadn’t had a good night’s sleep since she left Clara’s and her body was beginning to feel weak. She sneakily lifted one eyelid and peeked at Philip’s bed. She knew she shouldn’t, but it was too inviting to resist.
Tiptoeing into Philip’s room, she carelessly flopped down and pressed her face against his pillow. With Philip gone and Annie outside, she could finally drift off and get some well-deserved rest – just for a few minutes.
Moments after her eyes fluttered shut, Nora heard Annie’s voice come rolling into the room. “Nora! Nora!”
Afraid maybe the child was in trouble, Nora shot out of bed and dashed to the front porch. “What is it Annie?”
“It’s hotter than a snake in a wagon rut out here. Can we go swimming? Pleeeeease?”
“Swimming? Where exactly do you plan on going swimming?”
Annie pointed to the stream at the back of the property. “Over there, in the stream.”
“Where I come from, we call that wading, not swimming. That tiny creek isn’t deep enough to swim in.”
“I just need to cool off a little. Can we?”
“I suppose. Let me get my hat on.”
Nora slipped the wide-brimmed sunhat over her long braid and followed the child to the back of the property. The narrow stream twisted and turned and Nora giggled to herself when Annie jumped in and started splashing around. The playful joy of a child.
“You should come in too Nora,” Annie squealed, splashing water in Nora’s direction.
“Actually, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I think I will join you.”
And with that, Nora unzipped the back of her dress and let it fall to the dirt. She pulled her stockings off like a banana peel and held up her petticoat as she waded in next to Annie. The two frolicked and splashed until they were soaking wet and dizzy from laughter.
A sudden crash of thunder made Nora jump and look to the sky. “Oh dear.” Nora shielded her eyes from the sun that still shone down on them and looked to the heavy dark clouds now looming over the cabin. “I thought your father said the storm was going to blow over.”
“Pa is a farmer, not a weatherman. We’ve still got a few minutes before the rain comes. Let’s play hide and seek on the way back. You’re it first, count to ten….no, thirty.” The child ran off before Nora could tell her they should get straight home.
“Just once Annie; then we must get inside.” Nora scooped up her dress and stockings, vowing to replace them with clean attire as soon as she and Annie got back to the cabin.
“Okay, close your eyes and start counting.”
Nora gently closed her eyes and did as Annie asked. “One….two…..three……” But when the thunder boomed again, Nora stopped counting.
“Okay Annie, here I come.”
Annie didn’t answer and on first glance, Nora couldn’t see the child anywhere. There were no trees to hide behind and no structures around except for an old abandoned barn about a mile away. Nora smiled to herself, only Annie could be this well hidden in such a short time. “You must have found a pretty good hiding spot. I can’t see you anywhere. Maybe call out, give me a little hint.”
But Annie still didn’t answer. Nora spun in circles looking for a spot where a child might hide. She spotted an old discarded wagon wheel resting against the shoreline of the stream, the only place she could be. Nora sauntered over and shouted “found you,” as she peeked behind it. But there was no sign of Annie.
A feeling of worry started to churn in Nora’s stomach. Where could she be? She surveyed the land between herself and the cabin and the land between herself and the stream. It was like Annie had disappeared into thin air.
Nora peered at the seemingly endless field of prairie grass, the six-foot tall blades swaying angrily in the wind and felt her sense of worry turn to panic and fear. Surely Annie would know how dangerous it would be to go in there. It would be an impossible maze.
“Annie!” Nora screamed. “The game is over. Come out right now!” She waited, but still there was no sign of the blond haired girl. “Annie!”
Nora continued to shout Annie’s name as fat, heavy rain drops began pelting her from the sky. “Annie!”
The wind was gathering momentum now as it swirled across the barren land and when Nora opened her mouth to call again for the child, a strong gust stole the breath from her lungs. She looked to the cabin. She could see sheets of rain, blowing almost horizontally, slowly creeping toward her. Nora realized it was only a matter of minutes before she and Annie would be dangerously exposed to a savage prairie thunderstorm.
Nora used her dress to shelter her head and face as she moved in the direction of the cabin. She could barely see it now through the rain and the wind was so forceful it took all of her strength to move a few inches. She could only hope that somehow Annie had managed to run to the house. Maybe she had gotten to the cabin before the storm came crashing down.
Nora staggered and fell as the wind worked against her. The packed dirt path that she and Annie had followed to the stream was now drenched in rain and quickly turning to mud. She struggled back to her feet but left her soaked muddy dress lying on the ground. All she cared about in that moment was finding Annie.
Nora’s thin petticoat did little to protect her from the rain and wind. Mud was caked to her back from her fall and it felt like dead weight dragging her down. She forced her feet to move one step at a time and tried the best she could to follow the path back to the cabin. As she looked up to check her course, a bolt of lightning electrified the sky in front of her. Please be inside that cabin Annie.
****
Nora was soaked to the bone by the time she reached the cabin. The wind thrust her against the door as she collapsed, her legs buckling from weakness. She took a moment to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. She could only hope that somehow Annie had run to the cabin to hide and would be smiling at her, warm and dry, when she opened the door.
The door was heavy and resistant but when Nora finally pushed it open, the sight inside was not what she hoped for. The dining room chairs were empty, the lantern had not been lit and there was no warm kettle bubbling on the wood stove. The cabin was empty. No Annie.
Nora felt the sting of tears set in behind her eyes and her body trembled wi
th fear. If Annie wasn’t in the cabin that meant she was out there, alone and frightened in a thunderstorm unlike any Nora had ever encountered. There was nothing for Nora to do but go back outside and continue looking for Annie -- storm or no storm.
Nora flung open the lid of the wooden trunk she had seen in Philip’s room and rummaged around for something that resembled a rain coat. Amongst the heavy wool blankets and various knickknacks, Nora found a beautiful purple shawl. She assumed it was Sara’s but didn’t take time to contemplate whether Philip would mind if she borrowed it. She wrapped it snugly around her shoulders and raced back to the door.
With one yank, the door whipped open and Nora bounded onto the porch, running right into Philip who had just arrived and was quickly trying to get out of the storm.
“What in the Dickens are you doin’ Nora?” Philip had to yell to be heard, his deepest holler still muted by the rain and wind. “It’s the storm of the century out here.”
“It’s Annie,” Nora hollered back, her voice barely audible.
“What? Did you say Annie?” Philip leaned his ear closer to Nora’s lips so he could hear her.
“Yes, she’s out in the storm.”
Nora saw Philip’s rain streaked face turn a pale shade of white as he unintentionally but forcefully shoved Nora back inside the cabin. “What do you mean she’s out in the storm? Where? Is she in the barn?”
“No…..or maybe, I don’t know.” Nora wiped the tears mixed with rain from her cheeks.
“Nora,” Philip said calmly, squeezing her shoulders and forcing her to face him. “You need to tell me where my daughter is. Where was the last place you saw her?”
“We went to the stream to go swimming,” she started. “She wanted to play hide and seek. I tried to tell her….” But Philip was gone before she finished. He flew out the door and disappeared into the rain. Nora followed after him, shielding her face with the shawl.