Hearts Aglow

by Tracie Peterson

  “I do,” he admitted. He got off the chair and walked to the end of the porch. “I always figured to take over the ranch when my pa passed on; instead, it’s gone to strangers.”

  “Who bought your family’s land?”

  Jake shook his head. “I don’t know. Some fella from up Chicago way. He was buying up a bunch of ranches. Told my pa the drought wouldn’t last forever and when the rains finally came, he’d own a good piece of Texas.”

  “So he has the luxury of waiting for the rains, but your father didn’t.”

  Frowning, Jake turned away. “No.”

  “I’m sorry, Jake. I really am. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if we suddenly lost our land. For all the years I was away from here, I always knew I’d come home one day.” She got up and walked to where Jake stood staring off across the yard. “Still, you did say that you believed God was able to put you where He wanted you. Maybe that’s here. Maybe there’s another kind of life God wants you to experience.”

  Jake turned and Deborah was more than a little aware of how close he stood. “Could be He sent me here because of you. Ever think about that? Maybe I lost one family – one home – because I’m gonna have another.” He winked. “And maybe you’re gonna be a part of it.”

  CHAPTER 23

  On Saturday the fourteenth, Euphanel and Rachel decided to host a sacred-harp gathering for the community. They posted notices around town at the commissary, mill, and new dress shop encouraging everyone to attend, whether they could sing or not. The ladies felt that the heat of summer, coupled with the worry over drought was enough of an excuse to have a party.

  Zed thought it was a good idea, as well. He talked of tempers running high at the mill and even some conflicts with his new partners. He donated scrap wood to build temporary tables and moved the benches from the ball diamond. By the time things were set in place in the grassy park area beside the church, it looked like the party might rival the Texas Independence Day celebration.

  Most folks seemed happy to break their routine, as well, and by the time the singing began in the early evening, Euphanel was convinced that most everyone in the community was present. She was pleased to see that while some folks were surprised by the blacks joining in the sacred-harp choir, no one said anything to suggest it was inappropriate.

  “My, you look lovely,” Mr. Longstreet told her. He took hold of her hand and raised it to his lips. “I do hope there will be a chance to share a private moment.” He kissed her hand, leaving the onlooking Rachel to gasp at his boldness.

  “Euphanel, I need to see you about something,” she told her friend.

  Mr. Longstreet looked perturbed but said nothing as Rachel led Euphanel away from his company. Euphanel was more than grateful for her friend’s attentive action.

  “Thank you. I swear, the man has gone out of his way to charm me.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t realize you’ve already been charmed elsewhere,” Rachel smirked.

  “How could he not know? This is a small town and gossip travels fast.”

  “I’m so excited that you and Arjan will be married tomorrow,” Rachel gushed. “It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony; I just know it.”

  Euphanel nodded. “It’s definitely a new start for the both of us.” Seeing that everyone was pretty much assembled, Euphanel motioned to Rachel that it was time to take their places.

  After directing the first song, Euphanel took her seat and Rachel led the next. Folks seemed to settle in and enjoy the music, even if they didn’t sing along. With an ever-watchful eye, Euphanel prayed the celebration would ease the racial conflicts they’d known throughout the year. She was especially prayerful that the folks of Perkinsville would begin to see that skin color was not a barrier to friendships.

  One of the tenors led them in a moving rendition of “How Long, Dear Savior.” It only served to cause Euphanel to remember Sissy’s husband. This was one of his favorite songs.

  How long, indeed, she thought. Dear Lord, how long must we suffer each other to such miseries and oppressions? The war was years behind them, but the consequences seemed certain to carry on for generations.

  Texas was different, she had to admit. Texas was mainly interested in what was best for Texas. It was a country unto itself, and Euphanel often wondered if it would go back to being a Republic instead of a state after the War of Northern Aggression. There had been talk in the early years following the war, when Texas was waiting to be officially readmitted to the Union. Many folks didn’t want to be a part of the Union – not just because of slave issues, but because of Texas issues. They were quite happy to govern themselves and quite proud to stand on their own.

  They sang another seven songs without a break before Zed Perkins stepped to the center and held his hands up to draw everyone’s attention.

  “I’m not gonna volunteer to lead you in a song,” he said with a chuckle. “Instead, I’ve come to make an important announcement that has to do with a couple of special folks – folks most of you know quite well.” He turned to Arjan and then to Euphanel. “You two might as well step up here, too.”

  Euphanel hadn’t realized Zed was going to make their engagement a public announcement, but she didn’t really mind. If it helped with the community spirit of things, she was more than happy to do her part.

  She made her way to the center and stood beside Arjan as Zed continued. “Most of you know that we lost Rutger Vandermark many years ago to a logging accident. He and Euphanel had been married a good number of years and had three children together. Rutger and his brother, Arjan, started the Vandermark Logging Company, and some of you work for them.”

  He put his hand on Arjan’s shoulder. “I just learned that Arjan and Euphanel plan to marry, and I felt this should be a time of celebration for our town. I know the ladies planned this to be nothing more than a summer gathering, but I hope you’ll join me in extending your best wishes to the happy couple. They’re plannin’ to tie the knot tomorrow after church.”

  “Why not tonight!” someone called out from the crowd.

  Zed looked to Arjan. “Indeed. Why not tonight? Why don’t we make this a weddin’ celebration?”

  Euphanel did her best not to appear nonplussed, but she’d never been so stunned. The idea of turning the casual get-together into a wedding party had never once entered her mind. Why, she’d even made it clear to Deborah that she and Arjan planned a simple, quiet ceremony. She wasn’t even going to make a special dress for the occasion. In fact, she’d probably wear exactly what she had on tonight. Her simple mauve gown with the cream lace edging was more than stylish enough for a second wedding.

  Arjan looked at her with a devilish grin. “I’m ready for it – how about you?”

  She felt a flutter in her stomach. She was really going to do this – remarry and have a husband – after all these years alone?

  Is this all madness? Am I doing the right thing?

  “Well, what do you say, Miz Vandermark? It’s not like you have to change your name or anything,” Zed teased.

  Euphanel gazed about to find her children. Rob and G.W. were sitting with the basses. They nodded with big smiles, letting her know they approved. Deborah was off to one side with Lizzie and the babies. She, too, offered an encouraging smile.

  “It seems everyone approves,” she said. She hoped no one noticed the tremor in her voice. She licked her dry lips. “I suppose we might as well have ourselves a wedding.”

  Cheers went up from the crowd. Suddenly Euphanel felt like a young girl again. A moment of shy hesitation washed over her.

  “Where’s the pastor? Let’s commence this joining here and now,” Zed declared.

  Arjan took Euphanel by the arm and whispered, “You’re as white as a sheet. You sure you wanna do this?”

  “I do,” she said, nodding.

  He grinned. “That part comes later.”

  She smiled. “I don’t mind . . . truly. It’s just a surprise. I had thought we’d have a very private ceremony. Now
here we are, with the biggest wedding possible.”

  “But what better way to join our community together,” he replied. “You can have Sissy stand up with you, and I’ll have Zed. It’ll be the first wedding in these parts to have both blacks and whites.”

  What he said was true. Euphanel had no better example to share with her friends and neighbors than to bring Sissy alongside as her witness. And if there was any question as to Sissy’s legal ability to bear witness to the arrangement, well, nearly another hundred people could sign their names in her place.

  Euphanel left Arjan’s side to where her friend sat. “Sissy, will you stand up with me?” she asked.

  The woman beamed a smile and got to her feet. “I’d be mighty proud.”

  They made their way back to the center of the gathering where Pastor Shattuck waited with Zed and Arjan. The two women took their place on the preacher’s right, while Arjan and Zed stood to the left.

  “Let us as one community – as one heart in the Lord – offer up our prayer of blessing for this couple.” He bowed his head and Euphanel did likewise. She found herself praying privately as Pastor Shattuck prayed aloud.

  Father, I know you’ve brought me to this place where I can love and be loved by a good man. I never thought it would happen again – I figured myself lucky to have found Rutger, but now you’ve given me Arjan, as well. I pray you will guide me – show me the way to be a good and godly wife.

  “And give them your peace and blessing, Lord, we pray. Amen.” The preacher looked at Euphanel and grinned. “Usually I add in a prayer for a healthy number of children to bless the union, but I wasn’t sure you and Arjan would want me to do that.”

  The congregation roared with laughter, while Euphanel felt her face flush hot. Looking up, Arjan threw her a wink. Goodness, but was everyone determined to fluster her?

  The ceremony itself was rather short and without pomp. Pastor Shattuck spoke the words Euphanel had heard at a hundred weddings before. Within a matter of minutes, he was offering a prayer of benediction.

  Euphanel was so overwhelmed she didn’t even think to close her eyes. Most folks looked happy for them. There would be many congratulations and even some teasing. Oh, but she hoped no one was of a mind to shivaree them. Nothing would be worse than to have the men hauling Arjan off or sneaking back to the house to put pinecones in their bed.

  The thought of sharing her bed that night with Arjan was almost Euphanel’s undoing. They had planned to stay in his cabin for a week or two, then move back to the main house. She’d been nervous about being alone with her brother-in-law husband before, but now it felt overwhelming. What if Arjan didn’t love her as much as he thought he did? What if marriage proved to be a disappointment? She hated to think of their relationship turning sour. She’d depended on Arjan for comfort and help after Rutger’s death. She certainly didn’t want to lose that now.

  “ . . . and we commit this to your hands, Lord. Amen. You may kiss your bride,” Pastor Shattuck announced.

  For a moment, Euphanel couldn’t even think of what she was supposed to do. Her knees began to wobble. Arjan took hold of her and steadied her.

  “You all right?” he asked, looking deep into her eyes.

  She swallowed hard. Her heart picked up speed. “Well . . . I thought I was.” She gave an unexpected giggle. “Goodness, I feel just like a girl again.”

  He grinned and lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss wasn’t long, but it definitely left Euphanel breathless. She vaguely heard the cheers and clapping of her friends and family, but otherwise, there was only Arjan.

  Deborah felt both a sense of loss and joy at the marriage of her mother and Uncle Arjan. She had never thought to see her mother married again, much less before she herself had a chance to marry once. She knew it was a good thing – knew her mother would be well cared for and loved, but there remained that nagging reminder that love had once again passed her by.

  “You must be pretty happy for your ma,” Jake said, coming up from behind her.

  She whirled around, nearly tripping on her dress. In a flash, Jake reached out to take hold of her arm.

  “I am,” she managed to say as she regained her footing. Jake dropped his hold. “Thank you for keeping me from falling on my face.”

  “My pleasure.” His expression turned serious. “There’s quite a bit of talk going around about Dr. Clayton . . . and some about you.”

  “I’ve no doubt about that,” Deborah replied. “Folks are such gossips.”

  As if proof were needed, Mrs. Greeley and Mrs. Pulaski came up to speak to Deborah. “My dear,” Mrs. Greeley began, “I’m so relieved that Dr. Clayton is gone. Your reputation was suffering greatly, and I feared for you.”

  “I did as well,” Mrs. Pulaski added. “I heard it said that Dr.Clayton was the sort to take liberties with you.”

  Deborah shook her head. “Then you heard wrong, I’m afraid. Dr. Clayton was quite the gentleman – very conscious of proper etiquette.”

  “Well, I heard it said that you two were seen embracing in his examination room,” Mrs. Greeley accused.

  No doubt the Perkins sisters had been busy. Deborah nodded. “Indeed. Dr. Clayton had received bad news about a loved one. The embrace, however, was my misjudgment, not his. I saw his sorrow and couldn’t help but desire to comfort him. Now if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Wythe was just about to escort me to the refreshment table.”

  That was all the encouragement Jake needed. He smiled at the ladies and nodded as he and Deborah moved away.

  “Thank you,” she said, keeping her voice soft. “I’m sorry to have involved you. No doubt, you’ll be the next to suffer their scrutiny and gossip.”

  “I can’t say that I’d mind, so long as it includes you.”

  She looked at him and shook her head. “Believe me, you do not want to be the topic of the gossip this town is capable of delivering. They can cut deep when they want to, and the wounds are sometimes long to heal.”

  “Then I might need comforting,” he said with a sly grin. “You could offer me the same sort of comfort you gave the doc.”

  Deborah stopped and fixed him with a hard stare. “That, Mr. Wythe, is totally inappropriate.”

  He laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll mind myself. I wouldn’t want the doc to come back and feel the need to teach me a lesson.”

  “I wouldn’t worry overmuch about that. There’s no telling if he is coming back,” Deborah said, moving away from Jake. She hadn’t meant to speak aloud – the words had just come and now she regretted them.

  “What are you saying?” he asked, catching up to her with ease.

  “Nothing that matters.” She’d reached the refreshment table and glanced at the selections of cookies and cakes, pies and breads. She wasn’t at all hungry, but figured occupying herself with food might hide her inner turmoil.

  “You and the doc end your courtship?” he asked.

  Deborah selected a cookie and started to walk away. Jake followed, much to her displeasure. She walked to the far edge of the gathering and waited for him to question her again, even while she prayed that he might simply drop the matter.

  “You gonna answer my question?”

  “It’s hardly any of your business,” she said a bit harsher than she’d intended.

  “It is if I have my say about it. I’d like to court you myself.”

  Deborah had to think fast. “I have no intention of courting anyone else. I am . . . well, actually, I’m considering heading back East – to Philadelphia.”

  “Why?”

  She drew a deep breath. “I feel that I should continue my training in medicine. The college I attended there will allow for that. It is highly progressive and believes women should be allowed to be doctors in their own right.”

  “And you’d just up and leave?” he asked. “You wouldn’t give me any consideration at all?”

  “I must do what I feel called to do,” Deborah told him. If only she knew exactly what that was.

&n
bsp; “I was hopin’ to talk to you for a minute,” Rob told Mara. He’d never seen her more beautiful. She’d pinned her dark hair high atop her head, and he longed to pull out the pins and watch it cascade down her back. Though completely improper, he couldn’t deny the thought was there.

  She smiled and moved closer. “I would be happy to hear what you have to say.”

  “I don’t reckon I know quite how you’ll feel about this, but I figure it’s best iffen I just say the words and then we can talk about ’em.”

  “Seems reasonable to me,” she replied.

  He noticed the necklace she wore. It was a small gold cross – a reminder of her faith and the sacrifice that was made by Jesus. It reminded Rob, too, of what he’d come to say.

  “I’m gonna be leavin’ in two days. I feel that God wants me to go to Houston – to the seminary there. I reckon it may seem strange, but I believe God wants me to be a preacher.”

  She smiled. “It doesn’t seem strange at all, Mr. Vandermark.”

  He looked at her with great curiosity. “It don’t?”

  Mara shook her head. “In my prayers for you, I felt certain this was the decision you would make. Later, I cornered my father and spoke with him. He told me that he’d shared with you about the seminary his friend runs in Houston. It seems a very good place for you.”

  “And you aren’t upset with me? I mean, what with . . . well, what you said . . . and . . . ” Rob felt helpless to put it all in words. He wanted to challenge her comment – to ask her how she was so certain he was the one she would marry when now he was planning to up and leave.

  “How could I fault a man for following after God’s heart?” She glanced up, and Rob did likewise. Overhead the night skies were nearly as bright as day, lit by the full moon. “God has a plan and purpose for each of us. I would want only that you follow His direction for you.”

  “But what about us?”

  She turned her gaze to his face. “It all works quite perfectly. You see, I always knew I would marry a preacher. The fact that you’ve only now come to this decision may seem surprising to you, but not to me.”