Threads of Love

by Judith Mccoy Miller

  “I think I’ll take a nap. I’ve been tired today,” her father said, shifting in the bed to try to become more comfortable.

  “How thoughtless of me. Here I’ve been rambling on while you need your rest. How’s that?” she asked, adjusting his sheets.

  “Fine, and you’ve not been rambling. It’s given me more pleasure than you can imagine to hear you relate the events of today, and I’m looking forward to seeing that dress on you a little later,” he said, closing his eyes.

  Sam arrived home for dinner, and although somewhat subdued, he remained cordial during their meal. The minute they finished, he rose from the table, informing Delphinia that he would be making house calls for the next several hours. As soon as he had departed, she ran next door to Mrs. O’Mallie’s, requesting assistance buttoning her gown.

  “I’ll be over shortly,” the older woman told her. “You get your hair fixed, and by then I should be done in the kitchen.”

  Thirty minutes later, Mrs. O’Mallie came scurrying in the back doorway, proceeded to Delphinia’s room, and her nimble fingers went to work closing the tiny pearl buttons that trailed down the back of the dress. “Now, let’s put your veil on,” she said after Delphinia had slipped her feet into the new white slippers. Carefully, Mrs. O’Mallie pulled curly tendrils of hair from behind the veil to frame either side of Delphinia’s face.

  “There! God never made a more beautiful bride,” she said, stepping back and taking full view of the young woman. “Let’s get you down the hall to your pa. You wait here in the hallway, and I’ll see if he’s awake,” Mrs. O’Mallie instructed.

  Delphinia could hear Mrs. O’Mallie talking with her father, propping him up to permit a good view as she entered the room.

  “All right. You can come in now,” Mrs. O’Mallie called out.

  Delphinia watched her father as she walked into the room. He appeared awestruck after she pivoted in a full circle, allowing him to see the entire dress. Turning back to face him, she watched a small tear slide down each of his sunken cheeks.

  “I wish your mama could see you,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I know I’ve never seen such a pretty picture as you in that dress. Hasn’t God been good to allow me such joy?”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased with my choice,” Delphinia said, walking to the bed and placing a kiss on his damp cheek. “Thank you for accepting my decision to marry Jonathan, Papa, and thank you for this lovely wedding gift. I just wish you could be there for the wedding,” she said.

  “Your mama and I may not be with you in person, but we’ll be there. You just remember that,” he answered, trying to force his quivering lips into a smile.

  “I know you will, I know,” she answered.

  “I think we’d better get this young lady out of her gown before she has it worn out,” Mrs. O’Mallie said, trying to brighten the spirits of both father and daughter.

  “We wouldn’t want that,” her father answered, “at least not until she’s said her vows. You go ahead and change. We can visit again before you go to bed.”

  Delphinia returned once Mrs. O’Mallie had gone home. She sat by her father’s bedside, visiting when he was awake and holding his hand as he slept, aware he was now in constant pain.

  Later that night, a knock on her bedroom door awakened Delphinia from a sound sleep. Thinking she had overslept, her feet hit the floor before she realized it was still dark outside. Quickly, she pulled on her robe and rushed to open the door. Sam’s eyes told it all.

  “He’s gone, isn’t he?” she asked.

  He nodded his head in affirmation. “I got home a few minutes ago and went in to check on him. He was dead. I’m sure he slipped away in his sleep,” he said, watching her reaction, not sure how she would handle the news.

  “He was ready,” she said. “I know the pain had worn him down. What time is it?” she asked.

  “Around five thirty,” he answered sheepishly. “I was gone longer than expected.”

  She did not respond to his comment but knew from the odor of his breath that he had been drinking.

  “I think I’ll put on a pot of coffee. Mrs. O’Mallie will be up and about soon. She’ll want to know. Why don’t you get some sleep? There’s nothing that needs to be done right now,” she said, hoping he would take her suggestion.

  “If you’re all right, I’ll do that. I have several calls to make later this morning, and I’m going to need some rest,” he responded.

  “I’m fine. You go ahead,” she answered, already lost in her own thoughts.

  When Mrs. O’Mallie arrived, Delphinia was dressed and sitting at the kitchen table, sipping her third cup of coffee.

  “Aren’t you the early bird? Coffee made and gone already,” she said brightly.

  Taking a closer look at the young woman, she saw her eyes were red and puffy. “Come here, child,” she said, her arms outstretched to enfold and give comfort, her instincts telling her that death had come.

  “Does Sam know?” Mrs. O’Mallie inquired.

  “Yes, he went up to get some rest a little while ago. He didn’t get much sleep last night,” she answered without further explanation. “I was hoping you would help me with arrangements,” Delphinia said, a sense of foreboding in her voice.

  “Of course, I will. In fact, I’ll take care of as much or as little as you’d like. You just tell me how much help you want,” Mrs. O’Mallie answered, patting the younger woman’s hand.

  “Perhaps if you would go with me?” Delphinia asked. “Oh and, Mrs. O’Mallie, I was wondering…” She paused, not sure how to proceed.

  “Yes? Come now, Delphinia, you can ask me anything,” the older woman urged.

  “I don’t think it would be proper for me to remain in Dr. Finley’s house. Would you mind very much if I stayed with you until after the funeral? I’ll leave just as soon as I can make travel arrangements,” she said apologetically.

  “I would love to have you come stay with me. If I would have been thinking straight, I would have already offered. Why don’t you pack your things while I get myself ready?” she replied, already heading for the door.

  Two days later, Mrs. O’Mallie and Sam Finley took Delphinia to meet the stage heading east out of Denver City.

  Chapter 18

  The journey by stage was tiring, but the air was cool, and Delphinia felt exhilarated to be on her way home. The stage was on schedule, allowing her to make the train connections, and the trip home, although long, went smoothly. Her body ached for rest, however, and she wished she had been able to notify Jonathan of her arrival.

  The train lurched to a stop, and the conductor walked the aisle of the coach calling out, “Council Grove.” Wearily, Delphinia made her way to the end of the coach, where the conductor assisted her to the platform. “We’ll have your trunk unloaded in just a few minutes, ma’am. You can wait in the station,” he said politely.

  She nodded and thanked him, too tired to be concerned about her trunk. The station was empty of customers, and Delphinia sat on one of the two long wooden benches, waiting as instructed.

  Her eyes fluttered open when she heard a voice asking, “Do you often sleep in train stations, Phiney?”

  Looking down at her were those two beautiful blue eyes that belonged to the man she loved. “Jonathan, how did you…? Why are you…? What…?” she stammered.

  “I don’t believe you’re quite awake. Seems like you can’t get your words out,” he said with a smile, lifting her into his arms and lightly kissing her lips.

  “I don’t… We ought not…”

  “Seems my kiss wasn’t quite enough to waken you. You’re still stammering. I must be out of practice,” he said and once again covered her mouth, enjoying the sweetness of her.

  “Oh, Jonathan, I’ve missed you so. It’s even good to be called Phiney,” she said when he finally released her. “It seems I’ve been gone forever, and so much has happened. How did you know I would be here?”

  “I didn’t know for sure
, but I got a letter from your pa yesterday saying if things went as planned, he expected you’d be back today. I decided I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet your train. I checked the schedules and knew you couldn’t make connections for another three days if you didn’t get here today,” he answered.

  “You got a letter from Pa? Isn’t that amazing?” she said, wonderment on her face.

  “Well, Mrs. O’Mallie had written it for him.”

  “Oh, I realize he didn’t write it,” she said. “I’m amazed because he wrote a letter telling you when I’d be home before he took a turn for the worse and died. It’s almost as if he planned just what he wanted to accomplish and then died,” she responded.

  “I didn’t know…. I’m so sorry,” he began.

  “I know. It’s all right,” she answered. “Papa was ready to meet the Lord, and I know he and Mama are enjoying their reunion,” she said with a smile.

  “Where are the children?” she asked, finally looking around to see if they were outside the station.

  “Guess I was selfish. I left them at home with Maggie,” he answered.

  “Maggie?” she questioned.

  “Maggie Landry, the widow who’s been helping while you were gone,” he responded.

  “I guess I left in such a rush, I never knew her name. I only remembered that Jennie O’Laughlin knew of a widow. How has she worked out? Do the children like her? Is she a good cook? You and Tessie never mentioned her when you wrote, and I guess I didn’t think to ask,” she said, her voice suddenly full of concern.

  “I didn’t worry too much about her cooking and cleaning or whether the children liked her,” he answered, his voice serious. “She’s such a beauty, I didn’t care about her homemaking abilities,” he said and then seeing the look on her face, broke into gales of laughter.

  “She’s probably close to sixty years old, Phiney!” His laughter continued until Delphinia stomped her foot in agitation and insisted he quiet down.

  “Jonathan Wilshire, I was merely inquiring about the woman’s expertise. You make it sound as though I were jealous,” she said with an air of indignation.

  “Weren’t you? Now, don’t answer too quickly, Phiney. I don’t want you to have to ask forgiveness for telling a lie,” he said with a grin.

  He watched her face as she tried to think of just the right answer. “Perhaps, just a little, but then my jealousy was quickly replaced by pity for the poor woman, since she’d have to put up with you and your antics if you took a fancy to her,” she answered smugly.

  “Is that so?” he asked, once again kissing her soundly as he lifted her onto the seat of the wagon. “You stay put until I get your trunk loaded. If I don’t get you home soon, I know five little Wilshires who are going to have my hide.”

  “I’m not planning on going anywhere without you again,” she said, smiling down at him.

  The reunion with the children was full of chaos. The twins greeted her with sounds of “Mama” and clung to her skirt while the boys tried to shout over each other to be heard. In the midst of the confusion, Tessie and Mrs. Landry tried to get dinner on the table.

  The meal reminded Delphinia of the day she and Jonathan had first come to Kansas. It seemed like yesterday, and yet, in other ways, it was a lifetime ago. This was her home now. This was where she belonged.

  After dinner Jonathan hitched the horses to the buggy and delivered Mrs. Landry back home for a much-needed rest, leaving Tessie and Delphinia to visit while cleaning the kitchen. They had talked of the children’s antics while she had been gone and news of neighbors, school, and church, when Delphinia mentioned her surprise at finding the quilt top in her trunk.

  “I was pleased you sent your quilt top with me,” Delphinia said. “I didn’t find it until I had been in Denver City for over a week. I didn’t unpack my trunk right away, thinking I’d be able to return sooner,” she confided.

  “I was afraid you wouldn’t come back to us. I’m sure Denver City is wonderful and full of excitement. I guess I thought if I sent the quilt along, you’d be sure and return,” Tessie said sheepishly.

  “It was more special for me to find that quilt top than almost anything you can imagine, Tessie, and we’re going to begin work on it right away,” she said just as Jonathan came into the room.

  “I don’t think so,” he said, interrupting their conversation.

  “Why not?” they asked in unison.

  “Because I plan on keeping you occupied for the next week or so,” he said sternly.

  “Is that so?” she responded, rising to the challenge in his voice.

  “I’ve sure missed being able to spar with you, gal,” he said with a laugh. “But the fact is, I intend to have a wedding right away and spend a few days with you all to myself. What have you got to say to that?” he asked.

  “I’d say it sounds wonderful,” she answered. “I’m sure Tessie would allow us a little time before we start our project. Especially if she knows I’ve found something special for the binding on her quilt,” she remarked, watching Tessie’s eyes light up with anticipation.

  “What did you get? Please show me, and then I promise I’ll be off to bed,” she begged.

  “I think she’s convinced me,” said Jonathan.

  Delphinia opened the trunk that Jonathan had placed just inside the door, and, reaching down along one side with her hand, she pulled out a roll of soft fabric. With a smile that showed her pleasure, she placed the coil of lustrous ivory fabric in Tessie’s hands.

  “Oh, it’s so elegant. Where did you ever find it?” Tessie asked.

  “It’s the same material that my wedding dress is made from. When I was being fitted for my gown, I told the shopkeeper about the quilt we were going to finish when I returned to Kansas. She suggested we might like to use the leftover fabric from my gown. I hoped you would like the idea,” she answered.

  “How could I not like it?” she asked, giving Delphinia a hug.

  “And now, young lady, off to bed,” Jonathan said. “I’d like to visit with Phiney a little while before I go over to my cabin. It’s not too cool outside. Why don’t we sit on the porch?” Jonathan said, moving toward the door.

  Once they were seated, he continued, “I know you’re tired, and I don’t plan to keep you up long, but I hope you’ll consent to our being married a week from Saturday. Mrs. Aplington and the other women at church have already begun planning the festivities for afterward, and I announced in church we’d be getting married on your return. The preacher says he’ll keep the date open, and I’ve got some ideas about a wedding trip. You’ve got your wedding dress, so there’s nothing to hold us back,” he said convincingly.

  “I think that sounds fine, except I don’t want to go on a wedding trip. I’ve just gotten home,” she answered.

  “Don’t you think we need a little time alone, without the children around?” he asked, not wanting to sound selfish but sure he did not want to marry and return home to the five children on their wedding day.

  “What would you think about our staying at your cabin for a week or so after we’re married? Just the two of us. We could see if Maggie would stay with the children, but we’d still be close by.”

  “I think that would be just fine,” he answered, giving her a hug. “It’s so good to have you home. You can’t imagine how much I’ve missed you. Now, I think I’d better let you get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning,” he said and gave her a kiss.

  She stood on the porch watching as he made his way toward the smaller cabin. He was almost to his cabin when he turned and shouted loudly, “I love you, Phiney.”

  Smiling, she turned and walked into the house, savoring the pure joy of being back home with her Kansas family.

  A light tap on the door awakened Delphinia from a sound sleep, and she was surprised to see the sun already beginning its ascent. A cool autumn breeze drifted through the small bedroom window as she called out, “Who is it?”

  “Just me,” came Tessie’s vo
ice. “May I come in?” she asked.

  “Of course you can,” Delphinia answered and watched as the young redhead walked into the room and plopped herself at the foot of the bed.

  “How can you be sleeping like this? You’re always first up, and here it is your wedding day when you should be all fluttery or something, and you’re sleeping like a baby,” Tessie exclaimed, full of frustration that she was the only one awake on a day she considered should be full of excitement from dawn until dark.

  “I’m not sure why I’m still asleep,” Delphinia answered. “Perhaps because I wasn’t able to doze off until a short time ago,” she admitted.

  “Well, now that you’re awake, what do we do first?” Tessie questioned, beginning to bounce on the side of the bed, unable to control her anticipation.

  “For starters, you can quit jostling the bed,” Delphinia answered with a smile. “If you really want to help, you can get breakfast started. Jonathan will be through with chores before I get out of bed, at this rate,” she said, throwing back the covers and swinging her feet over the side of the bed.

  “Aw, that’s not what I meant. I want to really do something. You know, for the wedding,” Tessie replied.

  “Wedding or not, we still have to eat breakfast, Tessie. The wedding isn’t until this afternoon, and we’ve got to finish our regular work before we can get ready,” Delphinia prodded.

  “Okay, I’ll get breakfast started,” she answered, somewhat disheartened.

  Delphinia smiled inwardly at the girl’s excitement over the wedding. Seems like only yesterday, she didn’t even want me on this homestead, and now you’d think this wedding was the greatest event of her life, Delphinia mused, thankful that God had been so good to all of them.

  By three o’clock, the appointed time to leave the cabin, Delphinia wasn’t sure anything was ready. If Maggie Landry hadn’t shown up early to help, they wouldn’t have been to the church until dusk. Insistent that Jonathan not see her before the wedding, the Aplingtons agreed Delphinia would go to the church with them, and Jonathan could bring the rest of the family in the buckboard. The twins protested vehemently when Delphinia began to leave, Nate tugged on her gown, while Nettie kept calling after her in a tearful voice, trying to suck her thumb and cry at the same time.