A few minutes later the, the bell dinged again and Angela stood up. She turned and looked at Ted, memorizing his face, his eyes and the way he looked at her. He took two strides and he held her tight and for a moment the intense rush was almost painful; his hand in her hair, his breath coming in gasps as he kissed her. She had never felt so overwhelmed. She never wanted it to end.
“Goodbye my love, for now.” Ted said before their last kiss.
Angela could say nothing as she felt him let her go. He had to walk away, he turned and waved but then he didn’t look back until he reached the corner where he had to turn. Angela waved then held her hands over her face. He would be on the boat within the hour. The day had come.
Angela took a seat on the bench she had recently shared with Ted and she sobbed into her hands. The long wait had begun.
Chapter 27 - Corinne
Willamette Valley Oregon
Corinne felt the exhaustion of pregnancy on some days and others she had boundless energy. Lucas was constantly checking on her. He always tried to make it seem like he was just being affectionate. But she knew he was there to make sure she wasn’t overdoing her work. She decided to not be annoyed but to take it as a positive sign. He cared about her and the baby. It was endearing and sweet once she allowed herself to realize how lucky she was. These last few weeks had been good for her marriage.
The reality of marriage was more than she ever expected. The sweetness of the first bloom of love deepened into something else. It grew like the trees in the orchard. It started and seemed so important when it first sprouted. She felt like she and Lucas crossed into a new understanding of each other. She knew the areas that she needed to let God in, to help her be a better wife. And God showed her how much Lucas really cared for her with his every action. The way he accepted her dreams and goals, without question. Her work was a passion for her and he didn’t demonize her for it. He had never made her feel anything but special. She didn’t know many men who would have allowed her to be her true self. She knew many stories about strong-headed females from her previous life in Boston and even as a young woman in Kentucky. It was always told as a cautionary tale to young women, especially in her schooling. A woman’s place was a docile and domestic one. That was her purpose on earth. Corinne’s mother had taught her differently but she remembered how some women had treated her. She was spoken of harshly sometimes. The memories were faded but she remembered how her mother had cried a few tears over lost friendships or judgmental words. Corinne was thankful for her life, grateful to have a place to work and be herself without fear.
Lucas strode into her greenhouse; the place was warm in the spring sunshine. He looked to have a purpose more than just a normal visit.
“Hello beautiful.” He kissed her cheek after he found her. The foliage of some plants was thick with blooms and the place was full of green and growing things. Corinne smiled and leaned against his chest. Her hands were covered with dirt. But the affection was nice.
“Your father just found me in the fields. There are rumors of a few wildcats in the area. Some farmers in the valley have reported farm animals being attacked and the sounds of the mountain cats. Their calls could be heard through the night sky by several different families spread through the valley.” Lucas shared the news with a hint of tension in his voice. His calm demeanor was not challenged very often.
“What should we do?” Corinne asked, a little concerned for her and her family’s safety.
“We can take precautions. We have several rifles. I want one loaded by the door at all times. But the local farmers and ranchers, as well as all the hands and workers should be on the lookout. This is one of the reasons why your father built his house and barns at the edge of his property and then the house we live in so close to his. In the valley we are out in the open, but our buildings and fires, smoke and movement will hopefully detour dangerous predators, people or animals from coming too close.” Lucas rubbed a hand across Corinne’s lower back as he spoke. It was comforting and felt good. She was very achy and the motion calmed her fears just as much as his information. He planted a kiss near her temple and then spoke again. “Your father wants us to come to dinner tonight, Violet too. Would you mind going to tell her? I want to ride out to my brother’s place and make sure they are sufficiently warned.”
“I would be glad to.. I am going to send everyone home early. I am feeling tired and achy. I may catch a nap before dinner. Feel free to join me if you get home and cannot find me.” Corinne said and gave him a kiss and a smile that made him smirk.
Lucas left and Corinne had a good talk with Dolly and the others that were in her lab. Everyone seemed as concerned as she about the talk of wildcats and wanted to get to a safe place.
“You go and rest, I will clean up here and head home within the hour. I am staying with Marie and John tonight so I do not have far to walk. I feel safe while the sun is out.” Dolly stated. Corinne gave her friend a weary smile and nodded. She walked the stone path to her home. She found Violet in a back bedroom hanging curtains.
“Those are lovely. You did a superb job on making those.” Corinne said sincerely. The dark blue print with sprigs of flowers matched the bedspread quilt with a homey charm. This was Angela’s room and it gave a pang in her heart about how much she wished her friend were home.
“Thank you. It was a pleasure to do. I am glad I took a chance on the fabric. Sometimes fabric is so hard to come by that is unique and pretty.” Violet said. Her smile was a constant. She just had a joy within her, no matter what the situation.
“You have excellent taste, I am glad you found it. I thank God for you and your help every day.” Corinne said and surprised Violet with a hug.
Violet blushed but squeezed back for a moment before she was released. This new job felt like more than a job. It felt like the beginning of a new life.
“I feel the same way about being here.” Violet said.
Corinne could feel her emotions rise. “Well enough of the weepy stuff. My emotions are all over the place these days. Crying over curtains is a sure sign that I need a nap.”
Both of the young women laughed. Corinne told her quickly about the dinner invitation and the wildcat situation. Violet had only done a preliminary prep for dinner but nothing was cooking yet. She did have bread baked and would take it over when they went. Violet sent Corinne off to rest as she retreated to the sitting room for a quiet activity. She would do the mending while Corinne slept.
* * * * *
Dinner at the Harpoles was a pleasant affair. The table was extended to fit everyone to its maximum.
“You should think about getting a larger table, John.” Marie teased.
“Well, with more people joining our clan everyday it seems a wise idea.” John gave his wife a wink.
“I made a coffee cake for dessert, any takers?” Marie stood up and asked. A resounding ‘Aye’ was heard all around with laughter and hands raised. Dolly and Violet both jumped up to help. Dolly grabbed plates and Violet refilled coffee cups for those that wanted some.
“Before we talk about wild creatures and other community news, I wanted to talk about something with you all.” John stood and took the cake and cutting knife from his smiling wife. He pointed her to her seat and she kissed him on the cheek before she obeyed his lighthearted command. He served the cake to everyone then resumed his speech.
“I have a daughter, and now a son, that I adore. Now my daughter is expecting her own child and I am so proud. In all the change in the last six years of my life I never expected to be so blessed. To have loved and lost and then found love again, I know that God has a plan better than I could have ever plotted out for myself. Now I find myself at the brink of another change.” John paused strategically and gave his wife a wink. “Marie and I are also expecting a child.”
The entire place erupted in a cheer, the clapping and backslapping commenced. Corinne ran first to her father with an embrace and then to Marie. Her tears of joy were sincere.
Cooper was next on Corinne’s list of persons to hug. They had a little sister-brother chat. Corinne knelt down to look him in the eye.
“I am so excited to be a big sister again.” Corinne said to Cooper. His eyes grew big.
“I’m excited, too, to be a brother. But I hope Papa doesn’t forget about me when the baby comes.” Cooper said. Corinne could tell he had his own doubts about how he fit.
“Our dad has a big heart. He can love you and me, and Marie, and he has love left over for lots of people. That’s how God made us.” Corinne said with a nod.
“It is?” Cooper asked.
“Yep, I never had a brother until I met you. I couldn’t help but love you. You want to know what dad told me just the other day.” Corinne asked, her heart bursting to share a moment with her step-brother.
“What did he say?” Cooper asked.
“He bragged about how strong you were, and how smart you are around the horses. He thinks you are going to be a great man someday.” Corinne said. “That’s how men say I love you.”
Cooper’s chest puffed out with the praise. “He really said all that stuff?”
“I would never lie to you Coop. He said all that and more.” Corinne gave the boy another hug and his arms slipped around her neck and he squeezed her tight. She had to admit, she lost her heart to this little man a bit more every day.
The talk around the table got a bit more serious a few moments later. They discussed a strategy for how to remain safe. Everyone agreed that staying inside after dark was a necessity. John also discussed how he was looking into getting a dog.
“Those aren’t as easy to find in the west as they used to be out east.” Lucas stated.
“I know of a few people with pups. I am heading to Portland in a few days, there is an Aussie shepherd litter that I want to look at.” John said.
“I’m going with you!” Cooper stated and then ran and jumped into his papa’s lap.
“Yes, you are.” John tussled Cooper’s hair affectionately.
Once all the serious topics were discussed the group moved to the sitting room. Dolly and Cooper sat near the fire and played checkers. Corinne, Marie and Violet plotted out new dresses first for Corinne, who admitted that her clothing was getting snug, and then for Marie who knew her time for expansion would come.
John and Lucas spoke more of strategies for dealing with the wildcats, how to keep the livestock from danger and other topics.
It was well past dark when they left. Lucas had Corinne carry the lantern and he had his rifle. But the short trip between properties was uneventful. Violet stirred up the fire in the sitting room and Lucas stoked the fires in the other parts of the house. Corinne sat and chatted with Violet for a little while but soon succumbed to her tired body.
Tomorrow a trip to town was planned for the women in the morning to look for fabric for a new dress for Corinne.
* * * * *
The shopping had gone well and Marie and Corinne had several new fabrics to get their pregnancy wardrobe started. Marie and Corinne snuck a few bolts in for new clothes for violet as well. Violet was a frugal girl and they knew she wouldn’t spend money on herself.
After a little debate Violet was given permission to help Corinne start a collection of booties and sweaters for the baby, since Corinne’s crocheting skills were non-existent. She had tried, she knew she probably could do it if she focused on it but somehow her mind would wonder off to thinking about other things and her loops would be a dismal mess. Corinne finally gave up and swore to leave the crocheting to others.
“Not everyone is good at everything.” Marie said generously.
“It is good that way, God designed us to have our failures to keep us humble.” Violet added wisely. She smiled and gave Corinne a wink. “Thank you for letting me help. I need practice as someday I will have my own babies to crochet for, Lord willing. Hopefully my husband will return soon and we can work on that.” Violet blushed at the thought and then laughed.
“I am praying he does return soon, as well as Angela.” Corinne said. She stretched her back and winced as the muscles in her back were stiff.
Violet was good at seeing Corinne’s discomfort and with a gentle hand she rubbed in small circles on Corinne’s lower back. Corinne sighed with the relief of it and thanked her a minute later.
“I need some rest.” Corinne stated.
“As do I.” Marie agreed. “Getting more tired every day.. I may just grab a catnap before I start supper.”
“Let me do the cooking Marie. I can make enough for everyone.” Violet volunteered.
“That is a lovely gesture Violet, they can come over to my house for dinner. We have shared their table often enough. It can be our turn to bless them.” Corinne said. “I will help out after I sneak in a nap myself.”
Violet gave Corinne a look that Lucas would have been proud of.
“I can set the table at least.” Corinne harrumphed and laughed. “No heavy lifting, I promise.”
“Deal!” Violet took her arm and a bag full of yarn. They waved at Marie and Violet got Corinne tucked into bed with an extra pillow for support.
Violet enjoyed the chance to entertain. She had a menu whipped up in no time and was excited to get to work.
She had sourdough bread pounded out that had been proofing on the counter since morning. She had a good sourdough start that her and Maria were sharing that Chelsea was now part of. A good sourdough took a while to develop and this batch that Violet developed was proving to be a family favorite. Tonight she was making a braided loaf and it would be dense and flavorful. She had a few dry herbs that she was pounding into the dough and it would go with the roasted lamb. She had a fire pit behind the cabin that she designed that Lucas built for her. It was big enough to roast a large pig, a lamb or even a rack of venison. It would come in handy during the harvest season. The wood had been burning and the coals were nice and hot. Violet got some help prepping the lamb on the pole this morning. It was wrapped and seasoned then rubbed down with oil. It was in the cool of the root cellar but she would need a hand to get it over the fire.
Violet walked over to the Harpole ranch and John was nearby. He and a ranch hand helped her get the lamb in the pit. The seasonings on the lamb and the rub had darkened, and the lamb was securely in place. The u-shape of the coals allowed them to use heat from both sides and she placed a large trough in-between to catch the drippings and not cause a grease fire. Violet was well satisfied. She promised the field hand that had helped that if he came by later she would have a plate made for him. He left with smiles and would certainly love joking with the other guys about his special treat. John Harpole stayed with Violet a while and they turned the meat a few times and chatted. He also wanted to make sure the scent of cooking meat wouldn’t bring out the predators. He warned her to be safe. She took his advice to heart and took the rifle with her every time she went out to turn the spit.
Corinne was up after a few hours nap. She was feeling better and was enthusiastic over the scent of the cooking lamb. Lucas was home soon after and took over spit-turning duties. John Harpole and Cooper seemed to want in on the action and stools and chairs were taken out back and the men folk talked around the roasting lamb.
Dolly and Marie came by close to suppertime and Russell, Chelsea and their two little ones filled the house with life. Lucas had taken a quick ride to his brother’s farm to invite them, once he helped Violet with the pit in the morning he knew her plans for lamb roasting. The more the merrier.
The party was a good
one. Cooper was excited because he was leaving with his pa the next day to look at puppies. Corinne and Marie were not allowed to lift a finger so they both enjoyed the camaraderie of their friends and family. Dolly and Chelsea helped Violet get everything into place. The two loaves of herbed sourdough bread were cheered over as they came out of the oven. She generously buttered the tops and let them cool off. Some of the lamb drippings were scooped out of the large pan and Violet use them to fry up some potatoes from the root cellar.
Once the lamb was roasted and pulled from the pit, the family prayer was said and the meal was served. Violet had done a wonderful job and everyone left the table full and happy. The only arguments were playful, a few thought the sourdough bread being the best part of the meal; others thought the lamb had been the better. Violet blushed with the praised but loved it. She felt at home, the acceptance was certain.
Lucas and Russell did all the dishes, with little Cooper designated as the cleanliness inspector. Any dish not passing muster would be washed again.
At dusk the family gathered together. A prayer was said for all the loved ones not with them, Clive and Angela, families back east, and Violet’s husband Eddie. Everyone went home early but satisfied and happy to have had great night together.
Chapter 28 – Angela
San Francisco – California Territory
The bell rang like every day for the many months she had worked the counter. The day was slow. There were no ship arrivals today and the warm weather had the masses digging or playing in the creek beds for any gold dust they could find. Angela looked up from her sorting to see a tall thin young man. Her heart stopped beating for a few seconds before she gasped and nearly lost her knees.
Angela's Hope (Wildflowers) Page 27