by carol fears
"William I would walk happily through hell with you." Carina laid Tommy in his cradle. She walked over to her husband, smiling. She sat in his lap, cradling his face in her hands. "Just going across the country couldn't be that difficult as long as I am with you and Tommy. You have learned the skills that will be needed in this pioneering effort. What a joy it will be to stand by your side and build our life in that new, open country. Do you know my darling William that I believe that this fate was written for us in the stars?"
"I know that it was, my beloved Carina, I know that it was." William embraced his wife and marveled at the workings of the universe that had so perfectly wrought their destiny together.
illiam, Carina, Tommy and Delia left Natchez on April 15, 1841. Their conveyance was a large wagon covered with canvas stretched over a metal frame. They had equipped themselves with all manner of gear necessary to travel across the country and to build a homestead in the wilderness of the frontier. There was so much cargo that scant space remained in the wagon for three adults and a child. One of them would have to walk alongside the wagon while the others rested. Two cows from Mr. Blanchett's prize herd were tied behind the wagon. Two horses were also tied to the back of the wagon; Pomme and a gelding that William favored. During the period when William was making preparations to strike out on their adventure, Carina and Delia spent every hour with Mary learning to prepare meals for the family. Either of the women could wring the neck of a chicken and then pluck it in no time to make it ready to boil. They learned that soaking a venison haunch in vinegar rendered it tender. Mary showed them which wild greens were delicious cooked up in a stew. They also became expert in the art of making bread, as well as high brown biscuits. Mary taught them how to clean their clothing at the creek by beating the clothes on a smooth stone to release the soil. Between the two of them, Carina and Delia would make sure that the family was fed and clothed. William was confident that he could provide shelter and food for all of them. The thought of freedom in the vast open country filled them with excitement as they began the long journey westward.
The day was bright and sunny as the little group started out of Natchez. Carina and William's parents were there to wave them on their way. Carina looked back until the fluttering handkerchiefs had become a blur, finally disappearing from view. Then she steadfastly turned around, squared her shoulders, and focused her eyes toward her destiny.