Brides of the West-Part One

by Hestand, Rita

  Chapter Seven

  Emily met Mrs. Martin on her trip to get water at the creek one morning. They'd camped close to a spring and everyone was indulging in the fresh water, filling their barrels and watering the stock.

  Mrs. Martin was alone that morning.

  The girl was so young, and Emily sensed very unaware of things. Emily wanted to be her friend, for she sensed the woman was afraid…of everything.

  She saw a beautiful young woman, blonde hair, blue eyes and delicate looking filling her bucket with water. "Hello there." Emily smiled at the girl.

  "Hi." The girl said shyly.

  "I'm Emily Morgan, aren't you Mrs. Martin?" Emily asked noticing the beautiful dress the woman wore. She wondered at that, silk dresses in a country of rawhide didn't seem to fit. But she didn't let it stop her from introducing herself. A lot of the younger women wore their best clothes. Emily thought it impractical, but they would soon learn that beautiful clothes wouldn't last on a train. Silk would soil easy, and hang up on nails and such. They were impractical.

  Emily had stocked up on skirts and blouses and a few riding clothes too, but there was no silk, this just wasn't the place for it. She had plenty of nice dresses back in New York, but she hadn't brought them with her. She wasn't planning on any balls, or dances to go to.

  "Yes, I'm Mary Martin." The girl said rather shyly as she dipped her bucket into the spring. She splashed water on herself and almost cried as it soaked into her beautiful silk dress. Emily smiled to herself wishing she could just walk up to the girl and tell her a few things, but that just wasn't done. People had to learn for themselves.

  "Pleased to meet you. I've wanted to get to know more of the people on the train." Emily explained. "You're one of our newlyweds aren't you?"

  The woman blushed. "I guess we are. Although, I don't know if we are the only newlyweds or not."

  "You're not. Cole and I haven't been married long either."

  "Really…" The girl looked at her. "You're married to the wagon master?"

  "That's right. We got married just before we started this train in Independence." Emily informed her.

  "Oh…we got married just before the start of the drive too." She explained. "James insisted we take advantage of the prime land offered in Oregon territory. Up to 640 acres if you're married. Of course, that's not why we married."

  "Well good, we have something in common then. How are you making out?" Emily asked.

  "Okay, I guess. It isn't at all how I expected it to be."

  "No?"

  "So primitive and wild."

  "Yes, but beautiful too, don't you think?"

  "I guess. Well, I better get back, James worries about me if I'm gone too long. He's so protective." She smiled vaguely.

  "Of course, if you need anything let me know," Emily called after her.

  The girl half turned to look at her, "Thanks…"

  Emily found it strange that the girl seemed so shy, but she didn't say anything. She was young and maybe a little scared about the trip.

  That afternoon they camped for a reasonably long time and it gave Emily a chance to visit with Mrs. Meriwether."

  "I met Mrs. Martin today at the spring," Emily remarked. Waiting for a reaction, Emily stared out at the prairie.

  "Oh yes, the little newlywed. Did she speak to you?"

  "Of course, why?"

  "She doesn't speak to any of us. And I'm not sure why, I don't know whether she thinks she's better or she's just too shy to speak up. But I suppose she's a little scared about this trip. They just got married and he whisk her on this train away from her folks and all she knew. She's very out of place here. I hope she adapts. It's hard just starting out. I think the land opportunity for married folks prompted the quick marriage. It is a rare opportunity. And most folks are looking forward to owning their own land."

  "Perhaps he just saw an opportunity to start out well." Emily offered. "A man that knows where he is going is a wise man."

  "He's anxious to do well, I am aware of that. Very ambitious I'm told. Her folks are filthy rich and I'm sure he's eager to make his mark in life too. Don't know how he managed to marry her. Her folks are not the kind to mix with ordinary people." Mrs. Meriwether remarked not missing a stitch on her crocheting. "And James Martin is pretty typical."

  "Yeah, I saw how she was dressed. Not exactly pioneer gear. But then she's young and probably wants to look nice for her husband." Emily smiled. "Maybe you should give her a little advice along the way. She'd probably take it coming from you."

  "Me? No…not me. I don't meddle where I don't belong, and I certainly don't need to be giving her advice that she probably wouldn't take anyway. If they are to make it, she'll have to come off her high horse, and he'll have to work like the dickens to ever make as much as her folks. Not that it's impossible, but it will take a heap of working. Young people have so much to learn and they are so eager to know everything."

  "They are young, they have a whole lifetime to catch up with others, if that's what they want to do." Emily sighed. "Maybe if he gets her far enough away from her folks, they can learn to be happy with each other. Kinfolks some time have the habit of interfering too much."

  Mrs. Meriwether eyed her. "You know of all the people I've met on this train, I can't figure you out. Your husband has been a confirmed bachelor for years, and then all of sudden we're informed he's married. And you, you come along and fit right in…well…it's unusual."

  "I'm trying to fit right in." Emily smiled. What the woman didn't know was that she came from a wealthy family too, the difference being, Emily put no stock in money and position. She never had. She wanted to be her own person and have the right to choose her own life.

  "You have an air about you that speaks good breeding. I've watched you, but you also have a natural talent that a good wagon master's wife needs on a train. You can adapt to almost any situation. Not many can do that. You got a good head on your shoulders, I can tell. You know when to open your mouth and when to keep it shut. That's important. And you know when to ask for advice, which is something few know how to do."

  "You give me a lot of credit. I hope I can live up to it. But…I want to go west Mrs. Meriwether, and I want to cause the least amount of trouble to my husband or others while doing it." Emily explained. "Life is what you make it, don't you think?"

  Mrs. Meriwether glanced at her and shrugged.

  Emily glanced at her work. "That's beautiful. I'd like to learn to do that."

  "Would you now…I'd be more than happy to teach you."

  So she got out a sample piece for Emily to work on and showed her how it was done. Emily copied her movements and caught on quick. She found it relaxing to work on it while they talked although she had to admit she had to pay attention to what she was doing more than Mrs. Meriwether. "It's fun…and relaxing."

  "That it is. I wish my youngest daughter were interested in something other than men…She won't try to cook or sew or do anything. If she does happen to catch a fella, I fear she won't be able to keep him." Mrs. Meriwether laughed. "But believe it or not, I'm not a busy-body who interferes in their lives. I learned a long time ago that you have to let them do for themselves. I offer encouragement from time to time, but Beth doesn't listen too well. I'm afraid she's the rebel of the family. She seems to be interested in the married men more than the singled ones."

  "She's beautiful." Emily glanced up in time to see Beth heading toward her husband. Emily didn't get up, nor get upset. She quietly went on with her sewing. The one thing she had learned was that her husband could take care of himself.

  "And she knows it, I'm afraid. I'll spend many a night fretting about that one. She thinks she is in love with your husband, right now. With every woman's husband. She doesn't know what she really wants. But it always looks greener when a man is married to someone else."

  Emily glanced at the woman. "Really…?"

  "She knows he's married. But that doesn't seem to matter. Forgive her. She's young and has
a lot to learn."

  "You can't change the way a person is…"

  "No…but you can try." Mrs. Meriwether laughed. "It doesn't bother you that she runs after him?"

  "It bothers me that any young woman, as pretty as she would run after a married man. I'm afraid my husband has little time for romance…"

  "Lansford Derryberry is in love with her, a boy she met on this trip. He's tried to talk to her, but she discourages him every time. She won't give him the time of day. She says he's boring, and I can see where comparing him to someone like your husband, she would think that. But every man must make his own mark in the world, and Lansford is young yet. He's traveling on this train. He's asked her to dance several times at the socials back in Independence, before we left on this train. She refused him. But he keeps asking."

  "Oh, why do you compare him to my husband?"

  "Have you seen him? He's tall and thin and wears spectacles. He isn't exactly handsome. Nor is he a man's man. And Beth judges a man by his muscles and looks."

  "Cole isn't an exceptionally big man, he is tough, and rugged, and I can see where that would attract any woman."

  Just then, Mary Martin passed by. She didn't wave at her, or even act as though she had met her. Emily stared at her.

  Mrs. Meriwether looked too.

  "Most people think she's a snob. I've heard Mrs. Martin wants a baby right away. Why are young people so in a hurry for things? Nature has a way of taking its course. They say her wagon is loaded with brand new baby furniture. And she isn't expecting yet."

  Emily smiled to herself. "I wish her luck…and hope she knows what she's getting into. To be newly married and wanting a child seems like putting the cart first. Marriage is a new kind of relationship and it takes a while to adjust to it."

  "You weren't in a hurry, how come? I mean…no offense but you aren't a child."

  Emily blushed. She'd never thought of the prospect of having a family. She was just getting use to the idea of being married. "There's no rush. I know I’m not as young as Mary, but I am one to believe that all things happen in good time. God has a plan for us all. If and when the time comes, it will happen, but not before."

  "Aw…you're Christian too." Mrs. Meriwether smiled.

  "Yes, I am. That's a freedom I've learned to appreciate out here. I've never felt so free in my life. I don't want to rush anything." Emily admitted. "You see I'm still getting to know my husband."

  "Aw…to be young and in love again." Mrs. Meriwether cackled. "You are a wise woman to know you don't know enough about him. Most young women think if they marry a man, they know everything. Some are in for a big shock, I’m afraid."

  "I've heard Gloria Townsend is pregnant. Do you know when she is due?"

  "She'll be delivering before we get to the Willamette Valley."

  "That soon, huh? Well, we'll need to keep a close eye on her, then." Emily affirmed.

  "It's her first, but her and her husband have been married a couple of years, I understand. She's just the sweetest little lady. You'll love her."

  "Sounds like she's a sensible young woman. Although, I wouldn't want to be pregnant and moving west at the same time."

  "Her husband wanted to take advantage of the land too. But I don't blame him, especially with a new family starting out. They are so in love those two…like you and your husband."

  In love? Where had she gotten such an idea? But when Emily thought about it, she realized that she liked her husband a lot. She liked who he was, the man he was. And liking was the first step.

  "I'm told you have six children." Emily kept on working. Strangely enough, the piece was taking shape now and she admired her own handiwork.

  "Yes, all girls. God bless every one of them. But such headaches they are until they marry."

  "I guess you've had your hands full at times then," Emily commented.

  "And then some. But, thankfully all but Beth are happily married and starting their families. Most of my girls had no troubles finding a man. Good men too." The older woman smiled at her. "Are you and Cole planning on starting a family soon?"

  "We haven't discussed that yet. We are still getting used to each other. I'm in no hurry to bring more into the world until I'm sure of things." Emily remarked casually.

  "Sure of things? No one is sure of things Emily."

  "I guess you're right." They sewed quietly for a while then Emily looked at her thoughtfully. "What did you think about Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Murphy fighting over the cow?" Emily asked wanting to gauge the reactions of others without inciting them.

  "I thought your husband handled that well. If Perez didn't know if it was Anthrax, then the only thing to do was isolate that cow. There hasn't been much change in the poor thing they say. I think maybe Murphy was right, it probably just had a bad case of colic. Jacobs jumped the gun too quickly. But Cole put him in his place, as he should. Can't have a man drawing a weapon over every little thing. There are children here and they could easily get hurt. Cole did right."

  Emily stared at her for a long moment, then broke into a big smile. "I like you Mrs. Meriwether."

  "Thank you!" she chuckled.

  "I guess I better be getting back, got to get dinner on for the boys. Thanks so much for the recipes. They are enjoying them."

  "Did they like the stew?" Mrs. Meriwether asked.

  "Loved it. And your recipes are so easy to follow." Emily smiled.

  "Glad to help. I've got a few more written down for you since then, so take these." She handed her some more recipes and chuckled. "I'm glad you are feeding them well."

  "You don't know how much I appreciate this. And the men too."

  "Didn't your mother teach you to cook?" Mrs. Meriwether cocked her head to look at her now.

  "No ma'am, she was involved in my father's business, she wasn't much of a homemaker I'm afraid. What I learned was just here and there. But working in an office I did learn to make coffee well." Emily said.

  "Good for you, around here, coffee is the most important thing."

  "I believe that with all my heart. Good day…"

  "Bye now. If you need anything, holler."

  "I will!" Emily promised.

  Chapter Eight

  A few nights later, Emily was drying the dishes and Cole came up to her.

  Most of the men on night duty had left, the others had settled out and were resting. Some cleaned their guns, others, fiddled with making new ropes, some went straight to sleep they were so tired.

  "How's things going?" He asked in a husky voice, as he sat down on a log.

  "Fine. Did you get some supper?" She asked knowing he had come back late and looked rather tired.

  "Yeah, thanks. I checked on that cow."

  "And what did you decide?" She asked putting the pot away.

  "The cow must have got some bad feed or caught a stomach problem. She's alright now. I put her back with the rest of the herd. She doesn't have Anthrax. Perez agreed with me. He said there would be more signs by now if she did."

  "I'm glad! You set a lot of stock in Perez, don't you?"

  "He's been around, done things, he has more experience than most. Especially with cattle. Yes, I trust his word on anything. He's kept us from having problems with the Indians many times and I trust him with my life."

  "It's good to have men you can trust."

  "Yeah. Still, the fact that someone jumped on that so fast and reacted like Jacobs did worries me. We have a long trip ahead of us."

  "That's true, and I wanted to tell you that Gloria Townsend…is expecting her first child before the end of the trip."

  "Glad you told me about her. I knew we had a pregnant lady on the train, but didn't know her name. We'll have to keep an eye on her. Will you help me?"

  "Be glad to."

  She saw the stress on his face, the tired look of a cowboy who'd been in the saddle too long. She brought him a cup of coffee.

  "Thanks, I needed that."

  She put the last of the dishes up and turned to l
ook at him.

  His glance slid over her, and something in his expression flickered in the firelight.

  "You've been working pretty hard. You're actually learning to cook, aren't you?"

  "You're the one that sent me over to Mrs. Meriwether." She grinned. "She's been so much help."

  "I'm glad you haven't had too much trouble so far. And I'm glad you take a suggestion to heart too." He smiled and he was about to leave again when suddenly he walked straight up to her and whispered. "Don't be mad now. But we have an audience and I need to make sure she gets the message. I've already tried to run her off once today. But this should discourage her."

  His hand reached to caress Emily's cheek as she backed against the wagon for support. Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched from the slightest of touches. She wouldn't admit it, but her knees were shaking.

  "Beth?" She barely breathed.

  "Yes." His hand stroked her cheek as Emily became very still. Even though this was to teach someone else a lesson, Emily had to put it all into perspective, for the look in Cole's eyes mesmerized her. She wasn't used to being the center of any man's attention and it riveted her to the spot.

  "You're a good lady, Em…" He whispered as she leaned into the wagon, almost dodging his movements.

  She knew his words were to soothe her flaring temper. But her temper wasn't her problem. She was reacting to every move Cole made.

  She wasn't angry, she was tired and her emotions were close to the surface.

  No one else was around but the two of them and Beth. Beth was over by a tree, trying to conceal herself as she watched the display of affection. Her expression was painful to watch.

  "She's in love with you…or thinks she is…" Emily whispered trying to keep Beth in her mind while he attacked her senses with soft words and gentle touches.

  "She's a child. I'm a man. And I have a wife…"

  "Yes…you do." She swallowed and tried to smile.