Davy was crying when she returned inside after hanging the last clean item on the line. She fixed him a bottle and picked him up then relaxed in the rocker while he ate. “How would you like to go to town?”
Large, solemn eyes stared back at her as if he were trying to understand. She stroked his cheek then sang to him of Jesus’ love. When he emptied the bottle, she laid him on the bed while she changed her clothing. She turned to the mirror and loosened her hair, letting it fall down her back. Jason said he loved her hair because it glowed like the setting sun. She brushed it until it shone then pinned it back up and put on her bonnet.
Katie dressed Davy and put him in the sling she’d made for him while they were on the trail. He’d soon be too big and heavy to carry that way. She might have to stay home then.
At the general store, Katie bought some blue sprigged cotton that would make a lovely dress for Susanna. She needed something to perk her up.
The clerk, an older woman with silver in her hair, smiled. “You’re Mrs. Barnett, aren’t you?”
Katie nodded. She loved the sound of her new name.
“I’ve seen you at church. I’m Mrs. Preston. I believe Mr. Preston said your husband started work in the lumber yard today.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Katie cringed. She should pay better attention to people. She barely remembered seeing the woman, and Jason worked for her husband.
“We’re glad to have you with us. In the short time you’ve been here, your brother has made himself invaluable to Brother Blackstone. I understand you play the organ?”
Katie’s heart raced as a warm flush filled her body. “I used to play.” She picked up her bundle and edged toward the door.
“It would be wonderful to have music for our services. Maybe you could practice during the week sometime when no one is at the church to disturb you. I know Mrs. Blackstone would love to watch that sweet baby for you.”
Katie opened the door. “I’ll think about it. Thank you, Mrs. Preston.”
The cool, fresh air felt good on her face. Why must everyone pressure her to play the organ?
The cloudy sky held the threat of rain, but Katie walked out of her way to go past the church. Would she have nerve to go inside and practice? Maybe she’d try tomorrow if it didn’t rain. She stared at the church visualizing the organ inside, her hands held above the keys. While she pumped air with her feet against the pedals, her fingers found a simple C-chord. A horrible, loud, discordant noise filled her mind, and she jerked. Her heart pounded and her breath came fast as she hurried away. She wasn’t ready to try. She couldn’t do it. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Tears blurred her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mama. I’m so sorry. Why did you have to leave me? I can’t do everything. I need you so much.”
Chapter 9
Rachel stood in the shelter of the Bartlett cabin while the rain drizzled down. All week they’d worked under cloudy skies and still completed the cabin as Mr. Spencer said they would. He was an outspoken man, but seemed to know what he was doing.
The October rain wasn’t heavy, but it continued to fall. Tommy might not be able to make the trip out as he’d promised. Already she missed him as if a part of her were gone.
“If Mr. Donovan had come, we could’ve had a preaching service. We don’t get those very often around here.” Neil Douglas stepped close to Rachel.
Jed Spencer turned toward them. “Not near often enough. Why don’t you and your man settle down here soon as you get married and open us up a church? We could sure use one.”
Rachel forced a smile past the loneliness Tommy’s absence created. “I’d love to do just that, but I’m afraid it will be a while before we’re married. He’s working with the Indians right now.”
“Missionary work?” Jed frowned. “Shame to see him waste his calling. If that message last week’s any sign, he’s a mighty good preacher.” His arm slipped around his wife. “My Claire’s always been a good woman, but that dose of religion she got pretty near made her perfect.”
Clare blushed. “I’ll never be perfect.” She looked at Rachel. “Don’t let the men bully you. If God leads your man someplace else, we’ll understand. It would be awfully nice to have a church here, though. We’d be proud to make Mr. Donovan our pastor.”
Rachel smiled at the pale blonde woman. She’d seemed to blossom this week as she relaxed around the other women. “Thank you. I appreciate that and Tommy will, too. I’ll tell him of your concern for a church. Maybe this will be where God leads him.”
“First, we need to get the Leison place cleaned up for a school.” Neil shouldered his axe. “I’ll be there right after breakfast Monday morning. If anyone else can spare the time to help, I’ll see you then.”
He strode out the door, picked up his axe, and swung it into the back of his wagon. His children, playing nearby, ran to him. He lifted the two older ones onto the high seat. Natasha toddled after them, lifting her hands. He picked her up and with her cradled in one arm, climbed up. When he had her sitting securely on his lap, he picked up the reins and waved as the wagon moved out.
“That poor man needs a wife.”
Rachel turned from the doorway to see Mrs. Bartlett. “I suppose that’s true.”
Mrs. Bartlett’s keen blue eyes peered at Rachel. “There aren’t many unmarried ladies around here to choose from. You and my Ellen are the only ones I’ve seen. You’re already spoken for and Ellen’s too young to take up with a twenty-eight-year-old man with three children.”
“I didn’t realize he was that old.”
“I asked him. I don’t want my girl saddled with that kind of responsibility at her age. Marriage is hard enough adjusting to without the care of little ones.”
Rachel nodded. Katie had her hands full with her little brother and sister. “I’m sure that’s true.”
Mrs. Bartlett looked across the yard where Ellen was laughing with her older brother, Benjamin. “She’s a child yet, but so smart. She’ll be in your school, you know.”
“Yes, I had hoped so.”
The older woman placed a hand on Rachel’s arm. “Are you getting a little nervous about taking on the school?”
Rachel smiled. “I’m looking forward to teaching. I just hope I can do justice to the confidence placed in me.”
“You’ll do fine.” Mrs. Bartlett patted Rachel’s arm and moved on.
Rachel watched Neil’s wagon until she could no longer recognize the occupants. Maybe Tommy would take the church here. Seemed he’d said something about starting a new church, and what better opportunity than this where the people already wanted him? He should’ve been here this week. Since Tommy had started working with the Indians, she’d spent more time with Neil Douglas than she had him. It wasn’t right. Especially not when Neil could so easily keep her from missing Tommy.
~*~
Rachel awoke the first day of school to the patter of rain hitting the oiled paper Pa had stretched across the window openings. The room was gloomy and dark. She groaned as she rolled out of bed. Would it rain like this all winter?
She climbed down the rough wooden ladder from the two-roomed loft.
Ma bent over a skillet in front of the fireplace. She straightened. “I thought once we got into the cabin, cooking would be easier. I’m not sure I can see much difference in a fireplace and a campfire.” She laughed. “At least I’ve had lots of practice cooking stooped over.”
“Can’t Pa get you a range?”
Ma shrugged. “I’m not complaining. Pa asked Tommy to bring one out when he comes. I’ll do fine until then.”
“He said only a couple of weeks, so you shouldn’t have long to wait.”
“Nor for you to see Tommy again.”
“Sometimes two weeks is a long time even when more than one has already passed.” Rachel smoothed the table cloth before turning toward the crate where the dishes were kept. “You don’t think the rain will keep him away, do you?”
Ma shook her head. “Not unless it rains harder than
this.” She took the skillet off the fire. “When you finish setting the table would you call the men?”
Her request barely left her mouth before Pa and Daniel came in the back door, shaking drops of moisture from their coats. Pa looked at the stack of steaming pancakes. “That looks warm and inviting.” He took his place at the head of the hand-hewn fir table. “Star acts eager to carry you to school this morning.”
Rachel smiled as she sat down. “She’d probably like some exercise. I don’t look forward to getting wet, though.”
“So, all your students will be wet, too.” Daniel shrugged. “Including me.”
She rolled her eyes. “That makes me feel so much better.”
As soon as they finished breakfast, Pa reached for his Bible. “We haven’t been consistent in having devotions since we left Mississippi. You’ve got a few minutes before you need to leave.”
He began to read from Saint Luke. “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Pa continued reading Jesus’ instruction to turn the other cheek. He ended with the golden rule. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
He looked around the table. “I felt impressed to read this Scripture. Since we’ve been in Oregon everyone has been kind and helpful. Treating others as you would be treated will keep you from making enemies. Let’s pray that will be the case.”
When his prayer ended, Rachel and Daniel huddled under a large oilskin on Star’s back and headed for school. Daniel opened the door, stepping back so Rachel could enter first. The pungent odor of fresh cut pine and cedar greeted her as she shook as much moisture from her hair and clothing as she could. Her gaze swept around the room. Four split-log benches sat, two on each side of the room, facing a desk made from a split cedar tree. The wide plank floor had been swept clean.
Rachel placed her Bible on the desk. It was the only textbook she had. Daniel had his Bible, too, and she hoped others would bring theirs. She sighed, thinking of her early school days. She’d learned to read from a primer. She’d also had a slate and chalk. She would be surprised if any of her students brought such luxuries.
“Let’s get a fire started.” She looked to Daniel for help. “The students will need to dry off.”
A wagon rolled to a stop near the door. Rachel left Daniel tending the stove while she looked out the window. Neil hopped from the seat of his wagon and walked in with Natasha in his arms and a child on either side.
“You ready to start teaching?” His smile was wide as he looked into her eyes.
Rachel tried to stop the warmth his open friendliness brought to her heart. Surely she was not attracted to him. She was only responding as she would to any friend. She laughed to cover her confusion. “I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m hoping someone will bring a primer. Do you think that’s wishful thinking?”
“Maybe not.” Neil glanced out the window. “Here come the Bartletts. And there’s the Spencers right behind. Maybe one of them have books. All we have is this Bible.” He held up a worn, black book. “You’re welcome to use it, but I’d like to have it back each night. It’s the only one I have.”
“Thank you. We’ll take good care of it.” Rachel reached for it and brushed Neil’s hand. She jerked back, almost dropping the Bible. “Oh, I’m so sorry and after promising to be careful . . .”
Neil pulled back and chuckled. “No harm done.”
The Bartlett and Spencer children burst through the door interrupting anything else he might have said. They jostled against each other as they crowded into the building, dripping puddles on the floor. There would be no outdoor play today before school began.
Rachel welcomed their noise and distraction. ‘Everyone, come close to the fire to dry. You must be chilled after your ride. Does anyone have a textbook?”
“No, Miss Morgan.” Ellen Bartlett hurried to the stove. “We brought our Bible, though.”
“Thank you, Ellen.” Rachel smiled. Mrs. Bartlett must’ve told her children to address the school teacher by her last name. That might take some getting used to by students as well as teacher. She started to close the door when a horse, carrying two riders, galloped up to the house.
“That’s Blanche Smith and her son, Tyrone.” Neil stood beside Rachel. “She’s a little different from most ladies around here.”
Rachel’s eyes widened as the boy riding behind slid from the horse and his mother swung her blue denim clad leg over the horse’s back and jumped down. Blanche came inside, pulling off a large western hat as she shook out a thick mass of shining black curls that cascaded down her back.
She extended her hand toward Rachel. “I’m Blanche Smith. You must be the new teacher.”
Rachel tried to ignore the men’s clothing as she clasped the other woman’s hand. “Yes, I’m Rachel Morgan. Is this your son?”
“Yes. Tyrone, say hello to your teacher.” Blanche turned a smile on Neil.
As Rachel talked to ten-year-old Tyrone, she stole glances at his mother. Her clothing was clean and fit her as they never could fit a man. Blanche Smith was every bit a woman and so beautiful. Just as beautiful as Ma only in a more vibrant way.
As Tyrone joined the other children at the stove, his mother walked to the door with Neil. “I didn’t realize you had school-aged children.”
“Yes.” Neil adjusted Natasha in his arms. “My oldest daughter will be staying.”
“How nice.” Blanche stopped. “Would you be interested in some young chickens? I seem to have more than I need right now. The price is right. All you have to do is come after them.”
“Sure.” Neil nodded. “I’ll make a point to.”
“You might as well come now. You’re halfway there already.” Blanche arranged her hair under her hat and stepped out the door with Neil and Norman following.
Rachel turned to her students. “Please, find a place to sit, and we’ll begin with a short prayer.”
In the next few minutes, Rachel opened her school, counted nine students, and discovered the Bible was their only textbook. She breathed a silent prayer for help with the task ahead of her then asked the first child to begin reading in Genesis. If she could determine their reading ability, she could separate them into appropriate groups.
As Nancy read in a halting voice, her little finger tracing the words, another wagon stopped outside and a timid knock sounded at the door.
Rachel opened it to find a middle-aged man, clutching a cloth bundle close to his chest. He was surrounded by children.
“Mornin’, ma’am. Is this the new school we heard about?”
“Yes. Please come in out of the rain.”
Seven children followed their father into the room. “We’re the Gibsons.” He looked at the children beside him, and a faint smile touched his lips. “Part of the Gibsons. The rest are at home. My wife and I’d sure like to have our youngin’s in school.”
Rachel smiled at the group of shabbily-dressed children ranging from a young teen down to Nancy’s age. “I’m glad you came to school. We’re just starting. Please, sit in any of the empty spaces.”
While his children scattered, Mr. Gibson unwrapped the package. “I’ll be getting back home. Could you use these?” He stuck out two small blue-backed books.
Rachel almost grabbed them from his hands. “Noah Webster’s Blue Backed Speller. We certainly can use them. Thank you.”
With a lighter outlook, Rachel turned back to her class. By noon her sixteen students had been divided into four groups according to their level of learning.
Rachel arched her aching back as she closed her Bible and met the stares of the students in front of her. “I know we’ve been through quite an ordeal, but I needed to know what you had already learned. Thank you for being so co-operative. It’s lunch time now, and I think the rain’s stopped.”
Her words were met with a shout of approval which she stopped with an upraised hand. “Jus
t a moment. Before you get your lunches, let’s bow our heads.”
After a brief prayer, Rachel breathed a sigh of relief when the children, lunch buckets or cans in hand, scrambled to be first outdoors.
Daniel stopped at her desk. “You think you can handle it okay?”
Rachel smiled at the concern in his eyes. “So far, I’m enjoying it. I’m looking forward to teaching the little ones to read. They act so eager. Some of the older ones don’t.”
“Who, me?”
Rachel stood and poked his arm. “No, little brother. Not you. Let’s see what Ma packed for us. I’m hungry.”
Rachel ate beef and cold fried potatoes while she watched the children play. Daniel would give her no trouble. Wesley Spencer leaned against a large fir tree away from the rest of the children. He’d co-operated with her when she asked him to read, yet the sullen expression he’d worn to school still sat on his face. Did he resent his stepmother so much he would cause trouble at school?
His little sister, Angel, stood in the middle of a group of little girls. She seemed to be a natural leader and promised to be an excellent student. She, too, seemed unhappy with her home situation.
Rachel rose and clapped her hands. “It’s time to return to class. Come on, everyone.” She stood aside while the students filed back into the little, log schoolhouse.
~*~
Katie tied a ribbon in Susanna’s hair and shivered. Not quite November but cold weather had already crept in. Susanna had been in school two weeks without another incident. Maybe she was settling in. “There, now you’re ready for school. Hurry and get your wrap. Jason’s waiting to walk with you.”
Susanna’s lower lip stuck out. “I want you to take me.”
Katie let out an exasperated sigh. Susanna had been demanding more and more of her time. Between housework and the two children, she had little time for Jason and almost none for herself.
“I can’t today, Suzy. Tommy’s coming over before he goes out to the Morgan’s. I want to send a letter to Rachel by him and I haven’t written it yet.”
Home's Promise (Oregon Trail) Page 8