Home's Promise (Oregon Trail)

by Mildred Colvin

  Rachel glanced at Susanna. The little girl had been glued to her side all morning. She shunned Nancy’s pleas to eat with the other little girls, saying, “No, Ma packed all our lunches together. I have to eat with my big sister and brother.”

  Rachel’s conscience pricked as Susanna looked up and smiled. She hadn’t been unkind, but she could’ve let Susanna hand out the new slates instead of ignoring her waving hand and calling on Gertrude. When Suzy asked to stay in and help straighten the classroom, she’d sent her outside with the other children instead. Now she wondered. Would it hurt to give her special attention?

  Rachel handed the lunch bucket to Susanna. “Would you like to divide our lunch?”

  Susanna’s face beamed.

  The older group needed to use the slates this afternoon. It wouldn’t hurt to let Susanna pass them out. But when Susanna took the slates and set off at a skip, Rachel frowned. “Let’s walk, Susanna.”

  The little girl’s happy smile melted as she shuffled past the students, handing a slate to each before taking her own seat, her head bowed.

  The rest of the afternoon rushed past until school was over and Rachel dismissed the children. She rode behind Daniel on Star with Susanna between them. At the house, Rachel followed Susanna inside.

  Ma’s face brightened as Susanna ran into her arms. “Ma, guess what? Rachel’s the best teacher in the whole world.”

  Ma laughed and looked over Susanna's head. “I don’t doubt that one bit. She’s one of the best daughters in the whole world, too.”

  “Only one?” Rachel’s conscience smote her as she recognized the sarcasm in her voice.

  Ma didn’t seem to notice. She clasped Rachel’s hand. “You’re the best oldest daughter. And you’re the best youngest one.” Her attention had gone back to Susanna.

  Rachel pulled away. “If you don’t need me to help with dinner, I’d like to do a little studying for tomorrow.”

  “That will be fine, dear.” Ma bent her head toward Susanna’s constant chattering.

  Rachel climbed the ladder to her crowded loft room. Susanna’s trundle bed stuck out in the floor. She gave it a hard kick, sliding it out of sight behind her quilt.

  Her conscience hurt as if she’d kicked it instead. She needed to pray. As she sank to the floor beside her bed, her knee touched something soft. A rag doll grinned crookedly at her, its arms and legs lying in a twisted heap. Where had it come from? Susanna hadn’t brought a doll.

  She stared at it. But of course. Ma had spent the day making it for Susanna to find when she went to bed. It must have been lying on the pulled out trundle when she kicked it. What a nice surprise.

  She shoved it under her bed as tears filled her eyes. What was wrong with her? She should pity Susanna, not resent every nice thing her parents did for her. A Scripture verse from Proverbs came to her mind. “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

  She lifted the quilt and laid the doll on Susanna’s bed. Her room seemed to close in on her until she stood and grabbed her coat. Ma and Susanna were busy in the kitchen and didn’t look up when she left the house.

  She headed away from the barn Pa and Daniel were building. Cool, damp air caressed her face as she walked toward the woods. Maybe there she could pray and God would return peace to her heart.

  The path wound between two stately Douglas Fir trees. It was dark and quiet in the forest. Only the crunch of her feet on the fallen leaves and the distant call of a bird interrupted the stillness. She felt welcome peace as a stump sitting back from the path caught her eye, She picked her way over and settled on the rough sawed surface, spreading her skirts over her dangling legs.

  As she bowed her head a twig snapped. With her heart pounding, she swung to meet whatever was there.

  Neil Douglas grinned as he stepped from behind a tree. “So you’re my trespasser.” He lowered his rifle. “This is a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my woods?”

  Weakness washed over Rachel as her fear scattered. “I was out walking.” She frowned. “What do you mean, your woods? I thought this belonged to Pa.”

  Neil stepped closer as she scooted from the stump. “There’s no tangible boundary line. I own this side of the forest. Your pa owns the other side. We sort of meet in the middle.”

  Rachel looked around. “I must have walked farther than I thought. I’m sorry, Mr. Douglas.”

  “Who?” Neil looked behind him.

  Rachel laughed. “I was talking to you.”

  He turned back around with an exaggerated frown on his face. “I thought I’d taught you better than that. Remember? I’m Neil to you.”

  “I’m sorry, Neil.” Rachel giggled. Why she even tried to be serious with him, she didn’t know.

  “That’s better.” His smile brought a sparkle to his eyes. “I’m glad you came. You have a pretty laugh. By the way, our houses are less than a mile apart, so you wouldn’t have to walk far to get into my woods.”

  Did he really say her laugh was pretty? She looked away to hide her confusion. “Where are your children?”

  “Right over there.” He pointed behind her.

  She turned and saw a flash of color as the three children played tag among the trees at the far edge of the forest. The Douglas cabin stood several yards beyond them. Rachel’s hand flew to her mouth as a gasp escaped. “Oh, I didn’t realize.”

  “I’m glad you came.” Neil stared into her eyes. “Is there anything you’d like to talk about?”

  “No, why?”

  He shrugged. “You seem unhappy. There haven’t been any—ah—changes in your life, have there?”

  Rachel shook her head. “No. You already know Tommy’s little sister, Susanna, has moved in with us.”

  He glanced toward his children. “Yes, I knew that. Mr. Donovan is fine, then?”

  She frowned. “As far as I know he is. He’s coming for a visit soon.”

  “Oh, I see.” He shouldered his rifle. “Would you like to come the rest of the way to see the children?”

  “I’d better not. Ma’s probably wondering where I am.”

  “Then, we’ll walk you home.”

  She stood. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “If you don’t want us . . .” Neil shrugged. “I thought you’d like our company better than a roaming bear. This country isn’t exactly civilized, especially after dark.”

  “You have such a nice way of putting it.” Rachel laughed. “All right. I’d love to have your company, even without the threat of bears.”

  Neil’s grin widened as he called his children. He took long strides to scoop up the little one as she entered the woods holding Nancy’s hand. He swung her high in the air as she chortled and reached her tiny hands toward him. “Papa.”

  As he hugged her close, Rachel turned away. Would Tommy be a good father like Neil? He’d always been gentle with Suzy and Davy, but had he ever played with them? She couldn’t remember. Of course, the trail hadn’t given him much time for childish play. After they got settled here, Tommy would find more time for family—and for her.

  “How are things at school? Any problems?” Neil fell into step with Rachel while Nancy and Norman ran ahead. Neil raised his voice as he called to them. “Stay within sight.”

  Nancy waved, but didn’t slow much.

  Rachel smiled at the children she’d come to care for. “Nancy isn’t likely to cause any problems if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  He chuckled. “No, she’s a pretty serious little girl. Too serious, sometimes.” He flashed a quick grin toward Rachel. “Maybe I should be looking for her a mother so she’ll stop thinking she has to mother all of us.”

  Rachel almost choked before she remembered something. She stopped and turned toward him. “Neil, I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

  His eyebrows rose, while his slow grin widened. “Oh, really? You want to tell me what you have in mind, or should I draw my own conclusions?”

  The intensity in his eyes
, took Rachel’s breath. Did he think she meant herself? Warmth crept to her face until she looked away. Oh, my. Her heart shouldn’t be pounding this way. It wouldn’t be if Tommy was here. But of course, he wasn’t.

  She shook her head. “I don’t mind telling you. Not at all. I was just thinking about Mrs. Smith, Tyrone’s mother. She’s a very beautiful woman, and I think she might like you.”

  Neil’s laughter rang out through the forest. Nancy stopped and looked back at them. Norman ran a few feet ahead before he stopped, too. He ran back to Nancy and tugged on her hand until she moved.

  Rachel’s lips twitched. “Are you laughing at me?”

  Neil turned wide eyes on her. “Of course not. I wouldn’t dare. I’m pretty sure I misunderstood you, anyway. I thought for a while there you were suggesting I take Blanche Smith as my wife.”

  “Well, I was.” Rachel stared at Neil. Was the man blind? “Don’t tell me you think she isn’t beautiful.”

  Neil shrugged. “Yes, she’s a real good lookin’ woman. But, Rachel, looks aren’t everything. As far as I know, Blanche is a Christian woman, too. She’ll make a good wife for the right man. I’m just not that man.”

  He turned a lopsided smile on her. “The fact is, I’m a little partial to women who wear skirts. You know, the kind who look and act like women should. Maybe it’s male pride, but I’m not up to competing with a woman who knows more about ranching than I do.”

  “Is that why she wears men’s clothing?” Rachel didn’t know whether to be shocked by Blanche Smith or to feel sorry for her.

  Neil nodded. “Blanche’s husband left her and Ty a good-sized farm with several head of cattle. She has a couple of old timers who help her run the place, and I guarantee she does as much work as both of them put together. She could use a new husband, all right, but it’ll take the right man to turn her into a wife, and I’m not that man.”

  “I see.” Rachel didn’t know what to think. She liked Neil, but she loved Tommy. She shouldn’t be comparing them, anyway. Neil needed a wife. She’d begin praying for him to find the right woman.

  “Have you had any problems with the Spencer boy?” Neil’s question caught Rachel by surprise.

  She swung to look into his eyes and saw only concern. She shrugged. “Wesley is an intelligent boy. He carries a lot of anger inside, but he hasn’t done anything really bad.”

  “Not yet.” Neil frowned. “If he does, will you promise you’ll tell me?”

  She looked into his eyes and saw no condemnation. Would he blame her for being unable to control a sixteen-year-old boy? She didn’t think so and found herself agreeing. “I will, I promise, but I’ll probably tell my father first.”

  “That’s fine. I expect you to, but I need to know, too, so I can talk to his father. School isn’t the place for—” He settled Natasha on his back as her head bobbed against his. “Maybe I should talk to Jed anyway, just in case. I’d hate for him to hurt a small child.”

  Rachel followed the progress of Neil’s little girl and boy ahead of them as they ran past the sheltering woods into the open field. “No, I don’t want anything to happen to the little ones or the big ones, but I don’t think he’s dangerous. Mostly he seems to be seeking acceptance.”

  Neil nodded. “I’ll keep you and him in my prayers.”

  “Thank you.” Rachel’s voice choked up, and she cleared her throat as they neared the house. “Would you like to come in?”

  Tasha’s head slumped against Neil’s. “We’d better pass this time. My rider’s gone to sleep, and the other two should be. If I don’t go now, I’ll have to carry them all, and I’m short a couple of heads for pillows.”

  Rachel’s heart constricted. “I am so sorry. I’ve imposed on you and your children through my foolishness. I had no business wandering off that way.”

  The blue of Neil’s eyes seemed almost black under the darkening sky as he looked down at her. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Oh, I don’t know. Sometimes we need to get out by ourselves. Nothing wrong with that.” His smile spread. “Besides, you probably did me a favor. This is one night the kids will go to bed without a fuss.”

  Rachel relaxed “Thank you, Neil. I was a little down, but I’m not now. I don’t think anyone could ever be sad around you.”

  Neil chuckled. “That’s a compliment I’ll gladly accept. I’d like for you to come back and see us again, Rachel. Bring Suzy sometime so she can play with Nancy. Will you do that?”

  “Yes, maybe I will. Thanks for inviting her.”

  Neil’s quick grin made her wonder if the invitation was mostly for Suzy, or was it for her. She stood outside the house while he and his children disappeared into the gathering darkness before she crossed the yard to the house. Neil needed a wife. She would renew her prayers to that end. He was a wonderful man. Any girl would be flattered to have his attentions. There were so few unattached females in this new country. A fact many men might find a sore reality, yet she was secretly glad. Knowing she had no competition made waiting for Tommy a little easier.

  She reached the door as it flew open, and Susanna’s childish voice shrilled. “She’s home, Ma. Rachel’s okay.”

  Rachel stepped into the warm, cozy cabin. The table had already been set with a platter of meat surrounded by fluffy mounds of potato. Ma, Pa and Daniel stood near the table.

  Susanna grabbed her hand, pulling her forward. “Come on. We almost started without you. I heard you, though. I knew you wouldn’t get eated up by a bear.”

  “Eaten.” Rachel corrected. Had they really thought she might be in danger?

  Pa’s mouth twitched. “We thought you were upstairs until a moment ago. We were getting ready to look for you when Suzy heard you coming.”

  Rachel sat with the others at the table. “I’m sorry, Pa. I didn’t mean to stay out so long.”

  “No harm done.”

  Daniel spoke from across the table. “No, but Suzy’s right. There probably are bears in the woods. I wouldn’t like to be out there alone at night without a gun.”

  “Daniel.” Ma shivered. “Let’s not even talk of such things.”

  “That’s all right, Ma. I didn’t see any wild animals. I ran into our neighbor. He and his children walked me home.”

  “Is that right?” Ma brushed her comment aside as if she wasn’t interested. “Let’s pray now and eat.”

  After Pa’s prayer, Susanna chattered so much Rachel gave up trying to turn the conversation back to her visit with Neil. Ma seemed more interested in her youngest daughter anyway.

  During a rare quiet moment, Rachel managed to speak. “Suzy, how would you like to help me do dishes tonight so Ma can rest? She worked hard to prepare this good meal for us.”

  Susanna’s eyes brightened, and her head bobbed. “I’ll help you, Rachel.”

  Ma and Pa shared a look. Were they surprised or pleased? Maybe both. Her resentment toward Susanna probably hadn’t gone unnoticed by anyone. She sighed. It wouldn’t hurt to put out more effort to accept Susanna into the family since apparently that’s what everyone else wanted. Tommy had agreed so only Katie could stop it from happening, and she probably wouldn’t.

  Rachel stood and took her plate to the make shift dry sink. “You go ahead and finish eating, Suzy, while I get the water ready.”

  Ma and the men moved to the sitting room while Rachel poured hot water in the dishpan and swished soap through it.

  Susanna made short work of her food and hopped up from the table. “What do I do, Rachel?”

  “Don’t you ever help Katie?”

  Susanna shook her head. “No, she won’t let me. Says it’s easier just to do it.”

  “I see. Why don’t you stack plates? Lay all the silverware in one pile on the table.” Rachel took time to teach Susanna just as she would if they were in school. Maybe Katie didn’t have the patience for Susanna, but Ma would. Rachel’s thoughts wavered from wishing the small child had never stowed away in Tommy’s wagon to accepting that she’d mad
e a wise choice in Ma and Pa. She worked while her feelings churned and with Susanna’s help soon had the dishes done and the kitchen clean.

  “Time for bed, young lady.” Ma caressed Susannah’s hair. “Come on, I’ll tuck you in. Say goodnight to everyone.”

  With Susanna’s goodnights ringing in her ears, Rachel sat at the table with her lessons for the next day spread in front of her. Susanna and Nancy seemed to compete in reading and memorizing scripture verses. If only they had some more books. Books of geography with maps would be wonderful. She shoved her wishes away and began writing out math problems for the older students. They’d learn from what they had. She couldn’t do anything else.

  Ma came downstairs and Daniel went off to bed. Rachel shuffled her few pages together and stood. “I’m going on to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Goodnight, dear.” Ma and Pa both spoke.

  Rachel climbed the ladder to the loft above and changed into her nightgown in the dark. She avoided Susanna’s bed as she climbed into hers. Her mind filled with the events of the day, Wesley’s rebellion, the way Susanna seemed to fit into the family far too well, Neil’s presence, and Tommy’s absence.

  Lord, protect Tommy as he ministers in the Indian villages. Bring Neil a wife that is just right for him and his children. Please be with us at school so the children can learn and no one is hurt. Touch Wesley’s heart. Soften him to come to You.

  The house seemed so quiet. Rachel stared at the dark and turned to her side while her mind traveled back to her walk with Neil. He’d invited her and Susannah to visit. Maybe they should. Washing dishes together had been all right. Almost as if they were sisters. What would it hurt to visit their closest neighbors and give Susannah time with her friend?

  Chapter 13

  Rachel moved aside to allow Ellen room. She’d gotten a cloth from somewhere and dampened it with cool water. Now she knelt beside Rachel and with gentle hands washed Daniel’s face. “I think he’s just knocked out, Miss Rachel. That happened once to my brother, Benjamin.”

  Rachel’s throat constricted. If anything happened to her brother—she glanced toward Wesley. He’d thrown the ball hard right at Daniel. It hadn’t been an accident. He sat apart on the ground as if he weren’t paying attention.