by Caryl McAdoo
“Can we go, too?”
“No. You two stay here and gather more wood.” He pointed to a couple nice-sized cedar elms. Might as well gather up plenty and pile it between those two trees. We'll be here for a while.”
Aaron slammed his hat against his leg. “Oh, Pa! We was going hunting, and we're tired of getting wood! Wouldn't you like to have some rabbit stew for supper? We need Stormy on account of me and Rich ain't fast enough to run nothing to ground.”
“Plenty of time for that later. The dog's proved himself. Besides, no telling what's out there.”
Corbin tossed his hat over his boot toe. “Figured I'd fell a few trees. If we find a spot we like better for the barn, we can drag 'em there.”
“I'll help you, sir.” No one could ever call Laud lazy. Liberty sure did love her little brother. He stood, grinning. “About time I did an honest day's work.”
Once the men got to it, Isabel slipped up next to her. “You ready to get yourself fixed up, ma'am?”
Swallowing first, she filled her lungs. “Did you find any of that weed you were telling me about?”
“Yes, ma'am. And Mister Laud said I can borrow a wad of his mule-worming tobacco.”
“What's that for? I can't stand the stuff.”
The young lady put her mouth to Liberty's ear and explained what she planned to do with the tobacco.
“Oh. And that helps?”
“Indeed it do, ma'am. 'Tween that and us getting you liquored up real good, you liable not to feel a thing.”
“Or care?” Mallory laughed.
“Well, not feeling anything sounds wonderful. Guess this is what we've been waiting for, so . . . all right then. We best get to it.”
Isabel set her rawhide strips into soak, and with Mallory's help, Liberty got herself and her bed ready, nipping at the whiskey bottle pretty steady. Then she swallowed a good gulp that burned all the way down.
“Don't stop now, Lib.”
She grinned. “You want a shot?”
“I do not. Now stop your stalling and drink up. I'll stay sober and be the one pacing and praying around the wagon. I don't envy you, friend, but I'm so glad you're finally going to get some relief. What a blessing that Izzy—I mean Isabel—knows what to do.”
The second gulp didn't burn as bad, then the third and fourth slipped down her gullet like cool milk. Isabel arrived, handed her supplies up to Mallory, then climbed aboard.
“Well now, there you are! Can I tell you ladies a little bitty secret?” Liberty left a tiny space between her thumb and index finger and peered through it.
Mallory grinned. “Sure, you can. You know I love secrets!”
“Well, I'm cornfessing really. It's that I really like this stuff. I mean it is sooo smooooth.” She giggled. “That's the trufe. I love . . . uh . . . well . . . I uh . . . maybe uh . . .” She giggled again then furrowed her brows, looking straight at her doctor. “We ready, friend?”
Isabel nodded. “Take another good pull, gather your gown up, then lay across that pile of pillows on your tummy.”
“Don't hurt me if you can help it.”
“That's my cue to pray. I'll be just outside, sweet one.”
“Mal, Mal, don't leaf me.”
“I won't. I'll be right outside.”
“Pray! Pray for me, Mal.” Guzzling two or three swigs, she did as told, and the wagon took to swimming. “Help me, Izzabellala.” Then a warm cloud of inky blackness engulfed her.
Her eyes opened then closed right back. “Isabel? You there?”
“Yes, ma'am. I'm right here.”
“Hadn't you better get started? Ow . . . my head is splitting in two.”
A hand rubbed her back then patted her. “Start? Why, I's all done, Miss Liberty! You can roll over iffin you wants, but you might be most comfortable like you is for awhile. In a week or so, you just wait, you'll be gooder than new.”
“Really? You’re through already? But . . . I don't hurt . . . except for my head. Oooh.”
“It's that weed and the tobacco, ma'am. You gonna be a bit sore after all that wears off, but I can always put more on.”
“What time is it? Is Seve and Flynn back? What's Corbin and my brother doing?”
“Oh, we got an hour or so of light left. Mister Seve ain't back, but Pap and Mister Laud, they done fell four big oaks and about got one of them split.”
“Four? Really? How big are they?”
“Pap says two is the perfect size for posts, and the other two, he's splitting for beams.”
She raised up a bit. “Mercy, now that hurt.”
The back flap raised, letting in more sunlight. “Heard you two talking. Is the deed done? How are you feeling, friend?”
“If I lay still, the only thing that hurts is my head.”
“Guess you better lay still then.”
“For sure.”
Was the treatment really going to work? And if it did, would it come back if she was ever so foolish as to have another baby?
“I'll stay with her a while.” Mallory climbed in and Isabel crawled out. “She sure didn't waste any time once we got to where you didn't have to travel anymore, did she?”
“Probably best to spring it on me like that. I might have chickened out if it'd been planned.”
The last bit of light faded, and Corbin put all his tools back in their place. Should he ride out on a mule and go hunting for Seve? He hated riding bareback, and he'd probably only get lost in the dark. Surely, they'd be along any minute.
Hated missing his time with Liberty that evening. She didn't even come out for supper. Mallory carried it to her. He hated it that she was stuck in her wagon. Poor dear lady. But then if Isabel's cure worked, it'd be worth her laying up for a few days.
Those gathered around the cook-fire ate in silence. Even the little ones caught the apprehension the women had over the two men being out after sundown. Isabel returned with her patient's empty bowl and smiled.
“Pap, Miss Liberty says she'd enjoy a visit if you don't minds to stand at the end of her wagon and lift the flap. I gots her all situated and comfy.”
“Thank you, sweet girl. I'd enjoy that myself.” He handed the young lady his own bowl and headed toward the widow's wagon. He eased the flap over and tied it off. Liberty, bathed in lantern light, reclined against a wall of seeds looking rather subdued. “Hey. How are you this fine evening, ma'am?”
“Oh, sore.” She offered a weak grin. “I'd be better if Flynn and Seve were back.”
“They'll be along shortly. Might ought to have waited until tomorrow.”
“Yes, but then Seve has that stubborn streak.”
“Yes, ma'am. I've noticed that.” He chuckled.
“Isabel said you and my brother felled four trees today. That's amazing. It'd take me a month to chop one tree down.”
“With the right tools—and knowing what you're doing—putting an oak on the ground isn't so tough. Doing it right starts before you make the first cut. Once a body gets it figured out. Not so hard at all.
Plus, that brother of yours is something else.” He kept his face straight.
“Thank you, he is, isn't he?”
“Smart as a whip and not a lazy bone in his body.”
“So, all that doesn't make much sense, starting before you make the first cut?”
“Why yes, ma'am. It surely does. First thing you do is whit your rounding ax until it's razor sharp. Two men swinging easy can notch a fourteen incher in no time then saw him down in half an hour or less.”
“Well, I'd never.”
“No, ma'am. Probably not.” He laughed. “And again . . . if a man knows what he's doing, he can drop that log right where he wants it.”
“Sounds like an art to me.”
“I suppose you could say that.” He loved the look on her face, but then he loved her face and everything about her.
“Isabel says I'll be good as new in a week or so.”
“I'm praying that way. In a day or two, or whenever you
can, I've got a job waiting for you.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” She laughed with him. “What kind of job?”
“Making cedar shingles. Ain't too hard, and I figure you and the other ladies might enjoy doing it. Everyone sitting around visiting while you work.”
“Wait.” She shot him a look of surprise. “We're not putting a thatch roof on the barn?”
“Oh, we could, but cedar is better, and I've got the nails.”
“Nails? Where'd you get them?”
“Saved them off different jobs. My pap had some, and I've added to them over the years. Figured one day I'd build me a house, but this barn . . . it's more important.”
She nodded like she understood. “Yes, I think you may be right. It'll keep us and our seed and grain dry this winter . . . then next year, or the one after, we'll turn it into a church house. I really loved that idea when you mentioned it.”
“Amen.”
“So, we're agreed?” She picked up her Bible. “Would you like me to read some?”
“I'd love that.”
A page and a half or so in, a hoop followed by a squeal stopped her cold. “Looks like my son and his father-in-law got back.”
“That'd be my guess.”
“Go see what they allow then come back and tell me. But first, tell Isabel I'd certainly enjoy some of her salve.”
“Yes, ma'am. Should I come back? Or are you ready to get some rest?”
“Best let me see if I can doze. I am weary.”
“Yes, ma'am. Of course.”
Alicia hated him going at all, but all that heavy worry and dread fell from her shoulders at the sight of him. What a relief! Praise the Lord he got back.
Sitting as close as possible—still giving him room to eat—she waited patiently while the two men filled their bellies. Finally, Pa handed his empty bowl to her ma and threw a nod to Corbin.
“Did I hear right? You and Laud put four big oaks on the ground?”
“Yes, sir, sure did. Got one almost split, too. Figured to use him for beams, but that can wait. How'd it go out there?”
“Well, that's sure a good day’s work. Never expected that much, but glad to hear it.” He stood and poured himself another cup of coffee.
“We followed the creek to where it emptied into the West Fork of the Trinity then followed that to where I figured the end of our property is. Not a sign of anyone. After we left the creek, we tied the most of the few rags Esther and Mallory let us have.”
“You took half my stock, Mister.” Her ma gave Pa the eye.
“We'll need to mark it better soon as we can. Figure we can make some signs, each pointing to the next. But we're here, and . . .” He laughed.
“It's better than Mister Baylor said.” Flynn set his bowl aside and covered his wife's hand on his legs. “Lots of open prairie that should take great to the plow, and we found a right nice-sized pecan grove, too. There's plenty of cedar and elm. And we spotted three deer. Couldn't get a shot on them, but we'll have venison soon enough. Stormy sure wanted to give chase, but I called him off.”
“Heard turkey, too.”
“Bless the Lord.” Corbin slapped his hat against his leg. “Sounds like heaven on earth. What about a better building sight? Did you two come upon one?”
“No. Saw signs of flooding close to the river, and with the creek right here . . . We think this is as good a place as any to build.”
“Excellent. We can lay it out tomorrow then. Maybe even raise some posts and beams.”
The men went to talking about building their stupid barn and getting Flynn back to the wagon anytime soon just wasn't going to happen. Still, she enjoyed sitting there next to him even if the conversation bored her to tears.
Maybe she should kiss him. She could. Anytime she wanted now and in front of anyone. But that would only embarrass him, and she didn't want to do that . . . Maybe she should go check on her new mother-in-law.
To do that though, she'd have to leave his side.
Isabel came back from Mam's wagon.
Tearing herself away from her husband's side, she kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear, “I'm going to check on your mother.” Then standing, made a beeline to the nurse. “How is she? Up to company, you think?”
“Oh, yes, Miss Alicia. She be hungry for a visit or two.”
“I'll go see her. Maybe see if Gabrielle wants to accompany me.” She turned to leave. “Oh, and Isabel?”
“Yes, Miss Alicia?”
“If I can remember to call you by your new name, can you remember to call me just Alicia? You're older than I am. If anything, I should be calling you Miss Isabel, but you do not need to use that Miss. Deal?”
The beautiful back woman smiled, her white teeth—so pretty against her dark skin—shone, giving her the prettiest smile. “Yes, ma'am. Just Alicia it is!”
Looking around, she didn't see her best friend, so went on alone. At the foot of the wagon, she knocked. “Mam?”
“Yes, Alicia. Do come on in, dear.”
“Ma told me about the hemorrhoids and Isabel's cure.” She tied the flap back and climbed into the wagon, leaning against the seed sacks on the opposite side from Mam's to look on her face. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Oh, I'm sore, but if it works, what a blessing it will be! All the discomfort well worth it! Tell me the news. Why didn't Flynn come with you?”
“He's too wrapped up in going over the boring barn with the men, and . . .” She empathized the last word with exasperation. “He doesn't even know what's happened to you today. I'll tell him tonight, and he can come by and visit in the morning. Maybe have breakfast with you if you're up to it.”
“That'd be wonderful. Charity's staying over with Arlene tonight. It's silly, but I'm lonely and so glad you came.”
“So, the news, huh?” She stretched her legs out beside her mother-in-law's.
“Pa and Flynn walked the boundary and saw no signs of any neighbors or that anyone's claimed our property, so they used the creek then the river for two boundaries then tied Ma's rug strips to mark the land boundaries.” She told her all she'd heard, about the deer and turkey and how rich the land seemed.
“That's so wonderful. Did Flynn tell you where he wanted to stake out your property?”
“Not yet. I haven't had him alone. They're all so excited about Mister Harrell's accomplishments, and they’re going to start laying the barn out tomorrow.”
“So right here?”
“Yes, ma'am. Pa said it was as good a place as any. Plus, that way, it'll be on the edge of the clan's land.”
Through the opened flap, she couldn't help but notice everyone making their way to their wagons. “Flynn's going to the wagon, Mam. I have to go.”
“Thank you for stopping by, sugar.”
Later that night, lying on his arm, Alicia rolled over a little. “So, when do I get that bath you promised me?”
“Early as tomorrow afternoon I suppose, if the weather holds. I'm warning you though, it's going to be chilly.”
“I don't care. I want to be clean! And you'll keep watch? With your back turned?”
“Of course! I'll make sure no one comes, and turn my back, and you can soak to your heart's content, dear wife.”
“That's so wonderful.” She kissed his cheek. “The weather will hold, I'm sure of it.”
Chapter Thirty-two
The next evening, after her last visitor, Liberty got out her journal and wicked the lantern up.
Day Forty-three
October 27, 1840
~ + ~
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:17
“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Isaiah 51:11
After this entry, I'll only note the date as we have arrived. We're home again. I didn't much feel
like writing anything last night but am feeling some better this evening.
She dipped the quill in the ink then held up the quill. No real need to say more. Not like it was anyone's business what her trouble was, and for certain, she needed no reminder. She'd never forget her first day in her new home.
Mister Harrell is truly amazing. Yesterday he and Laud felled four trees, and today with Seve and Flynn's help, they have four more down and dressed. Corbin's been telling me about joining timber using mortise and tenons and wooden pins, whatever those are.
I can't picture it in my mind's eye, and Isabel—Izzy's new name—says I shouldn't be out of bed for two more days at least, but I want to see what he's doing so bad I can taste it.
I hate being cooped up. Yet I want to be the best patient ever, too. I desire being healed and thank God for this treatment.
Her feather hovered above the paper. Had she said too much or not enough? Well, she knew what she was talking about. Flynn or Charity Grace would, too. So, no need to go on and on.
Anyway, from what he's telling me, tomorrow the men plan on raising four of the barn's six main poles and setting two connecting beams. That is so amazing!
I thought about Flynn moving my wagon around, so I could watch, but Isabel said no, that the jostling would set me back. I'm so blessed my son's learning carpentry by helping Corbin.
Flynn says if the others can spare him, he wants to get a fall garden started. Plow enough ground so that Alicia, Gabrielle, and Isabel can plant some rutabaga, onions, turnips, garlic, and radish.
Hopefully, we're not too late. Esther and Mal, when not cooking, are helping the men as much as possible.
Charlotte and Arlene babysit the little ladies. And the boys are the men's official gophers.
Shame on me for lollygagging here in the wagon all day.
Maybe we should have waited after all.
She thought about writing more, but the position pained her some. She held the whiskey bottle up in the lantern light then snuffed its wick. A good slug would finish the bottle, and she still had the second one Corbin had given her. Unless Isabel showed up with more salve, that'd be her best chance at getting some rest.