Wanted Preacher

by Renea Westlyn

  “Betsy, quit your bouncing. You’re reminding me of Lily Jo. Now, what’s got you so worked up you had to drag us in here off the street?” Fannie shook her head; “You young’uns, have all the energy in the world.

  “Well, first we have a problem, Reverend Skinner won’t stop pursuing Abby and so now she’s hiding out in her home and won’t come out!”

  “Oh no! I had no idea when I stopped by earlier. She seemed perfectly content, well, minus Zeph destroying things,” Hattie said.

  “Who?” the group exclaimed in unison.

  “That baby lynx she’s raising, she named it Zeph. Short for Zephaniah because the Lord protected and concealed him in the hollow log. She really will make a great Pastor’s wife, not sure she’s cut out for raising wild animals though,” laughed Hattie.

  “Oh, my goodness! That girl!” Fannie Pearl snickered.

  “We’re just gonna have to make sure someone takes her out each day. She shouldn’t be made to feel as if she has to hide in her home. What if Reverend Skinner starts pestering her at home? You don’t think he will, do you?” Betsy asked, her brow twitching in concern.

  “He does seem rather determined, doesn’t he? I saw him practically race out of the Barber shop just to speak with her the other day,” Sarah said as she accepted her cup of tea from Lily Jo.

  “Our second problem, is my husband, our very own Marshal!”

  “Well, what’s he done?” Lily Jo asked, “I like the Marshal.”

  “You cannot repeat this. I’ve been sworn to secrecy, though I truly do not know why. I need y’all’s help to fix this!”

  “Betsy!” Fannie Pearl chided.

  “Sorry Fannie, I’m getting distracted, I know. I just can’t believe my husband would play matchmaker! A matchmaker of all things! Can you believe it?” Betsy let out a deep breath and slouched in her seat.

  “Whatever do you mean?” asked Hattie, taking a sip of her tea.

  “When Reverend Bates passed on, Alexzander had the brilliant idea to send for his blood-brother Akecheta to come marry Abby and become our new Reverend. He believes Abby needs a protector and we do need a Reverend, do we not? I mean, that is one of the reasons we convinced Abby to place an ad.”

  “Ach-a-what?” asked Lily Jo

  “AH-kee-CHe-ta. It’s an Indian name. It means fighter,” said Hattie.

  “Perhaps that means he’d be a wonderful protector,” said Sarah dreamily.

  “Ladies, I believe you’ve forgotten the ad you convinced Abby to place,” Fannie Pearl reminded them. “What’s going to happen now? When is this man due to arrive?”

  “That’s just it. The telegram Alexzander received only said, ‘upon the full moon’. We don’t know what that means.”

  “OH, I know! It’s the way Indians tell time, by the phases of the moon,” Hattie exclaimed. “It means he will arrive near the end of the month. That’s only days away! So, he should arrive on the next train before Abby has the chance to receive any responses.”

  “Should we tell her about this?” asked Sarah.

  “Oh heavens, no child! Let’s just sit back and watch the show. Perhaps the good Marshal knows what he’s doing after all; either way it will be interesting to watch him explain to Abby,” laughed Fannie Pearl as she sipped the last bit of her lavender tea and stood. “I’d best be on my way girls, you behave now, and Betsy - we’ll talk later.”

  Betsy hung her head. She knew this was coming, darn that ginger tea; now she’d have some explaining to do and right now she wasn’t ready. She hadn’t even told Alexzander yet.

  Sarah stood, “Well, I should get back to work. Thank you for dragging me in. I’ll be sure to check on Abby as time allows.” She paid Lily Jo for her tea and then walked out of the cafe and back to the Gillham’s Gunsmith shop.

  Hattie and Betsy stood to leave as well. “Thank you for the lovely tea, Lily Jo,” Betsy said as she paid for her tea and tried to rush out the door before Hattie caught up to her. It didn’t work.

  “Betsy, I know you’re trying to rush off on me. I just wanted to ask if you’re alright, is there anything you need from me?” Betsy knew she looked tired, but she had hoped Hattie wouldn’t notice.

  “Not at this time, Hattie, thank you. I best be off.” Betsy took off down the street leaving Hattie shaking her head.

  Akecheta found himself growing restless as the journey continued onward. He’d grown tired of watching the scenery pass by. He’d rather be out there enjoying it. He’d also grown tired of reading and could only walk up and down the train car so many times. He was beginning to feel as if the other passengers were growing tired of his constant movement.

  He was thankful the train would soon be stopping, and they would be able to disembark for a short period of time. He needed the fresh air and to check on Genesis. He could only pray his horse was enjoying the long rest and not going as stir crazy as he was.

  He watched the other passengers gather their belongings and ready themselves to get off the now slowing train. Some would remain, while others would return and continue their journey onward, like him. New passengers would join them as well.

  The train pulled into the depot in Wyoming with a cloud of dust surrounding it. Once it cleared Akecheta could see the platform spotted with family and friends awaiting travelers. Akecheta watched in wonder. What would it be like to have a wife and child waiting for him. He couldn’t fathom it. He hadn’t even considered such a notion before, but as he witnessed wives embracing their husband and children running to their papas in delight, he felt the gentle stirring of his spirit. It was as if he were missing something he didn’t even realize.

  He descended from the train and then stretched his long legs out into a full stride as he made his way to the stock cars to check on Genesis. How wonderful it felt to be on solid ground, even if only for a short time. If the trip had taught him anything so far, Akecheta had learned he did not enjoy train travel.

  “Genesis, ol’e boy, how ya doing back here?” He stroked the gelding’s neck.

  The horse simply neighed and sniffed Akecheta’s hands and pockets in search of a treat. “I promise ya, ol’e boy, when we finally reach Oregon, I’ll take you for a long ride and let you stretch out your legs too.” Akecheta took the apple from his pocket and cut it in half with his pocket knife. He handed a piece to Genesis who happily chomped it down and nosed him in the chest for the other half.

  “Not greedy at all, are ya boy?” Akecheta chuckled and gave him the other half. “That’s all I’ve got for now. I best see to my lunch and get back on the train, otherwise you might arrive in Silverpines without me.” He patted Genesis on the nose and made his way toward the local cafe across from the train depot. Wyoming sure was a dry, dusty place.

  Once inside he found a seat in the corner that gave him full view of the cafe and train depot. He hadn’t thought of Douglas Bloomberg in a few days, but it never hurt to remain watchful. A man seeking vengeance was a dangerous thing. A young waitress with strawberry hair approached his table.

  “Hello, would you like the special? Today we have chicken fried steak, with gravy and mashed potatoes and there’s peach cobbler for dessert,” she winked.

  “Yes, that sounds wonderful. Peach cobbler is my absolute favorite,” Akecheta grinned.

  “Would you like coffee, tea or water?”

  “Water will be just fine. Thank you.

  “Back in a jiffy,” and off she skipped to fetch his meal. She was a peppy little thing, he thought, as he sat back and observed the people in the cafe. It appeared that most had ordered the special and he took it as a good sign that the food would be tasty.

  He noticed another man sitting alone eating his meal. His Bible lay on the table with a notepad and his jacket hung over the back of the chair. He too seemed to be observing those within the cafe. The young waitress delivered the man his meal and quickly returned to the kitchen. Akecheta watched him pause to pray. He wondered if the man were the local Reverend, there was a calmness about
him that stood out from the others.

  The waitress bounced out of the kitchen again and headed towards him. “Here ya go, hope you enjoy it. Momma’s peach cobbler is the best.” She winked and bounced off again. Oh, to be so young!

  Akecheta bowed his head to pray over his food and then began to eat. It was indeed a delicious meal. Outside the cafe he watched as a man and woman strolled toward the cafe arm in arm, beaming smiles on both their faces. The man wore a nice new suit and the woman a soft white gown. If he had a guess, he’d say they were just married, meaning the man at the other table must not be the local Reverend after all.

  The man and woman entered the cafe and all eyes turned towards them. The young waitress rushed out, “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. LeDoux! I’m so happy for you. I have your seat ready right here,” she said as she guided the newlyweds to their table. Several of the patrons within the cafe offered their congratulations as well.

  Akecheta rubbed at the scar across his palm as he watched the newlyweds gaze happily at one another. He imagined that’s what he and Nancy would have looked like if their wedding day had gone as planned. They would have celebrated with family and friends, even her long-lost brother, Douglas, who’d shown up just in time to instigate more trouble.

  Instead, it was over before it ever started. Ending in a tragedy that continued to send ripples through the lives of everyone that knew Nancy. Ripples that carried over into the lives of those that came into contact with anyone who had known her as well. Who knew one ripple could carry so much weight.

  A plate crashed to the floor of the cafe startling Akecheta out of his musings. The young waitress had just a little too much pep in her step that time and dropped the dish. He felt sorry for her as she cleaned up the mess. He laid the money down for his meal, leaving her a little extra in case the broken dish was taken out of her pay and prayed that this time, his chance at a future wouldn’t be as shattered as the plate on the floor. Then he made his way back to the dreadful train for the last leg of his journey.

  If he didn’t arrive in Silverpines soon he was going to be in a miserable state of mind and not fit to meet his new bride. His head felt heavy with memories assailing him and the prayers he prayed to combat them. In his heart, he held tight to a mustard seed of faith looking for the light of hope, hope for a future.

  Abby was about to go stir crazy! She’d not heard a word from her sister, Kitty, not a letter or a telegram, nothing! She had not one single response from her advertisement. She couldn’t leave the parsonage without the accompaniment of another due to Reverend Skinner, who was now preaching in the church! He claimed that since he was serving as temporary minister that he should be allowed to live in the parsonage. Therefore, Abby should move out or give in and marry him! The nerve of the man! Abby stomped her foot as she paced around the sitting room waiting on someone, anyone but Reverend Skinner, to accompany her outside the house.

  She feared if someone didn’t respond to her advertisement soon, she’d be forced to move from her home as there was no way she would willingly marry such a flubdub as Reverend Skinner! Abby stomped her foot again just for good measure and it made her feel better.

  She’d been so busy stomping her feet she hadn’t heard the knock on the door and was startled when she turned to see Fannie Pearl standing in the doorway watching her cautiously.

  “Oh! Fannie Pearl, I didn’t hear you come in,” she blushed.

  “I expect not with all that stomping you’re doing. Was there a spider or something?”

  Abby sighed and sank into the soft velvety cushion of the sofa. “No Fannie, there wasn’t a spider. I’m just so frustrated. I feel like a prisoner in my own home and Reverend Skinner thinks he should be allowed to live in the parsonage. I just don’t know what I’m going to do.”

  “How about we go for a walk, exercise helps clear the mind. I walk 3 miles every day. The fresh air will do you a world of good too.” Fannie Pearl extended her hand to Abby, helping her from the sofa.

  “Thank you, Fannie Pearl. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I still think you must be an angel.” Abby winked at Fannie as she grabbed her shawl and the two headed out the door.

  Chapter 4

  “Silverpines!” the engineer called out as they pulled into the train depot. Akecheta had never been more thankful than to hear those words. He surveyed the area that would become his new home as the train crawled to a stop. He was relieved to see triumphant mountains standing guard over the disheveled little town. It looked as though it had seen better days. Buildings sat askew, shingles were missing from roofs, porch railings were in need of repair, flower pots were broken, trees were down, and the road was filled with large ruts.

  The town must have experienced a rather large and damaging storm of some sort. He wondered if this was why Alexzander had sent him the telegram. Perhaps the previous pastor had lost his life in the storm. He sent a silent prayer upward just in case. Akecheta knew from experience, storms could be deadly, especially in mining towns.

  He observed the people on the platform hustling to and fro, bumping into one another, and dropping things. Then he noticed a passel of women standing closely together and looking about as if they were searching for something. Did all these women order grooms; was his bride among them? He looked on in disbelief that so many would be in need of a spouse. However, after reading the Groom’s Gazette he would not be entirely surprised if they had. He was still shocked over some of the adverts he’d read, though they’d entertained him during the long journey.

  Gathering his meager belongings, Akecheta stood, stretched briefly and made his way to the exit. He could think of nothing more wonderful than being able to stretch his long legs. As he proceeded to exit, he noticed the young man who had been sitting alone in the cafe in Wyoming. There was just something about the man seemed to indicate that he too might be a Reverend, perhaps it was the similar way he took notes. Akecheta wondered, if his perception were correct, would this man also be arriving in response to the ad for Abigail Bates? If so, hopefully that was not the bride Alexzander had in mind for him. Surely, Silverpines was large enough for more than one Reverend, wasn’t it?

  Akecheta stepped down from the train, filled his lungs with the fresh, clean, mountain air and moved to the left. He needed to collect Genesis and find the livery. Then he’d look for Alexzander, or perhaps he’d take Genesis for a good long ride first. As much as he wanted to see Alexzander again, his horse needed his attention. The poor boy probably needed a good stretch too.

  Hattie told Betsy what day she thought Pastor James would arrive on and in true Betsy fashion, she convinced all the ladies to go with her to meet his train. So, there they stood, watching and waiting, never expecting so many people to step out of the train.

  “Oh, is that him?” asked Sarah, pointing in the direction of a man wearing a large hat.

  “I don’t know, he doesn’t look like a Reverend to me,” Millie replied as she craned her neck to see.

  “Wait, that one’s gotta be him!” Lily Jo bounced on the balls of her feet and motioned toward a young man with short black hair.

  Betsy had had enough. They were never going to find him this way. Looking around desperately to find something to stand on, she spotted a wooden crate, rushed to it and climbed on top. She then took a deep breath…

  “Excuse me, Reverend!” she yelled out in no real direction. If Pastor James were on that train, surely, he’d answer her.

  “Yes,” replied several men nearly in unison, causing Betsy’s head to spin. Fat lot of good that did! She still didn’t know who Pastor James was. Perhaps she should have yelled Pastor James. She wasn’t sure she could pronounce his first name well enough yet. She leaned toward Hattie, “Which one looks part Indian to you?”

  “I didn’t see who all answered,” Hattie replied, scanning the crowd again, “but four men are walking this way.”

  “Four!”

  “Oh, oh my!” Lily Jo jumped excitedly. “Do you think they are
all here for Abby?” Lily Jo sighed dreamily.

  “But, I thought she didn’t get a single reply!” Betsy declared.

  “She didn’t,” confirmed Fannie Pearl. “She’s been terribly worried.”

  Akecheta heard a woman call out for a reverend and began to make his way toward the group of chatty women to see what they needed. He’d heard the other men call out too and watched them walk slightly ahead of him. As he walked, he began to think they could probably handle whatever it was the women were in need of. Turning abruptly, he decided to collect Genesis first. If the women were still there when he returned he’d see what he could do to help them.

  He quickly turned toward the left again and nearly knocked a woman in mourning clothes over in the process.

  “Pardon me, Ma’am. I - I didn’t see you,” Akecheta stuttered, shocked by her imposing appearance, the black she wore made her look quite powerful. He quickly removed his hat as he implored forgiveness.

  “Well, that’s quite obvious, young man,” the woman stated. “You should watch where you're going!” The formidable looking woman stared him down. Akecheta was taken aback by her boldness, but again tried to apologize. He nearly bowed in respect before replacing his hat and carefully moving towards the stock car. Shaking his head with disbelief at the blatant irritation on the woman’s face made Akecheta chuckle. This was going to be an interesting place indeed. What else did the Lord have in store for him? And what did Alexzander know that he did not.

  “Oh! Look! Edie got the one that tried to get away! Let’s get that rascal, before he runs out on our Abby!” Ethel cried as she marched the group towards them, pushing and shoving anyone who got in their way.

  “I - I really am sorry, ma’am, I -I just wan-na get my horse,” Akecheta said as he tried to back away, his shoulder bumping into yet another woman in mourning clothes. He looked from left to right and right to left again. The women looked identical! Either he was seeing double, or these women were twins! He blushed bright red.