Return to Whittakerville

by Shirley A. Roe

  After that Anna concentrated on the Quilting Society, the Book Club, the Church Ladies Auxiliary and every other group of women that she could infiltrate. Susan B. Anthony and the National Woman Suffrage Association, and the Temperance Union, became prevalent in her talks. The more she spoke of women's rights, the more entrenched she herself became. Anna became a magnet for information in the news, in books and any other source she could find. Having learned that the esteemed ex-Justice and women's rights activist would be in Fort Laramie, Anna sent a telegram to Esther Hobart Morris inviting her to Whittakerville. Reading that Mrs. Morris was once a dress designer, Anna mentioned that her husband was related to the famous owner of the St. Louis Haute Couture. She also mentioned being enthralled with the women's right movement and that she felt the women of Whittakerville needed to hear more.

  Olga Mueller sung Anna's praises to everyone that came into the General Store. She was pleased with the outcome at the school. Olga also thought that Anna Whittaker was a very determined young woman who believed in equality. She wondered how Jeb Whittaker was related to Martha. Olga had known Martha many, many years before when she lived in Whittakerville. One day she would ask him. The years were creeping up on Olga and her memory was fuzzy at times, but she was sure there were only three sons when Martha left Wyoming.

  Three weeks after the first invitation to tea, Anna Whittaker entertained thirty women in her parlor. At the end of the long dining table sat Esther Hobart Morris, retired Justice of the Peace. Before the ladies arrived, Anna discussed the St. Louis Haute Couture, gushing proudly over the fact that Mrs. Morris knew of Martha Whittaker. Naturally, Anna did not tell her that Martha was her mother or that she and Jeb were cousins and not a married couple. You do have your uses, Mother. If name- dropping works, I will use everything I have to, to get what I want. Anna smiled at Mrs. Morris. The older woman was very impressed with Anna Whittaker and her husband.

  Jeb, on Anna's instruction removed all of the alcohol from the house. She reassured him that it would be brought back as soon as the ladies left. Jeb didn't really understand Anna's reasoning, but he cooperated fully. She never let him down. He was suave and sophisticated as he greeted the ladies; they were charmed. He could not believe the way Anna could produce well-known politicians at the drop of a hat. She amazed him.

  Anna introduced Mrs. Morris, telling the ladies that Mrs. Morris held tea parties much like this one years before, in order to convince the legislature to give women the vote. The afternoon went very well, the women were impressed. Anna was happy that her plan was coming together.

  In the hotel, another meeting was taking place. The men were not so impressed. “I am getting pressured at home, to vote for Whittaker,”

  “Who wears the pants in your family, Frank? Whittaker is not going to be mayor. We will make sure of that.” Mr. Whitehall had noticed the change in the attitude of the townspeople toward him. He too was getting nervous. The town had been his for three years and he liked the power. Not to mention the money that he and the councilmen siphoned from the town's budget. No, he was not about to give this up without a fight.

  “Well, you had better think of something soon, Whitehall, because I might wear the pants but I won't be getting any sex if my wife is not happy.” A few of the others nodded in agreement.

  “Oh, for God's sake man, get one of the saloon girls to take care of it. Now what are we going to do about Whittaker?”

  That night the cabin that Ling Ye and Chu Ying lived in, was set on fire. Fortunately, Smithers, Jeb and Chu Ying put the fire out before it spread to the big house. The volunteer fire department did not come, although the bell sounded loud and clear.

  Ling Ye and Chu Ying moved into the Whittaker's house. Anna referred to it as “the devil's work” when she told the women at the Ladies Auxiliary the next day. “Something has to be done about this town before all of us are killed in our beds. We need a mayor that will take back control.” The ladies agreed but many were frightened. Anna played on their fear.

  Anna visited the grave of Jebediah Whittaker. Tell me your secrets. You didn't amass such a fortune without being very clever. You were right about using religion to manipulate the masses. She stood staring blankly at the head stone, a cold, icy wind blew across the churchyard. The wind blowing through the trees made a sound like someone laughing, she looked around curiously. Anna laughed. She visited often, the grave became an obsession with her.

  Jeb and Smithers talked with some of the men and many agreed that something had to be done about the town council. Although they could not come up with a plan, one of the men filled with a false bravado, publicly challenged Mr. Whitehall. That night the poor man was found hung from a large tree just outside of town. Everyone knew who was responsible but the sheriff was on the council. He would not listen to the protests. The townspeople grew silent. The fear was palpable.

  The election was three weeks away. Jeb and Anna plotted. In the end, Olga Mueller provided them with some very valuable information. Apparently John Little, the town snitch had found some papers that Mr. Whitehall had left burning behind his office. John had put the fire out and brought the charred remains to Olga. Olga realized the value of the unburned evidence. She traded John some chocolate for them and called Anna right away. Anna visited the lawyer's office, where a letter addressed to Gov. William Hale, along with the unburned papers, was shown to Mr. Whitehall. Anna informed him that ‘Uncle Willy’ had been telegraphed and was on his way to Whittakerville. She also informed him that the ex-Justice of the Peace and her very good friend, Esther Hobart Morris would be returning as well. Anna mentioned that Mrs. Morris would be very interested in talking with Alice Parker. The lawyer turned pale. With sweat pouring down his face, he agreed to resign. After the visit by Anna, Whitehall miraculously withdrew from the mayoral race and left town.

  Several of the other town councilmen decided to travel to Utah or California on unexpected business. Some packed up their families and fled, others simply left their unsuspecting wives in Whittakerville. Even the sheriff resigned. The following week, the election was held.

  “What happened Whittaker?” Mr. Smithers congratulated Jeb, who was declared Mayor of Whittakerville. “Why did Whitehall leave town in such a hurry?”

  “Let's just say, some evidence came to light that he didn't want the people to know about. Now let's have that beer. And someone buy one for John Little.” Jeb was proud of himself; he could hardly believe all that had happened to him since he came to this town. He remembered how his entire childhood had been spent filled with hatred. Never did he dream he would come this far. He was filled with a new sense of confidence. He knew he owed it all to Anna. “Smithers, I want you to serve on the town council along with me. We also need a new sheriff.” The party was a huge success.

  The ladies of the Temperance Union stood to the side discussing Jeb's drinking. Anna assured them that it was just to celebrate his victory. Three women whose husbands had abandoned them after the town council scandal approached Anna. “We want to thank you for introducing us to Mrs. Morris. She has made all of the arrangements necessary for us to claim all of our husband's property here in Whittakerville, as our own. We owe you a debt of thanks, Mrs. Whittaker.” Anna blushed graciously, hugging the women. She thought about her own conversation with Mrs. Morris. Anna had inquired as to her position in the town council if something happened to Jeb. Would she be able to step in as acting mayor, if anything terrible happened to him? Mrs. Morris assured her that a number of widows had stepped into their husband's political roles in the past few years. Anna also had her draw up and witness Jeb's will, convincing Jeb to sign it. Just a little assurance, my love. The people of Whittakerville celebrated Jeb's victory. John Little, town hero, wiped his filthy face and slurped his beer. Anna smiled at Jeb, the new mayor of Whittakerville, Wyoming.

  Chapter Ten

  The News

  “Abe, I have to tell you that I am very upset that Vivienne went to Mama about Wyoming. That part
of our lives has been dead and buried for years and I for one, want it to stay that way.” Abraham could see the tension in his brother's face. He too was upset with Vivienne, but he understood that she was trying to placate Thomas. Martha seemed willing to tell them both some of the story, which made Abraham feel better about the whole situation.

  “Honestly, Isaac, Mama said she told them enough to satisfy them. She didn't seem upset.” Abraham placed his patient files in the drawer and took his seat behind the large desk. His brother paced the small office. “Besides, with our dear sister, Anna in Wyoming, this may not stay buried for long. Talk about a strange twist of fate.” Isaac turned and stared at Abe.

  “Fate? More like the devil's doing. Just finding out that our father had another son was shocking enough, without Anna running off with that lunatic. I tell you Abe, I could strangle him with my own hands for what he put this family through.” Isaac's face was crimson, he was very angry. Abraham tried to calm him down.

  “Listen, we don't know if we will ever see either of them again. If that fortune was as large as Jeb Jr. said, then the two of them are probably heading for the Gold coast by now. Anna always was trouble, now she has someone just as evil as she is, to share her life.”

  “That's a little harsh, Abe. I wouldn't call Anna evil.” Isaac was distracted from his initial anger. “She was troublesome, but she is also at that age. I remember all of us giving Mama a hard time when we were teenagers.”

  “ That sounded more like Annabelle than you. We were just happy to have a great life in St. Louis and be away from Wyoming and our father. I don't think we were troublesome at all. Speaking of trouble, have you had a letter from Zeke yet?”

  “No, but I think he and Abby will be very happy together. She worships the ground he walks on.” Almost as an afterthought, Isaac added, “I believe he has settled down.”

  “I hope so, I wouldn't like to think that poor Abby's heart would be broken because Zeke could not be faithful. Not like us, eh brother?”

  “One man, one woman suits me just fine. Now, how about that coffee you were promising me for fixing that broken door?” The brothers left the medical office and headed for the kitchen.

  Back in St. Louis, Martha sat in the parlor holding a newspaper. Arthur Langley sat opposite holding a china teacup in his weathered hand. “I hope I did the right thing in bringing that newspaper to you, Martha. You and I have known each other since Wyoming. I thought long and hard before I knocked on the door.” Martha had met Arthur on the wagon train to Wyoming more than twenty years ago, not only was he a friend, he was Loretta Well's father. Now in his late sixties, Arthur had retired from the wagon trains but still bought and sold horses. Most of the wagons were used for freight now that the railroad reached the west coast. He still had many connections in the business.

  “How did you get this, Arthur?” She could hardly believe what she had just read. Jeremy arrived home before Arthur could answer.

  “Martha, where are you?” Jeremy hung his coat in the hall and proceeded to the parlor. “Arthur, how nice to see you.” He walked over and shook Arthur's outstretched hand. “What a nice surprise. Oh, a hot cup of tea is exactly what I need after the cold wind out there, fall seems to be in the air already.” Jeremy picked up the teapot and poured himself a steamy cup of tea. Martha looked troubled. “Arthur, is something wrong?”

  Martha answered before Arthur. “Darling, Arthur has brought us a newspaper from Wyoming. Although it is a month old, it contains some very interesting news. I think you should read it for yourself.” She handed the neatly folded paper to her husband. He took his spectacles from his pocket. He began to read.

  Moments later, he looked at the pair in shock. “Is this true, Arthur?”

  “I am afraid so Jeremy, Jeb Whittaker Jr. is now the mayor of Whittakerville and Anna is apparently, his wife. I'm sorry if this upsets you but I thought you should know.”

  “Thank you, yes, any news is good to have Arthur. You have a daughter, I am sure you understand how I feel.” Martha looked up at Jeremy. She had not missed the ‘I' rather than ‘we' in Jeremy's statement. Jeremy avoided her gaze. Arthur stood, thanked Martha for the tea and left the house.

  “So it appears my newly acquired nephew is now my son-in-law, and the mayor of Whittakerville. Well, well, well, this is an interesting twist of fate. I think I need a brandy.” Martha didn't say a word; she simply walked to the cabinet and poured a large brandy for Jeremy and a sherry, for herself. So you do know how I feel about our daughter, Jeremy. Oh my dear, I wish I could feel some sadness but I don't. I don't miss her at all. Martha's hand was shaking as she set the tray on the small table.

  “I think we need to gather the family together, please call Charles.” Jeremy swallowed the brandy in one large gulp. Married, and I didn't even get to walk you down the aisle, my darling daughter. I hope this man is not like his father. I pray he is not.

  Isaac and Annabelle arrived first with the children. Abe and Vivienne were close behind. Charles showed them into the dining room, where the huge table was set for dinner. The children climbed into the large oak chairs anxiously awaiting the abundance of food they have grown to expect. Jeremy and Martha walked down the stairs and greeted their family. Both had a very serious look on their face. Isaac and Abe exchanged a glance. Jeremy seated Martha, took up his place at the head of the table and signaled for the rest of them to take their seats. Something was not right, the tension was apparent.

  “We have called all of you here to give you some news about Anna. Apparently, she has married Jeb Jr.” Several gasps could be heard. “That is not all, we have learned that they have taken up residence in Whittakerville and Jeb. Jr. is now the mayor.” The name evoked dread on the faces of Isaac and Abe. Thomas grew excited. Vivienne, who was seated next to him, grasped his hand to keep him from blurting out. But it was Sissy that spoke first.

  “So Auntie Anna married Red Fox, the Indian?” Annabelle shushed her. Jeremy looked around the table at the people he loved.

  “Yes Sissy, but he is not Red Fox the Indian, anymore. He is Jeb Whittaker, the mayor of Whittakerville.” Everyone stared at him in shocked silence. The food grew cold.

  “Fate brings many strange things into our lives, history often repeats itself. We just pray that Anna will not have to suffer as all of you did. Anna stated in her letter that Jeb. Jr. was not a monster and that stabbing me was an accident.” Martha rose from her chair and stood behind Jeremy, giving the impression of a united front. “Perhaps Jeb. Jr. is not whom we think, but a good man. We can only pray that he treats her well.” Jeremy looked at his family. Isaac looked away. They all nodded in agreement, all except Martha. She was lost in her own thoughts. Jeb might not be a monster but I am not so sure about Anna, my love. Time will tell.

  The following week, Vivienne was working on Isaac's farm. She wiped the dirt from her face, dusted off her work clothes and headed for the house.

  “Hi Annabelle, mind if the hired help has a cup of coffee?”

  “Viv, come in. You know I can never get used to you wearing pants. I know they are practical but working at St. Louis Haute Couture since I was ten, I still think ladies should wear dresses.” Vivienne just laughed and left her dirty boots at the door.

  Vivienne sat in the kitchen of the warm, cozy farmhouse. “That was quite a shock learning that Anna is married to Jeb Jr.” Vivienne picked up her cup and stared blankly over the rim. Several loaves of freshly baked bread cooled on the counter, making the kitchen smell inviting.

  Annabelle pushed stray red hairs back in place as she checked the oven. “I don't know what to think.” She placed the warm cookies on the table. “Careful, they are hot.”

  “Smells delicious. What do you think about Anna?” Vivienne picked at one of the cookies with her fork. It crumbled. “Oops, too hot.”

  “I can still see Martha's face when she handed me that letter. There was one word that was blatantly missing, the word ‘love'. Anna didn't sign it ‘love Anna.' N
o mention of loving Jeremy and she never said she ‘loved' that Indian.” Annabelle went over to check on the sleeping Amy. “Sorry, I mean Jeb. Jr. Isaac always calls him that ‘crazy Indian' and I am afraid that is how I think of him.”

  “I think of him as the bastard that almost dragged you into the woods, to do heaven knows what. Days later, he grabbed me and then beat me senseless, out on the road. If Isaac hadn't come along, he probably would have killed me. I still think Jeb. Jr. or that ‘crazy Indian' is a madman and Anna better watch out.” She ate her cookie. Crumbs fell on her trousers; she brushed them onto the floor.

  “Viv, the children. You really must watch your language.” Annabelle loved Vivienne but sometimes the young woman was very coarse and uncouth.

  “Sorry, you and Mother Martha will make a lady out of me yet.” Viv laughed.

  “I am actually surprised that someone didn't suggest going after her. I know Jeremy is beside himself; he really misses her. Isaac and Zeke offered when she first left town, but no one has mentioned it again.” Annabelle took the chair opposite Vivienne.

  “Martha doesn't seem very upset about her leaving. Forgive me for saying so but I almost get the impression that Martha is happy she is gone. I never really got to know Anna before our wedding. Just a few snippy comments from her now and then; I can't say as I liked her much.” Vivienne reached for another cookie, offering the plate to Annabelle.

  “Anna has always been a handful but mothers and daughters sometimes have rocky relationships. I am not sure how Martha feels, as a matter of fact, I don't think she knows how she feels.”

  “My mother died when I was young but if I ever have a daughter, I will love her to pieces, especially if she is like Sissy.”