Prairie Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake

  “And here she is now,” William said, rising from his chair. A smile spread across the woman’s round face as Hannah entered the room.

  “Mother, this is Hannah Falcrest. Hannah, my mother, Mrs. Julia Winslow.”

  Hannah offered her hand in greeting. “So nice to meet you, Mrs. Winslow.”

  “Address me as Julia, please, and the pleasure is mine. William has been filling me in on the details of your journey. My deepest sympathies, dear child.”

  “Thank you,” Hannah replied softly. “And has your son mentioned his manyacts of kindness to me? I don’t know how I would have managed had he not come to my aid.”

  “William doesn’t tell me much about himself—he speaks only of others,” she remarked as she gave her son a knowing look. “William tells me that you hold a deep faith in God. I admire that.”

  “Sometimes my faith isn’t as strong as it should be, I’m afraid. But I attempt to seek God’s will for my life, and I pray for opportunities to share my beliefs.”

  “The Lord apparently has heard your prayers,” Mrs. Winslow commented.

  “What do you mean?”

  “He sent you to New Orleans. If ever there was a city that needed God’s hand at work, it is New Orleans. Personally, I can’t wait to shake the dust of this wicked city from my shoes, but it seems that there is always something holding me back,” the older woman replied.

  “Oh, I’m not remaining in New Orleans. This isn’t where God intends me to be at all. I am going to Illinois. But with the humidity in this region, I doubt that you’d ever encounter any dust to shake off your shoes,” Hannah said with a gentle chuckle.

  Mrs. Winslow gave her a halfhearted smile, although William laughed aloud at Hannah’s wit.

  “William tells me you plan to homestead. Quite an undertaking for a single woman with an infant. Have you considered that you might want to give that decision a little more thought? Perhaps talk to some people who have homesteaded— hear about the hardships and adversities they were forced to endure while living in the wilderness?”

  “Such conversations might prove helpful,” Hannah answered, “but they wouldn’t change my decision.”

  William smiled at his mother. “Hannah has prayed about this venture, and God has told her that she is to settle in Illinois.”

  “You needn’t make me sound like a raving lunatic, William. I did not set sail from England without any knowledge or planning for my future. My husband and I had—“

  “Yes, William told me that your husband had purchased land in Illinois.” Several minutes passed as the older woman unfolded and then carefully refolded a lace handkerchief that lay in her lap. “Don’t misunderstand, Hannah, for I share your belief that God has a plan for our lives. But sometimes in our haste to hear from Him, we—how shall I put this?—misinterpret what we think are divine answers.”

  Hannah thoughtfully nodded her head and pushed away the half-eaten plate of food. Carefully wiping the corners of her mouth with an embroidered linen napkin, she met Mrs. Winslow’s gaze. “I understand and respect your opinion, Julia. However, you cannot dissuade me from what I know I must do.”

  “I didn’t expect that I could, but I felt the need to test your reaction. Apparently you and William are in for quite an adventure,” she responded.

  “Well, I don’t think William…that is to say, traveling together…homesteading… wouldn’t be proper for the two of us…unmarried…and all,” she stammered.

  “Quite so,” Mrs. Winslow mused. “However, when the Almighty has a plan, nothing is impossible,” she quickly added with a glimmer in her eyes.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I must check on Elizabeth,” Hannah said, rising from the table. “I won’t be long.”

  “Bring her down if she’s awake. It has been too long since I’ve held a baby. No matter how often I nag at this son of mine, he ignores my pleas for a grandchild,” she said, now directing her eyes toward William.

  Hannah didn’t know how to answer the comment, so she quickly exited the room, glad to remove herself from a discussion between Mrs. Winslow and William—at least any discussion that had to do with his producing grandchildren for the older woman.

  “Really, Mother! That remark was uncalled for,” William chided. “You’re certainly lacking in manners today.”

  “I spoke only the truth. If it makes you uncomfortable, so be it. I like that young woman. She has backbone—and the courage of her convictions. She’s pretty, too,” Julia added, almost as an afterthought.

  “I’ve pursued prettier,” William replied. “But I agree. There is something special about her. Perhaps it’s her diminutive figure or the subtle appearance of golden streaks in her cinnamon-colored hair.”

  “Or her quick smile and upturned nose,” his mother said with a laugh. “I’ll tell you one thing, William—you may have courted women who were a trifle more comely, but never one with half the gumption of Hannah Falcrest. She makes all the others appear fainthearted. Besides, I’m certain you’ve never courted a woman with her deep belief in God.”

  “That goes without saying. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever known, much less courted, a woman her age with such beliefs.”

  “I’d say that a rare opportunity is knocking, son. Don’t rush her, of course. She’s still in mourning for her husband. In due time. In due time.”

  “She mourns for her child, Mother, but not her husband. From what she told me, her marriage was an arranged one. Her father used her to pay off a gambling debt, so to speak.”

  “Surely not! Why, the poor dear, she can’t be more than nineteen or twenty years old. How old was her son?”

  “He was four,” Hannah answered, walking into the room with Elizabeth in her arms. “And I am twenty-four.”

  “Only two years younger than William,” Julia said, her cheeks flushing pink.

  “No need to be embarrassed, Mother,” William teased. “I’m sure that Hannah grew accustomed to people meddling in her affairs on board the ship. Didn’t you, Hannah?” William asked, hoping to put his mother in her place.

  “She’s not meddling, William, and her curiosity isn’t ill placed. Your mother is most gracious. I would want the same information if the situation was reversed and strangers were residing in my home. Feel free to ask me anything, Mrs. Winslow,” Hannah offered.

  “Only if you promise to tell me when I’m being intrusive,” Julia replied, giving William a gleeful look.

  “Does that offer go for me as well?” William asked.

  “Of course not, Mr. Winslow—I fear your inquiries might be most unacceptable,” Hannah replied. “I don’t think your mother will ask me any objectionable questions.”

  William leaned back in his chair and snorted boisterously. “Obviously you don’t know my mother, Hannah.”

  “That will do, young man,” his mother cautioned from across the table. “Now keep your voice down. You will frighten the baby. Hand her here,” Julia ordered as she stretched forth her arms to receive the child. “Oh, just look at her. What a sweet little darling. We’re going to become great friends,” she cooed at the infant. “William, why don’t you take Hannah out to see the garden? I’ll look after Elizabeth.”

  Hannah glanced first at Julia and then at William, trying to interpret the silent communication taking place between mother and son. “I’m sure Hannah would rather stay indoors,” William answered, choosing to ignore the look his mother threw him. He knew what she wanted. Julia had used those looks as her silent form of communication throughout his life.

  “Of course she wouldn’t. She’d like to see the garden. Wouldn’t you, Hannah?”

  “If William would like to show me the garden, that would be lovely,” she replied, obviously unsure what answer she should give.

  “Certainly. This way,” he said, rising from his chair and motioning toward a door at the side of the house.

  Once outside, William led her through the garden to a small, shaded pavilion graced by two small fountains. />
  “You didn’t want to show me the garden, did you?” Hannah finally asked.

  “Oh, it’s not that. I’m twenty-six years old, so I tend to resent my mother’s attempts to direct my life. I am pleased to spend time with you, Hannah. But I had planned to attend to several other matters this afternoon. My mother doesn’t approve of my Sunday activities,” he answered.

  “And what are your Sunday activities, if I may be so bold as to inquire?”

  “Sometimes I handle business that can’t wait. Today I was planning to check on the schedule of steamships heading up the Mississippi.”

  “Certainly that can wait until tomorrow,” she calmly answered.

  “But will you feel that way if I miss the opportunity to book passage on a steamer because I waited an extra day?”

  “Of course. I would never want to be the cause of someone conducting business on the Lord’s Day, William. However, if you desire to go into town, don’t let my presence stop you.”

  “So if I were able to make the arrangements today, that would be acceptable?”

  “You’re putting words in my mouth. If the only reason that you are going into town is to conduct business concerning my passage up the Mississippi, I would prefer that it wait until tomorrow. Does that clarify the matter?”

  “It’s as clear as the sky above me,” he replied. “Now since we have the balance of the day, would you care to see the vegetable garden?”

  Hannah chuckled. Obviously William found it difficult to spend time at home.

  Chapter 3

  What do you mean, book passage for four?” William asked. “Hannah isn’t even convinced that she wants me to accompany her.” For the love of heaven, what had gotten into his mother? In her midfifties, she thought she was ready to embark on some grand adventure.

  “Exactly my point,” Julia responded. “Don’t you see the impropriety of the situation? We’ve discussed it.”

  “You’ve discussed it?”

  “Yes, Hannah and I. She believes that even though you are well intentioned, it would be improper to travel together. And then there would be settling the land. You couldn’t live together. Such brashness would ruin her reputation. Surely you can see that, William?”

  She was acting as though he were a complete ninny. “Do you think I haven’t given considerable thought to the situation?” he asked. It took everything he had to hold his temper in check.

  “Honestly? No, I didn’t think you’d give the issue much thought whatsoever. Men don’t think about such things.”

  “Mother, please don’t generalize. Perhaps there are men who don’t think about such things, but there are a few of us who give some thought to these matters. I know Hannah is a righteous young woman, and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize her reputation. I would never want to do anything to cause her harm. Is that so difficult for you to believe?”

  “No, of course not. But if you’ve given this matter your attention, then what, pray tell, is your solution?”

  As usual, his mother had managed to put him on the defensive. He had given the situation some thought, although truth be known, he hadn’t dwelled upon the matter for long. Obviously, social impropriety fell further to the bottom of his list than that of his mother. Now she was giving him one of those motherly looks that said, I’ve caught you in a lie, young man. Why didn’t he just admit that his mother was right? It would be much easier, and it certainly would put a smile on her face.

  “Well?” she questioned, breaking into his thoughts.

  He shifted to his left foot, clasped his hands behind his back, and met his mother’s unrelenting gaze. “We’re going to be married,” he blurted out.

  “What? Married? Why, you never said…Hannah never mentioned…”

  “We’ve known each other such a short time that she thought you would disapprove. I wanted to honor Hannah’s wishes,” he continued.

  “When is the wedding to take place? You said you were planning to book passage right away. But you’ve not left the house long enough to make any arrangements for a marriage,” Julia countered.

  He could see his mother’s mind at work. If he didn’t get out of her presence soon, he was going to be caught in his own web of deceit. “You’re absolutely right, Mother. I was going to stop at the church and talk with the preacher on my way to book passage. Remember, Mother, we’re talking about a simple exchange of vows, not an elaborate wedding.”

  “Wedding? Who’s getting married?” Hannah inquired as she walked into the room while cradling Elizabeth in her arms.

  “Family friends,” William quickly replied.

  “Sit down, dear,” Julia offered, leading Hannah toward the brocade settee. “You know, Hannah, I think you are a lovely young woman. And Elizabeth—well, it goes without saying that she is a delight.”

  “Mother!” William warned from between clenched teeth.

  His mother gave him a syrupy sweet smile as she lifted Elizabeth into her arms. “Don’t you need to go and make your arrangements, William?”

  “I think they can wait a few minutes,” he replied, dropping down beside Hannah on the settee.

  “What do you think of your mother’s suggestion?” Hannah inquired. “You have told him, haven’t you?” Hannah asked, shifting her gaze toward Julia.

  “Of course I’ve told him,” Julia responded. “I don’t think he’s particularly fond of my idea. Are you, William?”

  “It’s not that I don’t want you to come along, Mother. It’s just that it will be a difficult journey, and there’s really no need for you to—“

  “She was thinking of my reputation. How selfish of me—I didn’t give any thought to your health and well-being, Julia,” Hannah apologized.

  “Humph! My health is just fine, and I daresay that I could probably work longer and harder than either of you. I was looking forward to the adventure! As I told you earlier, Hannah, I would love to get away from New Orleans. But William tells me—“

  “I hope you’ll forgive me, Hannah, but I told Mother that we are to be married,” William interrupted as he grabbed Hannah around the waist and pulled her into a deliberate embrace.

  “You told your mother what?”

  Hannah’s voice pulsated between a croak and a shriek. William pulled her closer, hoping to silence her. His fingers tightened firmly around her rib cage. With his free hand, he took hold of her chin and turned her head toward him. Forcing his lips into a frozen smile, he furrowed his brow, met Hannah’s questioning gaze, and threw her what he hoped was a look of warning.

  “The announcement was necessary, my dear,” William continued while still holding her chin, his steely gray eyes demanding that she not turn away. “You see, Mother told me the two of you had been discussing the impropriety of our traveling arrangements. I realize that you didn’t want Mother to know of our marriage plans, but in light of the circumstances, well, I felt it necessary to tell her. After all, I wouldn’t want Mother to make a trip into the wilderness thinking she needed to save your reputation when your reputation was already protected.”

  Hannah looked so pitifully bewildered that he wanted to pull her into his arms, kiss away her concerns, and tell her everything was going to be fine. He wanted to assure her that he would take care of her forever—that he loved her and would protect her.

  Forcing himself to clear his head, William leaned down and whispered into her ear, “Play along with me, Hannah. I’ll explain later.” He hoped his mother would view the gesture as a show of affection.

  Hannah’s head moved ever so slightly, and her eyes seemed to register understanding. Inch by inch, William allowed his fingers to loosen around her waist until he had completely released his grip. Dropping his hand from her chin, he waited momentarily, not sure what she would do.

  Hannah kept her gaze directed at him. He thought he detected a tiny glimmer in her eyes.

  “I do understand, my dear. It was rude not to include everyone in the marriage plans. However, since your mother desires to go along
, I can think of nothing more delightful than having her join us. Why, what a wonderful opportunity for us to get better acquainted. Don’t you think so?” Hannah generously inquired.

  She was giving him an ever-so-sweet smile, and her eyes seemed to dance with delight. “We’ll discuss the matter further—in private,” he replied hastily.

  “Why, thank you, Hannah. I knew I liked you from the moment we met. Didn’t I say that, William?” his mother asked as she affectionately ran her fingers through Baby Elizabeth’s curly blond hair.

  Without comment, William rose from the settee and moved toward the windows that overlooked the garden. Those two must certainly be collaborating. They had to be! How could this have happened otherwise? Only a short time earlier, he was a carefree bachelor. Now he found himself propelled into marriage, fatherhood, and a journey into the wilderness of Illinois. An excursion that would, of all things, include his mother. Unthinkable!

  “Didn’t I, William?” his mother insisted.

  “What? Oh yes, I suppose you did,” he muttered, still trying to gather his thoughts.

  “Is something wrong, William?” Hannah inquired.

  Her voice seemed to vibrate with merriment. “Nothing that can’t be attended to right now,” he replied. “Mother, will you see to Elizabeth while Hannah and I take a stroll in the garden?”

  “Of course, of course. You two lovebirds take some time for yourselves. In fact, why don’t you both walk to the church and visit with Reverend Milrose about your wedding plans? No time like the present, I always say,” Julia replied, a smile sweeping across her face.

  “Right,” William answered as he took Hannah’s arm and led her toward the front door. “We won’t be long.”

  “No, not long at all,” Hannah added. “I’ll need to feed Elizabeth soon.”

  “You just fed Elizabeth before you walked into the parlor and wreaked havoc,” William replied, tightening his grip as they reached the street.