Prairie Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake

  Mrs. Martin seemed like a different person this morning. Perhaps it was because her husband was out of the house and she could act more natural, more like herself. That must be it, Hannah decided as she nursed the baby.

  “Here you are, heated spring water,” Mrs. Martin announced as she poured warm water into the pitcher for Hannah. “You better get yourself dressed. Would you like me to hold the baby?”

  “Thank you. That’s very kind,” Hannah said once again as she handed over Elizabeth. The change is truly amazing, Hannah decided, giving the older woman a warm smile.

  Mrs. Martin smiled back through her tobacco-stained teeth and nodded her head. “Church starts at ten o’clock, and the trip takes nigh unto an hour from here. You’ll need to leave soon.”

  Working as rapidly as she could, Hannah washed, combed, and rearranged her chestnut-brown hair. Carefully she stepped into the muslin petticoats and then pulled her dark green silk dress over her head. She placed a white embroidered collar around her neck and donned a matching bonnet with dark green ribbons. She had hoped to wear her black leather dress slippers, but the scuffed brown walking shoes would have to do. If she was careful, her dress would keep the shabby footwear hidden.

  “My, ain’t you just the sight,” Mrs. Martin exclaimed as Hannah walked out of the bedroom. “That’s just about the prettiest dress I ever seen.”

  “And just about the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen that’s wearing it,” William agreed as he entered the house with Mr. Martin.

  Hannah could feel her cheeks flush at his remark. “I think we’re just about ready. Mrs. Martin’s been looking after Elizabeth. Her assistance certainly made it easier to get dressed.”

  “We do appreciate that,” William said, giving the woman an appreciative smile.

  “My pleasure. I just added it to your bill. By the time you folks leave here, I should have enough money to buy me a couple of them fancy dresses—matching bonnets, too,” she added.

  “Our bill?” Hannah stammered. “What are you talking about?”

  “Surely you didn’t think we was putting you folks up out of the goodness of our hearts, did you?” she asked with a greedy glint in her eyes.

  “You mean—you’re charging us to sleep here?” Hannah asked, horrified at the thought.

  “Sleep, eat, tote your water, fetch wood for your fire, watch after your baby, tour my house and cellar…”

  “Surely you’re jesting. That’s preposterous!”

  “I don’t know what that word means, but I can tell you this is no joke. You’ll be paying and paying dearly for all we’ve done.”

  “That’s enough, wife. They understand how things are,” Mr. Martin said. “I’ll be expecting you back here with my mules and wagon by midafternoon, no later,” he said to William. “I don’t want to turn you in as a thief.”

  William nodded as he helped Hannah onto the wagon seat and then handed Elizabeth up to her. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back,” he replied as he hoisted himself onto the wagon seat and slapped the reins, setting the mules into motion.

  “The nerve of those people. Can you believe them?” Hannah stormed.

  “No need to get yourself all worked up. Your anger won’t change anything, and it’ll just ruin your time worshipping the Lord.”

  Hannah turned on the seat and scrutinized him.

  “What?” William queried as she stared at him. “Well, am I wrong? Anger will ruin our worship, won’t it?”

  “I suppose it will,” she agreed with a dainty smile.

  “That’s better,” he replied. “Why don’t you move a little closer? That way people will think you like me just a little. After all, we wouldn’t want to make a bad impression the first time we meet these folks,” he continued while giving her a wink.

  Hannah felt her stomach flip-flop and her cheeks flush when he winked. This was, after all, the first time in her life that she had been courted, and she liked it! Inching closer, she turned, met William’s gaze, and smiled as he held the reins with one hand while taking her left hand into his own.

  “Your hands are cold. You should be wearing gloves,” he said with a note of concern.

  “I didn’t realize the weather would be quite so cold. I probably should have worn my lined bonnet instead of this one.”

  “But you look absolutely beautiful in it. Besides, we’ll be there soon. In the meantime, I’ll be pleased to help keep you warm.”

  “You are such a gentleman, William. You would make your mother very proud,” Hannah replied, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

  “There you go again. Do I detect a hint of insincerity in your words?” he asked with laughter in his voice.

  “You are a gentleman, William. Even though I was jesting only moments ago, I truly realize and admire what a gentleman you are. I don’t think anyone else in this world would have been so good to me, done all that you have—and with such merciful kindness,” she added, her voice now soft and serious.

  “Thank you for those sweet words, my dear. If I’ve been merciful or kind, it’s because of the mercy and kindness you’ve shown me. I admire your relationship with God, Hannah, and just being around you has caused me to realize that I need to depend on Him for everything. I’m seeking His guidance before I make decisions, which means I spend a lot more time in prayer. I’ve even found it much easier to overlook others’ shortcomings than I did only a few weeks ago. Perhaps that’s because God has been making me aware of my own imperfections as each day passes.”

  Hannah smiled. “Evidently your faith has grown stronger while mine has grown weaker,” she replied in a sad voice.

  “I think we both need this worship service,” William said as they neared the church.

  “Perhaps you’re right. I haven’t attended church since leaving England. Those Sundays when I could worship God and fellowship with other believers helped make my life with Edward bearable, and I’m certain it will improve my disposition toward the Martins.”

  “Good morning and welcome,” a middle-aged man greeted as they entered the church. “I’m John Keating, the pastor. You folks must be new to the area. Where are you homesteading?”

  “We thought we had purchased the eighty acres adjoining Henry Martin’s place. But apparently the payment for our land never reached him, so we’re not sure what the future holds,” William answered as he shook Reverend Keating’s hand.

  “Ah, I see,” the pastor said, nodding his head. “Henry Martin’s sold that same eighty acres to a couple of families—seems he never does get the money.”

  “You mean he’s done this to others?” Hannah asked, anger beginning to bubble up inside.

  The pastor nodded. “I think you’d be about the third family.”

  “What happened to the others?” William inquired.

  “One family returned to St. Louis. I’m told the other one, a single man, was so disheartened by the situation that he took his own life.”

  “Oh my!” Hannah exclaimed.

  “Now, now, Hannah, things aren’t so dire that we need think about anything like that. If we can’t resolve the matter, we’ll merely return to New Orleans.”

  “Before you plan to leave, let me introduce you to Millie Sutherford. She’s from England, too,” the pastor added. “The Sutherfords were one of the first families to homestead this area. They settled here about fifteen years ago. Millie has a lovely little farmstead not far from here, and—well, I’ll have her talk to you. I’m not sure if she’s arrived yet, but I’ll be sure to introduce you after church.”

  “Thank you,” Hannah replied, uncertain exactly how meeting Millie Sutherford was going to help.

  Chapter 6

  So you see why I believe you’re an answer to my prayers?” Millie asked William and Hannah as the three of them sat around Millie’s kitchen table drinking steaming mugs of tea. Their stomachs were full from a midday meal of ham, boiled turnips, and thick slices of warm bread slathered with freshly churned butter.

  Wil
liam was silent for a moment. “What if I can’t keep the place running? I’ve never farmed before, ma’am, and I wouldn’t want to let you down,” William replied.

  “You were planning on farming your own land, and if I’m any judge of character, you’ll not let me down. Besides, you’ll find that most folks will help out. I couldn’t have made it these five months since my husband’s death if it hadn’t been for my church family. They’ve come and worked, helping me with everything from tending the animals to harvesting my crops. They’ll do the same for you, if you need,” Millie assured.

  “You’re sure this is what you want to do?” William asked again.

  “Sure as I can be. I can’t run this farm on my own, and I’ve been praying that God would send just the right family to take over the place. I want to return to England, spend time with my few remaining relatives, and visit the places where my husband and I first met. I’m not sure if I’ll stay in England or return to America. But if I do return, I want to live in one of those big cities back east that I hear folks talk about, not out here in the country. Would you feel easier about making a decision if you took some time to pray about it?”

  The woman’s gentle sincerity spoke to Hannah’s heart. “Could we go into the other room to talk and pray?” Hannah inquired.

  “Of course. And while you do, would you permit me to look after this sweet child?” she offered. “I promise not to charge a penny,” Millie quickly added with a soft chuckle.

  The newlyweds had taken Mrs. Sutherford into their confidence, relating the events that had occurred since their arrival at the Martin homestead. The olderwoman had nodded knowingly, disclosing that she had been praying for the Martins ever since their arrival at Pike’s Ferry. Millie longed to be God’s instrument in helping to turn the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Martin toward Him. But, she lamented, thus far her prayers had gone unanswered. With chagrin she noted that, unfortunately, the Martins were as mean-spirited today as they were the day they first arrived in Illinois.

  A short time later, William and Hannah returned to the living area where Millie sat playing with Elizabeth. “We’ve decided to accept your offer,” William announced. “Provided you’ll give me time to arrange for the funds.”

  “Of course. And I want you to move in here immediately. I can’t bear the thought of your staying with the Martins another minute. Besides, just think how wonderful it will be to have someone to talk to—especially you,” she said, hugging Elizabeth close and placing a kiss on the baby’s cheek.

  William looked at his pocket watch. “I need to get the wagon back to Mr. Martin, or he’ll soon be turning me in for stealing and will be claiming our belongings as his own.”

  “Why don’t you unload those things before you return the wagon? Hannah and the baby can stay here with me while you’re gone. Just tie my mare to the wagon and ride her back.”

  “That would be grand,” Hannah agreed enthusiastically. “But we’d better hurry.”

  “You can take the bed and other furniture to the shed out back,” Millie suggested.

  The three of them worked at a fever pitch, and when they had finally accomplished the task, the two women bid William good-bye, with Millie promising a savory stew and dumplings upon his return.

  Thankfully, the mules moved along at a steady pace as William turned at the road in front of the church and continued onward toward the Martins’ place. Soon the distinct odor of smoke began to permeate the air and the stubborn mules became skittish. When the mare began pulling at the rope that tethered her to the rear of the wagon, William, now growing increasingly troubled by the smoke, resolutely determined that he could prod the mules no further. Jumping down from the wagon, he tied the team to a nearby tree, still hoping that he could walk the remaining distance to the Martin homestead before midafternoon.

  As he grew nearer, a thickening wall of smoke caused his eyes to water, and his breathing became more difficult. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he covered his nose and mouth, knotting the folded triangle behind his head. Moving forward, he squinted his eyes while waving his arm in a futile attempt to clear away the thick haze.

  “Who’s that?” a raspy voice called out. “I see ya out there.”

  “Mr. Martin? It’s me, William Winslow. What’s happened?”

  “Step forward and let me see your face,” the older man commanded.

  William moved carefully through the dense smoke, Henry Martin’s voice guiding him as he attempted to discern the looming remains of what had been the Martin home only hours earlier.

  “Are you injured? Where’s your wife?” William asked as he endeavored to make some sense of the ruin that suddenly lay before him.

  “Over there,” Mr. Martin answered, pointing toward the weatherworn woman, who sat rocking back and forth on the ground, weeping. “She’s beside herself— won’t quit that bawling. It’s her fault this happened and she knows it,” he said a little more loudly, obviously wanting Mrs. Martin to hear his accusation.

  If she heard, she gave no sign, so William looked back toward the man. “I’ve got your mules and wagon down the road a piece.” He didn’t know what else to say. Words couldn’t bring back the loss of their farmstead, and he certainly didn’t know how to lend comfort to the wailing Mrs. Martin. He now wished that Hannah had come along. At that moment, as he thought of Hannah, he knew what he should do. He bowed his head and prayed—he prayed more fervently than he’d ever prayed before, seeking wisdom, guidance, mercy, and God’s blessing upon the Martins. When he finished, he lifted his head and met Mr. Martin’s awestruck stare.

  “You and your wife come with me. We’ll take your wagon and return to Mrs. Sutherford’s place,” William said, taking command of the situation.

  “I thought you went to church. What were you doing over at Sutherford’s?”

  “I’ll explain on the way. You think you can get your wife settled enough to walk to the wagon?”

  “Why are you helping us? You thinking you’ll be able to write off what you owe me by showing us a bit of kindness? ‘Cause if that’s what you’re up to, it won’t work. I know exactly how much you owe.”

  “No, Mr. Martin, I’m merely trying to extend a helping hand. I don’t know what Widow Sutherford will think about the fact that I’ve invited you to her home, but I believe she’ll treat you much better than you may deserve. Now why don’t you assist your wife, and let’s be on our way. There’s nothing to be done here.”

  William’s tone left no doubt that the conversation had come to an end. Mr. Martin pulled his wife to her feet and half dragged, half carried her alongside him until they reached the wagon.

  “Where’s your belongings?” Mr. Martin queried, eyeing the empty buckboard. “And whose horse is that?”

  “I said I’d explain on the way,” William replied. “Help your wife into the back. You drive—I hope these mules will move for you. At least we’ll be heading away from the smoke.”

  When they were finally back on the crude path and Mrs. Martin’s sobbing had subsided, William told Mr. Martin of his plans to take over the Sutherfordhomestead, adding that he had no intention of purchasing the land that Hannah’s husband had secured.

  “Even if Mrs. Sutherford hadn’t made us this offer, after observing your conduct and the condition of the land, I wouldn’t consider doing business with you, sir,” William said as he concluded his explanation of the afternoon’s occurrences.

  Mr. Martin said nothing but gave his wife a menacing glare when she began to speak.

  “You can park the wagon over there,” William instructed, pointing toward a spot near the shed.

  “William! We were beginning to worry,” Hannah called while opening the front door. As soon as the words were spoken, she came to a halt, her mouth opened wide in obvious disbelief.

  “I’m fine, Hannah. Would you ask Millie to step out here? I need to have a word with her,” William asked.

  A few moments later, Millie met William in front of the house. “I hop
e I haven’t overstepped my bounds,” he said, nodding toward the Martins.

  “What happened? And what’s that I smell? Smoke?”

  “Their place caught fire while we were at church. They are burned out. With the weather turning cold, I thought maybe…well, I didn’t want to …,” he stammered, hoping to find the words.

  “They need a place to stay and you offered your home. Is that what you’re trying to say, William?”

  “I offered your home, Millie.”

  “It’s not mine anymore. You agreed to purchase it, or have you forgotten so soon?”

  “No, of course I haven’t forgotten, but I won’t think of it as our home until I’ve paid for it,” William answered.

  “Well, if it were my home, I would have no objection. In fact, I’d say you have done what would be pleasing to the Lord.”

  William smiled and took her tiny hand in his own. “Thank you, Millie.”

  “No, thank you, William. You may have given me the opportunity I’ve prayed for all these years. I’ll go talk to Mr. and Mrs. Martin; I think you’d better go visit with Hannah. She seems a bit perplexed.”

  “No doubt,” he said as he ran toward the house.

  “What are they doing here?” Hannah asked just as William bounded through the door.

  “Sit down and let me explain,” he replied, first swooping Elizabeth from her cradle and kissing her along the chubby folds of her neck until she giggled in delight.

  Hannah wiped her hands on the flowered cambric apron tied around her waist, tucked a wisp of unruly hair behind her ear, and sat down at the dining table.

  “So explain,” she said, giving him her full attention as he placed Elizabeth back in her cradle.

  “Have I ever told you what beautiful eyes you have?” William asked, wishing that he could stare into her very soul through their ocean-blue depths. He seated himself close to her on the straight-backed wooden bench. “And how I love the shape of your nose and your high cheekbones, the creamy texture of your skin, and the softness of your lips?” he continued. He lifted her fingers to his lips and then gently stroked the back of her hand. Suddenly his eyes dropped to her fingers and then rose again sharply to meet her eyes.