Embers of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  “I’m twenty-five. I’ve been college educated and have worked for my father’s business, just as you have worked for yours. The differences between us, however, are great. You are a man of the land. I dare say you probably can’t even read.”

  “I can,” G. W. countered in a defensive tone. “Not well, but I can read some.”

  The younger man considered this a moment and drew several puffs on the cigar. “Well, it’s not of any real concern. Andrew Johnson was illiterate when he was a child, and he became president. Anything is possible, I suppose.” He flicked the rest of his cigar in the fire as Rob approached them.

  G. W. had no idea where Albright had planned to go with the conversation, but he seemed to be lost in his thoughts as Rob joined them.

  “I’m bushed,” Rob declared. “Headin’ to bed.”

  “I reckon we all ought to do the same,” G. W. replied. “I’m pretty tuckered myself.”

  Rob nodded and yawned. “See you in the mornin’.”

  G. W. returned his tin cup to its spot beside the coffee pot, then took up a lantern and lit it before kicking dirt into the fire to put it out. He thought about all the things he would like to ask Albright – things that might explain why he wanted to marry Lizzie. Or why he insisted the marriage was legal. He’d never been one to stick his nose in other folks’s business, but this time it really stuck in his craw. He didn’t want to see Lizzie hurt by this man.

  “It must be hard on your pa, havin’ you gone all this time,” G. W. threw out.

  “Not at all. He has plenty of employees to see to what is necessary. He’s far too busy trying to influence the president to worry about my absence.”

  “What’s he tryin’ to influence the president about?”

  The casual question seemed to take Albright by surprise. “Mostly he’s working to get legislation passed that will support the various causes of women’s rights. He’s a fan of the suffragette movement.”

  G. W. considered this for a moment. “Must make him popular with Lizzie’s ma.”

  Albright gave a laugh. “Indeed it does. She was quite glad to see her daughter wed to a family who could benefit her beloved cause.”

  Well, at least that gave Harriet Decker a reason to push the marriage forward. But what was Albright’s reasoning? He clearly didn’t love Lizzie. In fact, as best G. W. could figure, Lizzie rather annoyed him.

  He wanted to ask Albright outright as to why he had really come. Why was it he wanted to impose this sham of a marriage on a woman who clearly wanted nothing to do with him? But instead, he motioned with the lantern. “Guess we’d better turn in.”

  G. W. didn’t wait for Albright’s approval. He started walking to where they had set up tents. Wright, Bishop, and Albright shared the larger of four tents while G. W., Uncle Arjan, and Rob shared a smaller tent positioned away from the easterners. The other two tents held the other Vandermark employees. They only spent the night out in the forest like this when they were working on a deadline for extra product.

  Pausing by Albright’s tent, G. W. waited for the man to say something dismissive, but he simply ducked into the lighted tent without a word. Wright and Bishop welcomed him with the offer of a drink.

  G. W. had plans to move his visitors deeper into the Vandermark holdings in the morning. He wanted to show them some of the differences in the trees available for harvest, as well as the hardwoods that were intermingled among the pines. Mostly, however, he wanted to finish this journey and get back home to Lizzie. He missed her and could no longer deny his feelings for her. He wanted to tell her how he felt – to tell her that he didn’t care about the mess with Albright, that he’d wait for her. Of course, there was a chance she didn’t feel the same way, but he didn’t think that was the case.

  Rob and Uncle Arjan seemed to be waiting for him when G. W. entered the tent. They looked at him rather expectantly. G. W. secured the tent flap and crawled over to his bedroll.

  “Guess we’ll be parting company in the morning,” G. W. said.

  “Saw you talkin’ with Albright,” Uncle Arjan commented. “Did the man have anything of value to share?”

  G. W. nodded. “Said his pa is working to get some laws in place that Mrs. Decker likes. Laws that help her cause.”

  Uncle Arjan nodded. “So that’s why she’s come to persuade Lizzie to go back with them.”

  G. W. unfastened his bedroll. “I figure it that way. But I still cain’t understand how Albright stands to benefit. Guess maybe in time that will come clear, too.” He crawled on top of the blanket and stretched out. It felt good to lie down and rest. His body ached from the day of work. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and put his thoughts on the pretty little blonde at home.

  –––––––

  The night passed much too quickly, and before he knew it, G. W. was being roused by his uncle. “Time to get up.”

  He yawned and stretched. It was already getting light, and from the wafting aroma in the air, one of the men was already frying up some smoked ham. G. W. gathered his things and considered which direction they would head. He’d just as soon take the men back to Perkinsville, but he knew that Mr. Perkins intended them to see just how far the Vandermark holdings extended. Apparently there was discussion about them buying land just to the east of his family’s property line, and Mr. Perkins thought it would be good for the men to see exactly what the lay of the land was and how it could best benefit them.

  They ate a quick breakfast, then started packing for the trip just as the train whistle sounded. Most of the men would spend the morning loading logs, while Sissy’s husband, George, and son David would continue felling trees.

  G. W. secured their provisions on two of the pack mules, while Rob saddled the horse Stuart Albright was riding. Mr. Wright and Mr. Bishop held true to their word and seemed quite capable. They tended their own mounts, while Stuart Albright waited impatiently for Rob to finish.

  “How much longer do you plan for us to stay out here?” Albright asked when G. W. came to saddle his own horse.

  “I figure we’ll be back next Monday. Why?”

  Albright seemed to consider this a moment. “I was thinking I might take the train back to your house. Mrs. Decker and Elizabeth must surely be ready to return to Philadelphia.”

  G. W. stopped what he was doing and looked hard at Albright. “Lizzie’s got no plans to go back to Philadelphia. She’s told you that several times. Why do you keep insistin’ on it?”

  The expression on Albright’s face clearly proved he’d been taken by surprise, but his tone bore no hint of such feelings. “She’s my wife.”

  “She don’t see it that way.”

  Annoyance crossed Albright’s expression. “It really doesn’t matter how she sees it. It’s the truth of the matter.”

  G. W. shrugged, trying his best to hold his temper. “Seems to me a man oughta care about what a woman thinks when it comes to somethin’ as important as marriage.” He stared Albright in the eye. “Lizzie’s got a good head on her shoulders, and I think she can decide for herself what she wants. It’s obviously not bein’ married to you, so maybe you should just stop tryin’ to force the issue.”

  Albright reddened. “Stay away from her, Vandermark. She’s my wife, and she will return to Philadelphia with me.”

  “If I were a bettin’ man,” G. W. said, allowing himself the slightest hint of a grin, “I’d take a wager on it that you’re wrong.”

  Rob and Uncle Arjan came up just then, and G. W. left Albright to decide what he’d do next. G. W. hated the thought of the man returning home to harass Lizzie, but there was really nothing he could do to stop him.

  “They’re settin’ up to start loadin’ logs,” Arjan told his nephew. “I guess we’ll see you back to home when you finish your job with these men.”

  G. W. nodded and was starting to say something when George Jackson came running – waving his arms in the air. “Come quick. David’s done cut himself bad.”

  Gone was any c
oncern about Albright. The men made their way to where David was moaning in pain. Uncle Arjan squatted down to see how bad the wound was. Blood had drenched the young man’s trousers.

  “We started too low, I reckon. Ax just seemed to bounce back off the trunk and hit David instead.”

  The lower trunks of the older pines were hardened from resin deposits, making the cutting sometimes perilous. The men hated trying to fell them at a low level for this very reason, but the rule was to cut no higher than the diameter was thick. Arjan motioned to Rob. “Get some help. Let’s get him loaded on the train and get him to the doctor.”

  Rob raced off just as Mr. Wright and Mr. Bishop came to see what the commotion was all about. G. W. straightened. “David’s taken a bad blow to his leg. We’re gonna get him to town, where the doc can stitch him up and tend him.”

  “Is there anything we can do?” Mr. Wright asked.

  G. W. appreciated the man’s concern. “No. Just stay out of the way.”

  The men nodded as Rob returned with several of the other loggers. Once Arjan had tied off the wound to cut down the bleeding, the men made quick work of lifting David and carrying him to the train.

  “George, you go along with him. Sissy should have you there to tell her what happened.”

  George nodded and wiped his bloody hands against his bibbed overalls. “ ’Preciate that, Mr. Arjan. I’ll be back soon as I see to him.”

  “Just take the rest of the day, George. I won’t dock your pay,” Uncle Arjan assured him. “Now, hurry.”

  George looked like he wanted to say something more, but instead, he gave a slow nod and made his way to the train. G. W. looked to Wright and Bishop. “We should be headin’ out, too.”

  He left them and went to where the horses waited. Albright stood by his mount, looking bored with the entire matter. He held up his left hand, studying his fingernails for a moment. “I don’t suppose I understand all the fuss. The man is a Negro, is he not?”

  G. W. stopped in his tracks and looked hard at Albright. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  Albright shrugged. “It just seems to me that given it’s only a Negro and not a white man, you wouldn’t make such an ordeal over the matter.”

  It was clear by Albright’s expression that he was trying to irritate G. W. further. No doubt it was payback for G. W.’s earlier conversation regarding Lizzie. He stepped forward, his nose nearly touching Albright’s. “I’m gonna forget you said that.”

  “Why? I meant every word. There are thousands of freed blacks who could easily take his job. Why expend the money and time on a man who was obviously too stupid to keep himself from harm?”

  G. W.’s jaw tightened. He wanted so much to punch the man square in the nose. He forced himself to take a step back. “You can think what you like. But just keep in mind, that man bleeds red, just like you’re gonna if you don’t keep your thoughts to yourself.”

  Albright gave G. W. a rather sardonic smile and turned away. G. W. was glad the man had not replied. It had taken every bit of his self-control to keep from acting upon his anger. He could hear his mother telling him, “The Bible says ‘Be ye angry, and sin not.’ ” Those words often helped G. W. keep his actions under control. But would it really be a sin, he wondered, if he hit Albright? The man clearly deserved worse than that. Wasn’t there such a thing as righteous anger?

  CHAPTER 16

  Lizzie found herself constantly thinking of G. W. and Stuart while they were off on the Vandermark property. They’d been gone for a week, and she hoped fervently that when they returned, Stuart would declare that he was mistaken – that they weren’t married at all.

  She gave a sigh and put away the last of the dried supper dishes. After learning what had happened to David, Lizzie found it hard not to fret about the men. What if some other tragedy had befallen them? What if G. W. were somehow harmed? Lizzie knew she had no claim on G. W. He had appeared kind and considerate of her, and definitely seemed to enjoy her company. But she had no reason to expect more.

  “Is there a specific reason for that frown, or is it just life in general?”

  Lizzie jumped and snapped her head up as if her neck were a springboard. “I beg your pardon?”

  Deborah smiled. “I saw your frown and couldn’t help but wonder what caused it. I know you’re disappointed that G. W. hasn’t returned, but maybe it’s something more?”

  “There’s certainly enough to frown about,” Lizzie said. She looked around the kitchen to make certain she’d put everything away.

  Deborah came to her and took hold of her hands. Giving Lizzie a squeeze, she lowered her voice. “I know you miss him. I’m sure he misses you, as well.”

  “Oh, Deborah, am I so obvious with my pining? I feel like a schoolgirl all over again.”

  “I think you’ve hidden your feelings well. Although I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that Mother suspects. She has mentioned several times how wonderful it would be to have you in the family. She really likes you.” Deborah let go her hold and gave Lizzie a wink. “I suppose I should be jealous.”

  “Hardly. Look at the mess my life has become. I may or may not be bound in marriage to one man, but I love another.”

  “Do you truly love him?” Deborah asked. She clapped her hands together. “I had hardly dared to hope!”

  Lizzie leaned back against the counter. “For all the good it does me. Oh, why hasn’t Father responded to our letter or telegram? I’m starting to fear that something terrible has happened to him. Oh, Deborah, what if he’s met with an accident?”

  “Stop it. You mustn’t worry about your father. He’s probably doing what he can to get to the bottom of all of this. You must give him time to work out the details. I’m sure that when he’s able to offer you counsel, he will.”

  “I know you’re probably right, but I thought we would have heard something by now. It’s so hard to wait.”

  “At least we haven’t had to deal with Mr. Albright or your mother much this week.”

  “Mother was none too happy with me when I accompanied her back to the boardinghouse.” Lizzie drew up her apron hem and wiped perspiration from her forehead. “I know she expected to badger me into submission, but I found the strength to stand my ground. I told her specifically that I would not be forced to return to Philadelphia. She told me I was selfish and needed to consider the feelings of others.”

  “She should take her own advice,” Deborah said, shaking her head. “I mean the woman no disrespect, but she honestly irritates my patience.”

  Lizzie smiled. “I told you so. Remember all the times I’d return from our visits and rant about Mother’s demands?”

  Deborah nodded. “I do, and I feel sorry for you.” She leaned back against the doorframe. “I’m glad I could share my family with you. Now you can see what I was talking about, as well.”

  They both heard the back screen door open and turned. “G. W.!” Deborah exclaimed. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. We thought maybe you’d decided to make the woods your permanent home.”

  He looked weary but managed a smile and gave Lizzie a nod before addressing his sister. “I wanted to deliver Albright and the other fellas to town before I came home. Took a bit longer than I figured, as Mr. Perkins wanted to jaw a bit about the trip.”

  “Have you eaten?” Lizzie asked. “I could warm something up for you.”

  “No, Mrs. Perkins fed me.” He patted his stomach. “Ain’t near as good as what I get here, but it filled me up. Right now, all I really want is to go to bed.”

  “What about a warm bath?” Deborah asked. “Lizzie and I will bring you hot water.”

  He considered that for a moment, then shook his head. “Sounds tempting, but I washed up outside. I’ll save that for another night.” He crossed the room. “I’ll see you both at breakfast.”

  “You’d best let Mama know you’re back. She’ll have a fit if you don’t.”

  He nodded at Deborah’s comment and kept walking.
Lizzie watched him go, wishing she could have had more time with him. She had missed his company – their quiet evenings on the porch together, their occasional walks.

  The clock in the dining room chimed the hour. Nine o’clock. Deborah seemed surprised by this. “I guess we all should be getting to bed. Morning will come early enough.”

  Lizzie nodded and gave another sigh. At least G. W. was home, safe and sound. She might have to contend with her mother and Stuart on the morrow, but worrying over that could wait.

  –––––––

  G. W. stumbled into the kitchen well past breakfast. “Why didn’t anybody wake me?” He plopped down at the kitchen table, nearly upsetting a pan of cooling corn bread.

  His mother eyed him for a moment, then poured a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him. “Because Arjan said you were to be allowed to sleep. He figured you’d earned a day off since you’d been squiring those men around.”

  He downed the hot coffee, hardly even noticing the burn, and held the cup out for a refill. “Thanks, it’s mighty good. Could I maybe have another?”

  His mother grinned. “You know you can have a whole pot if you want.” She went to pour more coffee while Lizzie surprised him with a big plate of food.

  “We saved breakfast for you. Would you like me to cook you up some eggs to go along with this?”

  He looked at the thick ham steak, fried potatoes, and slices of fresh tomato. “I guess a couple of eggs would top this off just right.”

  She laughed. “Just a couple?”

  “Well, maybe half a dozen,” he admitted. “Scrambled up fluffy like you made the last time I was home.”

  Lizzie blushed, and G. W. couldn’t help but grin. She was the prettiest gal he’d ever known, and he knew she cared for him. Who would’ve thought it possible that a city girl all educated like Lizzie could fall for someone like him?

  Deborah came into the kitchen and spied G. W. at the table. “I thought I heard you.”

  “How’s the office work coming?” he asked.

  “Not too bad. I feel I’m gaining a better understanding of things.” She went to pour herself a cup of coffee. “I don’t know how Uncle Arjan kept track of it before, but it’s all recorded now.” She sipped the coffee and smiled. “This is really good.”