A Promised Land

by Kimberly Grist

  “Meriwether can understand what it’s like more than the rest of us to lose a parent at a young age. The child is still angry about his mother’s death. Perhaps Jake’s right. The fact he wasn’t allowed to accompany his father brings those feelings to the forefront.” Cookie’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve all been worried about him.”

  CHAPTER 9

  ~o0o~

  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

  Psalm 23:4

  The sable and white English shepherd weaved among Sarah, Sissy and Meriwether as they trudged down a steep rocky path. “I can hear the falls,” Sissy cried. “Sarah, can you hear them?”

  Meriwether balanced the picnic basket and gathered her skirts. “I know y’all are excited. So am I, but don’t take another step until I catch up.”

  Matching straw sailor hats turned simultaneously. Two pairs of dark green eyes met hers. Sarah nodded stoically toward her sister. “We have to wait. Miss Walker’s kind of old to be doing this kind of thing.”

  Meriwether took in a deep breath. What I wouldn’t give to be rid of this corset. “I don’t think age has anything to do with it, girls. But at least wait until my twenty-first birthday before you refer to me as old.”

  “We love birthdays. Mrs. Baker makes us cake.” Sissy clapped her hands.

  “Everything she bakes is wonderful. My favorite is her cherry pie,” Meriwether replied. Shep barked impatiently. His tail wagged left to right. “All right boy, lead on.” As if he understood, the dog trotted ahead leading the trio past huge limestone boulders to the swimming spot.

  Mesmerized by the falls, no one said a word. Five cascades spilled from a fifty-foot-high limestone cliff into a cave draped with moss and fern. The white stream beat a melodious sound on the rock, sending small droplets in various directions. “My uncle always said he was content to sit and listen and let the waterfall do the talking.”

  Meriwether pointed toward a massive group of stones which formed a circular limestone swimming hole filled with blue-green water. “If I remember correctly, it’s safe to wade in this location. But the water rushes around so we’ll need to be careful.”

  Sarah’s mouth dropped. “You mean to say we can go in?”

  “Of course. But let me wade in first to get a feel for things and see how deep it is.”

  Meriwether left her dress, shoes and stockings on a smooth boulder that made a perfect makeshift table, choosing only to wear her shift. She sucked in a deep breath as the cool water welcomed her. “I forgot how cold the water is.”

  She investigated the area until satisfied and called, “all right, girls. If we stay within this area, we’ll be safe enough, but step carefully because it’s rough and rocky.”

  Sarah took a few tentative steps, careful not to get her underdress wet, followed by her sister who charged ahead and plunged face forward into the water. Sissy shot up and gasped. Pieces of hair clung to her cheek and around her face.

  Sarah placed her hands on her hips and scolded, “now we’ll have to go home.”

  Meriwether laughed. “Don’t worry. Mrs. Baker packed you a change of clothes. Let’s enjoy the water. But let me know if you get too cold.” A catfish swam among their feet, and the girls shrieked and ran back toward the pebbled beach. Meriwether situated herself on a boulder and watched the girls splash and squeal as they discovered a family of turtles.

  The water flowed around her feet before it escaped down a short waterfall. Surrounded by cliffs, it was even more beautiful than she recalled. “My mother and I spent many hours enjoying the beauty of all this. She said the only thing keeping this area from being a perfect image of heaven was the presence of angels singing.”

  Sissy shielded her eyes and peered up at the sky. “Our mama is in heaven.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Baker told me. Mine is as well.”

  “Do you think they’ve met?” Sarah waded closer, then paused in front of Meriwether.

  “I don’t know, maybe. What do you think they might talk about?”

  Sissy huffed. “Whatever Jesus is preaching about.” She took a seat next to Meriwether on the rock.

  “Yes. I’m sure you’re right. That must be wonderful.” Meriwether patted the young girl’s shoulder.

  Sissy pointed at a cloud. “Sarah speaks to Mama.”

  “Daddy gets sad whenever we talk about her.” Sarah waved her arm toward the sky. “So sometimes I pretend she’s watching from a cloud and I tell her about things.”

  “When we get back to the house, I’ll show you a locket which belonged to my mother. There’s been many a day that I open it and look at her picture and do the same thing. It gives me comfort and reminds me of conversations we once had.”

  She extended her hand to Sarah, who climbed onto the boulder. “I spoke to my pastor about it once. He reminded me my mama is in heaven celebrating and worshiping with Jesus. He encouraged me to do the same. He also gave me some passages from the Bible to give me comfort.”

  “That sounds nice,” Sarah said.

  Meriwether swallowed. “When I feel sad, I try to think of the happy memories we shared like spending time here. I expect your mama would have found this fun, don’t you?”

  Sarah shook her head. “Mama would have never made it down that hill.”

  ~o0o~

  “Going up is a lot harder than going down,” Sissy complained as they took the last few steps out of the canyon. Meriwether placed her picnic basket down and retied both girls’ hats. “I agree. But it was worth the effort, don’t you think?”

  Sarah nodded, then frowned. “I wish we didn’t have to go.”

  “If I don’t get you back soon, Mrs. Baker will worry.” Meriwether smiled at the landscape. The roof of the farmhouse was barely visible beyond a group of cypress trees. The dark green leaves contrasted with the clear blue sky and a field full of bluebonnets. “Let’s pick a few wildflowers to place on the table.”

  Sissy clapped her hands and Sarah took off running. “I’ll get more than you.”

  Shep barked and followed her, then circled back for Sissy. Meriwether opened her basket as the girls quickly filled it with blooms. She inhaled the clean, fresh scent, then noted the position of the sun in the late afternoon sky. ”Goodness, I didn’t realize how late in the day it was. We really must hurry, or your uncle won’t trust me to take you on any more excursions.”

  “What’s a scursion?” Sissy asked.

  “She means an adventure,” Sarah answered.

  Sissy gasped. “You mean like Huckleberry Finn?”

  “More like a day trip than some of the things that happened to Tom and Huck, but yes. If you want to join me tomorrow and investigate what’s in the attic, perhaps we can continue our exploration. I hope to find some books I enjoyed reading when I lived here. One of my favorites is the story of a family who is shipwrecked and stranded on an island, called The Swiss Family Robinson.

  “I’m not good at reading,” Sarah wrinkled her nose. “Neither is Sissy.”

  “I could help you if you like?”

  Both girls nodded. Sissy clasped her hands to her chest. “I want to learn to be smart like my friend, Nancy. She can read anything, and she’s the same age as me.” Sissy held up six fingers.

  Shep barked at the approaching man on a horse. Sissy exclaimed, “It’s Deputy Tucker.” She ran toward the rider with extended arms.

  Sarah placed a hand on Meriwether’s arm. “Could you show me the parts from the Bible your preacher told you about after your mama passed?”

  “The comfort passages?” She leaned closer and met the young girl’s gaze.

  Her green eyes fringed with dark lashes blinked rapidly. “Did they help?”

  When Meriwether nodded, Sarah threw her arms around her neck and whispered. “Thank you.”

  “Hello, Ladies. Glad to see you made it back safe and sound,” Jedidiah Tucker called.

  The light-skin
ned palomino tossed his white mane as if to match Sissy’s pleased expression as she sat proudly in the saddle wearing the deputy’s hat.

  Meriwether smiled. Never in her life had she seen a horse and master better suited. Deputy Tucker strolled beside his mount. The afternoon sun illuminated his light brown hair, which matched the golden tone of his stallion. Both shared the same mischievous dark eyes. “Good afternoon, Deputy. I must say your palomino is about the most beautiful animal I’ve ever seen.”

  Jedidiah’s face lit up with a grin. “Don’t let Jake hear you say that. He’s pretty partial to his bay.” The deputy stepped closer, then paused to remove Sissy from the saddle. “You girls had best get on in and wash up for supper. Be sure you’re already at the table when your uncle comes looking.”

  “Race you,” Sarah cried. The dog barked and Sissy squealed as they ran to the house.

  The deputy’s dark eyes met hers. “Jake’s a bit more wound up about the kids than typical.” He adjusted his Stetson and eyed Meriwether’s pocket. “I told him you could handle yourself, and he knew you took a dog with you. Even so, don’t be surprised if he looks like he’s been eating briars.”

  CHAPTER 10

  ~o0o~

  “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

  Psalm 32:8

  Meriwether placed the freshly picked wildflowers in a vase on the center of the dining table, which matched her aunt’s blue-feathered, pearlware dishes. The colors contrasted beautifully with the red-checkered oilcloth. “Girls, tomorrow when we look in the attic, I hope to find some dishes my aunt bought me when I was about your age.”

  She lifted a plate. “They match these perfectly, but are smaller in size, and the alphabet is encircled around the plate.”

  The smiles on the men’s faces as they entered the room were in direct response to the tantalizing aroma of fried chicken and baked bread.

  “Goodness, everything looks wonderful.” Jake smiled at Cookie as he eyed the creamy mashed potatoes, green beans and black-eyed peas. “You must have been cooking all day.”

  Her eyes crinkled. “I love to cook. It’s the cleaning up afterwards I don’t enjoy.”

  “Don’t you worry.” Meriwether took her seat next to Sarah. “I believe we can recruit some help and take care of the cleanup after dinner. You girls don’t mind assisting me, do you?”

  Sarah glanced at her sister as they took their seats on the bench. “We can help.”

  Jedidiah hugged Cookie and laid a kiss on top of her head. “All day I’ve been hoping for oatmeal cookies, but the aroma coming from the kitchen has changed my mind. Did you make apple pie?”

  “I made both.” Cookie smiled. “Please, someone say the blessing so we can eat while it’s hot.”

  Jake winked at Sissy. “Whose turn is it tonight?”

  Sarah cleared her throat. “Mine.”

  “All right then, go ahead.” Jake lowered his head.

  “Dear Lord, thank you for reminding Cookie to make fried chicken. We sure do love it. Thank you for this day and our new friend, Miss Walker. Please be with Daddy and bring him back safe. Amen.” Her eyes sparkled as she looked around the table.

  Meriwether felt the bench move as Sarah’s feet dangled and swung back and forth. “We had so much fun today.”

  “I’m glad, honey.” Jake opened, then closed his mouth.

  “The waterfall is beautiful, and we saw a turtle and a huge catfish.” Sarah stretched out her arms.

  Jake nodded as she prattled on with a detailed account of their day. Cookie covered her mouth and Mr. Baker scratched his jaw. The deputy leaned in and asked an occasional question. It was as though everyone was astonished by the bubbly voice of the young girl.

  “Next time tell me before you go so far away from home.” Jake offered a half smile.

  Sarah dropped her head. Meriwether felt her cheeks warm. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew our destination was the falls.”

  Jake took a sip of coffee. “No need to apologize. I assumed you were going to the creek, but no harm done.”

  “Can we go to the creek tomorrow? That can be our next adventure.” Sissy took a bite of chicken.

  “Tomorrow we’re going to explore the attic, aren’t we, Miss Walker?” Sarah twisted her napkin.

  “That’s right. But I would love to visit the creek another day. If it’s okay with your uncle, maybe Zachary could come along with us?” Meriwether smiled.

  Zachary rolled his eyes.

  “Of course, if you don’t like to fish, I understand.” The young boy squirmed in his chair.

  “I like to fish, but I’ve got chores to do.” Zachary pushed his vegetables around his plate.

  “From the way Sarah described the size of the catfish at the canyon, I’d forget about the creek.” Jedidiah gave a wide grin. “I’d be glad to escort Miss Walker and the children to the canyon the next time they’d like to go.”

  Jake muttered under his breath, then coughed. “That won’t be necessary, Jed. Sarah did such a good job describing things. I have a hankering to visit this canyon myself.”

  ~o0o~

  Jake brought two empty pie plates to the sink, as Meriwether finished washing the supper dishes. He motioned for the girls. “I’ll help Miss Walker finish up while you two go brush your teeth and get ready for bed.”

  “Aren’t you going to read to us tonight, Uncle Jake?” Sissy asked.

  “I was planning on it.” Jake took the towel from Sarah. “Now you two scoot. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll beat you up the stairs,” Sarah called as she and Sissy raced from the room.

  Meriwether washed the pan, then passed it to Jake. Her heart pounded as his fingers brushed hers.

  “I wanted to thank you for spending time with the girls.” His Adam’s apple jumped, and he swallowed hard. “Sarah has been quiet and somber ever since her mama died. She was a different child tonight, laughing, smiling and talking. And that’s all thanks to you.” He grinned. “I’ve never been so thrilled to listen to a little girl’s chatter in all my life.”

  “Both girls opened up to me about their mother. I think it did us all some good.” Meriwether scrubbed the last dish.

  “I’d also like to apologize for my behavior. I misjudged you. I can see how much you loved your aunt and uncle. It’s only natural you want to make this place your home.” Jake released a slow smile. “I was hoping we could start over.”

  He reached for her wet hand and rubbed it with the dish towel. Meriwether shivered. His eyes darkened. “Miss Walker, please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Jake Harrison.”

  CHAPTER 11

  ~o0o~

  “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

  The girls hopped and giggled as Meriwether turned the key and opened the door into the loft, located directly above the kitchen and dining room. “We’ve never been up here before,” Sarah said.

  The morning sunlight illuminated dust particles, floating toward the angled walls and ceiling. Sissy stood in the center of the room and stretched her arms wide. “Uncle Jake and Daddy wouldn’t be able to stand up straight.”

  “The roofline makes this a perfect place for storage and young children. When I was your age, this was my playroom.” She opened the window. The soft breeze did little to conceal the aroma of old books and mothballs. “I’ll remove the Holland covers from the furniture first. Then we’ll peek inside my grandmother’s trunk.”

  “Why?” Sarah asked.

  “I’m embarrassed to say so, but I have an almost irrational fear of mice.” Meriwether retrieved a broom from the corner and positioned it as a defense mechanism. She inched toward the back wall, took in a deep breath and swep
t both coverings into a pile on the floor.

  Sissy leaned forward and investigated the heap. “Looks like Mama Cat’s been doing her job. Not a mouse in sight.”

  “Thank goodness.” Meriwether wiped her hand across her forehead. “I’ll be sure and give her a bowl of cream to express my gratitude.”

  Both girls knelt beside her as she inserted the key into the largest trunk. “I used to pretend this piece belonged to a swashbuckler.”

  Sarah ran her finger along the row of brass buttons nailed into the wooden planks. “Are you sure your uncle wasn’t a pirate?”

  “I’m sure.” Meriwether laughed. “Besides, this trunk belonged to his mother.”

  “If the chest did belong to a pirate, it would be filled with gold and rum.” Sissy’s eyebrows narrowed.

  Meriwether shook her head. “I’m not even going to ask where you learned that.”

  “Treasure Island is Zachary’s favorite book. Uncle Jake just finished reading it to us again,” Sarah explained. The hinge creaked as she lifted the lid.

  “It’s only paper,” Sissy huffed.

  “Be patient.” Meriwether removed the newspaper and exposed two sets of fine white linen sheets, followed by a friendship-star quilt pieced together in assorted colors of yellow, green and blue. Nestled among the appliqued border in decorative embroidery read, Given to Mae Meriwether on April 2, 1850, by her friends, Mabel and Catherine Phillips, Emma Johnson, Mary Noles and Belle Weaver. Best wishes on your journey.

  “What sweet friends and such beautiful stitching,” Meriwether sighed.

  Sarah nodded, but Sissy wrinkled her nose. “What else is in there?”

  She continued to unpack more household linens, a few baby items, blankets, her grandmother’s Bible and a stack of letters tied in a bundle with twine. Sissy clapped her hands and squealed as Meriwether lifted two additional packages from the bottom of the trunk.