Meriwether carefully unfolded brown paper to uncover an ivory silk taffeta ball gown with a rosebud-trimmed neckline. She gasped as she stood and embraced the smooth woven fabric to her chest. “Both my mother and grandmother wore this dress when they married.”
“It’s for a princess,” Sarah cried.
Sissy squealed. “Open the other box. I hope it has gold slippers inside, and then you will be like Cinderella.”
“Well, my life isn’t quite as tragic as her character.” Meriwether smiled at both girls’ upturned faces. “My mother showed me this dress when I was about your age.” She folded the dress carefully and placed it back in the container. “But I don’t remember there being any shoes to match.”
She lifted the lid of the smaller box and placed her hand over her mouth at the sight of Irish lace, designed with floral sprays, garlands and scrolls with a scalloped border and matching headdress decorated with white beads. An envelope with her mother’s name written across it caught her eye.
Sissy wrinkled her nose and pointed at the small card. “What does it say?”
“To our darling Ann on your wedding day,
Knowing how much you appreciated the gift of your mother’s locket on your eighteenth birthday, we thought it appropriate to obtain something special from the Bavarian Jewelry and Watch Repair Shop in St. Joseph, Missouri, where we purchased the necklace. This shawl and headpiece were handmade by the wife of the owner and designed specifically for you. We love you and pray you are as happy in your marriage as we have been in ours. Much love, Papa and Mama.”
Meriwether swallowed hard and blinked back tears.
Sarah touched her arm. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m alright, honey. Such a thoughtful present touches me. My mother often spoke of her locket. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother in celebration of my mother’s fifth birthday. She was their only child.” She put her hand to her throat and removed the pendant from underneath her blouse and leaned forward.
Sarah cradled the locket in her hand. “You and your mama have the same face.”
Meriwether pulled a handkerchief from her apron pocket. “Yes, I’ve often been told how much we resemble each other. Except my mother’s eyes were brown. Mine are blue like my father’s.” She patted her cheeks, offered the girls a watery smile and pointed at a smaller chest. “Are y’all ready to see what’s in the other trunk?”
~o0o~
Meriwether ran her hand over the quilt on Sarah’s iron bed. The border of appliqué leaves and tulips was turkey red and green, which complemented a dot-patterned calico in the same colors in the center of the quilt. The large adjoining blocks were impressive wreaths surrounded by triple diagonal quilting. “Our grandma made these and our dolls too,” Sissy said as she hopped on her matching bed.
“She did a wonderful job. I’m sure you miss her.” Meriwether smiled.
Sissy scrunched her nose and nodded. “Daddy’s going to bring her back with him, once they sell her house.”
Meriwether handed Sarah several children’s books and stacked them on a pine shelf they found stored in the loft. After spending the morning investigating the contents in the attic, she utilized her teacher’s copy of the McGuffey Readers Step-by-Step Primer to assist both girls with their reading skills. Sissy was thrilled when she was able to sound out cat, mat, rat and sat. Sarah worked on more complicated words, and Meriwether was pleased with their attentiveness. “You’ll soon be able to read most anything. All you need is a bit more practice.”
“Can we read one of the comfort passages?” Sarah removed a Bible from the top of her bureau. “This was Mama’s.”
Meriwether carefully turned the pages of the leather-bound book to Jeremiah 29:11. She ran her finger along the passage. “How wonderful. Your mother underlined this verse. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”’
“Look, Sissy. Mama liked this one too.” Sarah extended the Bible toward her younger sister.
“Why don’t you read it out loud,” Meriwether asked.
“That’s a lot of words.” Sarah sighed.
“Give it a try. I’m here to help if you need it.” Meriwether smiled.
After a few attempts, Sarah read the verse without help. “It’s much easier when you teach us. I like how you explain things.” Sarah wrapped her arms around Meriwether’s neck.
“I’m happy to help.” Meriwether extended her arm to Sissy and embraced them both. “As a reward for working so hard, why don’t we pick out a few things to take downstairs that the whole family might enjoy? There are still a few items in the small crate.”
Sarah placed her hand over her mouth. “Could we play with the tiny tea set?”
“Absolutely. Do you recall seeing anything your brother might like?” Meriwether knelt beside the crate and passed the remaining books to Sarah.
“I know he and Uncle Jake will like the books.” Sarah placed them carefully in a stack.
“What about these?” Meriwether removed a small bag of marbles.
“If he doesn’t, I’ll take them, and he can have the baby doll.” Sissy’s eyes sparkled and she giggled. Sarah and Meriwether joined in.
A deep voice interrupted their mirth. “You ladies seem to be enjoying yourselves.” The afternoon sun reflected Jake’s shadow above them.
“Uncle Jake,” both girls cried in unison. Sissy jumped into his arms, and Sarah pulled his hand. “Come sit down and listen to what we can do. I’m going to read from Mama’s Bible. Sissy can be next.” Jake’s jaw dropped as both nieces displayed their new skills.
“Girls, that’s some mighty fine reading,” he said as he drew them into a bear hug. “I’m proud of you, and won’t your pa be surprised when he gets back?”
Zachary appeared at the door. He thrust his hands into his pockets and drew a circle with his boot. “Mrs. Baker said to tell you supper’s ready.”
“Thanks Zach. Please let her know we’ll be right down.” Jake nodded.
“Goodness, where did the time go? Girls, please hurry and wash up. I’ll go see if she needs any help.”
Jake placed his hand lightly on Meriwether’s arm as the girls hurried from the room. “Miss Walker, I don’t know how to thank you.” He cleared his throat. “My brother and I have tried everything we could think of to help the kids with their reading. You’ve accomplished more with the girls in a matter of days than we could do this past school term.”
“I do have a bit of an advantage since teaching has been my life these past four years. Besides, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Meriwether blinked as she stared into his eyes. The gray seemed darker today, almost blue.
He squeezed her hand. “You are a remarkable young woman.” He looked over his shoulder. “Do you think you could tutor Zach?”
CHAPTER 12
~o0o~
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
The next several weeks followed a pattern. Meriwether and the girls happily explored in the mornings and did their schoolwork after lunch. In the evenings they settled into the large parlor and listened as Jake read from The Swiss Family Robinson. Afterward, he escorted her to the Bakers’ home where she spent the remainder of the evening and returned with Cookie the following day.
As the girls practiced their penmanship, Meriwether moved the dining room chairs and a few other small pieces of furniture from the large downstairs bedroom, which had belonged to her aunt and uncle.
She opened the windows, letting in a cool breeze that blew through the room. She placed her hands on her hips and gazed at the chamber, a mirror image of the parlor with twelve-foot ceilings. A large stone fireplace framed the whitewashed log walls. A cast-iron bed, double-door wardrobe, dressing table and a few crates remained under Holland covers. Meriwether shivered. I’ll bring the broom with me tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll leave the door ope
n so the cat can investigate.
Her stomach growled, reminding her it was time to help Cookie with dinner. She hurried across the foyer into the parlor and smiled at the girls who were busy copying their letters onto their slates. “Nice work. Why don’t y’all go to your room and play? I’ll call when dinner is ready.”
A sweet cinnamon bouquet filled the room as Cookie added a bit of maple syrup to the applesauce. Meriwether mixed the dough, cut it into biscuits, then placed them on the pan as Cookie chatted. “I know the girls are doing well with their schooling, but how are things going with their brother?”
Meriwether frowned. Her attempts to help Zachary with his schoolwork had failed. “At first I thought he was simply bored or distracted. My stepsister often reacted the same way when I first began to teach her. But I believe there may be something else going on.”
Cookie opened the wood-burning stove and spooned the gravy over the roast. Meriwether’s stomach growled from the aroma of marinade in the air. “Maybe the boy doesn’t want your help.”
She laughed. “I’m certain you are right about that, but I believe he may need glasses.”
“Really?” Cookie’s eyebrows rose. “What makes you say that?”
“He squints and loses his place often when he’s reading. Zach also has complained of headaches more than once.” Meriwether placed the biscuits in the oven. “The only way to know for sure is to have a doctor examine him.”
“There’s a fellow who set up shop about ten miles from here. He sells spectacles. He’s not a doctor though. Some say he’s a quack. Would you consider setting up an appointment for Zachary with your pa instead?” Cookie rubbed her hands on her apron and met Meriwether’s gaze.
“Even though my relationship with my father isn’t the best, I would have no qualms about recommending him or taking Zachary to see him myself.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Although he and I never got on well, your pa loved your mama and she loved him.” Cookie’s eyes misted.
“This visit has brought back a lot of memories.” Meriwether placed her hand on Cookie’s arm. “Thank you for what you did for me when I came to live here after Mama died. You encouraged me and kept me busy and motivated with my schoolwork. You, Mr. Baker, and Uncle Marcus were my greatest comfort.”
Cookie gathered her into a warm embrace, surrounding her with love and the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples. Meriwether continued, “The last several years I’ve often wondered what life would have been like if I’d moved back east with Uncle Marcus and Aunt Bess.” Meriwether sniffed.
“They would have continued to spoil you rotten, and you’d have enjoyed every minute of it.” Cookie wiped her eyes with her apron.
Meriwether pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. “Even though Father insisted I come back and live with him and his new family, our relationship has never recovered from me blaming him for Mama’s death.”
~o0o~
Jake ran his hand through his hair. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have his eyes checked out. You say your pa does that kind of doctoring?”
Meriwether leaned against the railing and studied Jake’s tight lip. A five-o’clock shadow darkened his jaw. “Yes, he did his internship with a doctor from England who received training in optics. While he was a student, he made his living making spectacles. I’m going into town with Cookie tomorrow. If you’d like, I can send a wire to my father to request an appointment.”
His eyebrows furrowed and released. “You have to make an appointment with your own pa?”
“I’m afraid so.” Meriwether shuffled her feet. “Our relationship is a difficult one. I’ve said some things to him he’s never forgiven me for. Between that and other complications between my stepmother and me, we are not on good terms.”
“People say things they don’t mean, children especially.” Jake placed his hand on the banister and leaned closer.
“You will probably think less of me for saying this, but I meant every word.” She turned her attention toward the orange hue of the disappearing sun over the horizon.
“I can’t imagine anything you might have said that your pa wouldn’t forgive you for.” Jake took her hand. His touch and the pleasant sound of chirping crickets soothed her. She felt free to talk about an event she’d not spoken about in years.
“I was my parents’ only child.” She offered a half smile. “When I was ten, my mother realized she was expecting again and was thrilled. We spent months preparing baby clothes and blankets, picking out names. The day she went into labor the midwife was sent for, but my father went to his office reassuring us everything was fine and he would return later.”
Her chin trembled. “When I came home from school, the midwife was in a panic and sent me to get my father. The office was full of patients, but he assured me he would be home soon. I went back two additional times. By the time he took me seriously, it was too late.”
Meriwether clutched her stomach. “After the funeral, my father sent me here to live with my aunt and uncle. When I was thirteen, they decided to move back east, but my father refused to allow me to go with them. He insisted I come and live with him and his new family.”
Jake stroked her forearm lightly. “I’m sorry you had to go through something like that. What happened after you went back home?”
“When I was fifteen, he determined I was old enough to understand and gave me a detailed medical explanation of what went wrong during the birth. He said no one would have been able to save my mother or brother.”
Jake’s eyes showed concern rather than judgment.
Meriwether let out a heavy sigh. “I told him as long as I lived, I would never forget Mama calling for him and how he’d refused to listen and come home.” Her lips quivered. “I also said I didn’t understand how anyone could claim they loved someone and treat them with such total disregard.”
He brushed the pad of his thumb over her cheek, drying her tears. “I’m sure your father regrets not being there for you and your mother,” he said softly.
She nodded. “Yes, I’m certain you’re right. It’s taken a lot of time and prayer, and although I still harbor some resentment, I truly believe I could forge a relationship with him. He is a wonderful doctor and can assess Zachary’s needs. His office is within a two-hour drive and would alleviate the need to travel to a larger city.”
CHAPTER 13
~o0o~
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Cookie wasn’t feeling well, so Jake offered to drive Meriwether and the children into town the next day. “I’ll take Zach with me to the mill to order supplies. We shouldn’t be long. Please wait here and then we’ll all go together to the diner for lunch.” Jake helped her and the girls from the wagon.
The two-story, white framed general store showed clean and bright in the morning sun. Armed with the grocery list, Meriwether gathered her skirts, nodded politely at the older men who lingered on the porch and climbed the steps. A large picture window displayed tin signs advertising tobacco, cigars and hardware. On the opposite side stood a mannequin dressed in a stylish one-piece calico dress and matching straw hat.
She walked through the double doors and blinked until her eyes became adjusted to the dark room. “I’d like to send the telegram to my father first. Then we’ll do our shopping.”
Sissy hopped up and down. “If we’re good, can we have a candy stick?”
“Absolutely.” She placed a hand on each girl’s back and guided them between the floor-to-ceiling shelves lining the walls. They circled a pot-bellied stove, surrounded by several chairs, a coal bucket, spittoon and checkerboard. Then they headed toward the back corner to the post office. A tall thin man in his early thirties was sorting several pieces of mail.
She cleared her throat. “I’d like to send a telegram.”
The young man straightened his back and stared. “You know what
you want to say? The fee is by the letter.”
Meriwether nodded. “I was hoping you might help me abbreviate it in some way.” She pulled out a paper from her reticule and handed it to the postmaster. “I would like to request an appointment for an eye exam with Dr. James Walker.” She ran her finger along the paper. “I’ve made a note of the information about the patient and the physician’s address.”
“Do you want the messenger to wait for a reply?” The man pressed the pencil to his mouth.
“Oh yes, that would be wonderful.” Meriwether pulled a few coins from her purse and paid for the wire.
“All right, girls, let’s give Cookie’s list to the proprietor.” They approached the smiling face of the mercantile owner. Meriwether surveyed the merchandise, which included stacks of overalls, tobacco and all manner of products. “I’d like to look at some fabric, and these young ladies are going to need to make some important candy selections,” she said as she handed him the paper.
“It’ll take me a while to pull everything.” The owner locked his hands together over his clean white apron, which protected his striped dress shirt. “I don’t recall seeing you in these parts before.”
“It’s been a long while, Mr. Simpson. I’m Meriwether Walker.” She offered a smile.
“Well, I’ll be. It’s good to see you. You’d think Thomas would have said something about you being back. I heard you were a teacher over in Bluebonnet.” He scratched his chin. “Never did understand the need for you to go off on your own, especially with your pa being a successful doctor and all.”
Her face flushed. “I enjoy teaching, but since the opportunity presented itself for me to return to Trickling Springs, I’m happy to be here now as well.” She swallowed, “Mrs. Baker asked me to do the shopping for her today, and I’d also like to look at some fabric.”
A Promised Land Page 5