A Groom's Promise

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  “Thanks. We appreciate that,” Alex replied, his hands quivering as he spoke.

  “I’ll bring the doctor soon. Mr. Crowley is fetching the horses right now.” Hugh turned his attention to the women. “You’re going to be fine, Opal.”

  Winifred glanced up at Hugh and gave him a warm smile.

  He returned the smile, hoping she would not hold his earlier comments against him.

  ***

  The doctor stood in front of Opal. He smiled as he lifted the infant from her. Winifred took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She could not faint now. Throughout this ordeal, she remained calm and supportive of her sister. The excruciating pain she witnessed made her wonder if she ever wanted to go through that, but the wiggling baby the doctor held up brought tears to her eyes.

  He smacked the child’s behind. It cried. Turning to Winifred, he said, “Take that cloth and dip it into that warm water to wash its anatomy.”

  Her brow furrowed at the unfamiliar word, anatomy, but assumed he meant cleaning up the child. Shaking, she placed the soft material in the liquid and caressed the child’s smooth and wrinkled body. Her gaze wandered with curiosity at this infant’s sex.

  “Oh, let me see my baby,” wailed Opal.

  “Just wait a second as I dry her.”

  “Her?”

  “Yes, Opal, it’s a girl. I’m wrapping her up in this woolly blanket.” Winifred presented the child to the square-faced physician. Strolling to the mother, the doctor cradled the little girl next to Opal before he left the room.

  Opal’s eyes misted with tears then she turned her gaze to her sister. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

  Winifred nodded and sat on the bed’s edge, the quilt fluffy and warm. She leaned forward. Blinking to keep back a teardrop, she said, “She’s adorable.”

  “And that dark golden-red hair,” added Opal. “Oh, just think, another redhead like yours in our family.” She pressed the infant closer to her and pulled back the baby’s covering to examine the child’s fingers.

  “Papa is going to be in seventh heaven, and those little fingers. I’ve never seen such small ones. Of course, I’ve not attended a birth before.” Winifred laughed.

  Opal tucked the blanket around her new daughter and stretched her right hand to her sister. “Thanks for your help in getting me through this. I didn’t think I had enough energy to push one more time, but you told me I could do it and I did it.”

  Winifred stroked her sister’s hand before returning her gaze to the infant.

  The bedroom door swung open. The physician returned with Alex trailing behind him.

  Opal turned her attention from the baby to the doctor. “I didn’t hear you leave.”

  He chuckled. “Well, I thought your husband might like to see his child.”

  The corners of Alex’s lips drew up into a broad smile as he hurried to stand next to his wife.

  Opal peered up at her husband then pointed to the rocking chair. “I’ll let you hold Vivian Louise a minute if you sit there.”

  Winifred’s eyes welled with tears. She clapped. “Oh Opal, you named her after our mother. I don’t remember much about her, but Papa dearly loved her.”

  As Alex held the infant, the baby squirmed. He chuckled and strolled to the chair.

  Quiet filled the room, except for the chair squeaking back and forth, as everyone observed the little one in her father’s lap.

  The doctor cleared his throat. “Congratulations to the both of you. May God bless this precious child.” He then grabbed his black bag. “I’ll be going now, but I’ll be back in a week or so to check on Vivian.” He glanced at the infant and exited the room.

  Winifred rose from her sister’s bed. “I’d better leave you two alone.”

  “You – You don’t have to go.”

  “Yes, I do. You should spend time together. Besides, I know you’re tired, and I’m tired.” She strode to the hallway and went down the stairs to come face-to-face in front of Hugh, who stood at the bottom of the steps.

  Hugh coughed then coughed again. “How’s Opal?”

  Winifred raised her head to him. “She had a little girl, and what a beautiful one with that red hair.” She smiled. “Opal named her Vivian Louise. Named after our mother.” She studied his pale countenance. “You really don’t look well.”

  “Oh, I’m alright.” He straightened his shoulders.

  She did not believe him. Men never want to admit the obvious. He’s ill. I just wonder how sick.

  Chapter Four

  Two days later, Archie stroked his beard and pulled back one of the cocoa-checkered kitchen curtains and glanced out the window. The late morning’s rays warmed his shoulders. Where was Hugh? He should have been home by now. He pulled out his pocket watch. It read eleven o’clock. As he shook his head, footsteps approached. He released the material and spun around to face his daughter.

  “Has Hugh returned, yet?” Maybell asked.

  “No, and I can’t understand what could have taken him this long.”

  “I don’t either.” She shifted her gaze from him to reach for a large bowl. “No matter. I need to get the breakfast going. Everyone is hungry. We’re not used to eating breakfast at this hour. I hope nothing bad happened to him,” she replied, her voice tone emphasizing concern.

  He gave a small chuckle. “I don’t think so.” At least, he hoped not. He would make a trip to town if Hugh did not return by late afternoon. It was possible Alex had invited Hugh to stay a couple days. That wasn’t so unusual. But he better make sure. “I’m going to look in on Jack, and we’ll start the chores.”

  “Would you mind –” She poured milk into the biscuit batter.

  He interrupted, “I know. I’ll gather the eggs for you.” He smiled. “That’s if you make me some flapjacks tomorrow.”

  “You always worm something out of me when I ask you to do me a favor. Of course, I’ll do that and, hopefully, Hugh will be home to enjoy them as well.” Laughing, she rolled out the dough then cut it into two-inch rounds.

  Archie strolled outside, the kitchen door banging behind him. Cool air whipped around him as autumn inched forward. He strolled toward the bunkhouse then creaked the door open. Jack stood in front of him. Archie studied Jack’s countenance. He really could not understand this man. He liked him and the way he could fix things but wished he had his brother’s quick-wittedness. Straightening his shoulders, he grinned, secure in his choice of Hugh to marry his daughter.

  “I-I don’t know where, um, Hugh is,” Jack said.

  “I don’t know either. He should’ve been back by now. We’ll go to town if he doesn’t show up this afternoon.”

  “Do I have to go? I could stay here.” Jack dropped his gaze to the floor. “I could repair that,” he said, pointing to a loose wallboard.

  Archie shifted his attention from there to Jack. “Would you look at me?”

  Jack turned to him, his sheepish eyes meeting Archie’s.

  “Don’t you want to know what happened to your brother?” he said in an exasperated tone.

  “Y-yes.”

  “Then we’ll need to go to town if he doesn’t return soon.” Jack winced. Archie quickly added, “Now, I think he’s fine, but we’re going to have to find out. Alright?”

  Jack nodded.

  “Let’s get to those chores. Maybell is making breakfast. We want to be done before it’s time to eat.”

  ***

  The afternoon sun bored into Archie’s skin. He wiped his brow to the squeak of the pump crank as Jack worked the handle to flow water into the horse trough. They had finished the chores and still no Hugh. Strolling over to Jack, he said, “We’d better go to town and look for your brother. I’ll wash up, and you do the same.” He examined Jack’s ragged attire of ripped overalls. “Put on good clothes like you would wear to church. You got something?”

  Jack stroked the side of his mouth a second. “Yep, I – I brought my gray church suit with vest and all.”

  “Well, you wash y
ourself up and I’ll meet you in the barn in a half hour.”

  Clearing his throat, Jack shifted his foot from one to the other. “Do you really think Hugh is alright?”

  “I do. I think if something bad happened, someone would’ve come out here by now.” At least, he hoped so.

  ***

  Archie swerved the buckboard around the bend. Glancing over at Jack, he could see his body was tensed. He cracked the whip to speed up the horses, not wanting to drive home after dark. The sun still shone brightly, but in a few hours, dusk would come. Besides, he did not want Maybell worrying about them as well as Hugh. He pulled the handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his forehead. He could see the town’s wide dirt road ahead of them. Slowing the horses to a trot, he pulled his rig in front of the stone building. Glimpsing to Jack, he said, “We’re here. Let’s get out and see what’s happened.”

  “Do I have to go in with you?”

  “We’ve got to find out if he’s here.”

  “Alright.” He took a deep breath.

  Archie tied the reins around the hitching post and waited a few seconds for Jack to lumber to him before they entered the building.

  The banker’s clerk greeted them. “I bet you’re wondering where that friend of yours is?”

  “You’re right.” Archie gulped, hoping, indeed, nothing bad had transpired.

  Doug chuckled. “Well, their butler stopped by earlier and announced Mr. Boyer became the father of a little girl.”

  “I’m – I’m glad.” Jack stammered, dropping his gaze to the floor.

  Archie patted his plump belly, gave a wide smile, and looked the clerk square in the eye. “This is good news.”

  “Yes, sir. I guess the event went on all evening so everyone was tuckered out. Mr. Boyer plans to return in the morning. Did you want me to give him a message or did you want to make a trip there?”

  “I’d better check in on Hugh and see if he wants to stay or return home with us.” Archie paused, adding, “And, of course, take a peek at that wee one.” Memories of Maybell crossed his mind. Such a tiny one, she had been, all dressed in a long white gown. He laughed a second to himself as he remembered the days her wiggly toes slipped out of her gown.

  The clerk cleared his throat.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I got lost in my thoughts.” He turned his attention to Jack. “We’ll head for Mr. Boyer’s home. I know right where it lies.” Spinning around, he hurried to the door and exited with Jack following. Unwrapping the reins, the two climbed onto the buckboard’s plank seat.

  Archie cracked the whip to move the animals forward. He glanced at Jack. “Well, everything turned out alright like I hoped it would.” Thank God it did. He released a long breath. He drove for a little while. When he reached the stream not far from Alex’s home, the air had cooled down. He smiled. The trees’ leaves were beginning to change into the autumn colors of mellow yellows, rustic browns, deep oranges, and radiant reds, making a beautiful welcome to those visiting the newborn. They approached the house.

  The honking geese strutted in front of the structure. He slowed the steeds and pulled up the cart to the house. Archie jumped down and wrapped the reins around the post. He looked up at Jack, who still sat on the bench. The swish of a skirt turned his attention from him to the older woman coming out of the house and scurrying toward him.

  “Oh, that baby is a cutie, and that dark-golden hair. I got to hold her for just a little while,” she said, rushing the words out. She paused. “By the way, I’m Bonnie Graham, Boyers’ neighbor, and you’re?”

  “Archie. I’ve known Mr. Boyer for years even before he became the bank owner. I think I’ve seen you around.”

  Bonnie smiled. “Probably, I’ve lived in these parts for quite a while. My husband and I had four sons. They’re all farmers, except one who runs the Graham Land Office.” She placed a hand on her hip.

  “Why, I know Benjamin Graham. Good man. Had business with him years back.”

  “Mighty nice to hear that. As a mother, you always wonder if they would turn out the way you hoped.”

  “You did a fine job.” Cooler air swirled around them, reminding him they needed to get going before it turned dark. Archie glanced up at Jack. “That there is Hugh Warren’s brother. Did you meet him? He stayed here last night to tend to some business.”

  She shot a glance at Jack, who scooted down in his seat. Chuckling, she shouted, “Come on down here. There’s nothing to be scared of. Why I’m the nicest woman you’ll ever meet. Some people call me jiggling Bonnie for my round belly which jiggles when I laugh.”

  Jack grimaced then darted his gaze to the side.

  Archie glimpsed up at him and said in a stern voice, wishing the man would show more confidence in himself, “You’re going to have to come down and meet Mrs. Graham, and we’ve got to check on your brother.”

  Steadying himself, Jack scooted himself from the wagon. He trudged toward them and stood about two feet from them.

  “This here is Jack Warren. Him and his brother, Hugh, are helping me with the farm but are hoping to purchase some of my land.”

  Jack lifted his gaze for a second. “Nice – Nice to meet you.” Then he stared at his feet.

  “He’s a little shy but a great worker.” Archie rubbed his chin with his palm. “Well, hope you don’t mind, but we’ve come to visit the wee one and talk with Hugh about whether he’s staying here another night or two or returning to my farm.”

  “I expect he needs to stay with that sickness he’s got. In fact, I’m going to bring him my hot toddy special if he doesn’t snap out of this in a couple of hours.”

  “Sick?” Jack’s countenance turned gray.

  “Yes, sir. He and Mr. Crowley went to get the doctor and Mr. Warren forgot to wear a coat. Gets mighty chilly in the evening, and a man who is not used to this weather can get ill quite quickly.” She took a step forward. “I guess I’d better go home and put the supper on but will return with that concoction if he’s not better.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Graham.”

  “You can call me Bonnie.” She hurried down the path.

  Archie climbed the porch steps. Jack followed. Archie stood at the entrance door and knocked.

  The door swung open. The butler faced him and smiled. “Nice to see you, Mr. Smith. Come on in.”

  “You, too, Mr. Crowley. We’ve come to see the baby and talk with Mr. Warren.” The men stepped into the entryway. Archie turned to Jack and pointed to him. “This here is Hugh’s brother.”

  “Good to meet you, Mr. Warren,” said the butler.

  Jack’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

  Archie interjected, “He’s bashful.” He shook his head, wondering when this man would speak up for himself. For the second time today, relief spread within him that he pledged his daughter to Hugh and not Jack. A series of cries drifted down the stairwell.

  “I’ll tell them you’re here.” The butler ascended the steps.

  The clock chimed four o’clock. Archie sure needed to make this visit quick or dusk soon would be upon them. He did not like driving under those circumstances, preferring a well-lit sky, especially in areas where he did not regularly frequent. Jack edged to a corner next to the coat stand.

  “Don’t knock that down,” Archie said in an authoritarian voice. His words had just left his lips as a woman climbed down the steps. He shook his head, hoping she had not heard his scolding of Jack.

  Chapter Five

  “Good afternoon! I’m Miss Winifred Preston. I hear you came to see the baby.” She gazed toward Jack. “It’s good to see you again, Jack.”

  Hugh’s brother wouldn’t budge from where he hid behind the coat tree.

  “Jack, she’s talking to you,” exclaimed the elderly, bearded man.

  He shook his head.

  “Come out from there. You’re embarrassing me.” The older gentleman shifted his attention to Winifred. “I’m sorry, my hired hand is a little bashful.”

  “Yes, I know. You
don’t need to apologize.” She smiled. Jack did not move.

  The stranger’s cheeks turned a bright crimson. “Get over here, Jack. This is no way to act.”

  She shook her head. No one back home would behave like this then it dawned on her. He came from her hometown. How did he get like this? Her brow furrowed as Jack wormed his way from the coat tree and inched forward to stand next to the man.

  When they were settled in the parlor—after Jack tripped on the rug—Archie decided to speak up. “In addition to seeing the baby, we’re here to check on Hugh Warren. He works for me, and we were wondering if he would be staying another night or returning with us.”

  “He’s upstairs. I’ll have Mr. Crowley check on him and have him come down. I must warn you, though. He hasn’t been feeling well.” She pressed the butler bell lying underneath the circular table and noticed for the first time the edges of the burgundy rug decorated with brown leaves were frayed. I can’t believe Opal would’ve approved of this. She must really love Alex. Her heart sank. Could she love someone enough not to let items like this get to her? She was uncertain. Familiar steps echoed on the wooden planks. She turned to him. “Mr. Crowley, would you tell Mr. Hugh Warren he has …” She stopped and gave her visitor a shy smile. “I’m sorry. I forgot to ask your name.”

  “Archie Smith.”

  “Would you tell Mr. Hugh Warren that Mr. Archie Smith and Hugh’s brother are here to see him?”

  The butler nodded and exited the room.

  She fidgeted in her seat, not knowing what to say, and clutched her hands together. She tried to think of something intelligent to begin a conversation, when her gaze went to the slow steps maneuvering toward her. She gritted her teeth at the irritating man, although he could be nice at times. His gaze met hers.

  “Miss Winifred Preston, I hear you wanted to see me.” He attempted a grin.