The Whittaker Family Reunion

by Shirley A. Roe

  “One day your father will tell you all about Whittakerville and his life there but right now I want you to keep it to yourself. Please Thomas, just let it be.” Annabelle was beginning to get upset. Thomas soon realized this, went over and hugged his mother.

  “Don't worry, Ma, I won't say a thing. Now how about one more muffin before I get back to work?” She tussled his dark hair and smiled, knowing that Thomas would keep quiet for now. Handing him another muffin, she packed up her basket and returned to the house. When she arrived she found Isaac in the living room staring at the portrait of his mother. He was lost in a world of his own. She stood and watched him for a few minutes and then turned and left him alone.

  Isaac stared at the face of Alicia Whittaker. Mother, how I miss your laughter and your beautiful smile; once again that monster haunts my thoughts and now threatens the joy of my children. I never want them to know of the pain all of us endured at his hand or how he took you from us when we were only babes. A single tear rolled down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly for he was not a man to share his grief with others. But Annabelle watched him silently from the kitchen, her heart aching. Now she hoped Thomas’ fascination with Whittakerville would not overpower his sense of dutiful obedience.

  Sissy and Thomas sat side by side in the chicken coop, a basket of eggs perched precariously on the bench. Red and brown hens pecked quietly around their feet as the two youngsters sat silently. After a few minutes Sissy asked, “But how come Pa's father beat them? Were they bad? I don't think Pa was bad.”

  “Ma said he was a mean man and no, I don't think Pa, Uncle Abe or Uncle Zeke were bad. Ma just said that Pa doesn't want to talk about it so don't say anything, okay?” Thomas looked at his little sister hoping it was not too late to keep her quiet.

  “Well, I don't like that old grandfather, I'm glad he is dead. I love Grandad and he is not mean.” Sissy picked up the basket and slid off the bench.

  “Remember what I said Sissy, do not mention any of this to Pa.”

  “Yeh, yeh, I know. Don't you think I can keep a secret?” She stomped stubbornly out of the coop and headed for the house.

  Thomas stayed where he was thinking about the man that had beaten his father. Never in Thomas’ entire life, had Isaac struck the children. Annabelle delivered the spankings when necessary but his father had never raised a hand to any of them. Thomas could not understand why someone would beat his own children. Sissy was right, that man was mean and Thomas was glad he was dead too. How did he die? Is he buried in Whittakerville? How come the people named a town after such a mean man? Could Sissy keep a secret? Who can I talk to about this? Maybe Grandma will give me some answers.

  Chapter Ten

  Martha and Loretta

  “Why don't you let the gardener take care of those roses? Just look at the scratches on your arm.” Loretta stared at Martha in wonder. Her friend knelt on a folded towel, she gently loosened the soil around the thorny stems. This small rose garden was Martha's pride and joy, although, most of the property was tended by the gardener.

  “Loretta, you know that these rose bushes are very special to me. No one tends them but me.” Martha brushed her garden gloves together to remove the soil. Carefully, she lifted the huge white bloom and inhaled the fragrance. “The pink is planted for Margaret Brown, my dearest friend in Wyoming. You know that the white is for Sgt. Dwyer, who was the only ray of sunshine in my dreary life many years ago. I will always keep these roses close and tended. Now, how about a nice glass of tea?” Martha rose to her feet. Taking Loretta's arm, the two women strolled toward the house.

  “Margaret was killed by Indians wasn't she?” Loretta searched her memory for the details of the death of Martha's friend.

  “Yes, she and her baby were slaughtered during the Indian uprisings in Wyoming. It was a terrible tragedy. I can still remember the first time I spoke to her. Jebediah and I, and the boys were on a wagon train traveling west.” She immediately added, “As a matter of fact, your father was the wagon master on that trip.” Loretta nodded. “Anyway, we had stopped for a meal and Margaret invited me to help. I am ashamed to say that I had not been very sociable up to that point. I was very angry about the arranged marriage and the trip to Wyoming.” Martha held the door for Loretta and they stepped into the bright and cheery kitchen. Pulling a chair out for Loretta, Martha motioned for her to sit. “Margaret and I became best friends after that day, we just clicked much like you and I when I arrived in St. Louis.”

  “You know the role that Sgt. Dwyer played in my arrival at Fort Laramie. He was such a handsome young man and it was a tragedy that he was found with his throat slit. The settlers blamed the Indians but I know who killed him and I will never forget it as long as I live.”

  Loretta reached over and took Martha's hand, which had begun to tremble. “Let's talk about more pleasant things. That shipment of silk and taffeta arrived this morning. Wait until you see the glorious colors. May is beside herself. Anyone would think they were made of glass; she unpacked them so slowly. Ellen spent all morning telling her to hurry up. We will have more orders than we can handle when the women get a look at this fabric.”

  Ellen was Annabelle's older sister and had worked with Martha since she opened the shop. Ellen was now the purchasing manager and in charge of all shipments and orders. Never married, Ellen was now in her late thirties. Both Loretta and Martha had tried to match her up with men over the years but she seemed quite content working at the Haute Couture during the day and taking care of her aging mother in the evening. Martha trusted her implicitly.

  “May appreciates fine cloth. Remember years ago when she and Ellen first modeled our designs? The girl was in seventh heaven wearing all of that finery, as was Ellen. It is a shame Ellen never married.” Martha looked at her friend and smiled. “Of course, from the look on your face, she is about to meet another potential beau.” Loretta was a bulldog when it came to matchmaking. Years ago she had spent many hours plotting to get Martha and Jeremy together, often against Martha’ wishes. But Martha was thankful in the end and she never forgot her friend's persistence.

  “Well, Austin has this new assistant, Frank, who would be perfect for her. He is a widower and only in his forties. Quite handsome if I do say so.” Loretta's eyes sparkled as she plotted her next move. “I think it is time we had a dinner party, don't you?” She laughed the tinkling laugh that Martha had grown so fond of over the years.

  “Loretta Wells, what are you up to?” Martha knew that when Loretta had her mind made up, things were bound to happen. Her own laughter mingled with her friend's. “Last time it was May whom you found the perfect man for and that poor woman had three children in four years to prove it. We are lucky all of them are in school now and she has returned to work full time.” The two women whiled away the next hour chatting and sipping iced tea before going into the shop to check on the shipment.

  “Let's take a walk. It is such a beautiful day.” Loretta and Martha, dressed in their latest designs strolled down the streets of St. Louis. Heads turned in their direction. They made a striking pair. Both women, tall and stately were stunning and many men gave them envious glances as they passed. “We aren't old crones yet, my friend. Did you see the way that fellow stared at us?” Loretta giggled at Martha's comment and fluttered her lashes in jest.

  “I do worry a little about turning forty though,” Martha added.

  “Martha Whittaker, you are a beautiful vivacious woman and forty is not old. Besides I know you are dying to see your boys, which reminds me, Abby is very anxious to see Ezekiel again.”

  “She has had a crush on him since she was a baby. Yes, I am looking forward to the party and having my family all together once again. By the way, David is staying for dinner tonight. Anna invited him and I fear those two are plotting something.”

  “I assume Anna is not going to New York?”

  “Absolutely not, I wish she was more like Abby, quiet and studious.”

  Later in the shop, Martha a
nd Ellen discussed the new fabrics. “With this silk, we are going to have to add a small pad in back. I know a bustle is not needed with the cuirasse bodice or the princess style but a small pad will make this fabric fall properly.”

  “Don't you just love this canary yellow Martha?” Ellen, held the soft fabric to her cheek. “It is so soft.”

  “Perhaps you should make yourself a dress with that fabric Ellen. You know you are entitled to one dress per month and if you admire it so, please feel free to pick a design. As a matter of fact, we have that soft polonaise style with the bustle that Mrs. Baker changed her mind about. I am sure it would fit you. I know the soft bustle and waist seams are slowly going out of style but you could still wear that lovely green dress. It's a shame to see it hanging there.”

  “Oh, Miss Martha, you know I don't have anywhere to go that would require a lovely dress like that. My working skirts and blouses suit me fine.” Ellen looked longingly at the yellow fabric before putting it on the shelf. Just then, Loretta burst into the room bubbling over with excitement.

  “Ellen, you must come to my house on Saturday for dinner. It is just a small gathering and I insist you come.” Martha looked at Ellen and then the green dress hanging beside the door. “Dinner is at six, come early for cocktails.” Loretta winked at Martha and disappeared into the showroom.

  “Well, young lady. It looks like you do have a reason to wear that dress. Now let's try it on and see if it needs altering.”

  Ellen moved toward the gown hesitantly. She was a shy woman and dinner parties intimidated her. Reluctantly she reached for the green gown feeling the soft fabric in her fingertips. She looked at Martha questioningly.

  “Go ahead, try it on.” Martha encouraged. Finally the other woman lifted the gown from the hook and disappeared into the fitting room beaming from ear to ear. Loretta peeked around the doorframe and winked at Martha, who smiled at her wily friend. Loretta never failed to amaze her.

  “Come, Martha we will be late for Agatha's.” Both women waited for Ellen to appear wearing the gown, complimenting her profusely. “You look like a princess.” Ellen stood staring at her own reflection hardly aware of the other two.

  They left the shop and a beaming Ellen, to meet the woman that was like a mother to Martha. Agatha Carruthers was responsible for Martha's success in St. Louis. As a very well-respected member of the country club and many women's associations in the city, she almost single handedly created such a stir for Martha's creations that the St. Louis Haute Couture was born. When Agatha and Martha met, Martha was sewing gowns in her bedroom and barely making a living for herself and the three boys. Things had come a long way in twenty years.

  “Agatha, how are you feeling today?” Martha rushed into the arms of the now frail woman. “Loretta and I hope we did not keep you waiting long. Loretta is at it again, matchmaking our Ellen and a new assistant in Austin's office. You know how our friend is when she gets something in her mind.” The three women laughed as Loretta pecked Agatha's thin cheek.

  “I am much better, thank you, and I do not mind waiting for my two favorite friends; not at all. Now tell me how things are at the shop and who is this new man in town that you are so anxious to set up with our Ellen?” Agatha waved her long thin fingers towards the silver tea set, signaling one of the other women to pour. Recently recovering from pneumonia, she was still frail and at seventy-five her strength was waning. Martha looked at her dear old friend, trying not to let her concern show on her face. She smiled, but inside, her heart was breaking. She could not bear to lose Agatha after all they had been through together. She was as close to a mother as a woman could get without giving birth and the two women loved each other deeply. She glanced at the mantel and the portrait of Phillip Carruthers. Agatha's husband had died three years before. Agatha followed her gaze.

  “I miss him terribly. Sometimes I walk into a room to see where he is or reach for the teapot and instinctively pour two cups of tea. Phillip was my knight in shining armour.” Her eyes filled with tears. She dabbed them with her lace handkerchief.

  “Well, he was a real knight after all, knighted by Queen Victoria herself. All of the children just loved Grandpap Phillip.” Loretta picked up the delicate china cup from the table and raised it to her lips. Realizing that a distraction was needed, she added, “You must come to the dinner party on Saturday, so you can meet Austin's assistant, Frank. I know you will agree that he would be perfect for Ellen.” Martha and Agatha exchanged a look that said ‘Loretta is at it again.’ They smiled.

  “A dinner party, just what an old woman needs; as long as you don't try to set me up with some old widower.” Agatha laughed, but her voice was weak. “Let's move to the conservatory where the sun is shining brightly. I need all the warmth I can get.” The women enjoyed their afternoon in the comfort of Agatha's warm and sunny conservatory.

  Saturday night, Ellen arrived at the Well's home at exactly five o'clock. She was very nervous, but felt a new confidence as she entered the room. The mint green gown hung beautifully on her tall slim frame; the bustle just large enough to add a flair to the back of the dress as it cascaded into a short train. Annabelle had helped her arrange her auburn hair on top of her head with tiny tendrils at each ear. She stood silently and sedately in the doorway, unsure of where to go next. Austin approached with a handsome gentleman in tow. “Ellen O’Malley, welcome. May I present my new assistant, Frank Borman?”

  The gentleman was only slightly taller than Ellen and a few years older. He reached for her hand and kissed it ever so lightly. Tingles shot down her spine and her cheeks flushed pink. She lowered her eyes to the ground. “Enchanted, Miss O’Malley. May I be so bold as to escort you to the table for some refreshment?” He held out his arm and she slowly placed her trembling hand on it and began to move forward. She floated as if in a dream. Austin returned to his guests, glancing sideways at his wife who nodded her approval. He had fulfilled his duties for the night.

  From the other side of the room, Loretta and Martha watched, delighted at the turn of events. “I told you there is someone for everyone, Martha.” Loretta smiled, pleased with herself once again. “Besides, now we don't have to redo that dress that Mrs. Baker changed her mind about at the last minute.”

  “Ellen looks like a princess who has just found her prince charming. That dress fits like a glove. You are very clever, my friend, but what happens after this evening?”

  “We shall have to wait to see if Mr. Borman is enchanted by our lovely Ellen.” Martha reached over and squeezed Loretta's hand. Loretta just smiled confidently. The two women moved off to find their own handsome husbands.

  Three days later, Frank Borman arrived at the dress shop to escort a blushing Ellen to lunch.

  Chapter Eleven

  Billy

  The barge stopped at a small Mississippi town. A dusty street lined with wooden buildings, a general store, a bank, and a hotel, offered the passengers a place to rest before catching the train north the following day. Billy and Abraham walked the dusty street as a group of riders appeared at the south end of town. Abraham immediately identified them as the sheriff's posse. “I think it is time you told me the truth. Now, why did those men kill your father and why did you shoot one of them? I want to know now or that posse can have you.” The boy was looking around nervously. Abraham wanted the truth. He knew he would do whatever was necessary to keep the boy safe but it was time the boy told him everything. He was sure the posse would be looking for the lad with the black stallion and he was glad he had made arrangements with the groom to stable the horse outside of town.

  Billy was beginning to realize he had no choice. “Okay, I'll tell you, but you keep my secret, you hear me?” Billy stared at Abraham defiantly. The sheriff was riding towards them; Billy disappeared into the General Store just as horse and rider passed by. When Abraham gave him the ‘all clear’ sign, he returned and Abraham hustled him into an alley.

  “Now, start talking.” The boy stared at his dusty boot; s
and covered the toe as Billy moved dirt around unconsciously. He took a deep breath.

  “Those men showed up at our camp one night. There were four of them. After eating our food and drinking Pa's whisky they started an argument. Next thing I know, they shot Pa, put me on the back of a horse and rode out.” Billy looked up at Abraham to see if there was any reaction. Seeing only Abraham's blank stare, he continued. “Now, here's the part that you have to keep secret,” a long sigh escaped the thin lips, “I wasn't dressed like a boy then.”

  “What? You weren't dressed like a boy then, what do you mean?” Abraham was growing impatient and frustrated.

  “I'm a girl.” Billy blurted the words into the shocked Abraham's face.

  Abraham's head was spinning. A girl? How could this be possible? Am I so gullible to be fooled by this youngster? Words escaped him, but he motioned for Billy to continue.

  “The men finally stopped to make camp. Two rode on ahead leaving me with the other two. They discussed how they would sell me to a woman in New Orleans and one of them said he wanted to sample the merchandise. He ripped my dress down the front and grabbed my breast. The other one grabbed me from behind and unbuckled his belt.” Billy stopped to gulp some air. “I reached down and grabbed his pistol. I shot the one in front right in the belly and managed to get the second one in the leg before he let me go. Luckily, they had their pants to their knees and I managed to run for a horse. I rode out of there as fast as I could.”

  Again, Billy looked to Abraham for a reaction, but got none. A stupefied Abraham moved his hand to let Billy know to continue. “I rode until I found a farm and hid in the barn. When I saw them ride by, I stole some boy's clothes from the barn. I figured they were looking for a girl not a boy so I switched clothes and horses. I found this hat in the barn and took off as fast as I could and rode back to Pa. That's where you came in.”