The Whittaker Family Reunion

by Shirley A. Roe

  Slowly, she rose from the bed, took a deep breath and started for the door. Her hands were trembling, but she pushed them behind her back, she would not let them see that she was frightened. As she took the steps one at a time she strained to hear the voices in the great room, but she could hear nothing. Charles ushered her into the room. A man stood with his back to her, silhouetted by the window.

  “Anna, come here.” Jeremy held out his hand and she moved toward him, a haughty look on her face. Whatever they had in mind, she would not let them see her reaction. But when the man turned to face her, she gasped.

  “Anna, will you be my wife?” Hans Kruger moved toward her and took her hand. He dropped to one knee and proposed to her. “Anna Whittaker, will you do me the honor of being my wife? I love you as I have loved you for months.” He bowed his head and kissed her hand. She stared at him.

  “Hans, is it really you? Yes, oh yes, I will, I do, I want you. Oh my, this is a pleasant surprise.” She was babbling and he rose and kissed her cheek. She smiled from ear to ear a faint blush on her cheeks and an enormous relief in her heart.

  “Of course, we will have a long engagement.” He took her hand once again. “Our party will be announced soon, at which time you will receive your engagement ring. My beloved you have made me very happy.” Martha and Jeremy stood and watched as their daughter became engaged to Hans Kruger. Her reaction was a surprise to both of them but they realized they had done the right thing. Maybe now they would have some peace. It was long overdue and Martha was looking forward to it with profound anticipation.

  The next morning Anna arrived at the Wells doorstep beaming with joy. “Well you look like the cat that swallowed the canary, Miss.” Minnie invited her in and called David. Abby walked past and just to be polite, stopped to say hello.

  “Abby, Abby excellent news. I am to be married to Hans Kruger. Isn't that fantastic?” David stopped dead at the news. His feet glued to the step and his face solemn. He turned slowly and went back to his room. “David, David come here. I have news.” But David would not come down. Abby offered her polite congratulations and went into the kitchen leaving Anna to gush over her news alone. She turned and walked home, puzzled over David's reaction. I thought he would be happy for me. Oh well, I am happy and that is all that matters. No more school, no more rules.

  “Imagine someone marrying that! Honestly Grandmother, I don't know who could put up with her.” Abby was not pleased at the news. She was a year older and it should be she who was making the announcement. But there was only one man for Abby Wells and he didn't even know she existed. Minnie patted her hand, she understood.

  The day started out well at St. Louis Haute Couture. Martha gave Hans Kruger a raise but he refused. “No Ma'am, I will have a raise if I earn it but I will not take one because I am to be your son-in-law. I am a proud man.”

  “Hans, you have earned twice this and more. I insist. You will soon have to buy a house and you will need the extra money. If you feel better I will give you more responsibility to go with the increase.” Martha's respect for this young man grew every day.

  “Fine, if you give me more responsibility I will accept. I thank you.” Hans went about his day a truly happy man. Anna was to be his wife and he was ready to settle down and start a family. It was unfortunate that they would have to wait two years but he would make the best of it. He loved her and he knew she loved him.

  Back at the farm, Abraham was getting very worried. He stayed by Vivienne's bedside morning till night. He fell asleep holding her hand. The moonlight lit the room with a velvety glow and he dreamt that he and Vivienne were married. He could feel her gently stroking his hair. The dream felt so real. His eyes opened and he realized that her hand was moving through his hair. He looked into her blue eyes. They were open and tear-filled, staring at him. “Oh my love, you are awake at last. I have been so worried.”

  “What happened?” She could not remember anything. Her head ached but Abraham was there holding her hand and she was thrilled. He explained that she had been attacked but she remembered nothing. All she heard was him call her “My love” and she repeated it over and over in her heart. Somewhere in Vivienne's memory was the face of the man that she had shot in New Orleans. Could he have found her? She was devastated to think she might bring chaos to Abraham's family.

  “Fire, fire, hurry.” Someone hollered from outside the window. Abraham stared as flames rose high in the night sky. The barn was on fire. Vivienne tried to get up but fell back on the pillow. Abraham told her to stay still and ran from the room shouting for everyone to wake up. Thomas ran outside, still in his pajamas and ran to the pond with his buckets. Sissy carried water from Thomas to Abraham, who passed it on to Zeke, then Annabelle. She took the bucket in her good arm and gave it to Isaac to douse the flames. Vivienne made her way slowly down the stairs, her head was heavy but she knew she was needed. She quickly took a place in the line. All of them worked feverishly to extinguish the flames at the back of the barn. Horses were taken out of the barn and neighbors began to arrive. Soon dozens of men were working and Annabelle and Vivienne staggered back to the house and collapsed on the settee. The women stared at each other. Black soot covered their faces and nightgowns, but they hugged each other, exhausted. The fire was extinguished quickly with all of the help and the men were given coffee and sent home. Isaac, Zeke and Abraham returned to the house. “What happened?”

  “We seem to be asking that a lot lately.” Zeke was covered in black soot and it dripped from his hat as he reached for the coffee pot. “Someone is out to get us, and they mean business.” He looked over at the rest of the family, all stared at him knowingly.

  “The barn didn't catch itself on fire, that is for sure. I heard a noise and then I saw the flames. Luckily it hadn't gotten very big when I found it. Why Vivienne you are awake!” Isaac suddenly realized, as did everyone else that Vivienne had joined them.

  “Thank God. Welcome back.” Sissy and Thomas ran and hugged her and everyone laughed with joy. “Now who wants to bathe first?” Abraham looked lovingly into her eyes.

  “It takes more than that to destroy this family. Whoever this is does not know whom he is dealing with. We have been through worse and survived.” Zeke looked first at Isaac and then at Abe and the three nodded in a silent, secret from the past.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Back to Normal

  Things settled down for a few days and Martha and Jeremy arrived at the farm. After much explaining, the family was all relieved that the fire was put out with minimal damage, but there were many questions about Annabelle's injury and the attack on Vivienne. The boys were happy to learn that Anna's betrothal was a complete success and hoped that now Martha's problems with her daughter were over. Jeremy watched Abraham closely and he understood now that Vivienne was much more than a friend. He approved of Abraham's choice and thought the feisty girl was just right for his son.

  Martha and Vivienne instantly liked one another. Vivienne reminded Martha of herself so many years ago. The girl had guts and independence. All she needed was a little polish and Martha was just the one to do that. The gowns had arrived and been left in the trunks but after learning that they were there, Martha was quick to unpack them. Annabelle and Martha gushed over Vivienne as she tried on dress after dress in the privacy of Sissy's room. The riding habit consisted of matching jacket and skirt, worn with a high-collared shirt. Vivienne stared at her reflection. Martha placed the top hat with veil on her head, explaining that this was the outfit of choice when riding. When hunting, she explained that a draped ankle length skirt would be worn over boots or gaiters. Also in the trunk were tailored costumes consisting of a long jacket and skirt. This was to be worn for traveling or walking in the country. Naturally these were to be worn with a bustle and small hat or bonnet. Vivienne's head was spinning with all of this new information.

  “I think trousers are better,” announced Sissy who soon grew bored with this silly dress up game. Vivienne agreed wi
th her, but not wanting to look unappreciative, did not let her true feelings show. Vivienne knew who she was and had a very good sense of self. These fancy clothes would not change who and what she was, however it was nice to dress up for once in her life. She appreciated all of the attention and was determined to enjoy every last minute of it.

  Sissy grew more disgusted and went to the barn. Martha was trying to make Vivienne all ‘prissy’ like her and Anna and Sissy wasn't having any part in that. She sat in the chicken coup, pouting. Thomas found her there.

  “What's the matter with you, Sissy?”

  “Vivienne is playing dress up.”

  “Well, she is a girl.” Thomas wanted to cheer her up. “Want to go swimming in the pond? Maybe your Indian will make an appearance?” He knew she loved the pond.

  “Okay, race you.” Off she ran with Thomas close behind. “Red Fox where are you?” She called and called but no one came. Thomas was now convinced that Red Fox was just a figment of his sister's imagination. Dumb girls!

  Back in the city, Abby was looking for Ezekiel. She wandered into the Whittaker's garden and strolled casually to the gazebo. Hopefully, she peered around the large property anxious to get a glimpse of him. Tall poplars lined the property and beautiful perennials grew in a multitude of colors. Abby wandered through the garden. She was quite disappointed at finding no one home and settled in the gazebo to admire Martha's roses, her green bonnet shading her face.

  There she is, one more romp my delightful little Whittaker, only this time you will know exactly what is happening. Red Fox moved toward the gazebo, always stealth and silent. Just as he reached the shrubbery surrounding the lovely garden building, Abby stood up and turned toward him. It's not her. Realizing his mistake, he knelt low to avoid being seen but Abby had already noticed him. “Hello, hello, there gardener. Do you know if Mr. Ezekiel Whittaker is home?” He stayed crouched low trying to decide what to do.

  She approached the shrubbery, “Hello, can you hear me. Is Mr. Whittaker home?”

  “Don't know, Miss.” He tried to stay out of her clear sight.

  “Thank you, the roses are lovely. Are you new here?” Abby had never seen this man before and didn't remember her mother or Aunt Martha mentioning a new gardener.

  He didn't answer. She tossed her head and turned away. Rather rude! Oh well, Zeke isn't here and I should get home. She walked in the opposite direction and headed home.

  She met Anna on the way and asked about Ezekiel. “Oh, he went to the farm. They all went to the farm. I was just at the shop visiting Hans. He is so dreamy. I am the luckiest woman alive. Maybe one day someone will ask you to marry him, Abby. Of course you have to take your nose out of your books first.” She laughed out loud and continued down the street. Abby stared after her in disgust. Why is everyone so rude today? She shook her head in dismay, but inside, Anna's words cut like a knife. Would she ever be a bride? Was it possible to have the man she loved? Smart girls get married just as often as dumb ones like you, Anna, they just don't settle for the first one that comes along. Anna Whittaker is a spoiled brat without a brain in her head so why should she bother me. Abby raised her head and walked proudly down the street.

  The next day, Ezekiel returned to the mansion in the city. He was happy for Abraham and Vivienne but it just made his own life seem so empty. He would go to the library and find a good book; that always helped. As he searched the shelves of the old building, he noticed Abby reading at one of the tables. “May I join you?” Her head jerked up in surprise. His eyes moved from the choker necklace, which graced her long neck to the ruffle of her tea gown sitting seductively on her shoulders.

  “Of course. I thought you went out to Isaac's farm.”

  “I did, but I am back in the city and in search of a good book, any suggestions?” They chatted for a few minutes and then he surprised her even more. “We both have to eat. How about accompanying me to the hotel for lunch? You might come up with the perfect murder mystery for me while we eat.” He laughed and offered her his arm, she accepted, blushing a deep shade of pink. She delicately straightened the short train on her pale blue gown before moving forward. How charming.

  Ezekiel escorted Abby to the New Lindell Hotel at 6th and Washington. He explained that it was referred to as the “new” Lindell due to the fact that the old Lindell was destroyed by fire in 1867. They entered the large foyer and were directed to the large dining room.

  “When did your family get the new gardener? He is not very polite.” Abby chewed her food slowly taking small ladylike bites.

  “New gardener? I don't think so. Where did you see him?” Ezekiel's curiosity was raised. His mother was just saying how she had the same gardener for years and hoped he would stay for several more.

  “At the gazebo, he was working on the shrubbery. At least, I thought he was working, perhaps he wasn't. But why would a stranger be in your garden?”

  “What did he look like?” Ezekiel was getting agitated, something was wrong. Because of everything that had happened recently he was very suspicious. “Did you get a good look at him?”

  Abby was getting nervous. Ezekiel seemed very upset. She had hoped for such a nice pleasant afternoon. “No, I didn't see him very well. He had dark hair and he seemed young, but he kept his head down. Ezekiel what is the matter, why are you so upset?” He thought it best to tell her about the events at the farm. She was shocked.

  “Oh my, you mean you think that was the same man. Oh dear, I was just inches from him. Why is he doing this? Is everyone all right? Ezekiel you are frightening me.” He reached over and took her hand. It felt as if a bolt of lightning shot up her arm. Her cheeks flushed bright pink.

  “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. We are looking into this. I am sure there is no way this was the same man.” Now he felt terrible. He had upset her and probably told her too much. “Please keep this information to yourself for now. I am sure my mother will tell yours all about it in good time. Now eat up. Would you like some ice cream?” She realized that he still held her hand; she didn't dare move. She could hardly breathe. She regained her composure and folded her linen napkin on the table.

  “No, thank you, I must get home.”

  “I will walk with you.” They left the Lindell Hotel and he walked her home. Just before they arrived at her gate she suggested several good books including a new author, Walt Whitman. None of them were murder mysteries; she felt he had enough excitement already. That night she dreamt of Ezekiel. She woke up smiling. He on the other hand, went dancing with the daughter of one of Martha's country club friends. Millie Pierce was a pert brunette with a large bosom and a pleasant laugh. He had known her for years and decided he needed a good night out. He enjoyed himself immensely.

  The following day, Austin and Loretta arrived home before Abby and were waiting in the living room. “Abby, come in here, please.” Abby walked into the room and instantly felt the tension.

  “What's wrong?” They motioned for her to sit down.

  “Nothing is wrong. Garrett from your father's company would like to take you to the gala at the country club. He has asked your father's permission and we want to know what you think.” Loretta reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her face.

  “Garrett? I am not sure I know him. Which one is he, Father?”

  “He is tall and blond and about twenty years old. You met him at the company picnic.” Austin would not force his daughter to do anything she didn't want to do, but he was rather fond of Garrett. “He is a pleasant chap.”

  Abby was still thinking of Ezekiel's touch, she didn't want to go anywhere with anyone else. But how could she get out of it without giving away her secret. Her parents waited knowing exactly what she was thinking. They were trying to spare her any heartache. “Well, I guess it would be acceptable. Can I see him first, perhaps for dinner here?”

  “An excellent suggestion, I will invite him next week and you can make your decision then. You are such a clever girl.” Austin kissed the top o
f her head and winked at Loretta. Abby sat thinking of Ezekiel; she pondered how she could get his attention.

  “Martha is having a dinner party on Saturday to introduce Abraham's lovely new girl to everyone. Her name is Vivienne. Martha thinks she is terrific. Perhaps you could invite Garrett to come with you, unless you prefer to wait until next week's dinner, of course.” Loretta waited for Abby's response. “Abby?”

  “What? Oh, yes, Mother, wait until next week. Whatever you think. I must do my homework now.” Abby picked up her books and headed for the stairs. Loretta and Austin watched her go and then looked at each other.

  “It is hopeless, Austin, she is undeniably deeply in love with Ezekiel Whittaker.”

  “Yes, but we both know he just asked Millie Pierce to go to the gala and our darling Abby will be devastated. I wish we could spare her.” Austin kissed Loretta's cheek and poured them both a brandy.

  Saturday morning, Abe, Zeke and Jeremy headed for the new Sportsman's Park to watch the St. Louis Brown Stockings or Browns, as they were known. “When did they open the stadium, Papa? It has only been two years since we were home and it wasn't here then. I have not seen a baseball game in years.”

  “They broke ground back in 1880, but the park opened this year. It is fantastic to have a good sports field right here in St. Louis. Baseball is a great American pastime. It is on the site of the old Grand Avenue Ballgrounds.” Jeremy was happy to have the boys home. They were giving him just the distraction he needed. “Austin and David are meeting us there.” The three laughed and talked as they walked through St. Louis to the baseball field.

  Saturday night at the Whittaker's was a festive occasion. Martha had made a beautiful gown for Vivienne. The two fussed over it in the guest room. Even Anna seemed festive and actually was civil to Vivienne. “I absolutely love this cuirasse bodice style on you Vivienne! It is much more natural than the bustle.” The deep red, fitted, and draped, sheath dress was elongated by the train. Martha employed only the finest seamstresses, the dress was well made and a flattering fit.