by Indiana Wake
“It is time, sister,” Amanda said.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and as she tried to stand her legs were all rubbery. Taking a breath, she tried again and managed to get her legs beneath her. All five of them walked to the door. As she passed the window, she looked for a carriage, but none was in sight. All she could see was part of a sorrel horse.
The door opened and the first thing she saw was the horse. It was breathing heavy and sweat soaked its flanks. Where was her husband? The he stepped around from behind the colt and Sabrina felt the breath leave her. My, he was handsome, in a roguish kind of way. Rough stubble framed his chin and his hat was pulled down at a rakish angle. A mischievous grin spread across his face.
Surrounded by her family, Sabrina felt drawn towards this man. He was attractive and she hoped that everything had been lies. Here was her future, her happiness all she had to do was reach out and take it.
No one spoke as she stepped down onto the dirt. The man was staring, his mouth wide open. Perhaps he found her so attractive and then she remembered the cowboy and how his eyes had burned as they looked at her. Was this the same look? It did not feel as nice, in fact, his eyes seemed to see right through her clothes and she got the urge to cover herself with her hands. Then his mouth snapped shut and he just stared at them. His hat still sat on his head, did he have no manners?
“Well I heard you were big girls, but you are really fat,” Jessie said as he stepped forward. “Which one of you did I buy?”
Sabrina stood there for a moment and she felt her knees start to buckle. Tears had sprung to her eyes and she felt her legs shake and feared she would drop to the floor.
“Guess it’s you then,” Jessie said putting his hateful eyes on her. “Come here woman, let me check you over. See what I paid for.”
Sabrina felt the weakness leave her legs, felt her shoulders straighten. She walked towards him and heard Amanda gasp. Forrest and Edson tried to get to her but she rushed forward and as she stared up into the grinning face she let go with the hardest slap she could muster. His head rocked backward from the contact and for a second he was stunned.
“Take that as me breaking off the engagement,” Sabrina said. Then she turned and walked away with her head held high.
Jessie let out a growl and tried to run after her. A perfectly timed punch from both men sent him across the yard and onto his butt. He lay there for a second and then got to his feet.
“I bought her,” he screamed. “I ain’t leaving without her or the money.”
Forrest and Edson both laughed at this and both reached into their pockets. Forrest stepped forward. “No let me, brother,” he said and handed an envelope to Jessie. “Don’t ever come near her again and if we hear of you mistreating another woman, then you will get more than a sore head.”
Jessie puffed out his chest, but Forrest stood his ground and the younger man turned and fled back to his horse.
“Water that animal before you head back,” Forrest called and then they all walked back into the house.
Sabrina would hurt for a few days, but she had come out of this better than they could have hoped. It seemed she was stronger than they gave her credit.
Chapter 6
Sabrina walked into the house with as much dignity as she could muster, but once the door was closed she lifted her skirts and fled. They were right, everyone had been right and she had been such a fool. Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself onto the bed. What was she to do? What would become of her? Her broken heart felt as if it had shattered in her chest. How would she get over this? What would she do and could she ever face her family again? Right at that moment all she wanted to do was crawl into a corner and never come out. Everyone must be laughing at her. Poor little naïve Sabrina, duped by the rancher.
A gentle hand touched her hair and then softly rubbed her shoulder.
“I am so proud of you,” Amanda said.
Sabrina sat up, her hair a tangled mess, tears streaming down her face. “Proud, but I have been such a fool.”
“No,” Amanda said as she turned her sister from her and gently worked on her hair. “You were never a fool. You are just such a good person that you cannot see the bad in anyone. You taught Jessie a lesson he will not quickly forget.”
“But what will become of me?” Sabrina sobbed.
Amanda gently freed out the locks, separating each strand. “Whatever you want. Edson and Forrest both love you as a sister and they will see that you get whatever you need. When you are ready, we will arrange for you to court, but there is no rush.”
“Thank you,” Sabrina said.
Amanda stood. “I will leave you alone a while, come down when you are ready but remember everyone is proud of you.”
As the door closed, Sabrina rolled over onto her back. Maybe things were not so bad. She would get through this with her sisters help.
After Amanda had gone Sabrina felt all right for a time, but then the doubts came back. It was just Amanda being kind. Edson would be mad. Forrest would be furious; she had kept him from his ranch, and from taking his bride home. All because she was silly and spoiled. All these thoughts buzzed around her head and she could not go down and face them. What would they say? Would the men laugh at her? Would they be angry? She alternated between pacing and lying on her bed until there was a knock on the door and Eva came in.
The old housekeeper had become a firm friend to the girls. Ready to offer advice, or to soothe or help them with anything they needed. She put a tray with some tea and sandwiches by the bed. As Sabrina turned, she hugged her tight.
“I’m so pleased you are safe, Miss Sabrina,” she said and then she turned and left the room wiping at the moisture in her eyes.
Sabrina ate the sandwiches and delicious cake and drank tea, slowly her courage was returning. First she picked up a book of poems, she would just read one and then she would face the family.
It was dinner time before Sabrina finished the book. Gently she placed it down. She knew it was time, knew she must face the music.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the dining room. Everyone was already seated and chatter buzzed around the room. As she entered, Jake saw her first. He jumped to his feet and started clapping.
Sabrina felt heat hit her cheeks and then everyone in the room followed Jake’s example. They all stood up and clapped her as she walked in.
“You was a star Aunt Sabrina,” Jake said. “I can’t wait to tell my friends you hit Jessie Sanders.”
Laughter rippled around the room and Sabrina felt the dread leave her. These people loved her. They were her family and they would do anything for her as she would for them.
Jake pulled out a chair for her and she sat down.
“Now Jake, violence is never something to brag about,” Edson admonished gently, “but I must say, Miss Sabrina has a mean right hook.”
After that, the room breathed a sigh of relief. All was well in the family again and Sabrina knew her heart was not broken. Her pride may be a little bruised, but she would recover. Feeling surrounded by their love, she closed her eyes as they said grace. As the family said, Amen, she kept her eyes closed. Giving thanks for all that she had.
“Sabrina, Sabrina.”
Her eyes opened and looked up.
Her sister, Cassandra, was addressing her. "Sabrina, why not come with us and see our home." Cassandra squeezed Forrest's hand.
He smiled at Sabrina and nodded his head. "You will really like it there," Forrest said. "We have fields and orchards stretching out for miles and a library that I just know you will enjoy."
"Yes," Cassandra continued. "You would enjoy it immensely and I would love to have you there with me. Do say you'll come along with us, please."
"Now, Now, Cassie. Don't force your wishes on her," Amanda said, reproaching. "Let her make her own mind up about what she wants."
Cassandra was looking at her expectantly. The thought of seeing a new place, taking walks in the orchards and rea
ding all the books in the new library sounded very appealing. Perhaps it was the new start she needed to clear her head. It could almost be a vacation and it would give Amanda some privacy with her new husband. Something they had been denied since they got married.
Then she wondered if it would be running away. Would the townsfolk think her a coward?
“Stop torturing yourself,” Amanda said. “Go, have some fun and then come back and tell me all about it.”
“Yes, then it is agreed,” Cassandra said clapping her hands in glee.”
Sabrina nodded her agreement and laughed, it felt good. All this time she had been worrying about her husband and now she realized that it did not matter. She would find love when it was her time. "Thank you, it would be great to get away."
Chapter 7
That night, Sabrina packed all she needed for the trip. As each hour passed, she felt better and better. It would be good to go away, but first she wanted to thank her family for all they had done. Quickly she went through her possessions. What did she have that she could give to them?
Edson was easy; she had an early William Blake book that she knew was not in his library. When they first arrived, he had read poems as a form of torture. A way to remember his lost love, but Amanda had healed his heart. Now the words gave him joy and hope. Forrest was a bit more difficult, but as she was packing, she remembered their father’s pocket watch. He would love it. Her two sisters were easy. Amanda had always secretly admired her necklace. It was one of the few possessions they had been able to hide from her aunt and Sabrina would give it away with love. Cassandra had always liked her red dress. It had been one of a kind and she had saved it from the worse of the wear their aunt forced on them. Then she knew there was one more person, Eva, the housekeeper. She looked through her things and found out a shawl. It was fine and beautiful and it would be perfect for Eva to wear to church.
She hummed around the house as she worked and packed. Sang her favorite tunes and felt joyous and one with the world. The thought of a new library and a new place to explore had been enough to lift her spirits. Now she wondered why she had ever been sad. Why had she let the thought of this man rule her life so? From now on she decided that she would be more independent. After all she had family who would look after and care for her.
The bags had been packed, the necessary things rounded up and all that was left were the goodbyes. This was the hardest part for Sabrina. She hated goodbyes, for they always made her sad and brought her to tears. It felt good to be going with Cassandra, but she was still sad that she was leaving her eldest sister, Amanda, who had been like a mother to her.
As they waited outside the carriage, she gave out her gifts. First Amanda. Her sister’s eyes filled with tears. “I cannot accept,” Amanda said.
“Yes you can,” Sabrina whispered in her ear as they hugged goodbye. “All of you can accept these small gifts as a token of my love.”
With tears flowing freely from her eyes, Sabrina hugged her sister. Amanda hugged her back as tightly as she could, patting her on the back throughout.
"My dear, sweet Sabrina,” Amanda said. “Do not worry at all about anything and if you want to come back, write to me immediately and I will arrange for you to be back the next day. I love you my dear sister and I will make sure you are safe and happy. God bless you."
Wiping her tears, Sabrina said, "And I love you, sister. Thank you for looking after us all these years. You have been a wonderful sister and almost a mother to us, and I love you dearly for it. I promise I will write to you every day and let you know every little detail of what goes on in my life so you don't feel the distance. You're the best sister anyone could ever ask, for and I pray God blesses you forever and always." They hugged once more and then Sabrina turned to Forrest.
She handed him the book and saw moisture glisten in his eyes. The smile on his face made her feel strong and assured her she would always have a home here.
“Thank you, sister,” he said and hugged her tight.
Then she gave the dress to Cassandra. Her sister burst into tears and could not say anything. They hugged as if they would never see each other again, even though they were leaving together.
Sabrina turned to Forrest, his eyes widened. It was obvious that he did not expect anything. “You are my brother too,” she said and she handed him the watch.
“This is too much,” he said.
Sabrina’s eyebrow rose, her face said you have to accept.
“You do me great honor,” Forrest said. “I will wear it with pride and hand it on to my firstborn son.”
Cassie blushed and turned away and Forrest bowed low over Sabrina’s hand and raised it to his lips. She felt so good she could dance with joy. Next she gave out gifts to the children; Eva had helped her prepare them. Each of the children hugged her tight and there were tears in all their eyes. And then they thought she was ready to go. Eva stood in the background. This woman was so strong. She had kept this family going before the sisters arrived, and had accepted them with open arms. Sabrina walked up to her and handed her the wrapped shawl. Eva’s eyes widened and her mouth opened and closed.
“Miss…” she managed at last. “Thank you.” Then she opened the package and took out the shawl. If it was possible, her eyes went even wider. Edson rushed forward and draped it around her shoulders.
“You look amazing Eva,” he said.
“Thank you, Miss Sabrina, I will miss you, both of you,” Eva said as her eyes then looked up at Cassie.
Sabrina finally let her tears come as Cassandra said her farewells and then they were leaving.
Forrest's ranch was a good two hours ride away, in the opposite direction of Redemption. They chatted excitedly as the carriage rolled along. Soon they came to the outskirts of a small town. They went under a sign saying Bears Bluff and Sabrina laughed.
“That is a strange name,” she said.
“A descriptive one,” Forrest said.
“Do tell.”
Forrest smiled, but his eyes looked worried and they flicked out of the windows as they traveled through the desolate looking town. He leaned out of the window. “Let’s move faster through the Bluff,” he called to the driver, and then he came back in and shut all the windows.
“Is something wrong?” Cassie asked.
“No… no… it is just a little dusty and I wanted to get through town. Now girls look out of the window as we round this next bend.”
Both sisters stared out of the window and there on the horizon was a big old boulder and it was shaped just like a bear. Sabrina let out a squeal of delight and did not notice that Forrest’s brow was furrowed as he watched nervously through the window.
Soon the carriage passed into the town. The streets were bare, no horses or people to be seen anywhere. It made the place appear quite dismal and Sabrina couldn't help but wonder where everyone had got to? Was it a ghost town?
They moved through the town in silence, and without seeing a soul. Sabrina wanted to ask, but Forrest was staring out of the window and her sister was watching her.
“What is it?” Sabrina asked.
“I am just so happy,” Cassie said. “Do not worry little sister I will talk to Forrest, and we will find you a husband before you know it.”
“There is no rush,” Sabrina said and she giggled when her sister laughed. For so long all she had spoken of was when would she be married. Now it no longer seemed important. The Good Lord would find her a husband when the time was right, and until then she was going to be happy.
The empty streets gave way to a rush of greenery as they traveled alongside a river. The water meandered slowly across the land, giving the appearance that there was all the time in the world. Lush green grass sprouted along its banks and trees extended for miles. They converged on the hillside to create a vast forest which seemed to breathe as they passed. The freshness of the water could be felt with every breath, it was cooler than she had felt for some time and so inviting. It seemed that nature was sing
ing its sweetest tune.
The journey continued for several more miles until they rounded a corner and saw a large house. This did not look like a ranch house. In fact, it appeared to be three times the size of Edson's big house. It looked like a mansion, surrounded by forest and greenery.
Forrest got down and helped Cassandra exit the carriage. Then he offered a hand to Sabrina. The two sisters stood there, mouths open, just gaping at the huge house in front of them. They both looked at one another with silent awe before looking back at the piece of art in front of them.
“You said it was nice… but…” Cassandra said, lost for words.
Chapter 8
“Welcome to your new home,” Forrest said.
Cassandra and Sabrina stared at him. "But, but....I thought.... I thought you had a ranch?" Cassandra stuttered while Sabrina stared silently.
Forrest's grin grew wider. "This is my ranch and now it is our ranch."
Cassandra leaped into his arms and hugged him tight. Laughing, he picked her up and carrying her, he crossed the threshold. Once they were in the house, he turned around Cassandra still in his arms and called out to Sabrina. "You coming in?"
Sabrina closed her mouth and entered the house. The interior was just as beautiful as the exterior. It was light and open and like no house she had ever seen. It looked like a museum and the most luxurious house she could imagine combined into one.
Two women in their thirties appeared and stood with their hands behind their backs. Forrest nodded to each of them. "This is Lucy and Daisy. They have been assigned to look after you and they will provide you with anything you need. Daisy, please show Miss Sabrina to her room. I would like to show, Cassie to hers personally."
Cassandra giggled at that and Sabrina's cheeks turned red. She quickly scurried away behind the maid.
It was quite a walk to her room on the second floor. Along corridors lined with art and flooded with light from large windows. Daisy stopped and opened a door into a beautiful room. It was a very large room with a big four poster bed draped with net curtains. A large mirror stood at one end. There was a love seat situated near the window. A desk for her personal writings and use. There were chests and cupboards, a huge rug lined the floor, and on a dressing table was a bowl of water. Sabrina could not have been happier, for this was almost like living in a palace, or so she assumed. “Thank you, Daisy, thank you so much,” Sabrina said.