Tabitha's Journey

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Look, Ma’s come out on the porch to see what’s happening. She’ll be plenty surprised.” He waved and then pulled up by the porch. “Ma, we have company and a big announcement.”

  She clasped her hands in front of her and beamed at them. “You two got married?”

  “Tabitha wanted to wait for you, so we’re marrying tomorrow morning.” He helped Tabitha down from the buggy.

  “Lands sakes, I am happy you wanted me there.” Erna gave her a bone crushing hug.

  Tabitha returned the affectionate squeeze. “We’ve been to see the preacher and everything’s arranged for in the morning at ten.”

  Erna put her hands on her hips and glared at her son. “I hope you don’t think you can put the cart before the horse.”

  “Now, Ma, you ought to know me better than that. I already figured I’d roll out my bedroll in the empty room. Tabitha can have my bed.”

  “Is that all right, Erna? We brought all my things from the hotel.” Tabitha glanced at the trunks still on the buggy. “Guess we should have asked you first, but it would have meant an extra trip here and back if we had.”

  Bear guided her with one arm and his mother with the other. “You two go on in and let Tabitha explain about our rush. I’ll bring in her things.”

  “What’s to explain, son. She came to marry you.”

  Tabitha sighed. “There’s more, Erna. Let’s sit down and let me tell you all about my problem. I suppose it’s our problem since I’ve involved Tobias, and that means you, too.”

  They sat in the rocking chairs and she explained to her future mother-in-law about her life in Boston and her escape from William. By the time she’d finished her story, Bear had joined them and sat near her.

  Erna rocked for a moment, then looked at her. “All this trouble and you waited so I could see my boy married. That’s a gift I’ll not forget, Tabitha. Not ever.” She dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron.

  “I didn’t intend to make you sad, Erna.”

  “Sad? I’m happy, child. You don’t know how I’ve worried about Bear. I feared he’d never find a woman to take as a wife. Having you here is like my dream come true.”

  “But I don’t know how to cook or clean or do any of the chores you do around here. I’m not the woman Tobias dreamed about, not the kind of wife he wanted. Not yet.”

  “That’s what I mean. You’re willing to learn. I can teach you about chores and keeping house, but the spirit has to be in you to love my boy and stay by his side through thick and thin.”

  “I will, Erna. And I’ll learn everything I need to be a good wife.”

  Erna tilted her head and gazed at her son. “And you, Bear. Will you try to be a good husband?”

  He stood and slashed a hand in the air. “Ma, I already had this talk with James Billings. Don’t you go at me, too. If I wasn’t going give marriage all my effort, I wouldn’t have written off in the first place.” He turned and stomped into his room.

  Tabitha heard him toss something into the empty room, probably his bedroll.

  Erna chuckled and rose. “Well, we might as well stir up some supper. When people say ‘hungry as a bear,’ they’re talking about that man in there.”

  Tabitha followed her into the kitchen area. She’d do whatever she needed to make this marriage work. But could she? Would William arrive and shatter her plans?

  Chapter Twelve

  After they’d finished with supper, Tabitha showed Erna the dress she’d planned to wear for her wedding. “I had it made a year ago and didn’t tell anyone but Prissy.” Tabitha ran her fingers lovingly over the rose-colored faille. “The overskirt is of real Valenciennes lace.”

  Erna’s face filled with awe. “I’ve never seen anything this beautiful in my life.”

  “I have flowers of the same rose faille to wear in my hair and as a corsage.”

  “You’ll be the prettiest bride Radford Springs has ever known.”

  “The groom is not supposed to see the bride in her dress before the ceremony, but I wonder if I could dress here and us ride into town together?”

  “Seems the sensible thing to do, doesn’t it? You can wear my duster over your clothes so Bear won’t see what you’re wearing until the ceremony.” Erna beckoned to Tabitha. “Let me show you my dress. Only have the one good one, so there’s no deciding what to wear.”

  The women went to Erna’s room and the older woman opened her armoire. “Rosalyn Stone made this up for me. I sew, but nothing like that woman can.” She held a dark green dress with a lace collar. “She copied it from one made by Worth but used more practical fabric. The one she modeled this after was made of silk and velvet. I wanted a dress I can launder, but that will look nice afterward.”

  “I’ll bet it looks lovely with your hair. I have just the thing to go with it.” She rushed to unlock her steamer trunk in the next room and pulled open one of the drawers. She dashed back and handed Erna a white cashmere shawl shot through with silver thread. “Here it is. The weather might be a bit chilly in the morning.”

  “Oh, my, did you ever feel anything so soft?” Erna draped the length around her shoulders. “I feel like the Queen of England. I’m sure even Queen Victoria doesn’t have anything nicer.” She stuck her nose in the air and paraded around the room.

  Tabitha laughed and Erna joined in.

  Bear stuck his head around the doorjamb. “What’s going on in here that’s so funny?”

  “Erna is being royalty.”

  “Tabitha loaned me this shawl for tomorrow morning.”

  “No, I gave it to you. It will go so well with your green dress.”

  “Looks nice, Ma. I’m trying to figure what I can wear. Bullet holes ruined my best shirt.”

  “Son, I better confess. I dug your Pa’s suit out of the trunk and brushed it real good. And I boiled his white shirt and added a little bluing to the rinse water. Believe both will fit you. Can’t have you getting hitched in patched dungarees or a shirt filled with bullet holes.”

  His relief apparent, a broad grin split his face. “That’s all right then. No one will poke fun at us in all our finery.”

  He stepped back. “Tabitha, would you sit with me a while on the front porch?”

  Erna patted Tabitha on her shoulder. “You go on along with Bear. I’ll stay here and practice looking regal.”

  The two women laughed again. Tabitha hurried to catch up with Bear.

  He’d already moved the two porch chairs closer. “Have to make another chair now so all three of us can sit out here of an evening.”

  “You made these chairs? I didn’t know that, Tobias.”

  “I like working with wood. Pa made the table and the beds. Beau and I helped him make the kitchen chairs. I made the rocking chair you sat in and Pa made the one Ma always favors.”

  “You’re even more talented than I imagined.” She sighed with pleasure. “Oh, look, are those fireflies down by the water?”

  “I love watching them. They have them in Boston?”

  “Not where I lived, but at the edge of town they do. I used to visit Priscilla’s grandparents with her sometimes and we’d watch for fireflies and listen to cicadas.”

  “I’ve been thinking about kissing you again if you agree.”

  Suddenly overcome with shyness, she looked at her hands. “I’d like that.”

  He leaned toward her and cupped her jaw. His lips brushed hers softly at first, then pressure increased. Warmth zinged through her body, pooling in her feminine place.

  When he broke the kiss, he smiled. “That was worth waiting for two days. I believe we’ll suit very well.”

  “Thank you. I know we’ll be happy, Tobias. I can’t say why, but I know it.”

  He took her hand in his. “Why didn’t you tell me you wrote Priscilla’s letters for her?”

  She gasped. He knew. Now he’d be angry for sure. “Why do you say that?” She tried to pull her hand away.

  He refused to release her. Instead, he caressed her palm
with his thumb. “I’m not mad, not this time. You said a couple of things that made me stop and question. But when you were sitting and rocking with Ma, you said that part about your earliest happy memory being of sitting in your grandmother’s lap and her rocking you. That was word for word from one of the letters. I looked it up.”

  “Prissy couldn’t think of what to say. She did well in math, but not so well in spelling and writing. I-I helped her.” She took his strong, callused hand in both hers. “Tobias, I was half in love with you before I knew it. When Prissy wanted me to come in her place, I believed my prayers had been answered. You and I share so many interests.”

  “So I’ve come to realize. And you’re real good to Ma, too. I know what James said, but I couldn’t fall in love with someone who treated Ma unkindly.”

  “Do you think there’s a chance you can fall in love with me? Any chance at all?”

  “I’ll try my best. I’ll be a good husband. When we have kids, which I hope won’t be too far away, I’ll be a good father.”

  Those weren’t the words she longed to hear, or the declaration of love she yearned for. At least he had promised to wed tomorrow. And he knew she’d written the letters and didn’t appear to mind.

  In her heart she pictured the handsome sons they’d have together, each a tall, fine boy with brown hair and sky-blue eyes. Would their daughters have her auburn hair or Erna’s red hair? Did it matter? No. She sighed and gave in to the romance of the starry night.

  The next morning they arrived at the church at half past nine. Tabitha wore Erna’s duster over her dress so Bear wouldn’t see her wedding apparel. Inside the church, they found Melissa, Maggie, and Lizzie had decorated the sanctuary with containers of flowers and white bows on the inside end of each pew.

  Two little girls in identical frilly pink dresses raced toward them.“

  One said, “Hi, I’m Lucy Stone. Martha and I get to be flower girls.”

  Lizzie looked up from tying a white bow. “Now, Lucy, dear, you need to ask Miss Masterson if she will allow you and Martha to be her flower girls. After all, it’s her wedding, not yours.”

  “I’d be pleased to have such lovely girls in our wedding. Don’t you agree, Tobias?”

  He shrugged. “Sure, why not? You girls do look pretty.”

  Lucy looked up at him with a frown. “Tobias? I thought your name was Mr. Bear.”

  Maggie looked up. “Lucy, mind your manners. Bear has another name like you have Lucinda.”

  “Oh.” She twirled around. “I’m experienced at weddings ‘cause I was flower girl for Mama and my Papa’s marriage.”

  Erna whispered, “Her mother was a widow when she arrived.” She laid a hand at her throat. “Oh, my, I never thought. Who will give you away?”

  Tabitha hugged her future mother-in-law’s shoulders. “It’s all right. I don’t think anyone actually has to fill that role.”

  James entered the sanctuary. “I believe Joel Stone plans on the honors. And his wife will be your matron of honor. If that’s all right, of course.”

  Tabitha clasped her hands. “Certainly. What a wonderful wedding you’ve arranged for us. Thank you, each of you.”

  Already she felt welcomed to the community. She knew the arrangements were because everyone liked her groom and his mother, but she basked in their approval by association.

  Melissa gestured to folding panels at the back corner. “Tabitha, if you don’t want to wait at the parsonage, you can step behind the screen and wait. Bear, it’s about time for you to go to the altar with James.”

  “I never thought to ask anyone to stand up with me. Suppose it’s too late?”

  “Buster is planning on it. He said if you’d picked someone else, go right ahead.” James offered his arm to Erna. “I’ll seat you up front where the family sits.”

  Tabitha heard voices and scurried behind the screen. Through the fold, she saw folks arriving. A lot of them. Good heavens, the church would soon be filled.

  Rosalyn joined her behind the partition and confirmed Tabitha’s opinion. “Looks as if most of the town’s residents are here. I hope you don’t mind that the aunts and Melissa and I sort of planned the wedding without consulting you.”

  “I couldn’t be more pleased. Not that it’s necessary, but I wanted this to be a day to remember.”

  “It will be. Your dress is especially nice. I love the color on you.”

  Tabitha studied the pale pink gown Rosalyn wore. “I understand now why Melissa asked me about my dress. She wanted to coordinate us.”

  Rosalyn smiled. “She’s good at that, a perfect pastor’s wife.”

  “I’m so nervous now—I hope I don’t trip.”

  “You won’t because Joel won’t let you. While we wait, I’ll point out my family to you.”

  After Rosalyn had identified several people, Tabitha studied them. “Your husband and his brothers certainly look alike.”

  “Yes, and they’re all three good men. But they’re more different than they appear.” She fanned her face with her hand. “Whew, it’s stifling back here. Good thing it’s almost time for the ceremony.”

  Joel Stone peaked around the screen. “You ready?”

  Tabitha nodded.

  Joel signaled someone and piano music began. “Lucy, you two wait until Mama tells you to start walking. Remember, the flower petals go on the floor, not on people.”

  Lucy hugged his waist. “I’ll remember this time. I’m older now, Papa, and know how to be a good flower girl.”

  Martha appeared pleased to be included. “We practiced this morning.”

  “Okay, time to line up. Girls, you first. Rosalyn, sweetheart, you’re next, and I’ll escort Miss Masterson.” He handed her a bouquet. “My aunts told me to give you these.”

  “Thank you. You and your family have thought of everything.” Tabitha placed her hand on the attorney’s arm, grateful for his strength.

  Although not as large as Bear, Joel Stone was a tall man and very handsome. How nice all her new friends acted for her special day. She smiled at Lucy and Martha as they all but danced ahead, tossing petals in their wake.

  Then she spotted Bear, her Tobias, standing at the front with the preacher and the sheriff. How handsome Bear looked today in his black suit and white shirt. And how nervous. But he smiled at her and she floated up the aisle.

  At last her dream of her own home and husband would come true. Soon her furniture would arrive. Her new life would be filled with tangible happy memories of her grandparents while she made happier ones with her husband, Erna, and her new friends.

  A chill crept down her spine. She’d almost forgotten William and David. Any day now William would arrive and cause trouble. She had no doubt Bear would protect her, aided by Joel Stone and the sheriff. Would William’s accusations cause her new friends to shun her? She focused on Bear, refusing to let anything mar this day.

  At the front of the church, Joel transferred her hand to Bear’s arm. Rosalyn took her bouquet.

  Lucy’s stage whisper might as well have been a shout, “Papa, did you see what a good flower girl I was this time?”

  Titters rippled through the sanctuary, muffling Joel’s reply to his daughter. Tabitha’s gaze met Bear’s and they shared smiles.

  James spoke clearly as he looked over the crowd. “We are gathered here this day to unite this man and this woman in the holy bonds of matrimony . . . :”

  Tabitha clung to Bear. Surprised a giant trembled, she couldn’t have said which of them shook more. She tried to listen to James, but her thoughts raced in a dozen directions.

  “Do you Tabitha Elizabeth Masterson take this man . . .”

  She nodded, and then remembered she needed to speak. “I do.”

  “Do you, Tobias Andrew Baldwin, take this woman . . . “

  Bear looked into her eyes. “I do.”

  James smiled at them. “Then by the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife—“

  The church door banged open. “S
top this wedding.” William rushed forward waving a paper. “This woman is betrothed to me and I have the contract here. She’s also wanted for stealing furniture and household goods from her brother’s home.”

  No, how could this be happening? Her lovely wedding day ruined in front of all her new friends. Bear and Erna embarrassed.

  Joel and his brothers Zach and Micah stood and faced William.

  Together, Joel and Zach said, “Weldon Fisher?”

  At the same time, Micah said, “Walter Forrest?”

  William stopped and his eyes widened. He paled and turned as if ready to run for the exit. The Stone brothers rushed to grab him.

  Joel reached their target first and latched on to his arm. “Buster, arrest this man. He’s a War criminal who led Fisher’s Raiders across the South.”

  Micah grabbed William’s other arm. “He and his father and their men robbed a train and killed the guards. Got away with a fortune.”

  William struggled to free himself. “You’re crazy. I’m William Forsythe. I came to take this woman back to Boston. I have paperwork to put that harlot in jail.”

  Bear stormed down the aisle and lifted William off the floor by his lapels. “Don’t speak about my wife in those terms. Don’t speak about her at all. Don’t speak her name ever again.” He threw William to the floor. “She told me about you and the way you tried to assault her so she’d marry you.”

  People gasped.

  Micah stood over William. “Where’s your father? Did he come here with you?”

  “You won’t find him.” He stood and pointed at Tabitha. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your mouth shut. He knows where you are now.”

  Tabitha stood firm. She was safe from William now. “His parents live in Medford, Massachusetts near Boston.” She glared at William. “You won’t have the chance to try and force yourself on me ever again.”

  “We’re engaged. I’ll sue you for breach of contract.”

  She stomped her foot. “Stop saying we’re engaged. I told you I would never marry you. I’d be better off in the asylum my brother threatened me with than married to a lecherous lout like you. And now I find out you’re the criminal I always suspected you to be.”