Wanted: Gravedigger

by Christine Sterling

  She smiled thinking of how all the losses over the past year could come together in a beautiful celebration.

  There were a total of six burial plots dug in addition to the ones for Mr. Pike and Mr. Woodson. Mallet Thorne, the stonemason created a beautiful memorial plaque and Will carved crosses for the two founder’s graves. They were put in place during the memorial service.

  Jeremiah Henderson and Braylon Watts each made speeches recognizing the value of community, perseverance and love. Names of each man, woman and child lost in the disasters were read out loud. Pastor James finished out with a prayer and a hymn.

  There wasn’t a dry eye left.

  Then couples, mostly newly married in the past eleven months, made their way to their respective blankets for a picnic lunch.

  Tess was amazed at the number of families now expecting children. It is the next generation of Silverpines, she thought.

  Something blocked her warmth and cast a shadow over her face. She opened one eye but continued to lean back on her palms.

  “May I help you, Mr. Elliot?” she asked closing her eye again.

  “Yes, you can, ma’am. May I join you?” Tess nodded, and she felt the weight of the ground shift as he sat down beside her. “I was just admiring how beautiful you look. Like an angel from above.” She opened her eyes as he placed his hand on her belly and she felt the life inside her move, as if the baby was jumping for joy.

  “Shhh, Dawson. What if someone hears you? It isn’t proper to speak of such things.”

  “It isn’t proper to tell the truth? I love my wife and I’m not ashamed to say it.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead then whispered in her ear, “I love you, Honeybee.”

  Tess felt her cheeks turn warm under his words. “I love you too, Dawson. More than I ever thought it possible to love anyone.” She lifted herself up and reached for the picnic basket. “I’m starving. I wonder what is in the basket?” Dawson had a basket prepared at the café so his wife wouldn’t have to worry about preparing lunch for the picnic.

  A light laughter broke across the couple and Tess looked up to see Hattie standing there holding a basket and blanket, along with her husband, Robert, who was carrying Kijab on his shoulders. “You are always starving, Tess.”

  Tess wrinkled her nose at Hattie. “I seem to recall you being the same when you were like this. Besides, it will taste even better since I didn’t have to cook it,” she said as she removed platters of thick ham sandwiches, fried chicken and luscious tea cakes. There were also covered dishes filled with potato salad, fresh green beans and even pickled vegetables.

  “Move over, oh large one,” Hattie teased, as she placed her basket on the ground and started to unfold the blanket. Robert placed Kijab on the ground and the small boy ran over to sit in Dawson’s lap, allowing Robert to remove the papoose board from Hattie’s back.

  “Momma says today is a party,” he said proudly, his brown eyes locking onto Dawson’s blue ones.

  “She is right. It is like a party. With lots of our friends,” Dawson replied, pointing out to the crowd.

  Robert sat down on the blanket Hattie finished laying down and placed the papoose sack across his lap. He gently rocked the baby and a coo emerged from the bundle inside. That was all the invitation Kijab needed to move towards the tan casing. Tess watched him peel back the blanket and pepper the tiny infant’s face with kisses.

  She knew soon she would be able to pepper her baby with kisses just like that.

  Tess finished filling a plate with all the goodies and passed it to Dawson. Hattie did the same and passed plates to her husband and son.

  “I brought you this,” Hattie said, passing a jar of light-colored liquid to Tess. “I know I said you needed to limit your intake, but I thought today was a good day to celebrate.”

  Tess gleefully took the jar and removed the band and lid before inhaling the sweet minty aroma. “Oh Hattie, thank you. I’ve missed this tea so much.” She took a sip before passing it to Dawson, so he could take a drink.

  “That is very good, Doc,” he said, returning the jar to Tess. “What did you use to sweeten it?”

  “I used honey, because it has properties that will help with Tess’s hay fever.” She turned to her friend. “I know you suffered from it last year, and spring is upon us.” Hattie tore the chicken on her plate into small pieces and offered them to Kijab, a piece at a time. The boy was all smiles. “How are you feeling, Tess?”

  Tess had just taken a bite of the potato salad, and she savored it before answering. The tangy dressing exploded on her tongue and she could taste the vinegar, bacon and something else she couldn’t place her finger on. She gave a slight moan, as she felt the baby kick again.

  “I’m feeling better than I have in ages, if you don’t count my lower back ache.”

  “How long has it been?” Hattie asked, concerned showing on her face.

  “Since last night. It kept me up most of the night. I just went downstairs and walked the parlor. Dawson slept through the entire thing.” She gave a little laugh at her husband, “I suppose he will sleep right through the baby too!”

  “Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?” Robert asked her in between bites of chicken.

  “We have. I’m sure I’m having a daughter. Dawson thinks it is a son. So, we compromised: if it is a girl, I get to name her; if it is a boy, then Dawson has the honors. ”

  “Every man wants a son,” Robert chimed in.

  “I agree,” said Dawson. “I don’t want to have to worry about a daughter growing up if she is as good lookin’ as her Momma. I’d be polishing my rifle every day as she grows older.” Robert laughed.

  “What names have you decided on?” Hattie encouraged.

  “Oh,” said Tess placing her plate aside. “If it is a girl, it will be Charlotte Rose after both of our mothers. For a boy it will be Oscar Harris,” after both of our fathers.”

  “How is your Momma handling everything?”

  Tess thought for a moment and turned to Dawson, raising her eyebrow. “Perhaps you can take this question, dear?”

  Dawson chewed thoughtfully before answering. Since the day he arrested Montgomery Shippenbottom aka Edwin Clemmons, Charlotte hadn’t spoken more than a single word to her son-in-law. Everything was yes or no, or I don’t know. It had been a long, hard four months, but she was embracing her sobriety.

  Mr. Clemmons was sent back to San Francisco to face trial for swindling multiple widows and using laudanum to coerce these widows into giving up their fortune under those false pretenses. Mrs. Daniels remained in Silverpines, trying to put the past behind her and focusing instead on the arrival of her first grandchild.

  She had been shunned by most of the people in Silverpines and was simply spending quite a bit of time with Will Tuckering. He did appear smitten with her. Tess thought it wouldn’t work because he was 12 years her junior. Charlotte was presently sitting with Will under the shade of the pavilion sipping lemonade and they both looked extremely happy.

  “She is still recovering. Hopefully she will be a little more selective on who she allows in her inner circle.” As Tess nodded her agreement, baby Anna emitted a wail from the confines of her blanket, and Robert handed her to Hattie.

  “Let me feed her,” Tess offered, reaching out her arms. “It will give me practice.”

  “She shouldn’t be hungry. I fed her right before we came here, so I didn’t bring a milk teat. She is most likely soiled.” She passed the crying infant to Tess and stood before reaching for the baby again. “I’ll head to the apothecary and change her, and I’ll be right back. Kijab,” she said, signaling the young boy, “Stay with your Father and Uncle Dawson.” Robert beamed as Kijab nodded his agreement.

  Tess pushed herself up to go with Hattie, rolling onto her knees before lifting herself from the ground. She laughed at what she must look like. No wonder women in Boston society never ventured out in their delicate states. There was nothing graceful about her at the moment.

&n
bsp; “You alright?” Dawson asked, worry lining his brow as he looked at his wife.

  Tess pressed down her skirt where it creased from sitting. “I’m fine. I’m going to go with Hattie. I’ll be right back, I need to use the privy,” she whispered to him.

  Rubbing her back, she took a step towards the apothecary when she felt a warm fluid run down her thigh. Realizing her skirt was wet, she turned and gave a soft cry. “Dawson,” she said softly, “I think it’s time.”

  When he saw his wife’s eyes open wide and her telling him it was time, Dawson sprang into action. He yelled across the park to Charlotte before scooping up his wife and carrying her towards the apothecary and Hattie’s birthing room. Robert started gathering up the remains of the picnic so he and Kijab could join them as well.

  Charlotte dropped her lemonade and shrieked her way across the field to take Tess’s hand and pat it reassuringly as they entered into the small building.

  Dawson brought Tess into the room that Hattie had specifically created for women that didn’t have home births for one reason or another. The room allowed the mother to give birth in privacy before returning home after a short respite.

  Tess sunk into the soft blankets before another contraction rode over her. “Oh my. It hurts so much. Ahhhhh.” She grabbed Dawson’s hand and squeezed. As soon as she released his hand, Hattie shooed him out of the room.

  “Go upstairs with Robert and Kijab. And take Momma Daniels with you. Tess doesn’t need to be upset during this process. I’ll come get you when your son or daughter arrives.”

  Dawson nodded. He pressed a kiss on Tess’s head. “I love you, Honeybee. I’ll see you soon.” He touched Hattie’s shoulder. “Take care of her.”

  “I will. Now, go.” A cry from Tess sent Hattie back bedside.

  “It won’t be too much longer. You tell me when you are ready to push and get ready to meet your baby.”

  Tess couldn’t look any happier than she did at that moment. She was exhausted, but oh so happy. It didn’t take long for her son to be born. As Hattie was cleaning the baby, Tess started having additional contractions and 2 minutes later her daughter entered the world.

  She was sitting up in the bed, sipping chamomile tea and looking at her family who had crowded into the small birthing room at the clinic. Charlotte Daniels sat next to Tess rocking her namesake in her arms. Tess watched as tears rolled down her mother’s cheeks and occasionally dropped on the swaddled infant. She begged for Tess’s forgiveness and of course she obliged.

  Dawson Elliot couldn’t look any prouder as he held his newborn son.

  A light knock sounded on the door and Robert stuck his head in. “Kijab wanted to see Auntie Tess and meet his new neighbors.”

  “Bring him in,” Tess said.

  “Are you sure?” Hattie asked. “You have to be very tired.”

  “I am, but it is nice just to relax and visit for a few minutes.”

  Kijab climbed up on the seat next to Charlotte and looked at the little girl in her arms. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before climbing down.

  Dawson had moved into the main lobby area and sat on the couch. Robert joined him, holding Anna in his arms. Oscar rested on his father’s shoulder, his hand reaching down. As Dawson rubbed his son’s back, he noticed that Oscar and Anna had their fingers intertwined.

  Just like his father, Dawson thought. He finds a beautiful girl and claims her as his own.

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  Sneak Peek

  from:

  Wanted: Redemption

  Chapter 1

  April 15, 1900

  It had been exactly one year since the first disaster in Silverpines, and 90 days, 20 hours, 51 minutes and 32 seconds since Charlotte Daniels had her last taste of laudanum.

  Not that the cravings weren’t there, but she was determined not to fall victim to the sweet lure of sleepiness and irresponsibility. Her daughter, Tess Daniels, now Elliot, told her in no uncertain circumstances that Charlotte wouldn’t be allowed to see her grandchild if she continued with the Devil’s elixir.

  It was enough to sober her quickly. She fought her demons daily as nothing was more important than her unborn grandbaby.

  When she first started imbibing, she had no intention of becoming addicted to the bitter liquid, she honestly just wanted something to help her sleep. Sleep was precious commodity after her husband, Harris passed two years ago.

  And Mr. Clemmons appeared to be so helpful when he suggested this specific brew that was all the rage among the elite and made in the best apothecaries in Harbor City. Charlotte took a chance. How was she to know that the man was a swindler, liar and a cad to boot?

  He kept plying her with the bitter liquid until she had to have it. She needed not only to sleep, but when the smaller doses weren’t working anymore, he increased the dose until she was sick with need. Then she needed it to survive.

  She had been so desperate, that when she ran out of the bottles he provided her, she went so far as to draft a letter to the bank allowing him to withdraw funds as he saw fit to keep her supplied.

  But that was part of Mr. Clemmons’ plan. How was she to know that he would take her money and run? And that he had a pattern of doing this previously? So here she was. Without her fortune, no matter how small it was, without her elixir and without the company of Mr. Clemmons and her family. Thankfully her son-in-law was a Pinkerton and found a portion of her money, and it was returned to her.

  Charlotte looked at the watch pinned to her blouse again.

  90 days, 21 hours, 04 minutes and 15 seconds.

  She took a deep breath and released it.

  Dr. Tory told her to take one minute at a time. Sixty seconds made a minute. She only had to get through 60 seconds. Then through 60 minutes each hour. Then through 24 hours each day.

  Charlotte just wondered when it would get easier. It was nearly noon; today was the remembrance ceremony in the park and Charlotte’s first trip outside in nearly 8 months. She didn’t go outside at the start of her recovery as she was terrified that people would find out about her addiction.

  Then she didn’t go outside at all over the shame of not going out in the first place. It was a vicious cycle in her mind.

  Will Tuckering should be arriving any minute to escort her to the park. She smiled at the thought. Will had been helping her with her recovery.

  He checked on her every day, since her son-in-law Dawson first introduced them. Her first thought was that Will was very overbearing. He rarely left her alone, making sure she ate, rested and held her hand as she cried because her need for laudanum was so great. In time, she could honestly say that he was her best friend.

  She thought he was extremely handsome. It made her realize how much she missed Harris. Even though she had been married to him for nearly a quarter of a century before he passed, they grew apart in the few years before he died.

  Harris would spend most of his time in his office and studio on the far side of town. He was the undertaker and when Charlotte would try to go spend time with him, he would dismiss her, saying he was busy.

  He was never too busy, however, for Tess. She would spend hours sitting in the workshop where Harris would measure and prepare coffins, reading to him. After his death, she would still steal into the office and read. Charlotte didn’t understand it, but it brought Tess some peace.

  It was ironic that Tess met her future husband whe
re she would escape when life became too hard. Charlotte sniffed. It really was her, that Tess was escaping. Charlotte had such hopes for her daughter, but instead Tess decided to do things her own way and was now married to a man that Charlotte wouldn’t have chosen for her.

  But Tess appeared happy, and that made Charlotte happy. And she was looking forward to the impending birth of her grandchild.

  Charlotte heard Milam call down the hall for her. Milam was her housekeeper and cook. She had been with the Daniels since before Tess was born. Charlotte felt blessed that Milam and her husband moved out west with them when they left Boston. Unfortunately, Milam’s husband was killed in the earthquake a year ago. She came to the door of Charlotte’s dressing room and peeked inside.

  “Oh, Miss Charlotte,” she said, placing her hand up to her chest. “You look awful pretty. I haven’t seen you wear that before.”

  Charlotte twirled in front of the mirror. She loved the deep brown against her pale skin. She loved the way the waist made her appear trim. She was secretly hoping that Will would notice.

  “Thank you, Milam. It is new. I saw it at the mercantile and just had to have it. I’ve not purchased anything like this since Mr. Daniels passed. I do like it.” The lace trim tickled her arms and she tugged on them. “I won’t have to wear a jacket. Feel this material.” She held her arm out towards Milam. Milam rubbed the fabric between her fingers.

  “That sure is awful pretty. Nice heavy fabric.” Milam released Charlotte’s sleeve and stepped back outside the door. “Mr. Tuckering is here. I put him in the sitting room with the picnic basket.” She pointed down the hall. “I think you need to head out. I’ll be over there in a bit. You enjoy yourself, Miss Charlotte.”

  “Thank you, Milam,” Charlotte said, placing her hand on Milam’s arm. Milam gave her hand a little squeeze before patting it, and then she pushed Charlotte towards the sitting room.