Meg

by Clemmons, Caroline

  After Meg read the menu to the children, Tom asked, “Can I have roast beef?”

  “You may and I’ll have the same. Penny, did you hear me read something you’d like?”

  “I want what Tom has.”

  Ida looked down. “I’m not hungry.”

  Meg shook her head. “You need something. How about crème de poulet or soupe de pomme de terre?”

  Ida stared at her. “I suppose the first is a fancy way of saying chicken soup and I’ll try that.” She ate only a few spoons of it.

  The children were excited to be in the restaurant and have so much food in front of them. They chattered as if in a contest and ate so much Meg feared they’d be sick later.

  Ida’s voice was barely more than a whisper. “It’s wonderful to see them eating all they want of good food.”

  Afterward, they went to the sidewalk and Meg hired a cab to take them to the hospital. Ida suggested she go in alone but Meg wanted to be certain she would receive proper care.

  Inside the large building, Ida gave her children the quilt and hugged each one.

  Supporting Ida, Meg signaled to a nurse, who found an invalid chair and hurried to help get Ida seated.

  Ida held each child’s hand. “You promise you’ll be good children for your new mama?”

  Penny cried and clung to her. “I want you to stay my mama.”

  “I know you do, but we talked about this day. Always remember that I love you. Soon you’ll have the photo we took and can remind yourself of what we did today.”

  Tom’s tears slid silently down his cheeks. “Mama, I promise I’ll be real good and take care of Penny.”

  “I know you will, son. I’ll watch over both of you when I’m an angel.”

  The nurse nodded to Meg. “We should go now and get this woman into a bed.”

  Battling her own tears, Meg settled the children on the quilt spread on a hallway bench. “Wait here and stay together. I’ll be back soon.”

  Ida was so weak that Meg filled in the required information and listed herself as next of kin. By this time, Meg heard the rattle of Ida’s chest between the woman’s coughing spells. Soon Ida lay in a bed in a ward.

  A doctor examined Ida, and then took Meg aside. “I’m surprised she’s even partially conscious. I doubt she’ll last through the week, perhaps not even the night.”

  Meg explained that she had to leave on the morning train. “How can I make sure she’s given a proper burial?”

  The doctor referred her to an older man, Mr. Banks, in an office at the end of a long hallway. He was about to leave for the day but remained while Meg explained the situation to him.

  Mr. Banks offered a sympathetic smile. “We’ll take good care of her, so you need have no fears on that score. If you want her buried in the church cemetery, I can arrange that as a courtesy. You’ll need to prepay.”

  Meg dabbed a handkerchief to her eyes. “I want her to have a decent burial with a tombstone. She’s a good woman and a good mother who’s had a difficult life. I want to know where her grave will be so the children can visit it if they’re ever this way.” She filled out the necessary forms and paid.

  By this time, Meg was emotionally drained and physically exhausted. She stopped to tell Ida about the arrangements.

  Meg held her new friend’s hand, wondering if the woman was still able to understand. “Ida?”

  Her eyelids fluttered open.

  “Everything is set. They believe I’m your sister and will let me know when.…” she couldn’t bring herself to say the word “die”. “The hospital will contact me when you become an angel.”

  Looking as pale as the crisp white sheets, Ida gently squeezed Meg’s hand. “Thank you.” Her voice was so faint Meg could barely hear.

  “Goodbye, my sister. I give you my word your children are now my children and I will love them as you have.”

  “God bless you.” Ida’s eyes fluttered closed.

  Chapter Five

  When the door opened, Curtis looked up from printing the latest edition of The Herald.

  Paul closed the door behind him. “Been to lunch and thought I’d stop and see how you’re feeling now that you’re married and your wife is on her way here.”

  Even though he knew the attorney was joking with him, Curtis frowned. “She’s on her way all right. Had a telegram she’ll be a day late. Said she’s acquired two orphans who are four and six she’s bringing with her. I suppose she expects me to welcome them.”

  Paul regarded him with raised eyebrows. “Any reason you won’t?”

  Curtis couldn’t help it if he sounded grumpy. That’s how he felt. “I need a wife who can help me with the newspaper. I made that clear in my listing in the Grooms Gazette. How much help can she be with small children to look after?”

  “Many women in Angel Creek have children yet help their husbands in business. Women all over the world do the same.”

  Curtis scrubbed a hand against his jaw. “Aw, I know, I know. It’s just that it’s not what I’d planned. For one thing, I don’t have a place for children to sleep at home.”

  The other man stared at him. “Yours is one of the larger houses in Angel Creek. Surely you can find a place for two children.”

  “I have rooms but I don’t have furniture in the spare bedrooms. Besides, it’s just… well, it’s nothing like what I’d planned.”

  Paul leaned on the counter. “Curtis, you’re making this too hard on yourself and on your wife. Can’t you be a little more flexible?”

  “More flexible? Man, I bent about in double placing that advertisement in the first place. Never would have thought I’d do such a fool thing.”

  “Do you need me to remind you why you placed that listing? Why you agreed to a proxy marriage?”

  Curtis held up a hand to stop the attorney. “Being cranky hasn’t dulled my memory. I recall very well, thank you. I’m lonely and tired of sleeping alone. I’d also like a few home-cooked meals now and then. I’m not denying that, Paul.”

  He brought a copy of the newspaper to the counter for his friend to read. “Guess the thing is that I don’t like change. Putting my name forward in the Grooms Gazette was really hard for me. The proxy wedding was even harder and a big change from what I’d imagined for my marriage.”

  Paul pointed at him. “You were wise to agree, though, and save yourself her fare.”

  “I know that saved me a lot of money and I appreciate the help. Finally, I had things arranged in my head so I could handle them. Then right off, she’s already switched the picture. What else is she going to replace and change?”

  His friend chuckled. “If she’s like my wife and others I’ve noticed, you have a lot of adjustments coming. Don’t fight them all. You’ll find getting things worked out between you is worth compromises. Winters here are long and cold, my friend. Keep that in mind before you complain about the woman who can cook hot meals then warm you those long, cold nights.”

  “I’ll try to be reasonable once she’s here, but right now I’m crabby.”

  “Hope your wife sweetens your disposition.” Paul laid a coin on the counter for the paper. “See you later.”

  When he was alone, Curtis’ thoughts returned to the few details he knew about Meg. He knew her real name was Margaret and that she had to escape relatives who meant her harm. If they had corresponded as he’d planned, he’d know more about her. At the same time, writing back and forth would require months. The proxy marriage probably speeded things up a year.

  If she didn’t arrive right away, she’d have to wait until spring after the river thawed. Waiting would mean he spent the long, cold nights alone. He preferred having his wife here as soon as possible.

  Meg leaned back against the bouncing stage’s seat. The road was bumpy except for spots of packed ice and snow that wound through the countryside. Thank goodness she’d bought warm clothing in Memphis rather than waiting until she reached Angel Creek. She couldn’t imagine how the stage driver survived sitting in the
open weather. Fortunately, there were no other passengers, which meant there had been room for all her trunks.

  Dear Lord, please turn Curtis McClain’s heart and mind to favor all I bring. Help him love Tom and Penny and be a good father to them. Grant him patience, Lord. With Your guidance, I will be a good wife for Curtis. Amen.

  A bounce of the stage snapped her attention back to the vehicle’s interior. Bags of mail piled on the seat opposite slid this way and that. Provided by the stage line, the buffalo robe spread across hers and the children’s legs appeared scruffy, but added welcome warmth. With a shiver, she tried not to wonder if small things crawled in the fur. What bug could survive this cold?

  She pulled Penny closer to her and re-tucked the robe around Tom on Penny’s other side.

  Tom watched out the window, his face swathed in a woolen scarf and his head incased in a fur-lined leather hat with ear flaps tied under his chin. The shades were pulled down except for a small crack for Tom’s viewing. The wind fluttered the canvas flaps so much that having them lowered didn’t help much.

  He clasped his stuffed dog tightly in his gloved hands. “I liked the boat better than the stage, didn’t you?”

  “Being able to walk around was nice, but the stage means we’re getting closer to Angel Creek and our new home. That makes me happy.”

  “I reckon Mama will be watching over us there for sure.”

  “I expect she’s watching now. She’ll watch wherever you and Penny are, Tom, and that’s forever. She loved you more than you can imagine.”

  “We loved her, too.” His eyes widened. “That don’t mean we don’t love you, ’cause we do. You’re a real good mama. I sure been hoping Mr. McClain won’t be mad when he sees us.”

  Meg was hoping the same thing. The closer they got to Angel Creek, the more nervous she became. She wouldn’t admit as much to poor little Tom, who worried constantly. She hoped he’d learn to be more carefree in the near future.

  She sent him a wide smile she hoped allayed his fears. “I don’t see how he could mind two such wonderful children. I feel awfully lucky to have you with me.” It was the truth. She’d come to love the children more and more on their long, tiresome journey.

  Tom smiled and leaned back against the seat. “Reckon I’ll take a nap like Penny. Will you wake me if there’s something new to see?”

  “I will. By the time you wake up, maybe we’ll be at our new town.”

  The children had been good on the trip. Penny still cried for her mother, but was quickly reassured with hugs and encouragement. Tom was sometimes sad, but didn’t cry. Meg hoped her husband would come to love them as much as she did.

  This trip had been so arduous, she wondered what she’d do if her husband decided to get an annulment. She was hoping to never have to travel this far by stage again. She didn’t imagine the trip would be much more pleasant in warmer weather.

  Meg dozed a little off and on. Slowing of the stage woke her. She pulled the curtain aside and saw buildings ahead.

  “Tom, I think we’re arriving in Angel Creek. Penny, wake up dear.”

  Penny rubbed at her eyes then she looked at Meg. “I need to go pee pee. Mama, I need to go now.”

  Meg knew from her experience with her nieces and nephews that children can’t wait. “All right, use the little potty. Let me help you.” She moved aside the buffalo robe and helped the little girl squat over the children’s potty she’d bought at the last minute before they boarded the stage.

  By the time Penny had finished relieving herself, the stage pulled in front of a low building and stopped.

  The driver opened the door. “This is Angel Creek.” He helped Meg down and waited for the children to descend the steps.

  Tom dutifully carried the potty while Meg carried Penny. He emptied the container on the road instead of taking it to the privy. She was so preoccupied with the children that for a few seconds she didn’t notice the man standing nearby.

  When he stepped forward, he was wearing a frown. “I’m expecting Meg McClain.”

  He was tall with dark brown hair and startling bright blue eyes. Not Greek god handsome, he was ruggedly attractive. His posture gave her the impression he was ill at ease as he eyed her and the children.

  “Hello, Curtis. I’m Meg and these are now our children. Penny is four and Tom is six. How they came to be ours is a long story. Perhaps it can wait until we’re somewhere warm.”

  Poor little Tom’s face clouded with worry. “I sure hope you’re not gonna be mad at us or our new Mama, sir.”

  “New Mama?” Curtis’ eyebrows shot upward.

  Before she could add anything, Tom added, “We’ll be real good and I’ll do all kinds of chores and help you. I reckon I look small but I’m strong.” He raised his arm as if he expected Curtis to test it.

  Curtis’ gaze turned to Tom and his frown softened. “You’re a hard worker, are you? I can probably find things that need your help.”

  “You won’t be sorry, sir.”

  Meg cuddled Penny’s head on her shoulder while she repeated her request. “I wonder if we can get inside? I’m sure we’ll be able to tolerate the weather, but we’re not yet used to the cold.”

  He handed Tom the valise and then picked up the two suitcases that belonged to the children. “I’ll arrange to get the trunks later. Looks as if there are several.”

  Carrying Penny, she followed, glancing at Tom to make sure he could keep pace. “I brought as much as I could. I didn’t know how much in the way of household supplies a bachelor would have. Plus, many are family things I wanted to save.”

  “The answer to the first is not much. I only brought a few personal items and the rest was newspaper equipment. It’s heavy and cost a lot to ship.”

  “I imagine getting it here safely was complicated as well. Is it far to your house?”

  He actually chuckled. “Across town, or what there is of Angel Creek. I recently bought the house from folks who were moving to the southwest.”

  “The town is smaller than I expected, but looks as if there’re enough businesses and homes to make a nice place.”

  He led them to a pleasant looking house constructed of squared logs and opened the gate. “Here we are.”

  Meg stopped to look at the house. With the rugged construction, a wrought iron fence that wrapped around the spacious yard added a contrast. Several types of trees grew inside the fence. Meg recognized pine, but wasn’t certain of those that had bare limbs. The enclosure appeared neat.

  To her right, at the equivalent of what would be just over a city block in Charleston, a bridge crossed a creek. She wondered where that road led, but returned her attention to her husband and the children.

  Curtis climbed the steps and set down the suitcases to open the door. “After you, Mrs. McClain.”

  Chapter Six

  Meg stepped inside and lowered Penny to stand on the floor, then held the little girl’s hand. “Oh, it’s lovely and warm inside where we’ll be living. In fact, this looks like a lovely home.”

  Although somewhat rustic from the outside, the visible interior was well-finished and appeared comfortable. They stood in a small foyer and she glimpsed a parlor to her right.

  Tom held Penny’s other hand. “Mama, what should we do? Is Mr. McClain gonna let us stay here? You won’t let him send us to an orphanage, will you?” His voice had trembled as he spoke and his eyes were wide with apprehension.

  Penny’s face screwed up and she started crying. “I don’t wanna go to a orph’nage.”

  Meg knelt until she was level with Tom and Penny and put her arms around them to hug them close. “You know I gave your mama my word that you would stay with me. You’re my children now and I love both of you. Please stop worrying. Once your new father gets to know you, I’m sure he’ll love you, too.” She shot a glance over her shoulder and met Curtis’ wary gaze.

  She stood, hoping she appeared more confident than she felt. “Perhaps we can take a tour of the house. Would that be a
ll right, Curtis?”

  He’d been silent while she talked to the children. Apparently, he’d decided to help her. “Sure, I’ll be your guide.”

  He gestured to the parlor. “You can see there isn’t much furniture, but there’s enough for us to sit on in the evenings unless the children want to play on the floor in front of the fire. For now the fireplace keeps the room comfortably warm. I haven’t been here in winter, but I hope it performs as well then.”

  He pointed at an empty room across from the parlor. “We don’t have dining room furniture yet.” He led them into the kitchen. “We have enough chairs at the kitchen table for each of us and two guests.”

  “That’s a nice range and similar to the one I’ve used.”

  Thank goodness, Curtis’ life was not as Spartan as she’d feared. She rejoiced that she’d be able to prepare meals in the only way she knew. She’d worried she’d be expected to cook over a hob at the fireplace.

  He gestured to a standing cabinet. “Mrs. Weston at the Mercantile helped me choose what staples to stock up on, but you’ll probably want to get more tomorrow or the next day. We have an account at Bergman’s Butcher Shop and at the Mercantile. Get what you need.”

  Curtis used his booted foot to tap on a trap door in the kitchen. “There’s a root cellar, but there’s nothing in it. I got here in May. By the time I got the printing press set up and started the newspaper, it was too late to bother with a garden this year. Besides, I’ve only had the house a short while.”

  “The children and I can plant a garden.”

  He shrugged. “That would be helpful if you decide to stay.”

  She thought he meant if he decided not to seek an annulment. Her heart sank and the acid in her stomach churned. She determined to prove to Curtis that she and the children were a blessing to have in his home.

  But what if she couldn’t? What then? Meg peered around the spacious kitchen. She wondered how Curtis had come to buy such a large home.