What Comes My Way

by Tracie Peterson

Ella opened the door. Mara extended several newspapers. “I got these like you asked.”

  “And did you get the telegram sent to Robert?”

  “I did.” Mara nodded and followed Ella into the room. “You think Mr. Robert will come here to see you?”

  Ella suppressed the urge to cough. “I’m not even sure where he is. The letter I had from Virginia said he was very busy with Father and the lawyer. That hotel in Washington was the last place I knew them to be, so hopefully they’re still there and Robert will get my telegram.”

  She took the newspapers to the table, where the breakfast dishes still awaited the hotel staff. Mara helped her push the dishes aside so she could spread out the first of three newspapers.

  Twenty minutes later, Ella put the last of the papers aside. She’d seen nothing regarding her father and Jefferson’s slave trade. In her letter, Virginia had said that the reaction of the authorities had been mixed. Jefferson’s lawyers argued that the Negros had signed on to work of their own free will and that no law had been broken. However, there was the issue of August Reichert’s murder and the fact that Jefferson had told more than one person that it wasn’t his first. Virginia penned that Robert hoped that between their father’s testimony and that of a few other witnesses, Jefferson would be sent to prison.

  “I wish I could read something about what’s happened.” Ella stood and grabbed her handkerchief as she coughed. Again a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to reach for the back of the chair to steady herself.

  “That cough done got worse overnight, and you look terrible pale,” Mara declared. “I’m gonna order you some tea with honey and lemon.”

  “I’m sure it’s just a cold. The ocean air was hard on me.” Ella tucked the handkerchief in her sleeve. “I don’t like the idea of returning to Kentucky, but I must go see my mother. I know she’s afraid of what the future holds.”

  “Abe and I will come with you,” Mara said, surprising Ella. She smiled at the younger woman. “We wanna get married, and my old minister Brother Johnson will be happy to do the deed.”

  “Aren’t you afraid of returning? I am. There are people all over that county who knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Or they were forced by Father and Jefferson and would hold us a grudge.”

  “I got the Lord on my side, and so do you,” Mara declared. “And He don’t never turn a blind eye. He’s watchin’ over us all the time. We can count on that.”

  “Indeed.” Ella gave another shiver. “I think I’m going back to bed. I’m chilled to the bone. I’m going to write a note for Henry Adler. Would you be willing to take it to him for me?”

  “Of course, and then I’ll be back to see that you’re takin’ proper care of yourself.”

  Ella nodded and found some hotel stationery. She quickly wrote a note explaining her desire to see her mother before returning to join the troupe. Once she was finished, she folded it in half and gave it to Mara.

  “When that’s done, would you mind sending Abe to purchase the train tickets for us? I’d like to leave yet today.”

  “I’ll see to it, but only so long as you get back to bed. If you don’t rest, you won’t be fit to travel anywhere.”

  Lizzy grabbed her stomach and frowned. She looked at the others across the table. No one seemed aware of her discomfort as they dug into breakfast. For days she’d been having what her mother deemed “getting ready” contractions, but the ones this morning seemed different—stronger. Thankfully they weren’t all that close together.

  “So the troupe isn’t coming back to the ranch anymore?” Mother asked.

  “That’s what Henry’s letter said,” Oliver explained. “He’s found a farm in Virginia where the weather is temperate year-round. He believes it will be a better headquarters. He plans to break the news to the troupe at a New Year’s Eve party he’s throwing.”

  “That’s tonight,” Phillip said, as if they’d forgotten.

  “Exactly so.” Oliver nodded. “Henry felt that this would be a better arrangement for everyone. He plans to hire on a new crew, although he said that Phillip and I were welcome to return.”

  “And do you think you’ll take him up on the offer?” Mother asked.

  “Not me.” Oliver shook his head. “I gave it a lot of thought, and my place is here. Lizzy said the baby needs a grandfather.”

  Lizzy smiled, happy to hear he’d decided to stay. She knew the show had been his lifeblood at one time, but he was getting old and worn, and he’d fare better staying in Montana with the family who loved him.

  Phillip shook his head. “I don’t like that they aren’t coming back here.” The look on his face said it all. “I was counting on seeing Ella soon.”

  “She may still come, Phillip,” Mother said. “After all, this has been her home, and the troupe will take a break for a few weeks, I would think. Everyone will want to go home to see their loved ones.”

  “They daren’t take too much of a break.” Oliver slathered his biscuit with jam. “Henry said their first performance will be in March.”

  “Well, the absence of the show will be quite a change for us.” Mother looked at Lizzy. “Did you know anything about this?”

  Lizzy straightened and shook her head. “No, he never said anything to me. I suppose it does make sense. The winters will be much milder and the rail lines more accessible.”

  Mother nodded. “I never knew the show to have any trouble getting trains out here, but I suppose this is better for them.” She smiled and offered Phillip the plate of biscuits. “Do you plan to rejoin the show?”

  “That’ll depend on Ella,” Phillip replied. “If she wants to keep performing, then I would like to be with her. I hadn’t figured I’d leave the ranch so soon—at least not until March when the show starts its tour. But if they aren’t coming back, then maybe I’ll need to go sooner.”

  “Ella and Mary have become the foundation of the show,” Oliver declared. “I think Henry would do almost anything to keep them. Oh, but he did add in the letter that our Lizzy was welcome to return.” He smiled her way.

  “Our Lizzy can scarcely climb the stairs,” Wes countered, “much less climb into a saddle.”

  Uncle Oliver’s smile widened. “But doesn’t she look pretty. I swear she looks more like you every day, Becca.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I’m glad to have her here with me,” Mother replied.

  “Phillip, we definitely need you on the ranch,” Wes threw out. “If Ella doesn’t want to continue with the show, then maybe you could convince her to marry you and live here in Montana.”

  Phillip paused with his coffee cup halfway to his mouth and nodded. “I think she’d like that well enough.” He took a long drink and smiled. “Good coffee, Mrs. B.”

  Lizzy’s mother smiled. “Glad you like it. I feared it might be a little strong, but given the cold weather, I figured we could use it that way.”

  Lizzy jumped and grabbed her swollen abdomen. This time everyone noticed. She looked at her husband and saw the concern in his eyes.

  She said the first thing that came to mind. “I don’t want to worry anyone, but these contractions seem much stronger than before.”

  Mother frowned. “Are they coming regularly?”

  “Yes.” Lizzy shrugged. “I know it’s just New Year’s Eve, but I think the baby may be on the way.”

  The men all paled, and only Mother maintained her composure. “Phillip, ride to town and bring back the doctor. Wes, I’ll trust you to get Lizzy upstairs. Help her change into a nightgown and build up the fire in your room.” She rose from the table and smiled as if she were arranging for nothing more important than a game of checkers. “Oliver, you come with me.”

  Lizzy looked into the worried face of her husband. “Looks like we’re soon to be parents.”

  He nodded and helped her from her chair. “Should I carry you?”

  She laughed. “I was beginning to think I should ask you the same question. Try not to worry so much.
Women have been having babies for thousands of years.”

  “Yes, but not my woman.” Wes put his arm around her and added, “And not my baby.”

  By the time Ella reached her hometown, she was quite sick. She hated to expose her nephews and niece to whatever she had, so she ordered the driver to take her to Fleming Farm. She knew it had been closed up and maintained only the most minimal of staff, but Mara and Abe assured her they could take care of anything she needed.

  Walking into the foyer, Ella longed for her bed. “Be sure to send word to Mother,” she told Mara. “We’ll need someone to cook and a couple of maids. I know there are still groomsmen and other outside workers, but ask Mother to send the others.” She put her hand to her head and fought off a wave of dizziness. “It’s freezing in here. We need a fire,” she murmured.

  “Don’t you be worryin’ about nothin’. Abe and me will set things right.” Mara put her arm around Ella’s waist. “Come on, let’s get you to your room.”

  Abe quickly had a fire going in Ella’s old bedroom, while Mara helped her change her clothes in the dressing room. A series of coughs racked Ella’s body. Her chest hurt something fierce, and Mara told her it looked to be pleurisy or pneumonia. Both could be deadly.

  The last thing Ella remembered as she faded off to sleep was wondering if she would die and never see Phillip again. It saddened her to think she might never have a chance to be his wife and spend her life with him. Such thoughts made her sleep fitful.

  When she awoke, Ella was surprised to find her mother sitting beside her bed. “Mama, what are you doing here?” Speaking caused a long round of coughing.

  “Mara sent word that you were ill. I couldn’t stay away.” Mother felt Ella’s brow. “You have a fever, and I’ve sent for the doctor.”

  “I’m sure it’s just a cold gone bad.” Ella tried to sit up, but the room tilted first one way and then the other. Dizzy, she eased back against the thick pillow. “I guess sitting up isn’t a good idea.”

  “No,” her mother agreed. “You need to rest.”

  Ella shook her head. “I could feel my strength slipping away as the train moved south. I probably should have stayed in New York. Now I’ve exposed you to whatever is wrong with me.”

  “I’m not worried,” Mother replied. She got up and went to the water pitcher and bowl sitting atop a small table. She poured a bit of water into the bowl and then wetted a cloth. Returning to the bed, Mother sat beside Ella and placed the cloth on her forehead. “This should help bring down the fever.”

  Ella couldn’t remember ever feeling so miserable. She coughed and felt the tightness in her chest threaten to cut off her breath. Wheezing, she struggled to clear her lungs. Once the spasms ended, she was even more exhausted than when they’d started.

  “Mara has gone to get some rosemary and oregano. We’re going to put it in the water over the fire. The steam will help you breathe easier.”

  The doctor arrived, but Ella didn’t know him. He listened to her heart and lungs, then drew a bottle out of his black bag. “Give her a teaspoon of this every four hours. Keep her in bed and give her plenty to drink. She’ll either be better in a week or worse. If she’s worse, send for me again.”

  While Mara showed the doctor to the door, Mama looked at the bottle and read the label. “It contains heroin. I’ve never heard of that.” She frowned, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine it works as well as rosemary and oregano.” She put the bottle aside. “I think we’ll stick with remedies that I know work.”

  For several days Ella was in and out of sleep. At times her chest felt heavy and her breathing was labored, making her wonder again if she would die. She didn’t ponder it long, however. She simply had no strength.

  When her sleep was less tortured, Ella dreamed of Phillip. She could see him riding wild horses, breaking them for the saddle. Sometimes in her dreams, she and Phillip walked hand in hand, talking about the future—their future. How she yearned to have him near.

  “When will I be better?” she asked her mother after a particularly fierce round of coughing.

  “Soon,” her mother encouraged. “But you need to cough this stuff out of your lungs.”

  Ella could hardly draw a decent breath, much less find the strength to cough, but Mara and Mother insisted she do so. Three or four times a day, they forced her to sit and breathe deeply over a steaming pan of water and herbs. It always brought great relief and worked to break up her congestion, but it took every last bit of strength she possessed. When would it ever end?

  Finally, after what seemed to be weeks, Ella awoke to feel her head and lungs a little clearer. She actually smiled when her mother approached the bed with hot tea.

  “I think I’m better,” she told her mother.

  “Yes, your fever broke yesterday. Mara and I feel certain you have turned a corner. You still have to keep your lungs clear, however. You’re not out of the woods yet.”

  “I feel like I’ve been living in the woods and sleeping on the ground. I ache all over. When can I get out of bed?”

  “You need to regain your strength first.”

  “I have to recover soon.” She looked at her mother and then at Mara. “I can’t lie about in bed forever. The show needs me.”

  “The show’s takin’ a break,” Mara reminded her. “You ain’t missin’ a thing.”

  “Except that I planned to go back to Montana during the break. I want to see Phillip. I need to know how he’s doing.”

  “You’ve been very sick, Ella.” Her mother’s tone made her concern clear. “You must rest in order to get well. You can hardly expect to perform in your condition.”

  Ella knew her mother was right, but she still wanted to be back on her feet—and not just because of Phillip. She also needed to know what was going on with Father, but she didn’t want to risk upsetting her mother. There was no choice but to bide her time.

  After a week, Ella felt more like her old self. She knew it would be some time yet before she felt like traveling to rejoin the troupe, but she could at least sit in a chair for a while each afternoon. Mara brought her books to read and an occasional newspaper, but still there was no word about what was happening with her father and Jefferson. There were also no letters from Phillip or Lizzy.

  “Don’t be worryin’ none,” Mara told her as she brushed Ella’s long blond hair. Until that day, the routine brushing had hurt and Ella hadn’t enjoyed it at all, but today the pain was absent and she didn’t mind Mara’s tending. “What with Mr. Henry settling the show in at the new place in Virginia, he’s probably too busy to write to you.”

  “I should be hearing something from someone. Lizzy or Mary at least. Of course, Lizzy’s due to have a baby soon, so perhaps she can’t write. And I know Mary and Chris planned to visit her grandparents, so maybe they’re too busy.” Ella sighed. “Henry could at least let me know when practices will begin.”

  “You need to stop frettin’.”

  Ella rolled her gaze heavenward. “I suppose I have no other choice. I wish Robert would at least let us know what’s going on. Poor Mother. She must feel completely beside herself without any news.”

  “I ’spect so, but she knows that Mr. Robert will be tellin’ her what he can when he has the time. You should follow her example.” Mara gave her a smile. “But I know patience ain’t never been your virtue.”

  Ella couldn’t help but smile in return. “No, I suppose it isn’t.”

  “I don’t know that she looks like Lizzy or Wes,” Phillip declared as he inspected his niece. “She just looks like a baby to me.”

  Mother laughed and handed the infant to Lizzy. “She looks just like Lizzy did when she was a baby.”

  Lizzy smiled down at her daughter. “I think she’s perfect no matter who she looks like. What amazes me is how much she’s grown in just a few weeks.”

  “How are my favorite ladies?” Wes asked, strolling into the front room. He went to Lizzy, who sat in the rocker, and kissed the top of her head. “I
came to see if you needed more wood in here. That snow is really comin’ down. Phillip and I need to get out there and check on the herd. No doubt those cows will be dropping calves like it’s a contest.”

  “We have plenty of wood, Wes. You and Phillip did a wonderful job. We’ll be set for some time,” Mother replied.

  “I wish you didn’t have to go out in this weather.” Lizzy cradled the baby closer. “I worry about you both.”

  “We’ll be fine.” He kissed her head again, then reached down to run his finger along the baby’s cheek. She immediately turned her head toward his finger as if to latch on.

  “You boys check in periodically so we won’t worry,” Mother instructed. “What with the cows being in the nearest pastures, you shouldn’t have too much trouble, but it’s good to know you’re all right just the same. And that way you’ll know that we’re fine as well.”

  “That’s more important to me,” Wes declared. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his gloves. “Come on, Phillip. We got work to do.” He gave Lizzy one last glance. “Behave yourself.”

  She smiled. “I might say the same, but I know my request will fall on deaf ears. You’ll do just as you please.”

  He pointed at himself and raised his eyebrows in mock surprise.

  Lizzy laughed. “Yes, you. Don’t try that innocent act with me.”

  Wesley laughed and headed out with Phillip.

  Once the men were gone, Lizzy looked at her mother and sighed. “I don’t know when I’ve ever been happier. The only thing that could make it better would be to have Father here.”

  Her mother sat on the footstool by the fire and nodded. “I know. I was thinking much the same. He would have been so proud of you . . . and her.” She nodded toward the baby.

  Lizzy shifted and held her daughter up directly in front of her. The baby looked at her with dark blue eyes that seemed to take in every inch of Lizzy’s face.

  “Cora Anne, you are a beauty, and no matter what anyone says, you look perfectly like yourself.” The baby yawned, and Lizzy laughed. “I don’t think she cares one way or the other.”