Do you happen to have any records of families that walked the Trail of Tears? I would love to help you in your quest to return Choctaw land to its rightful owners. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Grateful,
Miss Elena Elroy
Paul reread the letter and grinned. There just might be hope for his efforts. After all, what were the odds than an Indian woman would get adopted by an American family and just happen to read the letter he posted in the newspapers back east? He had to believe that God had a hand in bringing Elena Elroy to his attention. Setting his other mail aside for the moment, he spent time in prayer before he took out paper to write a reply to Miss Elroy.
Dear Miss Elroy,
Thank you so much for your response to my inquiry. Let me first say that I am sorry about the loss of your parents during the Trail of Tears. I am certain, however, that God has placed you with the Elroy’s for such a time as this. I would like to continue our correspondence as I’m sure I can find out more about you, especially considering you know your given name.
If you should remember anything else about that time, or your parents, especially, please let me know immediately. I hope to have something foundational for you in the coming weeks.
Faithfully,
Paul Broche.
Paul walked into town the next day, as an homage to the long walks the Choctaw took with their people. During his research into the issue, Paul had learned that while the Choctaw Indian Nation was the first to make the journey, their Chickasaw, Seminole, and Cherokee brethren made similar voyages; all ceding their land to the United States. All suffering tremendous loss as they trekked over land and sea to settle the Indian Territory decidedly west of the great Mississippi.
A month passed before Paul heard anything from Elena. Finally though, a letter came, along with more information.
Dear Mr. Broche,
I’ve been able to learn more of my past. My parents told me recently that my parents were prominent members of a band of Choctaw Indians under Chief Misholatubbee. Does his name sound familiar to you? He was in charge of the “Lower Towns” of Choctaw. My father’s name was Frank Duboise. I don’t know my mother’s name, nor if I had any siblings.
How is your research coming along? Is there truly hope of returning my people to the land they once possessed? I find it a difficult and dangerous road at best. Please be careful as I fear there are those who would not want my people to take back what was theirs to begin with.
Praying in Maine,
Elena Elroy
Over the next few months, Paul and Elena wrote back and forth constantly, their letters growing more personal. Paul told Elena that he’d found records of her parents Frank and Elise Duboise. They’d had three children. She was the youngest of them. Her parents had, unfortunately, died of starvation, trying to keep their three children alive.
…your older brother and sister live on a reservation that’s about twenty minutes away on horseback. I’ve thought relentlessly about whether I should visit them. Would you like me to see them? I’m sure they’d love to know that you’re alive and well.
Chapter Two: Yearning
Elena could barely believe the words that were on the page in her hand. Paul had found her family. Instantly hope and guilt ran alongside each other in her soul. She loved her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, but there was a vital part of her that needed to find the answers for her soul. Taking the letter to her parents she explained her heart and prayed they would listen.
“What is it?” Richard Elroy asked when Elena knocked on the door.
“I have something I’d like to go over with you and mother.”
“Come in,” he replied. Elena took a good long look at the man who’d raised her. In his sixties now, his hair had started to go gray with sprinkles of white in the dark locks that covered most of his head. He looked older now than he had even a year ago. Maybe more so because she knew that even if they disagreed, she was about to embark on a journey that they could not take. It would be the first time she stepped outside the walls of their estate without an escort and she could nearly taste the sweetness of what lay ahead. “Well?”
“I got another response from Mr. Broche. He found my brother and sister,” Elena said. Rushing on, she added, “He’s going to go meet them and tell them about me.
“Well that’s excellent news Elena. Don’t you think Clarissa?” Elena looked at her mother who seemed on the verge of tear.
“Oh mama,” Elena grinned. Going to her mother, Elena wrapped her in a hug. The tears came in a wave, despite her mother’s stiff attempt to stop them.
“I can’t let you go,” she sobbed. Elena let a few of her own tears fall before she released her mother and turned toward the man she called, Dad.
“Is that what you want, to go find your family?”
“No,” Elena said with conviction. “But I’d like to go find my brother and sister. You and mother are my family. Stephanie and Sara, their families, that’s my family. However, I believe God had a bigger purpose in this than just me finding part of my past. I believe in what Paul Broche is trying to do and it’s a noble undertaking. I’d like to help him with his endeavors and yes, I’d like to find a part of me I never knew I had until recently.”
“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner,’ Richard sighed. “Your mother was deathly afraid you’d leave us and it seems she was right.”
“I will be back papa,’ Elena smiled. “You can’t keep me away from Rosie’s cooking.”
They all shared a watery laugh and then Richard wrote out several checks in Elena’s name. This first one should get you a train ticket to Ohio. From there you’ll take a train to Chicago and then south to Oklahoma. You’ll send postage at every stop to let us know you arrived safely and you’ll miss us twice as much as we will miss you.”
Elena couldn’t help the smile that stayed on her face through dinner and into the next morning. She took her time selecting the clothes and accessories she’d take with her. Three days later, Elena woke to the quiet of a post celebration house. The previous night her whole family had gotten together to wish her farewell and safe travels.
“Be safe Elena,” Stephanie had cooed. “Have an adventure.” Elena didn’t know if those two things coincided, but she kept it to herself.
“Send us good news,” Sara smiled, pressing a kiss to Elena’s cheek.
Now she woke ready and eager to face the prospects that lay ahead. She’d sent a telegram to Paul Broche, letting him know that she was on her way out to Utah territory. He’d sent one back saying he was looking forward to making her acquaintance.
…you are most welcome here as making friends is not something that’s easy to do. Despite what I’m doing I find my presence among the Indian nations strained. Not that anyone could blame them. I’m not sure I would trust a white man if I’d survived what these people went through.
I’ll make proper arrangements for your stay at Cecelia’s Boarding House. I know she’ll enjoy having company from so far away. You’ll have to excuse her exuberance as she’s a very eccentric woman.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Paul Broche
The train from Maine to Ohio was quiet as it rolled along the tracks. The countryside changed from rocky hills to smooth plains as Elena made her way south and west. She slept easily on the ride and was pleasantly surprised by just how much she enjoyed herself. Seeing new sights made it easy to write home to her parents. Her first letter headed to Maine when the train stopped in Canton, Ohio.
Elena left the plains behind to see the big city of Chicago. Its huge office buildings and bustling city streets put Elena in awe as people rushed by. Her town was easily dwarfed by this mecca of modernism. Her next train departure wasn’t until the next afternoon so she spent the night in a nice hotel, enjoying room service and a great, if short, night’s sleep.
***
Paul greeted the morning with a smile on his face for the first time
in what seemed like forever. Today was the day he’d meet Elena Elroy and the anticipation was nearly overwhelming him. He had things to get done before he could leave, yet all he could truly focus on was meeting the woman who’d been a huge help in figuring out how to take his case to the Supreme Court. With her testimony and that of at least her brother and sister, things might just take a turn for the better where his case was concerned. Truth be told though he didn’t think he’d get much of anywhere, at least not the first time around.
“Alright Charlie,” Paul grinned. “Let’s go get Miss Elroy.” Paul pulled the buggy up to the train depot and hitched his tea to the rail before walking to the dock where the train would stop. An hour later he heard the distinctive whistle and smiled, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waited. Passengers who knew what they were about, poured off the train. They greeted loved ones or headed for a number of different venues to eat or entertain themselves. Then Paul saw a stunning Indian woman step off the train, her dark eyes looking everywhere to take in her surroundings.
Suddenly Paul realized that his mouth was dry and he swallowed a few times to wet it. Moving forward he stepped closer to her, enjoying the way her twilight dark hair glistened in the sunlight. “Excuse me,” he said. Those dark eyes turned his way and the smile she gave reached right up to them.
“You must be Mr. Broche,” Elena grinned. “I’m Elena Elroy.”
Paul shook her hand and then tucked it into his elbow. “I’ll grab your luggage if you’ll point it out for me.”
“It’s the blue trunk. I have my travel bag already.”
Paul toted her trunk to his buggy and placed it in the back. “Are you hungry or would you rather just head to the boarding house?”
“I never turn down a good meal,” Elena smiled. “However, can we drop my things off first? I’d like a look at the place before I’m too tired to care. I tend to sleep walk and moving around an unfamiliar place might be treacherous.”
“True,” Paul laughed. He noted her height and physique, her petite frame sitting about three inches shorter than him when they say side by side. She wore a high-necked dress with long sleeves. She’d left her hair uncovered though and Paul was glad for her hair was lovely. “So, tell me how it felt to learn about your heritage.”
“I always knew I was different,” Elena sighed. “My sisters are pale skinned with freckles and light hair. Being darker skinned with jet black hair sort of gives away the secret. I suppose I was lucky, however. My parents never treated me different. I’m sorry I can’t say the same for society. The only reason I believe my parents allowed me to take this trip is because I am nearly thirty with no prospects of being married. I watched my sister’s debutante balls and saw the suitors who attended to them. Then there were the men who were forced to pair off with me. It was practically all they could do to keep their composure. It seemed they either wanted to snicker behind their hands or lose their lunch at the mere thought of an arranged marriage to someone like me.”
“I’m sorry you were hurt because of short-sighted people,” Paul said, touching her hand briefly before pulling back as if he’d been electrocuted. He saw in her eyes that he wasn’t the only one who’d felt that instant connection. The pretty blush across her cheeks only added to her allure.
“Thank you,” Elena finally said as they pulled up to Cecilia’s Boarding House. “This place is beautiful.” Paul watched Elena take in the pretty butter yellow color of the outside with its robin’s egg blue shutters and pretty flower boxes. The huge red door was a shock, although she didn’t say so. Her eyes got huge in her pretty face and Paul found himself drawn to this beautiful woman. Hiding a grin, Paul knocked on the door and greeted Cecilia Rogers with the same gusto with which she greeted him.
“Is this your lady friend?” the Italian woman asked.
“Mrs. Cecilia Rogers, this is Miss Elena Elroy. She hails from the pretty state of Maine which is now lacking because she’s no longer there.”
“Miss Elroy it’s lovely to meet you. I'll be at your disposal should you be in need of anything. I’m as Italian as they come which means the only food I know how to cook is also Italian. If you have an aversion to spices you should tell me now, otherwise your meals are included in the price Paul already took care of. Breakfast is served from six to eight AM as I’m not a stickler for schedules. Lunch is from noon to two and is usually a soup, salad and roll of some type. Dinner is from five to seven. If you’re going to be out for dinner, especially, please let me know. Other than that I can show you to your room.”
***
“My mother would love this place,” Elena smiled as she followed the eccentric Cecilia upstairs. “The pretty cream colored walls are enough to have her swooning. Not to mention that beautiful mahogany banister. Does anyone ever slide down it?”
“Oh my yes,” the woman laughed. Her dark hair bobbed up and down and a few loose curls sprang free. For a woman in her forties, Cecelia Rogers had enough energy for two women half her age. “Especially the little men. I can’t seem to stop them and part of me is glad to see them being boys in an age when parents always want their children to grow up.”
Elena stopped and stared at the room she was given. Its large four-poster bed looked big enough to swallow her up. It had an antique armoire, nightstand and dresser. Looking into the mirror, she saw that she looked rather affright. Her hair, while still up, was starting to come loose around her face, hanging in wispy strands. Her shirt and skirt were darkened by dirt from the road and her skin was covered in a layer of it as well.
“Will you please tell Paul that I need a minute to freshen up?”
“Certainly doll. If I know Paul, he’s used to waiting. His wife used to take forever to get ready…poor thing.”
“Paul’s married?”
“He was,” Cecelia sighed. “His wife died giving birth to their son. The baby died shortly afterward.”
Elena’s heart twisted in her chest. Here she was moping about her plight and Paul was standing downstairs a widower who’d also lost his only child. Hurrying Elena rushed downstairs, stumbling on the last step and falling against Paul as he stood waiting for her. His arms instantly wrapped around her waist in an attempt to steady her as he chuckled, his warm breath tickling her cheek. “Easy there,” he said, a smile still in his voice.
“I’m sorry,” she blushed. Heat suffused her whole body, rushing into her cheeks as she looked up into breath capturing blue eyes. She could admit within herself that she’d noticed just how handsome Paul was when he’d met her at the train station. Being this close to him now though, made her chest tight and her heart beat faster inside her. Once she was steady on her feet again, she quickly noticed the absence of his closeness and sorely wished for him to embrace her again. “Can you tell me about my fam…brother and sister?”
Chapter Three: Family
“Sure,” Paul smiled. He took out two positive prints of photographs he’d had taken. These were taken a couple of weeks ago when I first met with your siblings. Your brother, Bennett Duboise, was born, He Who Fights, because he liked to argue and fight a lot as a youngster. Your sister Deborah Duboise was born, She Who Smiles. Apparently she smiled from birth and did so often enough that your parents would rarely argue or discipline her because she was always happy.”
“What do they think of me?”
“They’re excited to see you, of course. Your sister cried when I told her you were alive. If you’re up to it, I can drive you over tomorrow morning.”
“Okay,” Elena said excitedly, her smile brightening up the room. Paul found himself reluctant to leave and indeed stayed for supper. Cecelia had given them a snack of leftover rolls warmed up with butter to take the edge off Elena’s hunger. She used what they didn’t eat to go with a stew she’d made fresh that afternoon.
“I suppose I should say goodnight,” Paul smiled. He brought Elena’s hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles lightly. “I’ll see you after breakfast.”
“Goo
dnight Mr. Broche,” Elena said, blushing.
“Paul,” he replied. “Goodnight Elena.”
Paul headed home with a familiar flutter in his gut. He’d only felt that sort of reaction for one other woman and she’d lost her life bringing their son into the world. Melancholy rode hard alongside the good feeling. He’d struggled in those first years after Cassie’s death. So much so that he’d sworn never to go down that road again. He wouldn’t risk another woman’s life for his own selfish needs. He was finding that oath hard to stick by when his mind wandered to Elena.
“Please God help me. I swore I’d never take another woman as my wife. I can’t, won’t risk another woman. I don’t pretend to know every reason you brought Elena Elroy into my life. I know she needs answers that I can help her find. I also know she can further the cause to get the land her people once had back into their hands, but this man finds it difficult not to dwell on the other aspects of her arrival. She’s stunning Lord and I am a simple and weak man.”
Paul prayed all the way home over Elena. He prayed for the meeting with her siblings to go well, he prayed for her presence and testimony to go well and to further the case that he’d present to the Supreme Court, and then he prayed that God would help him resist the temptation to ask for permission to court her. Of all three, the latter was the hardest to squeak out as he didn’t want to pray it. It was a plea of desperation. Desperate times, desperate measures.
***
The next morning Paul picked Elena up just after nine o’clock. She’d been raring to go since six and Cecelia had laughingly told him to hitch her to the wagon and she’d get them there faster, such was her intense energy level. Paul had chuckled, but hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off the young woman who was now sitting beside him. “You look lovely today.”
“Thank you,” she returned, obviously nervous by the way she folded and unfolded the napkin in her hands. Paul reached over and gave her hands a gentle squeeze.
[2015] Cowboy for Christmas Page 32
