Wagon Train Cinderella

by Kennedy, Shirley

  Magnus offered a satisfied smile. “Splendid. I shall talk to Reverend Wilkins.”

  “Why do we need the Reverend?”

  “To marry us, of course.” He nodded his head decisively. “We must. Else, how would it look? As the leader of this train, I must set a good example. I cannot have a young, pretty woman share my wagon without benefit of matrimony. Surely you can see we must be married.”

  Chapter 12

  After making sure Callie would be all right, Luke had left the train to scout ahead. He returned late in the afternoon in a good mood, pleased at how Nellie had escaped her father’s anger and moved on, he was sure, to a better life. He wouldn’t have to worry about Callie, either. She was safe. Caleb wouldn’t dare raise a hand to her again. The train had stopped for the day. When he passed Florida’s wagon, she beckoned him. The way she was standing, all stiff and tense, he knew something was wrong. He quickly dismounted. “What is it?”

  “It’s time you got back. Wait ’til you hear what happened.”

  “If you’re talking about how Caleb lost his temper this morning, I already know. It’s been taken care of.”

  Florida nodded her approval. “Thanks to you, he only struck her the once. Best of all, he’s not going after Nellie, so she’s safe, thank God.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “That’s only the half of it.” Florida proceeded to describe how Caleb told Callie to go and never return. “She’s banished from her family, but she’s all right.”

  His fine mood vanished. “Damn! I might have known Whitaker would cause more trouble. Where did she go?”

  “Magnus Ferguson took her in.” She placed a calming hand on his arm. “There’s something else. Now, Luke, I’m well aware of your opinion of Colonel Ferguson, and I want you to stay calm.”

  “Just tell me.”

  Florida hesitated, like she knew her next words could set him off. “Magnus is concerned about appearances. According to him, they’d be living in sin unless…unless…”

  “Unless what?”

  “Reverend Wilkins is going to marry them.”

  Luke clamped his jaw. Damned if he’d let his sister see the black rage that engulfed him. “When?”

  “Tonight at the campfire.”

  “We’ll see about that.” He grasped Rascal’s reins and led him away.

  * * * *

  When word spread Magnus Ferguson was going to marry Callie Whitaker that evening, the women of the Ferguson wagon train, who weren’t finding much to celebrate these days, seized upon the opportunity to brighten the daily drudgery of their lives. They built a bower of vines in the middle of the campground where the wedding would take place. They collected wildflowers from the nearby woods for a colorful bride’s bouquet. Someone baked a spice cake. Others baked berry pies. Callie would wear the dress Florida gave her, the one found at the side of the road. Although not new, she’d saved it for special occasions. It was the best she had. The wedding would take place in the early evening after everyone finished supper, after the big campfire was lit. Afterward, refreshments would be served, including a couple jugs of wine that had miraculously appeared.

  I’m going to marry Magnus Ferguson. Throughout the day, Callie kept running the words through her head. The more she did, the less sense they made. She should be honored and delighted that the esteemed leader of the wagon train wanted to marry her. The problem was that Magnus’s calloused views on Coy and Nellie remained seated in her heart. Nellie should tell her father. That’s what an obedient daughter should do. His lack of compassion had repelled her, yet she still admired him. Everyone did, and she should be filled with happiness at the thought of sharing his bed, bearing his children, spending the rest of her life with him. According to Magnus, their marriage made sense. He was right, of course. How could a man of such standing and integrity not be right? They must be married, because if they weren’t, the whole world would scorn them because they’d be living in sin. What was wrong with her? She should feel flattered, thrilled, and excited that a man as prosperous as Magnus, and good-looking besides, was glad to marry her. Wanted to marry her. Try as she might, though, she couldn’t persuade herself how lucky she was.

  As the day wore on, she remained full of misgivings, even though she kept telling herself how grateful she should be to Magnus, for not only taking her in but making her his wife. By marrying Magnus, she could stay close to Tommy, and that meant a lot. Only an hour ago, she’d seen her little brother at a distance. He waved and she waved back, delighted he recognized her. He’d been making steady progress, not only in his reading, but lately he seemed even more alert, as if on the brink of recognizing her and the world around him. What a shame it would be if he slipped back into his lonely, isolated world, and he very well might if she wasn’t here to help him.

  That settled it. Tonight she’d marry Magnus Ferguson. No sense thinking about it any further. She was going to do it. Only…

  She’d never forget Luke McGraw. For the rest of her life, her heart would ache for what might have been but never was.

  * * * *

  Late in the day, Lydia found Callie by the Ferguson wagons and cast a worried glance behind her. “I hope Pa doesn’t see me talking to you. Is it true you’re going to marry Magnus?”

  “Yes, tonight.”

  Lydia sighed. “I wanted him, too, you know, but”—she shrugged and managed a small smile—“oh, well, I’m happy for you.”

  Callie wrinkled her nose. “I never wanted him and I don’t now.”

  “You don’t want to marry Magnus? Are you daft?”

  “I don’t love him.” Callie attempted to explain her feelings, not easy when she hardly understood them herself. “I don’t see any other way out.”

  Lydia nodded sadly. “I’m afraid you’re right. You have no choice. Pa’s not going to change his mind.”

  “Does he know about the wedding?”

  “Yes, and he wants no part of it. I won’t be there either, or Ma or Tommy. We’re forbidden to get anywhere near.”

  How hurtful. Callie swallowed hard, willing herself not to cry. “I’ll be thinking of you all and wishing you could be there.”

  Lydia sighed. “Why does Pa have to be so mean? I don’t understand.”

  “That’s the way life is, I guess. We cope as best we can. None of this is your fault. I don’t want you to worry. Just take care of Tommy and Ma. That’s all you can do.”

  * * * *

  It was almost time for the wedding. In her best dress, her hair fixed by Hetty, Callie was by herself, washing her face at the nearby creek.

  “So how’s the blushing bride?” Luke stood on the bank above her in that casual stance of his, a wry smile on his face.

  The sight of him caused her heart to jolt. She hastily straightened and glared back. “I’m not a blushing bride.”

  “But a bride.” Luke’s smile vanished. “Magnus Ferguson? My God, what are you thinking?”

  “He’s a fine man. Everyone says so.”

  “Don’t give me that.” Luke swiftly stepped down the embankment and looked her in the eye. “I can’t think of anything more stupid than marrying that oaf.”

  “I don’t have a choice, Luke. Pa threw me out. What was I supposed to do?” She shouldn’t sound so defensive. “What makes you think I don’t want to marry him?”

  He laughed with scorn. “Go ahead, throw your life away, but you don’t have to.”

  “I’m as good as married already. I can’t back out now.”

  “Why not?”

  “I have no place else to go.”

  “Florida wants you to stay with her.”

  “Florida’s going to Oregon. I don’t want to go to Oregon.”

  Her reasonable protest didn’t faze him in the least. “We’ll work it out.”

  “How? Can’t you see I’m committed? The Reverend is ready to read the vows. They’ve baked pies and cakes. Everybody’s expecting a wedding. I c
an’t possibly—”

  “You can damn well do anything you like.”

  She was about to answer when Magnus, a fierce scowl on his face, appeared on the bank above. “Callie, what are you doing?”

  She felt uncomfortable, as if she was doing something wrong. “Just getting some water to wash my face…” She inclined her head toward Luke. “And talking.”

  Magnus shot Luke a quick, icy gaze. “Come along, Callie. You don’t have time for chatting.”

  “Yes, Magnus.”

  As Callie started up the bank, Luke softly repeated his words. “It’s not too late. Remember, you can damn well do anything you like.”

  When she reached the top, Magnus grasped her arm, more firmly than necessary. “What were you doing? It’s time for the wedding. They’re beginning to gather.”

  “Yes, Magnus.”

  Fighting a battle in her head, Callie accompanied her husband-to-be back to the campground. Yes, Magnus. Yes, Ma. The words intertwined and spun through her head. If not for this journey, she would never have realized she’d spent her whole life saying Yes, Ma. Always the lowly servant, humbly obeying without question. That part of her life was over. She was definitely not just a servant. She was her own person, ruled by no one. But would she be? Was this the end of her newfound independence? Just now, at the creek, she realized what would happen when she married Magnus Ferguson. The bossy way he talked to her was only the beginning. He’d want her to obey him. She’d be saying Yes, Magnus to a man she didn’t love, hastening to do his bidding until the day she died.

  Where else could she go? She ought to be grateful that if she married Magnus, she’d be taken care of the rest of her life. Such a prosperous businessman was bound to become rich and successful wherever he went. She’d never want for anything.

  They got back to the campground. The whole camp had gathered.

  “It’s time,” Magnus said.

  Callie looked at the crowd. Everyone was there, except for her family, of course, and Luke. Reverend Wilkins had a broad smile on his face and his Bible in hand. Gert Gowdy wore a clean dress and polished boots. There were all those faces, staring at her, waiting for the big moment when she’d say yes to the wonderful catch, Magnus Ferguson, and the Reverend would pronounce them man and wife. Man and wife forever and ever. No, no, no!

  Callie stopped in her tracks.

  Magnus frowned. “What’s the matter?”

  “I can’t do it.”

  “Can’t do what?”

  “Marry you, Magnus.” She turned to face him. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault, but I just…can’t…”

  His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Are you sure? You’ll be safe if you marry me. You’ll have a good life. I’ll give you everything you could possibly need. Use your head, girl. You’re homeless and penniless. If you don’t become my wife, God knows what will happen to you.”

  She didn’t hesitate. “I’m positive. I’m terribly sorry, but I’m not going to marry you.”

  Magnus’s face turned white. His jaw clamped shut. Only for a moment, though. The next second a pleasant smile spread over his face. “Say no more. Come with me.” Gently he took her arm. Together they strolled to where the crowd was standing, everyone smiling, greeting them with a light splatter of applause. His ever-congenial self, Magnus led her to the bower of vines where they were to be married and turned around so he and Callie faced the crowd. “I have an announcement to make, everyone.” Retaining his jovial smile, he announced there would be no wedding due to “circumstances.” He didn’t explain further. He was terribly sorry, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t have a pleasant evening anyway, dancing and enjoying the refreshments, which should not go to waste. He seemed not the least concerned, as if calling off the wedding was simply a minor inconvenience.

  After an initial groan of disappointment, the members of the wagon train seemed not to mind the sudden change of plans. Jake took up his fiddle, Colton his banjo, and the dancing began. Far from going to waste, the refreshments went fast. Callie actually enjoyed the evening, vastly relieved Magnus understood. What a fine man he was, so understanding, so kind. He ignored her the rest of the evening and appeared to be hugely enjoying himself. She should further apologize, though, and try to explain why she changed her mind. Only at the end, when everyone was leaving, did Callie find him alone. Before she could say a word, he gave her a curt, “Don’t bother.”

  “But I only wanted—”

  “I don’t want to hear it.” His eyes turned hard and filled with dislike. “It was Luke, wasn’t it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Luke talked you out of it.” She started to reply, but he interrupted. “Luke did this. I’ll make that son-of-a-bitch pay if it’s the last thing I do. As for you…” His lip curled with contempt. “What a fool you are. You could have had a good life with me, but instead you chose to go with that no-good…that…that…” He stopped and seemed to calm himself. “Mark my words, you’ll come crawling back some day. Maybe I’ll take you back, maybe I won’t. The decision will be mine, not yours, like it was today.”

  Magnus spun around and walked away. With a sick feeling, Callie watched after him. How foolish she’d been to reject a man so conceited and expect he’d understand. He was a proud, arrogant man and she, foolish girl, had wounded his vanity. She should have known he would never forgive her. Even worse, she had better watch out because he might do her harm.

  Today she’d made an enemy, and so had Luke.

  * * * *

  Florida was happy to take in the outcast. Callie had been with the Sawyers a week when Luke appeared one night as she was sitting alone by the campfire. She was surprised. He’d made himself scarce since she joined Florida. Luke poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across. “Think you’ll like Oregon?”

  “I haven’t thought much about Oregon but, yes, of course I will.”

  “How are you doing?”

  Another surprise. For days he’d ignored her. “Doing fine, all things considered.” She loved living with this big, rambunctious family. How lucky she was to be a part of it. She might be crammed into the tent with Hetty and three of the younger children, but it didn’t matter. She gladly helped with the cooking, washing, and other chores. The food might be monotonous, and the portions skimpy, but she didn’t care. The rift with her family hung heavy on her heart, but she tried each day to make the best of it. Aside from that, only one thing troubled her. “I’m happy, except for Magnus. He doesn’t speak to me, turns his back when he sees me coming.”

  Luke’s dark brows drew together in irritation. “You should have come to us in the first place.”

  “I wish I had.”

  His expression relaxed a little. “Let me know if he causes you any trouble.”

  She told him she would, and soon he was gone, as remote as ever. At least he cared enough to offer his help with Magnus. A kind heart lay beneath that rough exterior. He’d do the same for anybody. It must have been a dream that he once held her in his arms and kissed her. But no, it wasn’t a dream. The burning memory of his lips caressing her mouth kept her awake many a night. She’d never forget how he’d trembled with passion when he swept her into his arms. So why was he ignoring her? There had to be an answer. Would she never know?

  * * * *

  Heading to Fort Hall, they crossed some of the most beautiful country they’d seen thus far. Each day they passed rushing streams and luxuriant grassy meadows. The quality of their suppers greatly improved, what with the plentiful supply of geese, ducks, and trout in clear waters. The women baked wonderful pies from the berries of all sorts that grew wild.

  Nearly every day, Lydia slipped away long enough to relate the latest news of the family. The closer they got to Fort Hall, the more distressed she became. “It won’t be long before we’ll part. I hate to think I’ll never see you again.”

  Callie didn’t need to be reminded. If all went well, within the week, they’
d arrive at Fort Hall and the train would split. More than half would take the Overland route to California. The rest would head in a northwest direction to Oregon. From what she’d heard, it was the more difficult route, but the dangers of the trail weren’t what kept her from sleep at night. She dreaded leaving Tommy. What would become of him? Ma and Pa considered him an idiot. They’d never lift a finger to help him improve. According to them, he was what he was and would never get any better. She knew Lydia loved Tommy but was too wrapped up in herself to do much good in caring for her little brother.

  One day Callie asked, “Do you think Pa might relent?”

  “Never.” Lydia sadly shook her head. “We can’t even mention your name.”

  So, like Nellie, even her name was banned, as if she’d never been a part of the family. The hurt cut deep, but there was nothing she could do. She tried not to think about it.

  * * * *

  Fort Hall was still a couple of days away when they left the flatlands and started to climb. The trail became increasingly hard to follow. They were confronted with a labyrinth of twisting, circuitous canyons where they were obliged to chop their way through aspen, cottonwood and tangled undergrowth to clear a path for the wagons. They tried to follow established trails but occasionally had to strike out on their own. They felled trees, dug tracks high up on the mountainside, dislodged boulders, coaxed oxen over ridges so steep everyone except the driver had to get out and push from behind as the oxen struggled to pull the wagons to the top. Callie did her part, pushing the heavy wagons with all her strength alongside Florida and her brood. Tempers were easily lost on days like this. “I wish I’d never left home,” Florida wailed as she sweated and strained to push her wagon to the crest of a hill. “It was all Henry’s fault or I wouldn’t be here in the first place. How dare he up and die!”