by Carré White
“You must meet my husband,” said Louisa. A rough-looking man of medium stature appeared, followed by three children. “This is Matthias and my children Annie, Oscar, and Hugh.”
My parents seemed overwhelmed. “Oh, goodness,” murmured mother. “How do you do?”
“I’m well, thank you, Mrs. Hoffman. It’s good to finally meet you.” He glanced at father. “And you, sir.”
“Congratulations,” father said, smiling. “On the marriage and the coming baby.” A glimmer of amusement flared in his eyes. “It looks like you have a full brood already.”
“Yes, sir. They keep us…er…on our toes.”
Annie, who tugged on Louisa’s skirt, asked, “Do we really have to listen to a boring sermon, Ma? I’d rather play at the schoolyard.”
“Oh, hush now,” she admonished. “You can play afterwards. If you’re quiet enough, you’ll learn something from Pastor Bailey.”
The blonde, blue-eyed girl frowned. “Oh, drat.” Her brothers stood nearby watching, but their postures indicated their impatience to run around and cause mischief.
“She’s precious,” said mother.
Louisa rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. Those children…ouf…they create disaster wherever they go. It’s like herding cats.”
“That’d be my fault.” Matthias glanced at his wife. “They take after me, remember?”
“They most certainly do.”
The look that passed between them revealed affection. Theirs was a love match, and I felt a pang of envy. I’d seen that look pass between Nathan and Hannah, and I suspected my sister Paulina felt the same towards her husband, Samuel.
“I can’t believe you’ve actually done it,” gushed Paulina. “You must be so tired. What an ordeal to cross the plains. You’ll have to tell me all about your adventures later at brunch. I’ve invited everyone to the house.”
“I’m so looking forward to seeing it, my darling,” said mother. “I need ideas for a functional floor plan. We’ll be building on your sister’s property soon.”
“What a splendid idea,” said Louisa. “It’s all coming together now. We’re all really here.” She glanced at me. “I’m so sorry you’ve lost your husband. My condolences.”
This was awkward. It was easy to forget that I had been married. “Thank you.”
“You met those kids yet?”
I glanced at Mr. Montgomery. “Pardon?”
“Jason Hatch had five kids. They belonged to his sister, who passed away. Nobody told you?”
“I…surely you jest. You must have him mistaken for someone else.”
“I doubt it.”
People had begun to arrive, securing horses to the hitching post, while filing into the church.
“Let’s discuss this afterwards,” said Louisa. “We’ll get to the bottom of it soon enough.”
Mr. Montgomery’s grin was perplexing. “We sure will.”
“Oh, here comes Samuel,” said Paulina. A tall, rugged-looking man strode towards us carrying a blonde-haired toddler. “That’s my daughter Laura. She’s the one I told you about, mother. Her parents died of cholera during our travels. I’ve never been able to locate her family, but…” she eyed the child with warmth…“I’m entirely fond of Laura. I wouldn’t dream to live without her.”
“You’ve done a wonderful thing, my dear,” said father. “All of the children are handsome and well-behaved.”
“You won’t be sayin’ that in an hour,” mumbled Matthias.
Louisa elbowed him gently. “Shush.”
“Let’s go in, folks,” said Samuel. “It’s about to start.”
“This is my husband, Samuel Tucker,” said Paulina.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said mother.
“I’m mighty obliged to have such a lovely wife.” He shook her hand. “And I believe I have you to thank for that.”
“That’s kind of you, sir.”
Father held out his hand. “We’ve heard all about your heroics on the trail. You saved our daughter from cholera.”
“She had it all right, but I nursed her through.”
“We’re indebted to you,” said mother.
The baby in Paulina’s arms fussed. “I hope he’s quiet during the service.” Louisa and Matthias had gone in already. “We should find some seats.”
The pews were filling up, as we made our way down an aisle, passing a row of children who appeared to be without chaperones. The older girl watched over two girls and two boys. I heard her say, “Now pipe down, Connor. Pastor Bailey won’t be happy with you, if you make noise and disturb the congregation.”
He’d crossed his arms over his chest. “Don’t care.”
“When you get a paddling, you’ll care plenty.”
I sat with mother and father, four rows from the pulpit. It was comforting to be in a proper church again. Our Sundays on the trail had lacked such amenities; although the pastor who traveled with us had delivered sermons, we had to bring our own chairs to sit on.
When Pastor Bailey arrived, standing before us, I was surprised by how young he appeared. He had taken over the church after my sister’s husband, Frank, had died. He couldn’t have been older than twenty-five, with thick, dark hair and pleasing features.
“Good morning,” he said. “I’m pleased to see so many of you here.” His smile seemed to pause on the row behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder, spying the children I had seen on the way in. “Today I would like to talk about faith, and how my faith has been tested these past two weeks by circumstances beyond my control. We are sometimes given more than we are capable of handling. I’ve found myself in such a situation. I felt entirely out of my depth. It was as if I’d been thrown into the deep end of the ocean.” He gazed around the room.
It was mildly astounding that a pastor would begin a sermon on such a personal level. I found his candor endearing, wondering exactly what sort of stress he had endured, which obviously had affected him greatly.
“Some of you know of my ordeal. I thank you for your support in my time of need, although I’m hardly the one suffering. There are five little souls who are far worse off than I. I’ve been called upon to help; yet I’m hardly qualified. I’ve been praying for an answer.” He glanced at me. “And I do believe it’s finally presented itself. I knew God would graciously offer the enlightenment I sought, and for that…I am thankful. There truly is no better solution than prayer.” He glanced at a Bible. “Now, if you’ll open to Romans 10:17.”
He was easy to stare at—my eyes following the way his lips moved, while he read to us. There was something appealing about him. The tenor of his voice wasn’t monotone, like the many preachers I had heard over the years. He frequently raised his eyes, scanning the room. His attention seemed to linger on me occasionally, and he appeared interested in the children in the row behind us.
After the service had concluded, we gathered our things, working our way to the center aisle. I felt a hand touch my arm, and I turned to find Pastor Bailey.
“Might I have a word with you, Mrs. Hatch?”
It was odd being addressed in this manner, as my marriage had only lasted a few hours. “I…of course, Pastor Bailey.”
“This is a somewhat delicate matter.”
“What’s wrong?” asked Hannah. “Is it true then? Did Jason Hatch have children?”
My parents had gathered, with Paulina, Samuel, Louisa, and Matthias, who grinned knowingly. “Told ya. He’s full up on kids.”
“Oh, we don’t know that,” said Louisa. “We should let them talk in private. This really doesn’t concern us.”
Pastor Bailey’s eyes were on me, which I found confusing. “I’m sorry, but I have no idea what this is about.”
“If you’ll excuse us for a moment.” I was being led to the front of the church, while my family stared after me.
“I’ll be right back,” I called over my shoulder. “Have I done something wrong?”
“We’ll watch them kids,” said Matthias.
“Take all the time you need.”
Chapter Five
“No, you’ve not done anything wrong, Mrs. Hatch.”
We were in his office, which was a small, book-lined room. “I feel as if I might be scolded.” I smiled, but he did not return the favor. “Did I sing too loudly? I know I’m dreadfully off-key. I apologize if it gave you a headache.”
“My condolences on your loss.”
“Th-thank you…but I was hardly married. He died only a few hours after the ceremony. I must confess, I’d made a grave mistake agreeing to marry him. We had been writing one another for a year. I thought we would be well-matched, but when I met him in the flesh, he wasn’t appealing in the least.” I whispered, “It’s shameful, but his dying let me off the hook, so to speak. It was a relief, Pastor Bailey. I know it’s awful to think such things, but I didn’t want to marry him. I felt obligated to see it through. I’m grateful everyday that I’m not connected to him…and only by name now, I suppose. Is it possible to get an annulment, if a spouse dies? Or is that silly?”
He’d been listening attentively, but something ticked in his cheek. “I doubt you can reverse it.”
“I see.”
“I’ve something rather important to discuss, if you’re finished detailing how distasteful you found your husband to be.”
“What is it? I doubt there’s an inheritance, or is there?”
“Actually yes. You’ve inherited five somethings.”
I sucked in a breath. “Really? What is it? A business? He said he was a carpenter. Did he own a shop?”
“He worked the odd job here and there, but no, it’s not a business.” His sober expression was a worry. “He was minding five children, Mrs. Hatch. They belonged to his sister, who passed away a year ago. I can only assume this is why he was so desperate for a wife.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “F-five children?” The rumors had been true.
“Yes, you were sitting in the row before them.”
“How awful. Those poor children. Now they’re orphans again.”
He stepped several inches closer, towering over me. “They aren’t orphans. They have a mother.”
I breathed a sigh of relief, although I wondered how this was possible. “Oh, thank goodness for that. I was so worried they’d have to fend for themselves.”
“You’re their mother.”
“W-what?” My heart hammered in my chest.
“You were married to him, no matter how short the duration of that union. You’re the legal custodian of those children now, Mrs. Hatch.” He smiled slightly. “Congratulations.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I am.”
His smug look was irritating. “Well, I’m hardly capable of providing for five children, sir. I was lied to, I tell you. Not once did Jason mention having children. I see now that he had been lying for a year, if not more. I gave my hand to him in good faith, and he…he…took advantage. I’m the wronged party, sir. You can’t possibly think that I’ll now—”
“Oh, I do. They aren’t my responsibility. I’ve already been dealing with them for two weeks. I’m unmarried, Mrs. Hatch. The oldest is fifteen! She’s nearly ready to marry herself. It’s scandalous that she’s in my home. I rent two rooms above the bakery, and I’ve children sleeping in my parlor.” He ran fingers through his hair. “My life’s been thrown into chaos.”
“And you mean to do the same to mine!”
“They’re your children,” he grated.
“You’ll have to place them in a home, sir.”
“You’d do that to your own children?”
“I don't even know them!”
“Who will take them? Who will take five children? The oldest has been watching over the younger ones for quite some time now. It’s not fair that she’s been given this responsibility.”
“I have no idea what you want from me.”
“I need you to do the right thing and take care of your children.”
Indignation flared. “But, they’re not mine! How can I possibly feed and clothe them when I’m being taken care of by my own parents!”
“Then you’ll have to make an effort to find a husband, Mrs. Hatch. Someone who will provide for you and your family.”
“How do you propose I find such a selfless paragon, sir? Any man in his right mind would run as fast as he could from a woman with five children. Are you forgetting that I’m the victim here?” My fisted hand hit my chest. “I’ve been wronged and duped! I was lied to by…by…someone I thought I could trust.”
“You are hardly a victim. You just don’t want to be inconvenienced. You’re trying to skirt your responsibilities. The Christian thing to do would be to take care of your own children.” A tinge of pink marred his cheeks, his anger rising nearly as fast and furious as my own.
“Oh, you’ve some nerve, sir, if I do say so myself. You needn’t remind me of what a good Christian is. I’ve been brought up in church, sir. I’m well aware of the meaning of faith and charity. I can assure you—”
“Yet you would deny your own family? You’d foster these innocent children off on stranger?”
“I AM A STRANGER! They’ve never even met me!” My chest rose and fell with the effort it took to breathe.
“I am in no position to take care of them.”
“Why don’t you get married? Why not find some poor, unsuspecting wife.” I glared at him. “Why not start a letter writing campaign and dupe some woman into traveling to this forsaken wilderness. Jason Hatch’s underhanded scheme doesn't seem to bother you. I could show you all the letters he wrote me. NOT ONCE DID HE MENTION HE HAD CHILDREN.”
“Please don’t shout at me, you…you…”
“I’m what?” My hands went to my hips. “Go on, Pastor Bailey. Please tell me what I am. I’m dying of curiosity.”
“You’re possibly the most obnoxious woman I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.”
“Is that so?”
“As disagreeable as…as….”
“Well, you’re the worst preacher I’ve ever met. I thought your sermon was wonderful, but now my opinion of you is quite low, sir. Actually, you’re only a few notches above despicable.”
“And you’re a spoiled, overbearing, opinionated, little brat. Mr. Hatch is lucky he didn’t survive his wedding night. Dying was probably a blessing!”
I gasped, my mouth hanging open. I wanted to slap him. “Oh…you…horrible man.” No one had ever spoken to me in such a manner, and he was a preacher no less! It was too much to bear. Tears formed in my eyes. We glared at one another, but the sight of my tears had affected him.
“I’ve…” he ran a hand over his mouth, “perhaps spoken rashly. You seem to bring out the absolute worst in me.”
“You’re going to blame me for your lack of manners? That’s rich. I’ve never been so insulted, sir. You’re—”
“Horrible. I know.”
“If I never spoke to you again, it would be too soon.” He withdrew a kerchief, handing it to me. I slapped him away. “Don’t bother! I don’t want a single thing from you.” His look was surprisingly remorseful.
“What on earth is taking so long?” Father appeared in the doorway. “Why are you crying, my dear?”
I ran to him, resting my forehead upon his chest, as the dam of tears burst. “It’s too much,” I cried. “I…can’t do it.”
“What have you done to my daughter, Pastor Bailey? Why is she in such a state?”
“I’ve explained a few things to her, sir. She was unaware that Jason Hatch had children.”
“You don’t say?”
“Yes, they were from his sister. She passed away last year.”
“Goodness. No wonder you’re in shock, my love. This is indeed stunning. He made no mention of it in his letters.”
“It seems there has been a willful omission. It’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t change the issue. There are five children who need a home.”
“Where have they been staying now
?”
“With me, but…I can’t go on like this. I’m hardly in a position to take care of five children…er…the older girl, Jane, is fifteen. She’s nearly ready to marry herself. It’s unseemly for us to be in the same house together.”
“I see.”
“Father, it’s too awful.”
“What do you expect from Fanny, sir? You can’t mean to saddle her with children she’s never met.”
“She’s their mother!”
“Stepmother.”
“It’s the same thing.”
“Father…you have to save me.” I glanced at him imploringly. “Please tell me this is a nightmare. Tell me to wake up.”
“What’s going on here?”
“Mother!” I abandoned father to embrace her, clinging to her almost desperately. “Please! Pastor Bailey’s trying to ruin my life.”
“Someone needs to explain this to me.”
“Mr. Hatch had children,” said father. “Five of them.”
“So the rumor is true then? Oh, goodness.” She patted my head. “Oh, my dear. Don’t make yourself uneasy. I’m sure there’s a solution…at least I hope there is.”
“He wants Fanny to take over the responsibility of raising the children.”
“How will she manage that?”
“That’s what I want to know.” I sniffed, wiping my nose on her shawl. “Do inform us, Pastor Bailey.” I murmured under my breath, “You vexing man.”
“I’m not the villain! I’ve been watching over them for several weeks now. I’m just as much a victim.” I turned to look at him. “They’re her children!” He pointed a finger at me. “She married the man.”
“What if you shared in the responsibility?” suggested father. “They could be with you a portion of the week and with Fanny the other.”
“What would that accomplish?” asked mother. “It sounds like a great deal of moving around.”
“They’re in school. They need to be in town.”
“Perhaps someone could take them to school,” said father.
It all seemed too much for Pastor Bailey, who sat on a chair, his elbow braced on an arm, while he rubbed his forehead. “I’m at the end of my rope. I haven’t the room for them. I’ve never been in the company of children. Peter and Connor are exceedingly rambunctious. I…” he looked weary…“haven’t the fortitude to do this alone. My housekeeper has threatened to quit. By law, they are Fanny’s responsibility.”
