[2016] A Widow's Love

by Christian Michael

  It was decided that Cora would go to Antler, North Dakota with Mr. Ulrick Witmer, a widower of thirty-two. Ida would travel to Silverbell, Arizona. Mr. Asher Blaine was due to meet the sisters in St. Louis where he and Ida would head to the courthouse to “seal the deal”, as Mr. Bachmann had said.

  The idea of frail Ida traveling across the country by wagon train with a complete stranger completely unnerved Cora, but their circumstances left them no other choice. Orphaned, with no living relatives, this was their only hope.

  After freshening up a bit, the girls found a bench so they could rest. If Mr. Blaine didn’t arrive soon, Cora would have to leave Ida alone to wait on the platform. It wasn’t a cold day by any means and after the stuffy conditions on the train, the cool Autumn air felt refreshing. But, to stay out in the open for any length of time, would result in Ida becoming chilled, and the very thought left Cora looking about the platform, biting her lip.

  An hour passed, then two, the sisters split a sandwich that had been stowed away in Cora’s carpet bag. A dipper of cool water peppered with soot from the passing trains topped off their meal.

  Cora would have to board the train headed northwest in an hour. Surely, Mr. Blaine would arrive by then…

  The loud chug and whistle of an arriving train announced the arrival of Cora’s train, quite early. It would take time for the train to prepare for the trip north, WHERE was Mr. Blaine?

  Ida’s green eyes shone brightly with unshed tears, she was trying to be stoic, but the very thought of her older sister having to leave her on the platform alone scared her to death. Her eyes scanned the crowd for any sign of Mr. Blaine to no avail.

  The coachman bellowed an impatient, “Alllll aboard”. Cora had no choice, she had to get on the train in order to meet her connections as she traveled northwest. Surely, Mr. Blaine had only been slightly detained and would arrive at any minute, hat in hand full of apologies.

  “Ida, if you don’t want me to go all you have to do is say the word, and I’ll stay right here.”, fussed Cora.

  With tear filled eyes Ida put a frail hand in Ida’s capable one and gave a squeeze. “Go on ahead, you have to. Mr. Witmer sent a great deal of money for your travels and I’m quite sure that Mr. Blaine will be arriving momentarily.”

  The sisters exchanged hesitant smiles and hugged for what could be the last time. Ida was right, Mr. Witmer had spent a great deal on her passage, and it wouldn’t do to leave her new husband standing in the middle of nowhere, with no wife in sight.

  Cora gave one last wave and blew a kiss to her baby sister. “Dear Lord, please watch over her, she’s in Your hands now.” Cora made herself comfortable for the long journey ahead.

  ********

  Minot, North Dakota

  October 1876

  Cora woke to the familiar chugging and sputtering that indicated that the train was pulling into another station. While riding on the train was comfortable enough, Cora grew restless of seeing nothing but grass filled prairies, tired looking towns, and the ever-changing faces of her fellow travelers.

  But this stop was different, as the train wheezed into the station at Minot, North Dakota, Cora was nearly there. In mere minutes, she would be meeting the man that she would vow to love honor and obey until death did them part. The idea had excited her at first, but after days of travel with nothing to do but gather wool she was full of emotions.

  What had she done? Part of her wanted to head back to St. Louis, gather up Ida and head for Kentucky and home. Except Ida was on her way to Arizona and the sister’s childhood home was a pile of ash and cinder. There was no choice before the day was out, she would be Mrs. Ulrick Witmer, for better or worse.

  ********

  The wind had gone from chilly to downright cold as Ulrick made the two-day trip to pick up his bride. He couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the fact that by sunset, he’d be a married man. Running a work worn hand through his wheat blonde hair, he sighed. What kind of fool marries a woman sight unseen? Hopefully, she’d be comely and not afraid of hard work. Wouldn’t mind if she could cook, too.

  ********

  Cora stepped on to the platform. A worn station house stood sentinel at one end of the station, the vast North Dakota prairie stretched out to the North. An already brutal wind swept in from the north, offering just a hint of the Winter that was to come.

  Cora shivered and huddled into her coat as she carried her bag into the station house to wait for Mr. Witmer. Even with the potbellied stove fired red hot, the room was far from warm. But at least, she was out of the wind.

  Sitting primly on the bench, Cora took note as a variety of men passed through the station house. Most of them wore faded jeans, bleached by the sun that seemed to match their faded eyes. Plugs of tobacco were inserted into toothless mouths, and to her horror, gravely tobacco stained bits of tobacco littered the floor.

  The least these men could do was use a spittoon. But there wasn’t one in sight. Worn hands reached up to tip dusty hats in a brief greeting to the newcomer. Cora forced a smile and looked at the door.

  A tall man with hair the color of golden prairie grasses stood in the doorway. His tall stature and wide shoulders practically filled the doorframe. His faded blue eyes scanned the room and quickly met Cora’s. Could this man be her future husband?

  ********

  Ulrick didn’t like the change in the wind or the gray clouds that were rolling in as he drove into Minot. North Dakota weather could be brutal this time of year. Snow wasn’t uncommon in October, especially this far north. The sooner he and his new bride were on their way the better.

  Scanning the station house, he noticed a raven haired beauty with ice blue eyes sitting on the dilapidated bench against the wall. She sat regally on the dilapidated bench, taking in the room around her. Her eyes flickered with recognition when they met his, and he could tell by her quick appraisal that she was pleased with what she saw, and to be honest, the feeling was mutual.

  Ulrick offered a hesitant smile before removing his hat as he approached the lone lady in the room. This had to be her, after all, how many unaccompanied women showed up in this windswept town in the middle of nowhere?

  “So I’m guessing that you’re Miss Darcy?” Ulrick offered.

  Standing to her feet, Cora lifted her chin and replied with her usual brisk efficiency, “I am. I’m assuming that you are indeed Mr. Witmer?”

  Her voice was soft but somehow exuded authority. She met his gaze dead on, instead of lowering her lashes and flirting a bit like most of the ladies he’d encountered. She had grit, and that was just the thing a woman needed to step beside her man and tame this land.

  “Seeing how we’re going to be hitched before the day is over, maybe we could drop the formalities? Mr. Witmer was my Pa, I’m just Ulrick.”

  “Alright then, Mr. … Ulrick. I have the remainder of the funds that you sent for my travels. Rest assured, I was as frugal as possible. I also have a written tally of my expenses for you to review, if you’d like”

  Ulrick sighed and took the remaining funds and the detailed list. Cora had accounted for every red cent she’d spent. What kind of man does she think I am? Ulrick understood that a long journey by rails was expensive.

  When he’d contacted the agency to discuss finding a bride, Mr. Bachmann had suggested an amount that would make for a comfortable passage for his bride to be. Ulrick didn’t even bat an eye at the figure. He took care of his own, that’s just how it was done.

  “I thought we’d head for the hotel so you could rest and clean up after your trip. I’ll head down to the barber to get a haircut and a shave. We can head on over to the preacher’s house after that if you’re agreeable.”

  “That sounds wonderful! Do you think I’d have time for a bath?”, Cora inquired, suddenly feeling the layers of dust, soot, and grime that came with a week-long journey via rail.

  “I don’t see why not. I’ll order one for you when we get to the hotel.”

  Ulrick easily pic
ked up her solitary bag. It was hard to believe that all that she owned could fit into the worn carpet bag. After the fire, she and Ida had only the clothes on their backs. The church ladies had seen to it that both sisters had new dresses for their parents’ funeral. Ironically, dresses would also serve as the sister’s wedding dresses.

  As they walked over to Ulrick’s wagon, Cora’s throat suddenly went dry. In a matter of hours, she would be married to the man who strode confidently next to her. He seemed nice enough, but the very idea of spending her life with a complete stranger had her stomach in knots.

  After getting Cora settled at the hotel, Ulrick decided to stop at the mercantile on his way to the barber. The bell on the door tinkled as he walked in. As he got to the counter he realized that he was entirely out of his element. How in the world did you pick out a ring for a woman you just met? He knew absolutely nothing about her, let alone her taste in jewelry.

  Mrs. Schoneman bustled up to the counter, feather duster in hand. The plump proprietress of the mercantile was one of the most eligible ladies in Minot. After the death of her husband in a freak accident, she inherited both the mercantile and some of the area’s best farm land.

  As appealing as her wealth made her, Mrs. Schoneman remained single, as a direct result of her demeanor. She was the town gossip and offered backhanded insults as readily as the stock in her store.

  Sizing Ulrick up, she quickly said, “How can I help you?”

  “I’m looking for a ring. A wedding ring, actually.”

  “Well, we have the finest selection in hero township. Of course, I won’t trouble you with our finest selections, a man of your means surely is in the market for a bargain.”, her eyes narrowed as she pulled out a small selection of rather plain looking rings.

  “You know, that one there kind of caught my eye.” Ulrick pointed to a ring that Mrs. Schoneman had determined to be beyond his means.

  “Well, that IS a lovely ring, but the price is a bit steep…Why only a few months ago the mayor bought this same ring for this second wife, or was it his third? Anyway, I think one of these would be more to your liking.” she said as she gestured to the rings on the counter.

  “Ma’am I only plan on getting married once. My bride won’t have the kind of wedding every woman dreams of, the least that I can do is get her a decent ring. I’ll take the one with the ruby.”

  For a split second, Mrs. Schoneman’s face softened, “I’ll see if I can find a box for you.

  Cora fussed with her hair, it was so unruly. If only she could be as delicate as her sister Ida. Cora’s sturdy frame spoke of a life of hard work. She’d always preferred working in the barn or in the field to keeping house like Ida.

  Her hands had known hard work, and her face bore a spray of faded freckles as a testament to the fact that she spent hours working in the sun. She had never felt a bit self-conscious about her appearance before, but suddenly she felt completely insecure.

  What if he doesn’t find me attractive? Ulrick was so handsome, what if he’d seen her and been disappointed? Maybe he was headed back to his farm right now, leaving her alone and penniless in a strange town. Then what would she do?

  I better get this over with. Cora thought as she descended the stairs to meet Ulrick in the parlor of the hotel. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she glanced over the room, biting her lower lip in nervousness. Where was he? Had he really abandoned her?

  Seconds later a freshly shaved Ulrick walked confidently into the parlor. The change in his appearance literally took Cora’s breath away. Gone was the man who could’ve passed for a dusty trail hand. Before her stood the most handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on. As his eyes met hers, she offered what she hoped was a pleasant smile. One thing she knew for sure, she was completely smitten by this man she was soon to wed.

  Ulrick’s heart pounded in his chest as she walked over to his bride to be. She was everything he’d hoped for. She was beautiful, but gave the impression that she was completely capable of handling anything this untamed land could throw at her.

  She was perfect, he just hoped that she wouldn’t hightail it out of town when she found out the secret he’d been keeping.

  They walked the short distance to the Preacher’s house in silence. The ceremony was simple and lasted all of ten minutes. Cora was in awe as Ulrick placed a ruby ring on her finger to seal the deal.

  The old spinster from Briarwood was finally married...to a man that didn’t love her. Well, she would hold up her end of the bargain, even if they were married in name only. Why, he hadn’t even kissed her when the preacher pronounced them man and wife. Did he find her that homely?

  As Ulrick repeated the preacher’s words, he was taken back to another place and time. Before him stood Sarah, the love of his life. They’d met their first day of school at the little white schoolhouse on her parent’s property and been friends all throughout their school years.

  It had only seemed natural that they fall in love, it just felt right. Sarah and he had married at sixteen and seventeen respectively and had enjoyed ten years together before Sarah died in childbirth. Their daughter was a petite blond haired, blue eyed bit of a thing, just like her mother had been. She was all he had left of his precious Sarah.

  Ulrick hadn’t wanted to marry, but his family and friends made it clear that he needed to find a mother for Sarah. He needed a helpmeet to help him run the farm and make a home for his child.

  The woman who stood before him today was, no doubt, a beauty. Her dark hair and curvy shape were a direct contrast to his first wife, for that he was glad. He most definitely found her attractive, not that that would matter. He needed a mother for Katherine, and a helpmeet to keep his house. He only prayed that Cora wouldn’t ask for things that he no longer had to give.

  ********

  After two days on the trail, they arrived at Ulrick’s farm. Cora was relieved when Ulrick didn’t seem to expect anything more than companionship from her at this point. In fact, other than helping her in and out of the wagon or taking her elbow to escort her in town, he hadn’t touched her at all. There’d been no kiss at the wedding. On one hand Cora was a bit relieved, but at the same time, she wondered if Ulrick even found her attractive.

  Other than the necessary talk when they set up camp or took it down, they hadn’t spoken except for when she asked him about their farm. Either Ulrick was extremely shy, or he was regretting the decision he’d made. No mind, I’ll have to make the most of it. Perhaps, after a while, we can, at least, be friends.

  “Here we are, home sweet home.” Ulrick pulled the team to a stop in front of a weathered looking sod house.

  Cora feigned a smile as she looked at the structure before her. She’d heard that settlers lived in sod houses, she’d just assumed that since the agency had implied that he was well off that there would indeed be a regular house.

  Just as Cora was about to open her mouth to remark about the unfamiliar dwelling before her, the door opened. Out stepped an ample woman, with the same blue eyes as Ulrick and blonde hair that was slowly fading to gray. Her cheeks were flushed as she wiped her hands on her apron and squinted in the bright sunlight.

  “Well, aren’t you just as pretty as a picture “Ulrick, you didn’t tell me your new bride would be this pretty. She’s nothing like the last Mrs. is she? Maybe that’s for the best.”, she reasoned. “I’m your mother in law. My name is Lilian, some folks call me Lil, but you can call me Ma.”

  Cora tried to make sense of what she’d just heard, the woman before her was Ulrick’s mother, but why was she here and who was the “last missus”? Was the woman crazy, or had Ulrick had another wife? He hadn’t mentioned one, of course, he hadn’t said two words to her since they left Minot.

  “Hello. I’m Cora Darcy…. Witmer. Nice to meet you.” The words seemed to turn to sawdust in her mouth. Not only was she expected to live in a hotel, but her husband had left out the fact that he’d been married before. What else has he neglected to tell me?

>   Ulrick stood frozen in place. He’d tried to bring up Sarah a hundred times on their way home. But breaking the silence between them had been harder than he thought. How did you go about springing a dead wife and a small child on someone you’d just married hours ago?

  “Ma, let’s let Cora settle in before you go talking her ear off.” Ulrich sighed as he helped Cora down from the wagon and grabbed her bag. This was bound to get much worse…

  As Cora’s eyes adjusted to the dimness of the sod house, she was pleasantly surprised to see that the little house wasn’t as bad as she had feared.

  Though the house was made of sod, the walls were whitewashed, and the floors were made of packed earth. What struck Cora was how small it was. There was scarcely room for all of them and the meager furnishings that graced the room.

  Cora glanced to the bed that seemed to take up the entire room. Bundled under a worn but clean quilt lay the most beautiful child Cora had ever seen. She was frail and blonde and reminded her of a blonde version of her sister Ida.