“I sometimes feel so guilty.” Corinne said with a frown.
“I do believe you had a cook growing up.” Lucas said. He raised an an eyebrow.
“Well yes, and my Grandmother lived with us too. She would sometimes help my mom in the kitchen. Frequently, my grandmother and my mother were occupied in the gardens and my mom also helped the doctor sometimes at the fort when the militia needed care.” Corinne said. She knew that he knew all this.
“So everyone was fed and the women had purpose and meaning. Was your mother often wallowing in guilt about her meals being cooked by someone else?” Lucas asked with just the tiniest hint of sarcasm.
“Well, no, she kept herself useful in her community.” Corinne said.
“Well then, like mother, like daughter.” Lucas stole the slice of cobbler that Corinne had left untouched on the plate and scooped a big bite while Corinne laughed.
“Point taken, leave me a bite, you fool.” Corinne stabbed at the plate with her fork to get any portion she could before her husband stole the rest.
* * * * *
Corinne watched Lucas and Russell working side by side in the mid-afternoon. They were close in age, Russell just two years his senior but they were not very competitive. Lucas told stories how their mother had been on them early to appreciate their siblings and had harsh punishment for disloyalty to the family. She would always talk about when her own brother had died when she was young and she always felt it keenly. A cohesive and loving family was her main focus in their upbringing and she focused on raising children filled with God’s Wisdom.
Russell was quick to help out with any needs Lucas had and the same went the other way. Labor hands were scarce with the promise of gold only a state away. The flyers printed in town said men were gaining mass fortunes and it all was spreading around on waggling tongues. The 'gold widows' were gaining in numbers.
Corinne had finished hanging a few necessities, she was going to go into town tomorrow to see if she could ask Clive’s son J.Q. for some news. She knew Clive would be back soon from California territory. Perhaps with a few letters too. Corrine also wanted to step into Doc's and have him look at a rash on her neck. It was something she was unfamiliar with and perhaps she needed better protection for her skin while making her oils. They were strong and the vapors could be causing issues to any exposed skin.
She would ask the doctor though, it was never a bad idea, Corinne was decent at emergency medicine on the trail but her day-to-day knowledge wasn't complete like a doctor’s education, she was always the first to admit that.
She rode Clover slowly into town. Her furs were warm around her. She had received them from the Indians while on the Oregon Trail and they were handsome. Clive had taken the furs and did his magic on them. She was always complimented when she wore them into town.
Doctor Vincent Williams was in his office and he thought that maybe the rash was related to her work too. “Maybe you and your employees should wear protective clothing while near the distillation process.” Dr. Williams suggested.
They talked and pondered the ideas. He recommended a few ointments that she could get at the apothecary and was told to wash the rash often.
Corinne and Persephone had a nice chat after the doctor’s appointment. Little by little Corinne could see that Persephone was opening up. She knew that her shyness would probably fade over time once she got to know people in town. Corinne was hoping to be a closer friend eventually. She invited the doctor and his wife to the Spring Creek Church meeting for that Sunday. She knew that Lucas would be playing violin and someone would be singing. Persephone had said that the church in town was pretty with new stained glass windows. But she hadn’t made any good friendship connections.
“You are more than welcome. We aren’t anything fancy, but I do love the preacher and his wife. We are meeting in the schoolhouse for now. But we are talking about building a church near the creek.” Corinne shared. She hoped she didn’t sound like she was pressuring them.
Persephone and her husband said with a smile that they would consider it. Corinne grinned and left and few minutes later.
She was pleasantly surprised to see them at service that very Sunday. After the lovely service and music the Williams couple both proclaimed they enjoyed it very much. They even stayed after the service for the discussion about the opportunity to build a church the next spring. The thoughts were to expand the small cabin of the preacher and to build a church building closer to the main farm road, right near the creek. The church agreed to the budget and all voted “yes” to build. Within a week the members who could afford to pitch in supplied the money needed for the budget.
Corinne was learning to lean on God as she waited. She knew that with spring would come many good things.
* * * * *
Angela Fahey
San Francisco
The stationery store was full of wonders, Angie thought. The fancy goods section kept her enthralled while waiting for the owner of the shop to help her and Clive. The fancy quills, pencils and many styles of paper goods filled the walls from floor to ceiling. The other wall was filled with ornamental inkwells and stationery cases, from the simple to the extravagant. Clive showed her one that was particularly lovely with polished wood and mother of pearl artfully decorating it. It was grand indeed.
“Clive Quackenbush, to what do I owe this grand visit, with a young lady I see. Those are rare in these parts.” The elder man gave a bow and Angela felt a little self-conscious.
“Well Waverly, I am needin’ your wood carving skills. I have a need for an advertisement for this young lady. We have thought it all out and had a friend draw this up, simple and neat.” He handed the owner the paper.
Family member looking for Sean Fahey: last known address California territory in the Company of Ol’ Willie. For more information: Seek Quakenbush Mercantile, San Francisco.
“Looks easy enough. How many copies you needing?” Waverly rubbed his jaw. His hands had the look of a wood worker, callused and cracked but capable.
“We can start with seventy-five. I will take a few up to Sacramento when they are finished. Maybe head to a few places around Sutter’s and a few of the booming places.” Clive kept his ear to the ground and always seemed to know what was happening.
Waverly quoted a price and Angela insisted on paying. Clive harrumphed but allowed her to pay. It chafed him in any way to allow a woman to pay for anything. It was just his way. He could imagine his Ma, God bless her soul, would have cuffed the back of his head just now had she been here.
Waverly told them to wait a few days and come back for the advertisements. Angela and Clive walked back to the mercantile, the town square was rebuilding quickly after the fire. The buildings were not as tall as they were but several have taken the advice of some and start building in brick and iron. It wasn’t disaster-proof but it took a lot to burn down a brick house.
“I am so hopeful about my brother, Clive, I hope I haven’t put all this effort into this and nothing comes of it. It feels like such a vague wish.” Angie wrung her hands while walking through the muddy streets. “The thought of going back without him is worse. It would feel like giving up. I cannot do that, yet.”
Clive kept her company all the way and reminded her of something before he left.
“I will be leaving tomorrow for Willamette Valley, I am taking Ted with me.” Clive saw an odd look cross her face after mentioning Ted’s name. He waited a moment before adding a little fuel to the fire. “I will send Ted by later to get any letters and such if you care to send some.” Clive had the oddest smirk on his face and Angela couldn’t help but notice.
“Stop yer teasing Clive.”
“I know nothin’ of your meaning, child.” Clive tried to look innocent and failed.
Angela shook her head and walked into the new mercantile without a word. Clive just laughed and did a quickstep around to the warehouse chuckling the whole way. Young folks and their feelings, everyone else in the world saw
it first before these two shy kids would do a thing about it. He and Gabe have started a pool in the warehouse to see how long it took before these young kids decided to start courting.
Angela found Amber at the counter, Gabe was next to her but her face was distressed.
“Are ya feeling poorly Amber?” Angela went to her quickly to see if there was anything to do. She rubbed a hand soothingly down Amber’s back.
“Just achy and the baby keeps kicking me in all the wrong ways. I keep telling him that I am not amused.” Amber sounded worn out and crabby.
“Him?” Gabe and Angela said together.
“Well, just a feeling I have had lately. It just slipped out. He or she will have to answer for a few things when it comes out.” Amber allowed Gabe to rub her back slowly. She closed her eyes and winced.
“Another kick?” Angela asked.
“No just a squeezing cramp that has been off and on today.” Amber took a few deep breaths then asked Angela to help her up the stairs. Gabe interrupted and volunteered to do it. Angela could see a little worried frown creased above his eyebrows.
Angie spent the afternoon at the counter with a tablet scribbling out a practice letter to Corinne, she would probably not have long to write out the letter tonight. Amber would need help with preparing dinner.
When the last customer was served and the store was closed Angela got a surprise with dinner already on the table.
“I thought for certain I would be making dinner.” Angela grabbed a few bowls and set them on the table. The tablecloth was new and Angela was again impressed at how elegant the place was. So different from the rough interior of the mercantile they lived above just last month.
“Angela, I appreciate how much you help around here but I have no desire to make you feel like you are expected to make dinner.” Gabe said sternly, Angie wasn’t sure if she had upset him. Her stomach churned into a knot of worry in half a second.
“I didn’t mean… I just thought since Amber wasn’t feeling well. I do apologize.” Angie didn’t know what to say to make it right. When she was a servant everything was always her fault. Even if it wasn’t, it was still was her fault. The consistent rule of a servant, just say you are sorry and it won’t happen again.
“We aren’t angry dear, just want you to know you aren’t a servant here. We pay you for some extra help downstairs but you are under our care.” Amber said from the rocking chair. She seemed content with a blanket on her lap and what looked to be a cup of tea at the side table.
“I know I am not a servant, I am sorry if I implied that you treated me as such.” Angie stood with her head down, completely bewildered.
“Angela, you don’t understand. We are not angry with you at all. Calm yourself.” Gabe walked in front of Angela and lifted her chin. “We are trying to help you adapt to this new life of yours. You still are sometimes acting like a servant around here and we just decided to help you stop. You are so helpful and sweet but we also want to allow you some freedom to grow up a bit too.”
Two fat tears slip down Angie’s cheeks. “You aren’t angry with me?” Her voice was small and pitiful.
“No, my dear girl. Come sit next to me. Let’s talk about baby names until you calm yourself.” Amber gave a nod in the direction of the chair next to her. Angie was handed a full bowl by Gabe and she took a few deep breaths and listened to Amber’s ideas. She ate her stew and let the friendship calm her down.
Gabe delivered a bowl to his wife and had one for himself, then sat across from the women in a cushioned chair by the fire. He propped his feet up on an ottoman.
The women spoke of pleasant things and Amber seemed relaxed and more comfortable to Angela’s eyes. She was relieved to see it.
After dinner Angela excused herself to write another letter to Corinne before Ted and Clive left tomorrow morning on the steamer. Angie’s thoughts were distracted as she finished the letter and stared out the window into the darkening sky of dusk. The sun went down so early in January but Angela enjoyed hearing the water now that they lived so close to the new wharf. If the breeze was not so chilly she would leave her windows open but she thought she would catch a chill.
Her heart felt torn apart today. She was thinking about Sean and hoping for the best with the new plan of advertising to find him. Also whenever Clive left it felt strange, Corinne always claimed that Clive was her long lost Grandfather and now Angie wanted to claim the same. His heart had room for her too, it seemed. She was so thankful for the many good friends she had recently been blessed with. To think, it had not even been three months and she had grown close to so many people here in this city on the bay. Ted came to her mind and the thought of him leaving grieved her a bit, too. She was not exactly sure why but there was something about him. She let the thought go and sealed the finished letter.
* * * * *
Ted came by after Angela has gone back into the sitting room. Everyone was cozy by the fire when they heard the bell from downstairs. Ted had a key and they could tell it was him from his light and quick steps up the staircase. He knocked and Gabe let him in.
Angela could not help but notice her face getting warm as she smiled at Ted. He seemed to be blushing to her too but it was probably just the chilled air on his cheeks. It was brisk outside today.
The visit was pleasant but short. Ted gladly accepted Angela’s letter and promised to deliver it into Corinne’s hand personally.
“You will certainly be treated well by her family. Her father lives next door and Marie, his wife, will certainly have you over for dinner.” Angela said, her heart missing her Oregon family so much.
“That sounds wonderful. Clive has been telling me great things about Oregon. I have hopes of my own farm someday. Perhaps I can convince my mother to come west to start over. I am working hard and hope to save enough in the next few months to afford that very thing. With the Lord’s help I can do it. Labor is paid well here. I will not miss this city much though, but for the few dear friends I have made and the small church. This city grows too fast to deal with the gangs and evil on the streets. I pray often you find your brother soon. So you can be home and safe back in Oregon.” Ted said. It was the most he had ever said to her. Giving her more glimpses into his personality.
“I pray that every day.” Angela said with a small smile.
“I will bring back letters from your friend in a few weeks, perhaps a bit more. Clive has some work set up for me, helping him with shipping supplies and also something in Portland, a small town that is growing in Oregon near Oregon City.” Ted said. He felt privileged to have earned the trust of Clive. He was a well-respected man everywhere he went. Ted was very eager to see more of the west than just this city, having Clive as his guide was a lucky break.
“I look forward to hearing all about it. I do hope you enjoy your trip.” Angela said sincerely. “I would love to know more about Portland. I do miss Oregon so very much.” She knew she could have said more but her throat was growing tight with emotions. She didn’t want to squeak while talking and give herself away.
Ted left shortly with well wishes and Clive stopped by to say “goodbye” and gave Gabe a slap on the back then they talked a little business.
Angela gave Clive a long hug before he left. She wiped away a few tears and Clive in his usually fashion cheered her up with kind words before he too had to go.
* * * * *
Ted and Clive made quick time on the ship from San Francisco bay to Portland. The days aboard the steamship were spent talking and swapping stories. The town of Portland was a quaint port town. Clive told him about the founders and how they were connected to Oregon City, connecting the farmland and keeping trade routes running smoothly.
“It’s how our country thrives,” Clive shared enthusiastically. Ted had a hard time not jumping into his enthusiasm.
“I want to see if there are any buildings for sale to get another store started. Wanting to sell the San Francisco store to an interested party or maybe just hire on a mana
ger that doesn’t have a family. It’s getting too rough for my grandson and his lovely wife.” Clive continued.
“I agree, I fear for my own safety often. The fire still gives me nightmares, and the street gangs keep me up at nights. I live so near the square I can hear the brawls every few days!” Ted added. He also feared for someone else, a young lady that was occupying much of his thoughts of late.
They stayed at the boarding house near the wharf. The place was run by a husband and wife that had a lovely dinner each night for their boarders. Clive and Ted felt welcomed and enjoyed the company of the owners and guests. They were all entertained by Clive’s stories and magnetic personality.
The next day they surveyed some land for sale and Clive on the impulse took the deal, there was already a general goods store in town but Clive had other ideas. With his connection in Sacramento, San Francisco and the expanding ports up the coast he knew that an imported goods store with access to China, Russia, and with the boats coming from the eastern coast of the US, he could provide this area with a variety of goods beyond just a general store. He was at the bank and paid for the land by mid-afternoon. Ted just followed around the older gentleman with awe.
They rented a few horses from the town stables and headed off to talk to a few folks that Clive heard spoken of in town. One man owned a lumber camp and another man who owned a wool mill.
They ended up staying at the lumberman’s home and by morning an arrangement was made. Clive had worked out a deal that saved the lumber harvester time and energy by agreeing to purchase a certain amount of lumber each month. The miller also worked out a deal with Clive, having a few women in Oregon City who were experts with the raw wool. Clive was a superb businessman who had an uncanny ability to make everyone comfortable.
Angela's Hope (Wildflowers) Page 15
