Clive seemed to live modestly, dressed is a simple suit on some occasions and like a trapper on others. He spoke like a trapper when he wanted too, mostly for humor’s sake, but could be all business and proper when the situation called for it. He was a man’s man that respected women more that anyone Ted had ever met. He was the first man Ted had ever really looked up to. He would like to be able to say his father was a great man, but he wasn’t. The competition between his father and Uncle had made both the men fools. Ted’s mother always hinted to Ted that he was stronger than any Greaves man. She had told him stories about the men in her own family. They had been practical and hard workers, like Ted was. Knowing a man like Clive Quackenbush made him proud.
As they traveled Clive shared how he had come to the west years before. He knew all the founders of the towns and had so many stories to share about the development. Ted adored the mountainous country with wide fertile valleys. It was heavenly. He was starting to imagine what a future would look like here.
The next day was spent down some lightly traveled roads connecting Portland to Oregon City. The roads were muddy and the route was winding. The terrain had lots of hills and rocks to move around but Ted could see that a wagon could make the trip, once they stopped at the top of an impressive mound and got a full view of the valley laid out. Mount Hood was enormous in the landscape.
“My home is heading toward Mount Hood.. We should be able to rest there in a few hours. I am ready for some rest. I don’t usually spend such a long day in the saddle anymore. Last time I did was on the Oregon Trail. If I ever go back east again I will go by ship. The mountain pass and deserts are something I can remember just fine. I have no need to see ‘em again.” Clive said while absorbing the view.
“The ship was not a very pleasant one for me. I must say. But some of the horror stories of the trials on the trail were enough to make me decide to go by sea.” Ted shared.
“Well, I know a few reputable folks in New York you can ask about how to get your family safely back in comfort. The Panama way is much quicker, as long as your kin wouldn’t mind riding on donkeys for a day or two.” Clive said.
“Your references would be appreciated. I fear that my father and his brother Hank were fool-hardy in their choice.” Ted said, his tone dropping. Clive noticed Ted was feeling grim about something but would let him share in his own time.
“Usually you get what you pay for… save your money and take a more expensive vessel is always my best advice.” Clive took another moment to soak in the valley and the snowy peaks of the mountains and then kicked his heels slightly and moved his mount forward. The thought of a warm bed and fireplace, hot food and great company was pushing him onward.
* * * * *
Willamette Valley
“Dear Clive!” Corinne kissed Clive’s cheek and Lucas reached forward through the door and gave Clive a clap on the shoulder.
“I knew if I didn’t come today you would hear I had arrived and beat me with sticks” Clive declared, and Corinne nodded her agreement.
“Get yourselves in…” Corinne opened the door wide and allowed Clive and his guest in.
Lucas took care of the men’s coats. Clive and the young man with him both had packages. Lucas took them and placed them on the table nearby.
“This here is a new friend, from upstate New York by way of San Francisco. Mr. Ted Greaves this is Corinne and Lucas Grant.”
“Welcome Mr. Greaves.” Lucas said and both he and Corinne shook his hand. “Please call us Corinne and Lucas. We hope you are enjoying our valley.”
“Oh, yes, very much.” Ted said shyly, it was hard for him to know what to say around new people but he would work on opening up.
“Ted has been a great worker for the mercantile and around town. I figured to drag him along with me. A strong back and company is never a thing I will turn down.” Clive grinned.
Lucas led the way to the sitting room near the fireplace. The crackling fire was high and warm.
“You have a lovely place here Mrs… Mrs… I mean Corinne. Your cabin is much more impressive than I expected. San Francisco has so many haphazard buildings I nearly forgot about what a comfortable home looked like… please feel free to call me Ted.” Ted said, trying to move past his discomfort.
“I am pleased that you like it. I have to give credit to the builders, we have added on but they had the fine taste and skill to build everything you see here. I was deeded the land.” Corinne shared. “A sort of disjointed family connection. I would say.” Corinne gave a look to her husband and he smiled conspiratorially.
“I have been told many stories about this place from Miss Fahey, she misses you both so very much. I heard from her that your father lives close by.” Ted felt more at ease.
“Yes indeed, in the plot next to ours. We have our house on the far edge of our land and he on his. That way it keeps us closer and safer from predators.” Corinne was talking with her hands as she spoke. It made him realize that Angela did that too. He could see why they were dear friends.
The talk lasted for a while, Clive jumping in and asking about the entire local happenings. Lucas and Clive talked about the future of Oregon Territory, whether it would become a state. It was hoped for by most. Some thought that perhaps it would be its own country, but few people wanted to be separate. The popular consensus was that the land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean should be united.
Marie stopped by later with a basket full of dinner items and took her chance to hug Clive and meet the young Mr. Greaves. They were invited to dine with them the next night. Continuing the feeling of hospitality and kindness in Ted’s mind.
After they ate Ted finally wanted Corinne to have her box from Angela. It had several letters and a small rectangular package wrapped in brown parchment.
“Oh, letters and a gift.” Corinne exclaimed. She gingerly opened the package and saw a beautiful carved box. Inside was a matching carved pen and stationery with flowers drawn as the letterhead. She gasped and touched the paper tenderly.
“We found a fancy goods store in San Francisco. She could not resist getting this for you.” Clive said with a grin. He was pleased to see her reaction and promised himself he would remember this moment and tell Angela all about it when he returned.
“I will have a letter or two to send back with you. So be sure to stop by again before you leave.” Corinne made Clive promise.
It was not a hard one to keep. Clive and Ted had plenty of visits in with John and Marie, Russell and Chelsea and even twice more to the Grants before they traveled back south. Clive was able to get lots of business done and still seemed to have time to give Ted a grand tour of the Valley. They attended church with the Harpole’s and Grants. All in all Ted felt like he had a good grasp of this budding community. Clive was good at his job and felt a hankering to give the boy a liking for Oregon. Just in case his inclinations about Ted and a certain redhead were true.
Corinne had asked Clive before they left if there was anything she should know about this attractive young man. She had pulled him aside.
“He has mentioned Angela several times. He seems to light up when we talked about her.” Corinne was curious.
“There is nothing beyond the sparking, as I can say but they are both shy. They may need a nudge if they are ever to move past it.” Clive stifled a laugh.
“Well, I like him. He seems a good Christian lad. If God sees fit to put them together I could see it as a match.” Corinne nodded.
She handed several letters to Ted before they left to go back to Portland. “If you could deliver these to her yourself, I would be much obliged.” Corinne smiled and gave Ted a warm hug and goodbye. Lucas was just as friendly and grabbed his handshake with both hands and told him he was welcome in their home at any time. He leaned in and whispered too.
“Oregon is a good place to settle. I would be glad to see you around here someday. God Bless ya.” Lucas let him go and Corinne and Lucas followed them outside to see them o
ff.
* * * * *
San Francisco, California Territory
Ted delivered the letters to Angela the day after he arrived. The steamer had arrived at night. They decided all to stay on board and get off in the early morning.
Clive was ready to be about his business with Gabe. He had so many plans swarming in his head he was chomping at the bit to get with Gabe and discuss the move of the business.
Ted got his two bags to his room over the laundry, fit in a quick shave and cleanup and was out the door by nine a.m.
The mercantile was nearly ready to be opened and Ted saw the smile of Angela through the large window. She opened the door for him and she nearly leaned in to hug him, he thought. Perhaps it was wishful thinking.
“It is good to see you back safe and sound.” Angela said, a pretty pink blush lit up her cheeks. “I thought I heard Clive in the back room with Gabe but I didn’t want to disturb them. From what I could hear they were deep in business talk.”
“Clive is a dynamo, he impressed me so much with all we did while we were gone. He has so many business ventures, I have no idea how he can keep them all straight.” Ted said with enthusiasm. He had been tired but being in Angela’s presence had him awake and a little jittery.
“I am sure we will hear all about it tonight at supper.” Angela smiled. This was a pleasant side to Ted.
“You were right about Oregon.” It was his turn to blush. Knowing what his thoughts implied to himself. “It seems like a good place to settle. The land is so beautiful and I was told by many how fertile the land is.”
“I hoped you would like it.” Angela said without thinking. It was a bit forward to be telling a young man where he should settle, especially if she wanted to live there herself. Her pink blush turned red. Angela could tell that Ted noticed.
It was an awkward minute until Ted reached into his jacket and retrieved the letters from Corinne.
“I should be off, I haven’t eaten since last night. My need for some breakfast is great.” Ted put his hands in his pockets and let his gaze follow the lines of Angela’s face a moment before he had to will himself to leave.
“Oh no, stay right there.” Angela with a quick turn was around the counter and running up the stairs. Her skirts swishing as she hopped up each step. Ted could not help but grin.
She was down just a minute later with a plate heaped with a few biscuits with jam, a few slices of bacon some potato hash.
“We only just ate less than an hour ago. If you don’t mind leftovers you can save yourself a dollar. The restaurant prices are going up.” Angie said practically.
“I don’t mind at all.” Ted said accepting the plate.
Angela patted the seat by the counter as an invitation. Ted gladly took it.
“You can keep me company while I get the store ready to open.” Angela’s sweet smile was Ted’s near undoing. He had no idea how to think when he was around her but somehow he needed to figure out a way to… he didn’t even know what he wanted to do. Well, perhaps he had a thought or two. Her pretty pink lips and green eyes were keeping his full attention.
“You eat your food Ted.” Angela said when she saw he hadn’t eaten a bite in several minutes.
“Yes’m” He said and stopped the staring. He was going to have to get a hold of himself. He ate his breakfast but was still able to watch Angela as she worked her way around the room tidying and nudging things into place. He decided that this was a fine way to spend a morning.
Clive and Gabe joined up with Angela and Ted. Angela gave Clive a quick hug and went back to her work. Clive gave Ted a questioning look.
“She fed me breakfast.” Ted said lamely, trying to explain his presence. “Oh yes, I also delivered the letters.”
Clive laughed and gave Ted a knowing look. Ted knew he wasn’t fooling anyone. Clive gave a look to Angela who was busy with her counter duties. Clive raised an eyebrow to Ted and shook his head. Ted wasn’t exactly sure what Clive had said with all his gesturing but he was pretty sure that he had failed at something in Clive’s estimation.
Ted left after his breakfast plate was empty. He returned the plate to Amber who was upstairs.
“See you folks soon. I will be checking around for some work. God bless all.” Ted waved.
They all said goodbye and both Gabe and Clive noticed that Angela watched from the window as the young man walked down the street.
“You go take a break, I will cover the counter dear. You go read your letters.” Clive offered. Angela squealed the tiniest bit and ran up the stairs. After a brief moment talking to Amber she went to the balcony off the side off her room. It had a nice little chair and table.
She read the letter from Corinne:
Dearest Angie,
I am missing you again. I have been busy as a bee with my labs and plants. The oil production is started and the science is working the way it should. Producing clean and pure oil from my piles of lavender plants. Dolly has started staying with us sometimes and the missing you is easier when I have female company. Her English has improved greatly and she now insists on reading out loud from our bible after dinner every night. She has confessed a new belief in God but struggles with how it all goes together. We all help when we can but somehow we know that she has to find God in her way. She has the desire, I can tell, but her upbringing was so very different. But she talks about her Mother and Father having been believers in the white man’s God. She is a strong young woman and knowing her has been a blessing. I hope she never leaves the area. She sometimes talks about how her tribe wants her to come back. I don’t know how to feel about it.
We added on to the cabin on the North side, with a whole new section with two bedrooms, and a large room for feeding the harvesters. Lucas says our crowded cabin is going to burst if we have to repeat what we did last fall. The wing to the west that Andrew’s parents built for us is finally the way it should be. It is three rooms, a bedroom, and a sitting room, both with a fireplace and a small kitchen with a wood stove. It is connected to the house but offers complete privacy. Marie and I have decorated it. Lucas thinks it would be a great wing for a housekeeper. But I am adamant to have no servants. I know you understand my reasons.
Marie has a few dresses made for you when you return. She made me a darling new Sunday dress that is so fashionable. Lucas whistles every time I wear it.
I sent a reply back to my cousin Megan and they telegrammed to me that they set sail in April. They will be setting up their new home near Sacramento, California. Her father, Arnold Capron, wants to set up a large dairy operation there.
Lucas and I have told her to come and stay with us over the winter months if she wishes. I am not sure what kind of escape she is hoping for but I am always willing to help when it comes to family.
We had a lovely visit with the nice Mr. Greaves. Ted, as he allowed us to call him, seems a very good young man. He spoke very highly of you and was always mentioning you every time we had him over for dinner. Perhaps it was my active imagination but I do believe he mentioned settling here about a dozen times. Does that please you, friend? I would dearly like to know. I cannot keep from grinning, as I am here with more than a mild curiosity about how my dearest friend is making such good acquaintances. Please do tell if there is any news on that front. Before I burst with my own inquisitiveness.
I have also sent along another letter that came by post a few weeks ago. I was excited to see Edith Sparks printed on the outside. I do pray she has good news. They were both so very good to you. I pray a blessing on them often.
As always you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please come home to me soon.
Corinne Grant
Angela sighed and read over every word. Feeling her friend’s teasing over Ted, she had nothing to share with her friend but in her hopes there was the hint of something there. She would have to explore it further on another day. She went to the other letter.
My darling girl,
God has blessed our fort with so many
visitors over the last months. The spring was the busiest I had ever seen. My root cellar was near empty as I sold out of all I had set aside for sale. I tried ever so hard not to dip into our own food supply but I will say upon occasion I did sell to a few desperate folk that were running out of food stores. I do wonder how they were to survive the long journey having prepared so ill.
I have some news. It was near summer when a wagon train pulled through. It reminded me of the day we met you when the wagon boss came into town so early. A father and mother were killed along the trail, one to snake bite and the other to a bad water crossing. They had three children, orphaned and without transport. The train did not want the responsibility for them.
The oldest child a girl, Heidi, who is almost ten years old declares that they had no family at all back in Illinois. The wagon boss shared all the belongings with us and upon our agreement left the children with us. The two youngest, twins, a boy named Peter and his sister Fiona are so beautiful and sweet little darlings. They don’t really understand the loss of their parents but they have warmed up to Henry and I. At first we didn’t know what to do with them. Henry sent a post to his commanding officer in Illinois about the children. Since the children were considered orphans we were sent papers that signed us as having guardianship over them. If wished we could send them back to any city to an orphanage or we could adopt them.
It was not a hard decision for us to make. I had spent years praying for children, then more years allowing God to work within me to get past my childless state. I had such a joy in my heart when we had you to take care of; though you were nearly grown it was such a blessing to me. My tears were plentiful after you left, the house so quiet.
Angela's Hope (Wildflowers) Page 16
