Making a covering with their slickers, they tried to get some sleep. The rain lasted all night.
The next day they shoved on. It wasn't a pleasant journey, that night a storm hit and they had to take cover in a cannon cave. Perez had found it and it did keep them dry. The more it rained though, the more Cole wanted to get back to the train. He knew Sam would have troubles at the Snake.
Chapter Eighteen
"Alright people, the reason I gathered you all together was to let you know we'll be crossing the Snake before long. We'll be crossing at the Three Island. It's been raining almost every other day, the Snake will be high. It means more danger. So secure you wagons, I want every wagon caulked, I want the food to be raised from the floor of the wagons. The one thing we need to do is lighten our loads a little. I know you've already done that some, but we'll need more thrown away. And that means everyone. Folks, it means sacrificing what you were hoping you wouldn't have to. But we'd rather get there alive and well, then not. A few hundred pounds could make a huge difference. The food is essential, but there are other things that are not. Go through what you can and get rid of some of it.
"If you have any contrary animals that don't like water, let me know so I can help you get them across. There won't be a ferry, but if it's too high, we might have to build one. Or repair one that someone else could have left. If we lighten the loads now, it will be easier when we get to the high country.
"If you can't swim, let us know, we'll take you over ourselves.
"If you have any problems at all, let us know so we can try to help you."
The people began to talk among themselves. Faces that normally were cordial went sour. Women actually had tears in their eyes. "Does it always happen like this?" Emily asked Sam.
"Ma'am?"
"I mean does it always hurt them so much?"
Sam looked at some of the women who were fretting over what they would lose. "Yes ma'am, it does. They are never prepared to have to leave things behind. But…a great deal depends on doing just that."
Emily reflected on that. These people were not wealthy. What little they did have meant a lot to them, much more than anything Emily ever owned. She saw the hurt in their eyes and she felt for them. How did you throw something that your great grandmother gave you away? She never had to sacrifice like that, so watching it was painful for her. Nothing she left behind bothered her. She didn't know her grandparents, they were old and sick by the time she got up old enough to appreciate them. Only a few small things from her mother were precious to her.
Emily couldn't remember having anything in her life that meant that much to her, except the picture of her parents. No heirlooms in her family. Her grandparents dying early in her life, Emily barely got to know them at all. There were many things that had cost a fortune, but they had no sentimental value. Now it struck her as strange.
These people were giving up their lives in some ways to make a new one.
When she left New York, she left everything she had but her clothes, and even some of them she left as they were too elegant to pack into a trunk. Besides, she doubted she'd be attending any balls out west. Being a practical person, she took only what she thought she might need.
Still there was a void in her life too, for nothing had meant anything except the picture and the small locket around her neck.
She'd left beautiful gowns of silk, shoes and boots that were expensive. She left jewelry that she'd gotten from Robert and a few from her Uncle. But her father's journals and her mother's bits and pieces of jewelry were the only valuable things to Emily.
Still, when she looked into the faces of these people she saw genuine sadness, that moved her to tears.
The silent stream of tears on the women's faces touched her to the core. It wasn't what they gave up so much as what it meant to them. To have so little in life and have to leave it all behind, had to be hard for them.
"We've got our work cutout for us, Sam." Emily served his supper that night as she watched some of the others move about the train, restlessly.
Sacrifices would be made, and the pain would be carried for a long time. It was all part of the price to pay to go west.
"Yeah, it looks like. I got Hawk out there now, trying to find a good way to cross." Sam told her.
"Sam…don't be too mad at the people. It is hard to come so far and have to start giving up some of their most precious cargoes." Emily sat beside him as they ate. "There's Mrs. Meriwether's cook stove, and Mrs. Martin's baby furniture and Old man Levi's rocking chair. They mean something to the people. It's hard to give up. It's not like we see it, Sam, they feel things about each and every one of things they are giving up. Look at the heartbreak in their faces. It's real Sam."
"I know. I guess in a lot of ways I am lucky, this kind of life, you learn to give up a lot, and go on. But they've been warned that this would happen. It would have been better for them, had they left everything back home. It never fails when we start a new train that half the people want to take along everything from New England country to the west. It can't be done. I know…."
"But they don't understand that Sam. It's part of their hopes and dreams."
"Yeah, and I'm as sorry as they are, that they have to leave it. But it's for the sake of all." He glanced at her. "I noticed you travel light."
Emily blushed. "I didn't think I'd even get on this train to tell the truth. I didn't bring anything…"
"What about your hopes and dreams?" Sam asked, lifting a brow. "Didn't you bring any of those?"
She shrugged. "I didn't have any hopes or dreams, just to getting away was important to me. I accomplished that. I'm happy."
Sam stared at her. "Is that why you and Cole…"
"Yeah…"
"You know, stranger things have happened. You and Cole…you're good together. It's like an instant fit. That don't happen very often…"
"Maybe we're just both desperate people."
"No ma'am." Sam stood up. "It's more than that…" And he walked off. But he looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. "And you know it."
Emily sighed. Sam was right. It was more than that. And strangely enough, it had become her hope and dream that maybe there was something more. For the first time in her life, she did have a dream.
What would happen when they reached Oregon? Would Cole leave like he said he would? Were his kisses just for a moment's pleasure, or did they mean something, like they did to her.
She hoped. She sincerely hoped.
Next day a group of people was standing around, watching others pile their possessions in one big pile. The ones standing around were griping about what everyone else was throwing away.
That is until Old Man Levi came up to the pile with his rocking chair. He moved straight to the pile, and dumped it like a piece of trash, then turned to go.
Everyone's stood stunned, some with their mouths hanging open as the old man deposited his chair into the pile.
"You gonna just walk off and leave that, Levi?" One man asked, scratching his head in wonder at the old man's actions.
"Shore I am…I want to get to Oregon." Mr. Levi looked at the man strangely.
"But that chair is over a hundred years old." One woman gasped. "You said it yourself, it's too old to leave behind."
"Sure is, more like a hundred and fifty. But my wagon's gonna cross the Snake with no trouble, and I'm going on to Oregon, like I planned. I got kids there waiting for me to arrive. And they mean more to me than some old chair. I can make another, once I'm settled into my new home. Give me something to do. Maybe even better than that one." Mr. Levi chuckled and walked off. "It's just things, it ain't my life I'm leaving behind."
That gave the people something to think about.
"I guess if he can leave that…I can part with a little." One woman exclaimed.
"Me too!" Another cried.
Mrs. Meriwether added to the pile and Emily saw it.
She went to see her. "I'm so sorry…about the stove, I know
how you treasured it."
"Don't be. Like the man said, we knew we'd have to give up some." Mrs. Meriwether said. "Tell me something though."
"What?"
"You haven't a thing to throw away, do you?"
"No, and I guess that seems unfair, doesn't it? All I brought with me were clothes."
"Don't you miss what you left behind?" Mrs. Meriwether asked, turning her head to question.
"I said goodbye to those things long ago," Emily said. "Funny thing was, it wasn't hard at all to give them up. I didn't think twice about it. I wanted to come on this trip. I had too."
"You're a funny woman. Never seen a woman your age that didn't value things."
"I do value things, but I've had a lot given me, that I didn't deserve. I've taken a lot for granted in my life. It's taught me what is precious. My circumstances were different. I left my home a long time ago. Possessions became unimportant. I needed to get away. So I took nothing. When my folks died and I went to live with my Uncle, I was only allowed to take small things that meant something to me, so I took my father's journal, and my mother's locket, and their picture. But I never went without. I always had the nicest clothes, a beautiful home. I have to give my Uncle credit, he did provide well for me as a child. And I do care for him…in my fashion. But I've left that life and wanted to start a new."
"What are you running from child?" Mrs. Meriwether asked her face full of concern.
"I'm not running from, but toward, a new life. Just like the rest of you." Emily smiled. "It'll mean changes for me, yes, don't get me wrong. But I am willing to make it work for me."
"Somehow…you don't strike me as a poor woman. I know good breeding when I see it. Although you sure don't fit the pattern of a poor rich girl, either. I don't see you parading around in silk dresses, and holding your nose to the air. You are so down to earth…how did that happen?"
Emily bowed her head. "Maybe that's what's wrong with me, I don't fit the pattern. I guess I'm trying to find a place I do fit."
"Don't you miss the better life?"
"It wasn't better, Mrs. Meriwether. Not for me. My parents died a long time ago. I loved them dearly. I brought their picture with me and my locket. Oh…yes, my life was filled with things, but I've found something more valuable. It was the freedom to be myself."
"It's more than that! You're in love. I knew it all along."
"Cole's a wonderful man, and I do care about him, but let's just keep that between you and me, alright?" Emily smiled at her.
"Alright," Mrs. Meriwether said with a twinkle in her eye. "But I think Cole needs that more than anything."
"What?"
"Love."
"Why do you say that?"
"I don't really know, but there is something unusual about your husband. A sadness I can't identify. When you came along, well, things began to change. I saw a difference in him for the first time. I've known him a long time. He's a good man, but I sense a loneliness I can't explain. Since you've come along, he smiles more, he relaxes more. There's a difference, and it's a good difference."
Emily thought about that for a long while. But the hustle and bustle of the people brought her mind back to the task at hand.
When the stack of furniture and antiques got too big, they started a new stack.
The more people dropped off, the more others wanted to contribute. It was like a fever, who could give up the most.
Later that same evening, Sam watched the procession of people. He looked confused and baffled by the way everyone was co-operating. "Looks like a lot of them are getting rid of stuff. There might be a few that have to get rid of more before we cross over. But I'm real proud of the ones that gave it up so easily. Especially old man Levi. I think he made a real difference. Looks like everyone followed his example. I guess it only takes one, huh?"
Emily smiled. "He didn't even hesitate. I couldn't believe it. I know how much that rocking chair meant to him, everyone does. But…somehow I think he knew if he did it, others would follow and he was right."
"Yeah, that old man is pretty wise."
"Cole would be proud of them."
"I figure he'll be back in a day or so. I'm hoping he gets back before we cross." Sam said.
"Maybe he will, if he didn't have any trouble on the way. Sam…do you know anything about Cole's childhood?"
"Not really. He's a pretty quiet person about his past. Why do you ask?"
"Something Mrs. Meriwether remarked about. About him being a lonely man," Emily said.
"Wish I could tell you, all I know is, he's happier these days than I've ever seen him. Although I gotta admit, I never met any relatives of his. Haven't heard him speak of any either, come to think of it. That's kinda odd, isn't it?" Sam got another cup of coffee.
"She said the same thing." Emily shrugged.
"I'm real glad Perez is with him on this trip."
"Me too…" Emily poured herself some coffee. "You know those potatoes take up a lot of room. I thought earlier I might have to get rid of them, but we've used over half the load of them, and every day I cull out the bad ones, so maybe we'll be alright."
"Most of what's in the chuck wagon is necessities. And you didn't bring a load of things with you, so you are fine."
Just then a man that Emily didn't recognize walked up to Sam, "You wanted to know if there were any animals that balked at the water. Well, I got a mule, she don't like water at all. Even if I get her in, I can't say as I could get her out. Do you think you could help me?"
"Sure, Mr. Swenson. Be glad to. Just remind me when we get ready to cross."
"I'll do that, and thanks." The man walked off.
"I didn't recognize him," Emily remarked. "I don't think I've ever seen him before." She stared at the man.
"His wagon is toward the rear. He doesn't make much racket. But I’m glad he told me about the animal. It's nice not to have any surprises. I'll get Hawk to see about that, he's good with animals. If there is a way to get him across Hawk will know."
Emily cleaned the dishes and put them away. Then she started to go to bed.
As everyone settled down for the night, it became quiet again. Emily pulled the canvas back and stared up at the sky. The moonlight glowed bright for the first night in a while. No more rain. She inhaled the clean scent of the earth.
Her thoughts returned to Cole. She wondered if he was looking up at the stars too. She wondered if he was missing her, half as much as she was him. Just to see his rugged face again would be pure pleasure.
Chapter Nineteen
Then it happened. Gloria Townsend went into labor. Mrs. Meriwether came to get Emily. A crowd was already gathering around the wagon. Everyone wanted to help, but no one went inside.
"It's her time…"
"Oh my. Is anyone with her?"
"No…her husband went out hunting this morning, so even he isn't back yet."
"Let me get a few things. I'll be right there."
"Sure, I'll wait for you."
Together they marched over to the wagon. Already there were moans coming from the wagon. The other women gathered outside let them through.
Emily and Mrs. Meriwether went inside. Mrs. Meriwether took Gloria's hand right away.
"I'm so scared. Harold isn't here. I was hoping he would be. I didn't want him to go out today, but I didn't mean to alarm him, either."
"He'll be back soon honey." Mrs. Meriwether consoled her.
She had a pain and she reached for Mrs. Meriwether's hand to squeeze. She squeezed so tight Mrs. Meriwether made a face.
It lasted a bit and when it was gone, she let up on her hand. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you."
"Never mind child. You do what you have to do."
Emily put a rain slicker under her, as she and Mrs. Meriwether lifted her. Then she took out a blanket for the baby from the trunk where Gloria had packed it so neatly.
"Is this the one you intended?" Emily asked, holding up the beautiful pink and blue blanket.
"Yes, tha
t's it. My mother knitted it for the baby."
She found a ragged old dressing gown and quickly undressed Gloria partially and put the old gown on. "So we don't ruin your good clothes." Emily smiled at her.
When she had Gloria ready, she went outside to disinfect the knife to cut the cord with.
"Is she having a rough time of it?"
Emily looked at the woman who asked. "I'm told the first child always takes the longest. Doesn't mean anything is wrong, just means it's the first and the hardest, more than likely."
"It took my first nearly three days to get here, course she was turned wrong and the doctor had to turn her." The woman said.
"Lord, let's pray it isn't that long." Emily shot the woman an amused look.
"Did anyone get the doctor?" someone asked.
"Mrs. Meriwether sent for him. I don't know what is taking him so long."
An older woman spoke up. "Doctors don't get in a hurry when a baby is coming, they know it will be a long wait."
Mary Nichols stopped by, but she didn't stay.
Gloria began screaming a couple of hours later. When the doctor arrived and needed to check her progress. She was sweating and crying, and no one could shush her.
"I know it hurts dear, but I have to make sure everything is progressing accordingly." The doctor explained.
Emily held one hand, as Mrs. Meriwether held the other.
The women outside grimaced with every scream, the men tried their best to ignore it, but it was obvious everyone was nervous for Gloria.
"She's having a rough time of it."
"How long does it usually take…" Emily asked.
"The first one, usually takes hours, half a day or night, sometimes." The doctor explained. "The baby is in position and all looks well. You are going to be fine by nightfall.
Emily nodded with determination. "We'll get through this. She'll be fine and so will the baby."
Mrs. Meriwether nodded. "I hope so."
"No one cooking for the boys tonight. Maybe I should go." Emily fretted.
Mrs. Meriwether shook her head. "I'd rather have you here. I'll go get Mrs. Parker to make them something."
Brides of the West-Part One Page 53
