by Caryl McAdoo
A silence followed, then he spoke again. “Thought she and Lesha were friends.”
“Me, too. What should I do?”
“Well, Corbin said he was going to sell everything he couldn’t load into his wagon, wouldn’t be Christ-like to turn them away now, and . . .”
He faced Flynn. “Did she try anything when they were with us picking?”
“No, sir. Well, not so much. She dragged her fingers through my hair one time at the cook-fire for everyone to see.” He laughed. “Alicia about had a fit over that, but I guess she convinced herself it didn't mean nothing. She's jealous though.”
“I remember that night. Esther took note.” He nodded. “She ever come around to your lean-to of a night?”
“No, sir, and I’m a light sleeper. Believe I’d have known.”
“My advice for now is to keep this to ourselves. You haven’t said anything to Alicia?”
“No, sir, and that’s been dogging me fierce.”
“Well, it isn’t a secret anymore. You did right telling me, and I’ll help you watch out for her. Lord willing, we’ll be in Texas mid-to-late October.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, Uncle. That’s just what I’d hoped.”
His uncle bumped his shoulder with his. “I’m only fourteen years older than you. Once that made a difference, but not anymore since you’re grown. Try my given name out for size if you’re of a mind. I figure you’re man enough.”
Flynn laughed. “Thank you, Laud. I’m honored.”
While Izzy went to unhitching their mules, Alicia invited Miss Harrell to sit a spell while she rocked Katie Kay on the Worleys’ porch. Of late, the little big sister had been fighting her afternoon nap.
“Pleased to.” Gabby eased down then chuckled. “You sure missed it, Lesha. That Jenkins threw the best shindig I ever been to! And oh man, can Flynn and his pap play. Wow, I especially liked the one called “Sugar in the Gourd.”
She hugged herself. “About wore myself out dancing. The polkas were most fun, but I waltzed, too.”
“I definitely hated missing it, but my father is so protective. I could hardly believe he let us dance here.”
“Me, too, since it meant you'd have to touch each other.” The girl giggled.
“But a body has to obey their parents.”
Hiking her near shoulder, Gabby gave her a sly little grin. “Most times.”
What did that mean? Alicia would like to ask, but Uncle Laud and Flynn would be getting back anytime, and she had a much more important topic she really wanted to talk about, so she let the comment go.
The sky remained gray and hung low and heavy over the little community farm, much like her mood. No more rain had fallen though it had darkened a couple of times. Thunder had rolled ominously across the sky some distance away.
“Well, tell me. Did you get to dance with someone special?” She leaned in a bit. “Anyone you’re already missing?”
“Oh, no. I knew we were leaving, so no point in that. Why, I hardly danced with the same man twice. So many gents that wanted a twirl.”
“And your pap let you?”
“Sure. He got soaked on Mis’ess Jenkin’s punch. Used the one time I sat out time to get my breath and guzzle some of that delicious cherry punch myself.” Her eyebrows bobbed. “Someone spiked it.”
“You did?”
“Sure. And I had seconds. But like I said, I never took another break.”
“I imagine you got powerful thirsty after all those polkas in a row.”
“Well, I would have, except this one fellow had a flask, and he allowed me to sate my thirst a time or two.”
Hard liquor and spiked punch? No wonder Pa wouldn’t let her go. Even though she would never have drunk either. “Ma says that stuff tastes nasty, goes down hot, and makes you do things you regret come morning.”
“Don't know about that. I mean, I had a great time, more fun than I could ever have imagined. And what that fella had in his little silver flask? I'm here to tell you and tell you true, that stuff tasted great and went down smoother than cool creek water.”
She sat up straighter and looked around. “Where’s Flynn? I haven’t seen him since we got here.”
“He and Uncle Laud went to deliver the cow and calf to a neighbor.” Alicia rocked Katie Kay; the little darling had finally given it up, but she still hadn’t heard what she wanted to hear, and it seemed the perfect time. “Did you get a chance to dance with him?”
“No. I thought about asking if he wanted to, but never really got around to it. Plus, far as I saw, all he did was fiddle the night away. Never saw him take a turn around the square with anyone. Why?”
“Just wondered.”
“Would it have bothered you? I mean you said it was all right on Friday night.”
“But I was there Friday night. That made a difference. You and your pap have to leave much behind?”
“Not really. He sold some stuff, a tine harrow he figured would be too heavy to lug all the way to Texas. The plow will be bad enough.”
“Pa and Papa O’Neal are off seeing about buying another wagon. They’re at the Bakers now.”
“Don’t they have a son named Zebulon?”
“Yes, but he goes by Zeb. I think he's maybe a year or two older than Flynn and has better than a healthy appetite.” She grinned.
“Yes, that’s the one. I danced with him once, but he had two left feet. Your Flynn is a great dancer.”
“I know. I'm so blessed in every way with him loving me and asking me to be his wife.”
“I thought you wanted to get married before we left. So . . . is that happening tonight? Did you talk your Pa into it?”
“No. And besides, Flynn thought it might be better to wait until we got to Texas.”
“Aww, I’m sorry.”
“We really didn't have enough to get our own wagon and mules, much less the harnesses. Plus now we'll have all our money saved for land and building our cabin. I want two bedrooms, one on each end and windows on every wall, glass ones.”
“Oooo, fancy!” Her friend giggled, and Alicia joined her, about busting a gut to keep from a full-blown laugh that would certainly wake her charge. A mule's snort brought Gabby to her feet.
“Good, he and Laud are back.” She hurried down the steps, leaving Alicia there, her arms full of sweet Katie Kay.
Why would she hurry out there like . . . like . . . he was special to her? The little chat had her seeing blue skies with her story matching Flynn’s so perfectly, but . . .
Was he special to her? Had the story been rehearsed? Did it match too well?
Maybe there was something the two of them weren’t telling her . . .
Chapter Fourteen
Alicia hurried inside, very carefully laid Katie Kay on her mother’s bed, then raced outside. Her love stood up and looked right at her. “Get it all packed and ready? Need help with anything?”
Just as she walked up next to the usurper, Uncle Laud jumped down and headed toward his cabin.
“Ready, yes. Packed, no. Figured to wait and see if Pa made the trade for the new wagon.” Two fine-looking animals were tied to the back of the wagon. She stepped toward the closest, well-fed with a plenty shiny coat.
“What do you think about these guys you and Uncle traded for? Pretty animals. Think they’re worth the cow and calf?”
“Oh, you know I'm biased, but they seem as advertised. Time will tell. They are good-looking boys though.” He jumped down, doffed his hat at her but never even looked or spoke to Gabby, as if she wasn't standing right there.
Was that a good or bad sign? She answered her own question in the same instant she asked it. Bad!
It was nothing but rude, and Flynn O'Neal would never be blatantly rude! Something was going on! She eyed the girl, her cheeks warmed.
“Hey, Gabby, when did you all get here?”
Right in the nickel of time, he redeemed himself. Maybe she’d judged too hastily
“Not long. Never did say how muc
h I enjoyed your music Saturday.”
“Thanks.” He turned to face Alicia. “Want to hold these boys for me a minute?”
“Sure.” He handed her the first rope then went to untying the other. Wasn’t long before Uncle Laud came back out and went to helping Flynn with the harness on the old team.
Gabby extended a hand. “I’ll hold one, if you want.” Her voice sounded a bit sad, with a touch of rejection maybe, and a twang of guilt pricked Alicia.
“Thanks.” She passed her a rope then turned toward the front. “Hey, did you see the sign the girls and I made?”
“The one leaning against the shed post?”
“Yes, sir. We couldn't find a hammer or nails. Thought you might hang it up.”
“Can do, but first let me help Laud get the mules rubbed down and turned out.”
When had he started calling his uncle by his Christian name?
Hoisting the harness over his shoulder, her honorary uncle headed toward the shed leading one of his mules.
Flynn, holding the other one, nodded toward the shed. “We want to see how the new team gets along with the others. I'll fetch the hammer after that.”
“Good, I’ll be at the Worleys’ cabin.” She and Gabby followed him with the new mules. Once there, she handed him her animal’s rope. “Come get me when you’re ready.”
Alicia waited until the men had the animals inside the gate then faced Gabby. “Help me gather some dead wood. We’ve burned down the split pile, and the cook-fire is going to need some before the night’s out.”
The girl tore her eyes away from Flynn. “Want me to fetch Izzy?”
“No, we can manage.”
While he rubbed down the animal that had done half the work, Flynn kept an eye on the new pair that seemed to get along fine with the others, mostly by avoiding them.
Laud finished his first and led him to the gate then draped both arms over the top stick.
Real quick, Flynn turned his out and latched the gate. “You and me built this, remember?”
“Sure I do. Be nice to take it along. We’re leaving so much hard work behind.”
“That’s how I see it, too, but . . . We're taking what we can, and you can bet we’ll be making sure we have a good deed in Texas before any money changes hands.” Laud faced him, looked around, then leaned in close.
“Listen. Since our talk, I’ve been watching closer, and that’s one lovesick young lady. There’s no doubt she was wanting a romp in your hay up in Charlotte.”
“I started to ignore her just now when we came up, but the confused look in Alicia’s eyes tipped me off. Instead of having to explain being rude, I decided I better say something.”
“Good choice.” Laud nodded. “With your permission, I’d like to bring Esther into our confidence. I’ll make her promise not to say anything, but I want her to be helping me run interference.”
“Not a bad idea. Auntie can be tight-lipped if she takes a mind to. I remember one birthday, she about drove me crazy not telling what you two had got me. Remember the year you made me my knife?”
“Sure, I do.” Laud laughed. “If memory serves, I was still courting Esther then, and you had feelings for her.”
“Yes, sir. I admit it. I might have only been ten, but definitely in love.” He chuckled. “Least I thought. Puppy love I guess.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Grinning, Flynn shrugged. “Truth be known, I’m still a bit sweet on her. You found yourself a good wife. But that’s nothing like what my heart is telling about Alicia. Sure enough. You go ahead and share whatever you want with Auntie.”
“I will.”
“But get you a high stack of Bibles for when she swears to not tell anyone. Especially Alicia.”
“Yes, sir. Will do.” Laud looked back, but all the animals were munching grass together. “A little standoffish, but good actors so far.”
Once Papa and Alicia’s pa got back with the brand-new wagon and team—surprised Flynn that they paid two hundred thirty-five of their cotton dollars for the whole rig—the clan went into high gear, getting ready to leave at the next morning's first light.
As usual Seve Van Zandt took charge, not really barking orders, but more like suggesting who ought to do a thing and what should come next.
Twice, Flynn caught Gabby staring at him, but never when Alicia was around, and he kept plenty busy working wherever the girl wasn't.
“I believe we're ready.” Seve looked around. “Anything anyone can think of we still need to do?”
No one said a word.
“Well, Esther said about ten minutes ago, the beans and cornbread were ready. So then, let's eat.”
Flynn took his usual spot across from his love, wanting to feast his eyes on her. After the boys gobbled theirs down and went back to their marble game, Mam set her bowl down and stood.
“Want to let all of you know that I’ve decided to keep a record of our journey. I’ve been saving a journal since my birthday last year. Meant to start it here, but got so busy . . . Well, I never did. Anyway, here’s what I’m thinking, every evening, if there’s something you want written down—a strange sight, an animal, a story or whatever, tell me and I’ll write it in my book.”
“What a great idea.” Alicia nodded. “I’ll help anyway I can.”
Flynn stifled a laugh. She didn't need to butter up his mother. Her pa needed all the butter. He was the party holding things up. That and Flynn not being ready. Without the clan's cotton money, providing for her or any babies she'd want to have right away concerned him.
Fiddling all night in some roadhouse like his papa had done at his age, taking a room and found for pay, and the tips he made . . . not his idea of how a God-fearing man took care of a wife and children.
No. He still had plenty of figuring on things to do and riding all the way to Texas would give him an abundance of thinking time.
After only a few minutes with his love on the porch, less than usual, her father called her in, and Flynn returned to the cook-fire and stayed half an hour after Corbin made Gabby turn in. Last thing he wanted was her to come slipping into his bed.
Hmm.
Was doing something in one’s sleep still a sin?
Five wagons, seventeen souls! All gone to Texas on September 15th, 1840, from the Dickson County land we thought was ours but turned out not to be.
Holding the feather over the page, Liberty considered listing everyone's names, but what would she call Izzy? She’d reconciled herself to the slave going, but should she make note of her bondage in the journal? Did the woman want Harrell as her last name? Or would she choose another? A pang pricked her heart.
In all the time they'd spent together, Liberty hadn't spoken to the young lady much, and then only in some way that related to whatever task the girl was involved with. What must Izzy think of her and her Christian witness?
If the slave wasn’t with child, then she’d never seen an expecting woman before. Corbin ought to be ashamed of himself! She hated it that no one enforced the laws against impregnating a slave.
What kind of rules did the new Republic have regarding slavery?
“Hey, any coffee?” Reagan sat up and threw his legs over the bed's side.
She smiled at her beloved, put the ink's stopper in, then stood, laying the quill down. “You know there is. Why not just say?” She lowered her tone to sound like a man. “ 'Hey, woman! Bring me my steaming cup!' “
He shook his head but smiled. “Because I love you too much, baby.”
She lifted the pot off the fireplace's bed of coals, taking care not to overfill his mug, then carried him his eye opener. “You slept late, Husband. First light can't be far off.” She glanced out the door.
The dark gray sky had brightened some since she last checked. “It's already false dawn.”
He took his first sip—the one she considered the best of the whole day—then nodded. “Been up long?”
“An hour or more, maybe, but who knows? You sold our grandfather
clock, remember?”
“If memory serves, you agreed not to haul it out here.”
“Oh, I did?” She kissed his forehead then threw a nod outside. “Flynn's been up for a while. So has most everyone else except the children.”
“Well, best get to it then. Texas won't be coming to us.” He looked to the loft. “Charity Grace, time to get up.”
“Oh, Papa. Could you carry me to the wagon? I need another twenty winks.”
Liberty tilted her head and gave him her don't-you-be-spoiling-that-girl look.
How many times had she done that?
Not even counting all the words regarding the same subject, but it seemed he couldn't bring himself to be staunch with his only girl. She remained his little darling he could barely say no to, and she definitely favored her father above everyone else in the world.
“Now, sweetheart, bring your bedding on down, and I'll carry you from here. We get you packed in and you can sleep a little more . . . if you can.”
“Oh, Reagan. You're hopeless where that child is concerned.” Liberty quickly folded the bedding from her and her husband's four poster, and he hefted then carried out the feather mattress. She followed with the linens and quilts.
By the time she made it back in, her sleepyhead had made it down, and her Papa swept her into his arms.
Standing in the almost-empty cabin, she indulged in a moment of regret then prayed it would be a blessing for the next family who would inhabit it. Pained her some to leave the beautiful bed her husband and son had made.
Room was at such a premium.
And Reagan promised he and Flynn would make her another one in Texas.
The very word itself thrilled her. Texas!
Once upon a time, she'd thought that her lovely place in the Tennessee hills would be her lifetime home, but that day, the Republic fit the bill perfectly.
At least her brother and best friend were coming, too. She lifted her eyes to the familiar ceiling then closed them and thanked God.
