Oregon Discovery

by Rachel Wesson

  “Life is unfair. Especially when you are a woman. An Indian man who has a white father can file a claim but an Indian woman with a white father couldn’t. A woman is always a second class citizen regardless of her color.”

  He looked at her waiting for her to explain how she could be as badly off as an Indian woman.

  “I know people see me and think I am well off. I couldn't possibly have any problems given my extensive wardrobe of nice clothes. My father was wealthy so I never starved. At least not for love.” She stopped as if unsure she should be telling him.

  “You weren't happy?” he prompted.

  “That’s an understatement. I wasn't allowed any friends. I couldn't go out, not alone. My mother had to accompany me everywhere. The only place I went was to church and even then my parents sat either side of me. I think they thought I would run off with the local saloon owner.”

  “I wouldn't recommend that. Mrs. Dell, his wife, may take exception,” Almanzo said smiling.

  She smiled back at him appreciating him making a joke. “Fiona was my first friend. Not that my parents agreed with us being friends. They believed I shouldn’t mix with servants. Richard is worse, he insists she calls him master.”

  “Fiona seems like a nice girl. Where are her family?” Almanzo asked wanting to divert the conversation away from Richard. Her fiancé.

  “Nobody knows. She grew up in the orphanage. She started working for my father a few years back. Now she will never have to be a servant again.” Tilly’s tone was firm. There would be no arguing with that decision.

  “Why?” Almanzo was curious. How could Tilly guarantee Fiona’s financial future? His stomach churned. Did it mean she was wealthy? If she had money, he wouldn’t be able to court her. What did he have to offer an heiress?

  “I will inherit money from my father. I intend to give some of it to Fiona. She can pursue her dream of working in an orphanage. She won't need to earn an income. She loves being near children.”

  “And you? What do you plan on doing?” He didn’t want to hear her say she was leaving yet he had to know.

  Tilly gazed up at him. Could she admit to not knowing what she was going to do? To hoping he would suggest she stay in Portland so they could get to know each other better. But he stayed silent. She had to say something. Anything. “It’s quite a pretty town isn't it?”

  Almanzo burst out laughing. “That's one word for it. You are seeing it at its best, in the sunshine. Wait until the rains come. Then the streets become a mass of mud.”

  “But you have boardwalks at least. Some towns don’t have them.” Why was she talking about a boardwalk? He must think she was stupid.

  “I guess we are lucky. You should stay away from the Port area. All sorts coming and going. It is not safe for decent women or children for that matter. There have been stories of children being kidnapped to work in the mines in Alaska.”

  “Children? Where were their parents? Surely people wouldn’t do that?” Tilly was horrified.

  Almanzo stood and observed her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I am just wondering how you stay so innocent. You luckily survived a massacre, were taken captive by Indians even if it was for your own safety. Your father is dead and there is a possibility the man you were engaged to had a hand in all three events. Yet you wonder if people could be cruel enough to kidnap children.”

  She hung her head. Hearing him talk like that did make her feel stupid.

  He leaned over and put his finger under her chin forcing her to look at him. “Please don’t be ashamed. It’s a lovely quality you have. You seem to see the good in every situation.”

  She raised her eyes to his, the look of admiration on his face taking her breath away. They stood staring at each other until flushing he turned away and pointed out some other places.

  “To the southwest lies Goose Hollow.”

  “What a funny name,” she said trying to follow his lead and ignore the undercurrent between them.

  “They call it that as the women raise geese and let them run free through the Tanner Creek Gulch. Many of their husbands are away working in the gold mines.”

  They walked for a little bit in silence but it wasn’t uncomfortable. She was glad he wasn’t one of those people who had to fill every silence with words.

  “What do the people you are living with do?” She asked.

  “Rick and Jo are both school teachers although Jo only works a few hours here and there now. She is too busy with her twins and running the farm. We grow wheat and raise cattle. Jo’s sister Becky lives on the next ranch. Her husband Scott raises horses and he also has fields of wheat. He and Rick help each other out. Eva and David, she’s the twins elder sister have a cattle ranch as do her parents, Paddy and Della Thompson. David writes for the newspaper. He will probably want to interview you and Fiona but only when you are ready.”

  Tilly felt the color drain from her face. She couldn’t allow that. She would ruin whatever reputation she had left. “I am not sure I want to be the subject of gossip.”

  “Oh no David, isn’t like that. The newspaper is one of the few that is fair to everyone including the Indians. You can trust him.” Almanzo clearly looked up to this David person.

  “It must be nice to be surrounded by family,” Tilly said trying to move away from the topic of the interview.

  “It is especially for the children as they have so many friends to play with. We kept in contact with most of the families who traveled with us to Oregon. Mrs. Newland, you met already. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley run the post office, well Mr. Bradley does. Mrs. Bradley runs a boarding house. She is ever so busy with all the miners and other people coming here. Milly and Stan have a ranch not too far away from Becky’s.

  “You have a lot of friends,” Tilly said wistfully.

  “It wasn't always like that. The man I called Pa wasn't a pleasant man and he didn't let me play with most children. He hated Indians with a passion rivaling that of your friend Richard.”

  “He isn't my friend,” she protested hotly but Almanzo ignored her remark.

  “Price made me believe Indians were savages. But thankfully spending time with Walking Tall and his family has shown me Price was wrong. Indians are just the same as white folk. Some good, some bad and a lot in between.”

  His expression made her laugh. She was enjoying her time with him. He was very interesting to speak to. She’d never have believed the history of a small town from the way it was named to the dates the first bank and hospital was opened would have held her attention. But then he could probably talk about anything and she would listen just to hear his voice.

  “What are you going to do Miss Masterson?”

  She was caught off guard by his direct question so she didn't answer. He took her silence as censure.

  “I apologize I had no right to ask.”

  “Please don't. I wasn't angry. I just don't know what to say. I don't know what to do.”

  “I have to go back to the ranch. Jo is collecting Rick from the clinic today and I want to be with Carrie and Bridget when they get back,” he said softly.

  “You should have said so earlier not stayed with me. Jo needs you with her,” Tilly said feeling guilty at keeping him from his loved ones.

  “Jo wanted it to be just her and Rick and well… I didn’t argue too much. I wanted to see you.”

  Tilly looked him in the eyes, seeing the truth there. She stared at him as he moved his face closer to hers. He moved so slowly, she knew he was giving her the chance to pull away but she didn’t. When his lips touched hers, she almost gasped with pleasure. His kiss, although brief, seared through her.

  “Tilly Masterson, you make me feel alive.”

  Chapter 28

  Jo twisted her hands as she reached the doors of the clinic, regretting her decision not to accept Almanzo’s offer of company. Doc White had suggested she call in first thing this morning. Whatever the doc said, she and Rick
would deal with it. Together. That’s what the marriage vows said. In sickness and in health. She didn’t expect sickness to strike so young though.

  The doctor was waiting for her, a grave expression on his face. He followed her into the room where Rick was lying in bed.

  “Mrs. Hughes thank you for coming in. I wanted to speak to you both. That way there can be no misunderstanding.”

  Rick and Jo exchanged a look before Jo focused back on the doctors face.

  “Mr. Hughes, you have a heart condition commonly known as dropsy. You will have to stop working with immediate effect. In addition, you must take this powder medication.”

  “Doc, I’m grateful to you for your help but I can’t give up work and I won’t take medicines every day. I was perfectly fine until a couple of months ago. My father lived to be a good age, I expect so shall I.”

  “You won't,” the doc said harshly before making an obvious effort to modulate his tone, “unless you follow my instructions. If you keep working and don’t take any medication you will be dead in a month or so.”

  Jo had to hold onto the arm of the seat although she was already sitting down. The room spun as the doctor's words sank in.

  She stared at her husband who had focused his gaze on the doctor. His face showed disbelief but there was also fear. She didn’t remember the last time she had seen Rick afraid of anything. He had been a bit wary about childbirth but that was usual for a lot of men. She had to help him. She would deal with her own fears later. Standing up, she walked over to her husband’s side as he lay on the bed, and took his hand.

  “Thank you, doctor, for being so frank with us. We will take your advice. Rick will resign as the school teacher,” Jo said firmly.

  “Jo, I can’t. We can’t live on thin air.” Rick protested.

  “Our family cannot live without you,” she whispered, bending down to brush her lips against his. It was a kiss not of passion but love. She wanted to show him just how much he meant to her never mind everyone else. “Where do we get this digitalis?”

  “I will ask Mrs. Newland to stock it. We must make sure she carries enough stock at all times. You will need to keep some powders in your home. Keep them away from children. This is not something you want anyone else to take by accident.”

  Jo nodded. She was trying to keep calm and confident yet inside she wanted to scream. Rick was only in his thirties, how did he get so ill? Why him? Why not someone horrible? But she couldn’t think like that. It wasn’t up to her who lived to be an old man and who died young.

  “Is there anything else we should know, Doctor?” she asked not taking her eyes off her husband.

  The doctor sighed deeply. Jo got the impression he was trying to stay cheerful despite the news he was delivering.

  “Mr. Hughes, Rick, you need to look after yourself. Get to know the signs when you have overdone things. You must be careful.”

  “What signs?” Jo asked.

  “His feet and ankles will swell. You may notice his hands are swollen too Mrs. Hughes. He may find it hard to breathe. He will get tired easily. He should take regular rest but don’t stay in bed all day. We want you to make the most of your life.”

  The rest of the doctor's sentence remained unspoken but Jo and Rick knew what he meant. This diagnosis had destroyed any hopes of them living together into their twilight years.

  Jo kept rubbing Rick’s hand.

  “Thank you, Doc. I will make sure he does what you say. Medicine is improving all the time. I am sure in the coming years, you will have even more advice to give us.” She smiled, determined to remain positive. Her husband was going to live to see his little girls grow up. He was going to give them away at their wedding. He was going to do all the things her own father had done for her. She wasn’t going to let Rick leave them. Not without an enormous fight.

  “Doc, what does this mean for my girls?” Rick asked.

  Jo stilled as fear enveloped her. Trust Rick to think of their children. Her whole focus had been on him.

  “Do you mean is there a chance you could pass this condition on to your children?” Doc White clarified.

  “Yes. I don’t mean like you would a cold. But is it something you are born with?”

  “It might be but there is no way of knowing. You said your father lived to an old age. What did your mother die from?”

  “We think childbirth but we aren’t certain,’” Jo said quietly when Rick failed to answer.

  “I am hopeful you just got unlucky. By all means, keep an eye on your girls. If they seem to tire easily or get more colds, coughs than children their age, let me know. To be honest, there is much to learn about this condition and the heart in general.” Doc White looked at them frankly. “As your wife said, Mr. Hughes, we are making progress all the time. What matters most is getting you fitter so you can enjoy the time you have. Don’t spend that worrying about the future. Anyone picking up a paper knows the future may be more precarious than any of us could have envisaged ten years ago.”

  Jo knew Doc White was referring to the political instability and threat of war but she couldn’t find it comforting.

  “Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate your frankness.” Jo said, giving her husband’s hand a squeeze. The news seemed to have hit Rick as he didn’t respond. She tried to project her strength to him.

  She helped Rick get dressed again before paying the doctor’s bill and walking outside. As they walked down the street arm in arm, Rick said “Jo, I can't stop working. We have to eat.”

  “Yes you can and you will. I can get a job. Not at the school,” she said quickly knowing how much Rick hated the new school regime.

  “You can't ride into town every day. It's not safe for a start and it's too far, to then work for hours on your feet,” he protested. She glanced at him lovingly. He was still thinking of her. Protecting her.

  “Rick Hughes, we will find a way. We just have to. I am not giving up on you, on us or on our family. I just won’t.” She stared up into the face of the man she loved more than life itself. She couldn’t believe he was now living under this death sentence. She wanted him to take her into his arms and tell her it had all been a bad dream. To wake her up out of this nightmare.

  He pulled her to him, holding her very close. She felt a tear hit her face. It wasn’t hers. She hugged him closer despite the fact they were on the main street in town. Who cared who saw them?

  After a couple of minutes during which they both composed themselves, she asked him if he wanted to go and get something to eat.

  “Darling, let’s just go home. I’ve missed the children, Bridget and most of all lying next to my beautiful wife.”

  She smiled through her tears but couldn’t say anything. She simply nodded and they headed to the blacksmith where their wagon was waiting. She’d asked the blacksmith to check the horses to see if new shoes were needed. Rick went straight to the wagon while Jo paid the bill. James or Blacky as everyone called him asked her how Rick was. She smiled and assured him he was fine.

  “Do you think he will be back at school soon Mrs. Hughes? My girls sure miss him teaching them. He is a mighty fine teacher. The best.”

  Jo gulped not wanting to embarrass either of them. She turned toward the wagon. “I don’t know yet Blacky. We will see how he is in a few days.”

  “You tell him to get well. We’re all thinking of him and the family Mrs. Hughes.”

  Jo squeezed Blacky’s arm having lost the ability to speak. Then she forced a smile on her face as she walked back toward her husband and their wagon. What would they tell the children? It would be easy to fool the twins into thinking everything was fine but not Carrie. Almanzo already guessed the situation was serious but did he know just how deadly Rick’s illness had become?

  Chapter 29

  They drove out to their house in silence, Rick having fallen asleep beside her despite the bumps and grooves on the track. Jo looked at his sleeping face. She loved him so much and couldn’t contemplate living without him. H
e had to follow the doctor's advice. It was the only hope they had.

  How would she manage the ranch? It was a lot of work and apart from Almanzo, they didn’t have any more men to help her. They hired casual workers as and when they needed them. Could she keep the ranch going? Thankfully they had proved their claim and paid off the mortgage so she didn’t have to worry about the bank repossessing. She wondered if it was worth working for a few hours every day. But that would mean leaving Rick alone. What happened if he had another turn and she wasn’t there to help him?

  The journey home seemed to pass in seconds. Rick woke up as she drew up outside the house. Almanzo was waiting for them. She gave him a look telling him they would speak later. He didn’t question them but offered to take care of the horses so they could go straight inside.

  “Bridget cooked up a feast while you were gone,” Almanzo said as he drove the wagon toward the barn.

  Jo exchanged a glance with Rick. She didn’t think she could eat but she would have to force down some food. It would be rude not to.

  Rick put his arm around her shoulders, kissing her gently on the forehead.

  “Try to smile darling. We don’t want to worry the children.”

  She smiled up at him, doing her best not to run away and cry. She had to be strong. The time for tears would be later when everyone else was asleep. She could last until then.

  When they entered the kitchen, their twins were waiting at the table. Carrie was helping Bridget.

  Rick sat down while Jo checked if there was anything she could do to help.

  “No Miss Johanna, you just sit down and enjoy your food. The twins helped me cook dinner. Didn’t you girls?”

  “Yes Ma, we helped a lot. We ate already because you were gone so long,” Lena whined.

  “Thank you.” Jo bent over each of the girls to give them a kiss. Their innocent happy little faces made it even harder to keep the tears at bay. She caught Rick’s gaze on her. She blew him a kiss before taking her seat.