Return to Whittakerville

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Mama got a letter from Anna today.” He picked up a piece of beef and placed it in his mouth. The succulent flavor burst on his tongue. “This is delicious, Annabelle.”

  “What did the letter say, Isaac?” Annabelle poured more milk for the children, then turned her attention to her husband.

  “Apparently, she is going to Whittakerville with that crazy Indian and she says it was just an accident that Papa got stabbed. Accident, my foot!” He quickly remembered the children and continued eating in silence.

  “Whittakerville, that is the town that is named after us. Can you tell me about it Pa?” Thomas was dying to know about the town. Last time it was mentioned everyone looked like he had said a bad word. Maybe now he could hear more about it.

  “Yes it is, but we will never go there. It was nothing but trouble for us. Now eat your dinner and forget about that place.” Thomas put his head down. What is the big secret about Whittakerville? Auntie Anna is lucky. I bet she won't think it is a bad place.

  “At least we all know she is safe. Anna can handle herself in spite of her age. Now, would anyone like some nice apple pie?” Annabelle rose from the table.

  Later that night, Annabelle and Isaac snuggled in their bed. “Do you think Anna had anything to do with that man before the church incident? She seemed to know him.”

  “I wouldn't put anything past my little sister. I, for one, will not miss her. She gave Mama such grief. Now come here my wife.” He reached for her, pulling her into his arms.

  “Isaac, don't say that. Family is important no matter what they do. We have to love and accept all of our relatives. I know Anna was troublesome but Jeremy and Martha loved her very much, just as all of you did. She will see sense and come home and when she does, we must forgive her.” She looked into his dark eyes and smiled. Isaac was a kind, loving husband and a good father. She knew he didn't mean what he said.

  “Forget about Anna, now where were we? I love you Annabelle.”

  The next morning Isaac rode over to Abe's house to discuss the letter. “I think she was in on it all along, Abe.” He set the large milk container down on the porch. Abe thanked him, inviting him in.

  “Well, I wouldn't be surprised if she was, but I don't think she would go so far as to have her own father stabbed. I think that was purely his doing. I hope that man is not as bad as our father was. If he is, she has no idea what she is getting herself into.” Abe tidied his desk, as the brothers talked. His office was large and held an oak desk, a couple of leather chairs. His medical certificates were proudly displayed over the desk. Several bookcases lined the wall. The waiting room and examination rooms were off to the side. The smell of antiseptic permeated the air. “This is a huge improvement over conditions in Mississippi. I treated the black slaves that had been given their freedom and little else, in nothing more than a shack. You know, Isaac sometimes I miss that life. Those people really needed me.”

  “You did your best for them Abe, you are a good doctor. People here need you as well. Besides, it is nice having my little brother living so close. Not to mention your wife is the best farm hand I ever had.” Isaac picked up the pen on the desk and twirled it in his fingers. “Where is she, by the way?”

  “Vivienne went into town to see Abby. Have you spoken to Zeke at all?”

  “The other day he said he was not sure what to do about Abby. I hope he doesn't hurt that young woman. She is such a lovely, kind person. Zeke never should have started courting her if he wasn't serious. Now he is talking about going back to England.” The pen continued to twirl, around and around. Isaac's tall frame relaxed in the large leather chair.

  “Zeke left England to escape one woman, and now he is retreating back there to escape another. I understand the school is waiting for him to return and he loves living in Pheasant Run. I honestly thought he would take her with him as his wife.” Abe lifted several files from the desk and put them into the drawer. “Our little brother is quite the lady's man, Isaac. Not like us. One woman our entire lives and I am glad it's that way. Why, I know so little about women, I spent weeks with Vivienne thinking she was a young man.” The two brothers laughed remembering how Abe had met Vivienne. Disguised as a boy named Billy, she had fooled him for weeks.

  “One woman is enough for me Brother, Amen.”

  The hotel restaurant was very busy that day. Abby and Vivienne sat beside the windows in the large room. Crisp starched white linen tablecloths and sparkling crystal made the room elegant and welcoming. “I don't believe it. Zeke wouldn't just leave you here.”

  “That is what he said. He can't ask me to leave my family. Oh, Viv I would go to the end of the earth for that man. I love him so, always have. What am I going to do?” She reached into her bag for her handkerchief. Several men in the restaurant stared in the direction of the two beautiful young women, one blonde, and one brunette.

  “There, there, Abby don't cry. He hasn't left yet. He might change his mind. Why don't you just ask him to take you with him?” Vivienne was raised in Louisiana and saw nothing improper about speaking her mind.

  “Oh dear God, I could never do that. I must wait until he asks me. It looks like he will just leave me here without a thought, how could I be so wrong. I was sure he loved me.” She dabbed her eyes. Just then a handsome young man with dark hair stopped at their table.

  “Miss Wells, Mrs. Whittaker, how lovely to see you this afternoon. I trust all is well with you both?” He tipped his hat and continued toward his table.

  “Now there is a great catch for someone, Hans Kruger, Anna's castoff. Why she would throw him over is beyond me. He is very handsome.” Vivienne's eyes followed Hans.

  “Vivienne, you are a married woman! But you are right, he is very handsome.” She giggled and Vivienne joined her. The tension was broken at last. The two young women enjoyed their lunch. As they rose to leave the restaurant, Hans Kruger stared appreciatively at Abby. Perhaps it is time to move on, my broken heart must heal sometime. Yes, it is time for me to ask a certain young lady to dinner. Hans finished his lunch, paid the check and with a lighter step, returned to his office at the St. Louis Haute Couture.

  Later, Vivienne and Abby stopped by the dress shop to visit Martha and Loretta. They were surprised to find Hans alone. Vivienne poked Abby in the ribs, gesturing toward the young man. “Go and speak to Hans, he is staring at you. I think he is interested,” Viv teased. A shy Abby asked Hans if her mother and Martha would be back soon.

  “No, Miss Wells, they have gone to see one of the suppliers.” He realized his hands were sweating nervously. “Miss Wells, I wonder if I could have the pleasure of your company tomorrow evening. The symphony starts at 7.” He stared at the floor shyly waiting for a response. Abby was taken aback. She was heartbroken over Ezekiel and the last thing she wanted to do was go out with someone else.

  “She would love to, wouldn't you Abby?” Vivienne stepped in to rescue the situation. Abby glared at her. Impeccable manners and years of training overtook her anger and she graciously accepted the invitation.

  “I would be honored, Mr. Kruger. I will see you at 7.” He beamed with delight, took her hand, gently placing a kiss on it. Abby blushed, Vivienne smiled widely. She took Abby's arm and ushered her out the door before she could change her mind.

  “What on earth did you do that for? You knew I couldn't refuse. Vivienne, I am very angry with you.” Abby turned on her heel haughtily and started down the street. Vivienne followed, catching up to her easily.

  “Oh, for Heaven's sake. Don't you see? If you go out with Hans, Zeke will get jealous. You are too innocent for your own good. Now, listen to me.” Vivienne took her arm and soon had Abby's complete attention.

  Vivienne returned home to find Isaac with Abe. She poured herself a coffee and joined the two men at the table. “Did you two know that Zeke is going back to England without Abby?”

  “I can never get used to seeing you in a dress, Viv,” Isaac joked. Abe laughed, staring appreciatively at his wife. The pale
yellow dress accentuated her dark hair and slim body. The overskirt added curve to her slim hips and the bodice revealed just a hint of bosom. Abe smiled.

  “We were talking about it earlier. All we can do is wait and see what happens. I think Abby is going to need you to help pick up the pieces, Viv.” Isaac picked up his cup and sipped the hot black liquid.

  “Oh, maybe not.” Vivienne gave Abe an impish smile.

  “I've seen that look before. What did you do now, Vivienne?” Abe knew his wife very well. Isaac was enjoying the interaction between the two of them.

  “Hans Kruger is taking Abby to the symphony tomorrow night.”

  “What! How on earth did that happen? Oh, I see. You had something to do with it, didn't you?” Abe looked at her, waiting for an answer. Isaac laughed. He had always liked Vivienne's openness and casual southern attitude.

  “Don't worry about the details, just make sure that Zeke goes to the symphony with you tomorrow night. I will say I am not feeling well and you can take him instead. Now stop looking at me like that, this will work. Trust me.” She drained her cup and left the kitchen. The two men stared at each other and then burst into fits of laughter.

  “Zeke, the lady's man has met his match!” Isaac roared slapping Abe on the back.

  The next night, Abe and Zeke arrived at the symphony sharply at seven. Several women watched the two blond, handsome young men in formal dress, with interest. The men made their way to their seats in the balcony. The ladies were dressed in their finest attire. The scent of perfume filled the hall. The young men stretched their long frames in the comfortable velvet chairs. Periodically the trill sound of a flute or clarinet could be heard from the orchestra pit, as the musicians took their places.

  Abby and Hans arrived minutes later and sat on the main floor just to the left and below the Whittakers’ private balcony. Abby took special care with her appearance. Her gown was a rich shade of rose, her blonde hair piled high on her head, two ringlets fell gently at her temples. Long white gloves covered most of her arms. She was stunning. Hans was bewitched. They chatted about the symphony and their favorite classical pieces. She was surprised at how suave and sophisticated he was. She was enjoying herself in spite of her reservations about this entire evening.

  The conductor tapped his baton, opening with Mozart's 40th. Zeke looked at Abe in surprise, “I am surprised the conductor would start with this piece. Did you know the 40th Symphony is sometimes referred to as the “Great” G minor symphony, to distinguish it from the “Little” number 25 G minor symphony? Mozart only wrote 2 minor symphonys.” Abe nodded, enjoying the music.

  Zeke looked over the audience as the music began. His face suddenly went pale. Abe watched him out of the corner of his eye. “What is the matter Zeke? You look ill.”

  Zeke stared silently at Abby and Hans. She was smiling, how beautiful she looked. He stood up. “I will be back in a minute.” Abe grabbed his arm.

  “Sit down and tell me what's wrong.” Zeke motioned toward Abby and Hans. Abe took a deep breath and then looked at his brother.

  “You told her that you were going back to England. You did not ask her to go with you as your wife, so what did you expect?” He waited for the anger on Zeke's face to subside. It was obvious that he was furious. “You can't have it both ways, Zeke. If you don't want her, someone else will. She is beautiful, intelligent and loving. She won't wait around for you forever.” Abraham felt sorry for Zeke but it was his own fault.

  “Forever! Looks like she didn't wait five minutes. I'm leaving.” With that he stood and marched from the balcony. Taking the stairs two at a time, Abe followed his brother from the Music Hall. Zeke would not speak to Abe during the carriage ride back to the mansion. He went directly to his room when they arrived. Abe found Martha and Jeremy in the great room.

  “Where is your brother? Why are you back so soon?” Martha looked curiously at Abraham. He shrugged.

  “How are you this evening, Papa?” Jeremy smiled and motioned toward the chess game. “Sure, I will beat you at chess before I leave. Ask Charles to bring me a brandy, please Mama.” Abraham and Jeremy settled down to play chess and Martha, puzzled, left them alone.

  Upstairs, Ezekiel paced back and forth in his room. He ran his hand through his thick blond locks; his entire body was tense. How could she? With the man that was to marry my sister, that is too much. Abby, oh my Abby what have I done? His mind and his heart were in turmoil. He didn't want to leave her, he didn't want a wife, and he didn't want her to marry someone else. What did he want? He paced for hours.

  Hans delivered Abby to her front door, kissed her hand and thanked her for a lovely evening. She smiled, opening the door and stepping in. Loretta was waiting for her. “How was your evening?” Loretta was quite the matchmaker herself and in fact was responsible for Jeremy and Martha's wedding. She was intrigued with Vivienne's idea to make Ezekiel jealous. Abby was smiling.

  “My evening was very nice. I think Zeke saw us but I can't be sure. I noticed he was not in the balcony after the first set. Hans is a very good companion. He loves the opera and has asked me to accompany him next week.” Loretta watched her daughter closely. Was it possible she was interested in Hans? Had Ezekiel just been a girlish crush? “Mother, don't look at me like that. I like Hans but I love Zeke. I don't know if this plan of Viv's is a good idea or not. Time will tell.” She hugged her mother and went to bed. That night she dreamt of dancing with Zeke under the stars. The evening was warm and the scent of magnolias filled the air.

  Chapter Five

  Wyoming

  “Anna, wake up. We are in Wyoming.” Jeb looked out the window at the familiar scenery. She rolled sleepily from her bunk and joined him at the window.

  “So this is our new home. It better be nicer than the town we stopped in.” She turned and kissed him on the lips. He pulled her to him. She responded, and then pushed him away. “Oh, no you don't. I told you, no brats for me.” She started to get dressed. Frustrated, he went back to the window and sat silent and sullen for the next hour. Anna went to the dining car for breakfast.

  “Next stop, Fort Laramie.” The conductor made his way through the cars. People started to show their excitement at reaching their destination. Anna was tingling with anticipation. What will it be like? How long before we get the money? Where will we live? She spent the next hour planning her future.

  Jeb was dressed when she returned to the sleeper. He was angry. “I don't know why I brought you here in the first place. You are driving me insane.” He glared at her.

  “Calm down. What do you want from me? I taught you to read a little, you can sign your name, you have a new identity and you are home. So get over it. Now let's pack up and be ready to get off in Whittakerville.” She reached for her clothes and placed them carefully into the bag. He wanted to slap her. He grabbed her and spun her around. He pressed his lips to hers firmly. She tried to pull away but he held her tight. She felt his lips pressing hers and his tongue struggling to enter her closed mouth. She wanted him to stop but felt herself responding. Her lips parted just enough to encourage him. He threw her down on the bunk. Her skirt was up over her head and he was pulling at her pantaloons. She kicked at him. Her foot caught him squarely on the jaw. In pain, he struck out and hit her across the face. She kicked again wildly, her fingernails dug into his arm. Again he hit her. She rolled off the bunk, he followed and pinned her to the floor. “You pig, you are just like your evil father. You are nothing but a filthy rapist.” At the mention of his father, his grip loosened. His hands dropped to his side and he stared at her. The blank look frightened her more than the attack. “Get off me, you pig.” She shoved him roughly. He fell away from her. She took advantage of the moment and jumped to her feet, grabbing the mirror from the bag, she held it over her head. “Come near me again and I will sink this mirror into your skull. Now get out.” He crawled toward the door. Opening it as he rose, without looking at her, he left her alone. Anna sunk down onto the bunk. Heavy sobs wrac
ked her body. She lifted the mirror to see the cut on her cheek. What have I gotten myself into? I won't be able to fight him off forever. She tended to her cut and finished packing her bags.

  Jeb stood at the back of the caboose watching the landscape disappear. Am I just like you? I hate you Jebediah Whittaker, no I won't be like you. I won't. He straightened his clothing and turned back to the sleeper cabin. She opened the door just as he was about to knock. “So you're back. Well, pack your bags and let's get off this God forsaken train for once and for all. I have had quite enough of train travel.” He stared blankly. “Hurry up. What are you waiting for? We have a fortune to claim.” With that he pushed past her and shoved his belongings into his bag.

  “Anna.” She turned toward him. “I'm sorry. I'm not like him. I'm not.” She walked away without responding.

  After departing the train, the travelers took a wagon the last mile to Whittakerville Hotel. Anna was impressed with the beauty of the landscape. Jeb was broody and silent. He had waited almost a year for this moment. Finally he would have money and power. He could taste it. Anna could see that this town was much older and more developed than most of the train stops along the way. She was relieved to see the hotel was a newer building and the rooms presentable. They checked into the hotel and went directly to the lawyer's office.

  Whitehall and Johnson, Attorneys at Law, the two young people stared at the sign. Taking a great breath of air, squaring their shoulders and squeezing each other's hand, they opened the door. A pert receptionist greeted them. “May I help you?” She didn't recognize Jeb from his previous visit almost a year ago.

  “Yes, my husband is Jeb Whittaker and we are here to see Mr. Whitehall.” Anna took charge.