Return to Whittakerville

by Shirley A. Roe

  “River's can't sing. They're made of water.” Sissy was skeptical, but she loved Viv's stories. Thomas waited patiently for Vivienne to continue.

  “Yes, it does sing, Sissy. When the wind blows through the Sawgrass you can hear a sound like wailing. Once a long time ago, a tribe of Indians named the Pascagoula lived there. They were gentle, contented people. The Biloxi Indians also lived there and they were enemies of the Pascagoula.”

  “Oh, did they have a war?” Sissy, at six had little patience.

  “Anola, princess of the Biloxi tribe, was in love with Altama, Chief of the Pascagoula tribe. She was betrothed to a chieftain of the Biloxi, but she ran away with Altama to his people. This Biloxi chieftain led his Biloxi braves to war against Altama and the peace loving Pascagoula. The Pascagoula swore they would either save the young chieftain and his bride or perish with them. When the battle started, the Pascagoula were outnumbered. They were faced with enslavement by the Biloxi tribe or death. The women and children led the way, Pascagoula, accompanied by the princess and Chief Altama, joined hands and began to chant a song of death. They walked into the river until the last voice was hushed by the dark, engulfing waters.” Vivienne took a sip of her tea, watching the faces of the children.

  “Oh, no, they all drown. That is a sad story, Auntie Viv.” Sissy was overcome with sadness. She gave Vivienne a big hug.

  “Yes, Sissy and that is who you can hear singing in the Singing River to this day. The sound is very sad and mournful. Now, shall we go and feed those ducks?” Vivienne cleared the dishes, smiling at Annabelle. She headed for the door, followed by Sissy and Thomas.

  “Don't forget to come and get some of this butter before you go home.” Annabelle rubbed her shoulders before continuing the arduous task. Thomas looked at his mother.

  “Should I take over now, Mama?” Thomas inquired, hoping she would say no.

  “You go and help with the barn work, I can manage.” Thomas turned toward Vivienne.

  “Thanks Aunt Viv, I love your stories. I would like to go to Mississippi one day and hear the Singing River.” Thomas picked up his hat, holding the door for the two females. He waited until the door was closed before adding, “I would like to go to Wyoming too, but I don't think that is likely.” Thomas kicked a stone across the yard. “Aunt Anna is lucky,” he added as an afterthought, which did not go unnoticed by Vivienne.

  Later that day, she mentioned it to Isaac. Isaac pitched the manure from the stalls while Vivienne groomed the horses. “Thomas won't let Whittakerville go, Isaac, you are going to have to tell him something. He is a young boy, with a town named after his family, that no one will talk about.” She ran her hand down the horse's muscled back.

  “I know Viv, but we don't want to think about those days. He will just have to forget it.” Isaac knew it was unlikely his son would forget, but he would not discuss Whittakerville with anyone. The memories were too painful. After the chores, knowing she had made no progress with Isaac, Vivienne tried reasoning with Annabelle.

  “Annabelle, you have to give Thomas some information. He is not letting this go. I asked Isaac to talk to him but he refused. Someone has to tell Thomas why no one wants to talk about that place.” Annabelle nodded but remained silent. She stacked the split wood in the wood stove. “I know I am new to this family but children should not be kept in the dark. It will only lead to danger, look what happened with Red Fox.” The mention of the man's name made shivers go down Annabelle's spine. “That man almost killed both of us, yet he sat calmly and casually with Thomas and Sissy, befriending them. Now, I want you to seriously think about talking to your children.” Annabelle knew that Vivienne was right but she also had to respect Isaac's wishes.

  “Vivienne, you are right. Can you perhaps ask Mother Martha to talk to them?”

  “Mother Martha? Why can't you do it?” Vivienne was getting agitated. What was the big secret that kept this family silent? Vivienne watched as Annabelle replaced the top on the stove. She went to the pump and washed her hands, blackened from the soot. Drying them on her apron, she took the seat opposite Vivienne.

  “Isaac is the head of this house and I must respect his wishes. Please Vivienne, I know you want the best for this family and I do agree that the children need some information. Mother Martha is the only one that might be able to shed some light on this situation without telling them too much. If you ask her, I can stay out of it. You can tell her we discussed it. I will leave it up to you.”

  Annabelle walked Vivienne to her horse, she waved goodbye and watched until Vivienne was out of sight. A hot wind blew across the farmyard. Summer is coming, good luck to Anna in a hot, dry Wyoming summer.

  Vivienne rode into the yard of her home, stabled her horse and went to find Abe. He was just finishing some paperwork in his office. “How was the farm? You go take a hot bath and I will be in shortly.” He kissed her cheek, returning to his work. Vivienne decided to take his advice, have her bath, cook supper and then talk to him. She heated the water on the stove, lost in thought. She set the freshly churned butter on the counter, licking her finger, when some escaped the bowl. She relished the rich, creamy taste.

  Soon she had the tub filled with warm water. She let her body feel the relaxing heat. Vivienne's body was muscled and lean. She was not afraid of physical work and a hot bath was one way that she could relax. Her body relaxed but her mind was reeling. I am going to get to the bottom of this.

  Abraham helped Vivienne empty the tub. “The plumbers will be here next week to install the indoor plumbing. I know it will be a luxury that you will enjoy, my love.”

  “I was raised on washtubs and outhouses, Abe. It really doesn't bother me that much.”

  “As a doctor, I would not have recommended indoor plumbing until a few years ago. When George Waring discovered that plumbing should be vented, he saved many lives. Did you know that people were getting sick from the fumes from their indoor plumbing? The plumbing was venting back into the houses. We doctors were mystified to find out the cause of so much illness. That all changed with Mr. Waring's book, The Sanitary Drainage of Homes and Towns.” Abraham looked at Vivienne. “The look on your face tells me I am boring you. But, I guarantee you will be happy when you don't have to go outside in the middle of winter.” He laughed.

  There was something else on Vivienne's mind as she hung the tub on the wall in the back room.

  Over coffee, she broached the taboo subject. “I asked Isaac and Annabelle to talk to Thomas about Whittakerville.” Abe gave her a startled look.

  “Why did you do that? You know we don't discuss it. I wish you would just leave it alone, Viv. Those days are not worth remembering. That place holds nothing but nightmares for all of us.” Vivienne looked at her husband. What on earth happened to all of you in Wyoming? Thomas isn't the only one that wants to know. I need to know too.

  “Can you please tell me what happened, Abe? I am your wife, I want to share your past and your pain.” She held his hand in hers, looking into is haunted eyes.

  “Just leave it Vivienne. Now, pass the coffee please. Tell me about Abby. Has Ezekiel made any sign of changing his plans to return to England?” Vivienne knew better than to insist, she would ride into St. Louis and speak with Martha tomorrow. One way or another, she was going to find out exactly what the big secret was.

  Martha was surprised to see Vivienne in the great room with Jeremy. “Vivienne my dear, what a lovely surprise. Did you come to town with Abraham?” Martha kissed Viv's cheek and then sat with her husband.

  “Abe dropped me off on his way to the hospital. I wondered if I might have a word in private with you, Mother Martha?” Jeremy and Martha exchanged a look.

  “Of course, my dear, let's go into the conservatory shall we? The weather is cool today but that room is always bright and sunny. The doctor is coming to see Jeremy so we shall leave him here.”

  “Lovely to see you again, Vivienne. Thomas was telling me that you would have him ready for the fair. He is very exc
ited.” Jeremy pulled the blanket over his knees, as a chill ran through him.

  “Thomas will win the riding competition, for sure. He is very good at jumping and Chestnut trains easily. You take care of yourself, Papa Jeremy.” Martha and Vivienne moved into the hall towards the conservatory.

  “You are very kind to speak with me, Mother Martha. I am afraid I might upset you but I have some questions that need answering.” Martha looked at the young woman, wondering what this was about. After settling themselves amongst the palms, Vivienne, who was not one to beat around the bush, went right to the point. “What happened in Wyoming?” Martha drew a deep breath. Oh dear, this is what I was afraid of. “Thomas is very curious about Whittakerville and no one will tell him anything. He is a curious young man and I feel he should be told something. This entire family is very close-lipped about that entire time in your lives.”

  “With very good reason, my dear.” Martha was stalling, trying to pick her words very carefully. “When that dreadful man came here to kill Jeremy and the boys, I knew then that the past was going to come back to haunt us. Now Anna has run off with him to that horrible place. Oh, dear me. What can I tell you?” Vivienne saw that Martha was visibly shaken; perhaps this was not a good idea.

  “I am sorry, Mother Martha but I too need to know some of what happened. I did talk to Annabelle and she said that she would appreciate your telling Thomas something about those days. Just enough to satisfy him, I am sure there will be some things he does not need to know.”

  “Annabelle would never do anything against Isaac's wishes. I understand why she thinks I should be the one to tell the story.” Martha paused. “Vivienne, you bring Thomas here on Wednesday afternoon and I will tell both of you some of what happened. The rest, you must promise to leave alone. Do I have your word?” Vivienne assured Martha that she would accept what she was told and then leave it alone. She would make sure Thomas agreed as well. When Vivienne left, Martha went to find Jeremy. The doctor was finishing his examination.

  “Your man is improving with each day, Mrs. Whittaker.”

  “That is wonderful news, doctor. Do you think he will be able to dance at the Summer Gala?” Jeremy smiled at his wife. Always the socialite, but what a beautiful woman she was. He wanted nothing more than to dance with her again.

  “I don't see why not. I was just saying that I thought it would do him good to return to the office two days a week.” Jeremy was very happy at this news; boredom was setting in. He was anxious to return to the office. He patted his newly acquired belly. All of this lying around was causing him to gain weight.

  “Show Doctor Johnson to the door Martha and ask Charles to bring our lunch in the conservatory. Tell him to make mine a light lunch.” Again he patted his small paunch, Martha and the doctor laughed. “I will meet you there. Good Day, doctor.” Jeremy rose and walked slowly to the hall. The doctor and Martha smiled at his progress.

  Jeremy waited while Martha relayed the conversation with Vivienne. “What are you going to tell her?” He knew that it would be a very difficult conversation for his wife.

  “The truth, or at least some of the truth. There are certain things that shall remain buried in the churchyard with Jebediah. That young woman is very astute. The children need to know something about Wyoming, especially now that Anna is there. Everything is coming back to haunt us, Jeremy.” She moved into his arms. Arms that had always made her feel safe. He held her close. Jebediah, you bastard. Still you haunt us. The mention of Anna made him very sad. He missed his daughter. In spite of how much trouble she was, he loved her and wanted her home.

  Wednesday afternoon, Vivienne and Thomas arrived at the mansion filled with anticipation. Vivienne was not sure which one of them wanted to hear the story more. “Are you sure Grandma is going to talk to us about Whittakerville? I thought it was a big secret.” Thomas had his doubts. Vivienne nodded as Charles opened the door. Martha greeted them.

  “Thomas, Vivienne, how lovely to see you both.” Thomas handed a basket to Charles.

  “Pa said to give you these, Mr. Charles. Fresh butter and eggs, and some apples, from the farm.”

  Charles bowed in thanks. “Please thank your father, Mr. Thomas.” He disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Please, come into the great room. Granddad has gone into the office for a few hours. There are some of your favorite cookies there on the plate, Thomas.” Thomas helped himself to the cookies and then remembering his manners, put them aside and offered the plate to Vivienne and Martha. They politely refused, the three staring at each other waiting for someone to start.

  “Thomas and I are looking forward to hearing about Wyoming, and we want to thank you for telling us what you can. We both understand that there might be questions you are not willing to answer.” Vivienne wanted to get started.

  “Well, it was a very long time ago. I was only eighteen years old. Jebediah Whittaker and I were married in England. I will tell you that I did not want to marry him. My father arranged it, and I was not happy about it. Isaac, Abraham and Ezekiel's mother had died. I was to be their stepmother. Thomas, your father, the oldest of the boys, was ten at the time, almost the age you are now. We traveled on a ship to the Americas. It was a terrible voyage. Many people died of a mysterious illness. I was very glad to reach solid land. My joy was short lived. We traveled on a wagon train from St. Louis to Wyoming. It was worse than the sea voyage. The dust choked the life out of you, the wagons were most uncomfortable and walking was better than riding. I hated every minute of it. We arrived in Fort Laramie and then built a sod house in the place that would later become Whittakerville.” Thomas asked a few questions about the sea voyage and the sod houses. Vivienne watched Martha's face as she spoke. There is a lot more to this story, judging by the look on your face.

  “Jebediah Whittaker was the Pastor of the church. He was a kind, God-fearing man to his parishioners and they loved him. He was a monster to his family. He beat us all; he used the pioneers to his own end. He lent them money and then repossessed their farms; he was greedy, and selfish. He did not care about those people or their struggles to make ends meet. Unfortunately, he kept that information well hidden and therefore, the people of the town loved him. Jeremy and Austin traveled from England to Wyoming to find us. Jebediah had told no one where we were going, it was just by luck that they located us.” She gulped air realizing that she was talking quickly. “Jebediah was killed in the church and we buried him there. The townspeople named the town after him and we left. That is about all there is to tell.” Martha looked anxiously at the two mesmerized members of her family, hoping it would be enough.

  “But how did he die in the church, who killed him?” Thomas was not letting this go easily.

  “A robber, now that is all I have to say. Please, let this go. Your father and your uncles do not want to remember the man that beat them. I do not want to remember those horrible days in Wyoming. I have said all I care to say.” Martha rose from her chair, intimating that the conversation was over. “I hope you are both satisfied now.” Vivienne looked at Martha knowing there was much, much more to this story. Thomas hugged his grandmother.

  “Thank you Grandma, I am glad you told me about Whittakerville. Even though Pa's father was a mean man, I am still glad they named a town after us. We are all very good people and no one has to know the rest of the story. Thank you again.” Vivienne ushered Thomas to the door, she smiled at Martha but gave her a look that said, and I will be back to hear the rest of the story. Vivienne knew most of the story that she had just heard just from picking up bits and pieces over the previous months, but there was definitely something that was not being told. There was a big secret and it looked like the Whittakers would take it to their graves. Martha waved goodbye from the doorway, a cold shiver ran down her spine. She pushed the horror of those times to the recesses of her mind.

  Riding back to the farm Thomas turned to Vivienne. He and Chestnut slowed to a walk as did Vivienne and Blackjack. “Did you think
that maybe Grandma was not telling us the whole story, Aunt Viv?”

  “Thomas, I think we have heard all that we are going to hear and we should leave it at that. Some terrible things must have happened in Whittakerville; things that we should not keep digging to discover. You have a good family and a good life; it appears that your Pa and his brothers were not so lucky. Now did I ever tell you the story of how my Pa and I worked on the plantation in Louisiana, picking cotton?” She told her tale to her appreciative audience for the rest of the ride home.

  When she arrived home she told Abraham what Martha had said. He just nodded in silence. “Did he really die at the hands of a robber, Abe?” Abe gave her a funny look.

  “If that is what Mama said, then that is what happened. Why don't you believe her?” he was irritated. She thought that strange. What are you hiding?

  “Of course, I believe her, I just wondered if there was more to it.”

  “Well, leave it alone. Those days were not the childhood of dreams, more like horrible nightmares, so leave it alone. I mean it Viv, do not push this.” He was getting agitated; she decided to change the subject.

  “Papa Jeremy is much better, he was at the office. I am sure he is on the mend.” She rose and headed for the kitchen. “What would you like for supper?” He followed her. Taking her in his arms, he apologized for snapping at her.

  “I am sorry, darling. Please forgive me but my father did terrible things to Martha and us, things that do not bear repeating. I love you and I know you are just trying to understand, but some things are best left buried in the past.” She kissed him and handed him the potatoes.

  “You peel and I will prepare the chicken. I love you, too.”

  Thomas sat in the chicken coop contemplating what Martha had told them. Sissy sat next to him. “Well, are you going to tell me the story of Whittakerville?” She waited, picking at the chicken feathers on the perch. Chickens walked beneath the children's dangling feet, clucking and scratching. The two didn't seem to notice the pungent smell of chicken droppings. Thomas told her what he had been told.