Return to Whittakerville

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Who was this man, give me his name.” Anna was furious. Ling Ye did not know who the man was. A large blue bruise began to form on the woman's cheek; her lip was cut and bleeding. Anna sent Ying Le to her own cabin to clean up and change. She went to find Jeb.

  “I'm telling you Jeb, it is those bastards in the town council. They are as crooked as they come. I want you to do something about this now. I will not have them drive my servants out of town and I will not allow them to intimidate us.” Jeb was growing agitated. Memories of many beatings he had as a young child came flooding back. The white man had not been kind to Red Fox, the half- breed. The more Anna ranted, the more agitated he became. He picked up his coat and went to the study for his knife.

  “I'll be back shortly.” He slammed the door as he left. Anna stared after him. You won't drive us away you bastards. You don't know whom you are dealing with. She went to find Ling Ye, not out of concern but to make sure dinner was being prepared.

  John Little was the town snitch. John was slow mentally and everyone teased and taunted him. He hid in corners and saw things. If you wanted to know anything, just give John Little some candy or a beer and he would spill the beans. He didn't miss much. Jeb found John outside of Smithers’ blacksmith shop. “I want to know who hurt Ling Ye, my woman servant. Tell me now, John.” Smithers stood leaning his large frame against the doorway listening. Jeb nodded to him.

  “It was the one with the broken teeth that did it.” John snatched at the bag of candy, Jeb looked over to Smithers.

  “Thanks John, you can go now.” Jeb and Smithers walked into the blacksmith shop. “The one with the broken teeth?”

  “That will be Joe Baker, he is a bad bastard. One mean son of gun.” Smithers told Jeb how the town had been slowly taken over by the town council and how the townspeople were not happy about it. There had been several unexplained lynchings over the past few months. “You be careful Jeb. You don't want to make enemies of those men.”

  “No one hurts my staff and gets away with it Smithers, I appreciate your help. Now forget this conversation ever happened.” Jeb went to the local saloon to look for Joe Baker. He found him coming out of the saloon. Jeb followed him to the alley, on feet as silent as the night. Moments later in the alley between the saloon and the general store, Joe Baker lay with his throat slit. Jeb walked calmly into the saloon, sat down and ordered a beer. No one saw a thing.

  When he returned home, Anna asked him what he had done. “Did you find out who did this?” Jeb nodded and poured himself a whiskey. “I think you have had enough already, now tell me what happened.”

  “It is taken care of, that is all you have to know. Now call Ling Ye and Chu Ying in here. I have something to say.” He gulped his drink and took a seat by the fireplace. Anna soon returned with the two frightened servants.

  “The Whittakers do not tolerate bad treatment of our servants. I want you both to know you will be safe working here. If anyone threatens you again, please come and tell me right away. Do I make myself clear?” Jeb paused and looked at them. They stood with their heads down, eyes on the floor. “The man that hurt Ling Ye is not going to hurt anyone else, ever again.” At that, Chu Ying looked into Jeb's eyes, he said little but an understanding passed between them. He made a short bow.

  “Thank you, Bossman.” He turned and taking Ling Ye's arm escorted her from the room. Anna watched as Jeb poured another whiskey.

  “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

  “Nothing for you to concern yourself with. It is done. Just know that I have taken care of it.” Anna put her arms around him and squelched her desire to know more. She trusted him. She would not ask.

  Chapter Eight

  Mothers and Daughters

  Martha stared out the window as the sun peaked from behind a cloud. The entire garden was illuminated with a lovely glow. She was remembering how happy Jeremy was the day she told him she was pregnant with Anna. Anna my daughter, did I fail you? Is it my fault that you have turned into this selfish, self-absorbed woman? Or are you just evil like your uncle, Jebediah Whittaker? Oh dear God, what were you thinking? Running off with a total stranger, a man that tried to kill your own father. What was Martha feeling, was it guilt or love, hate or remorse? Her feelings toward Anna were not clear. Martha shuddered as a chill ran down her spine.

  “Thinking of your lovely summer roses, my Dearest?” Jeremy walked over and rested his arm on her shoulders. She turned toward him, kissing his cheek.

  “No, just thinking. How are you feeling today?” She moved toward the breakfast table and poured Jeremy's tea. The scent of lemons rose towards her nostrils reminding her of another time long ago. She had been eighteen and her father had just told her that she was to marry Jebediah Whittaker. Again she shuddered.

  “What is it? Are you ill?” Jeremy took the cup from her hand. “Martha?”

  “Oh, no I just remembered something I have to do at the shop. Do you mind if I don't sit down to breakfast with you? I will just take a muffin with me.” She kissed the top of his head and rushed from the room. He watched her go, wondering what could be so important. He sipped his tea, thinking of his day ahead.

  Martha arrived at the Haute Couture after Loretta. She removed her cape and hat as she entered the office. Hans was busy with the ledgers. “Good morning Hans, where is Loretta?” Martha went to look for her in the sewing room.

  The two checked the latest shipment of silks and taffeta and then moved to the showroom. Racks of gowns hung along one side, a burgundy settee sat in the middle of the room. A table held the catalog of the latest designs and two dainty chairs completed the lounge area. The two women sat on the settee. “I don't know what to think about Anna.” Martha looked at her friend for advice.

  “You know she is not my favorite person, Martha. What are you feeling?”

  “That's just it, I don't know. Guilt, love, hate, confusion? I just do not know what I feel when I think about Anna. She is so stubborn and headstrong. I know Jeremy is very concerned about her.”

  “Martha, the letter you got said she was fine and knowing Anna, I am sure she is.”

  “That letter was received months ago. I wish, for Jeremy's peace of mind, she would write again. I don't feel that she is in any danger; I just don't know what to think or what to feel. I'm her mother, for heaven's sake, I should be upset, missing her, something!” Martha put her head in her hands; the strain was beginning to show. Loretta hugged her friend but offered no comment. Loretta knew exactly how she felt about Anna and that was angry. Angry at the girl for putting Martha and Jeremy through this torture, angry at Anna for sending David away, angry because Anna was nothing but a selfish, self centered little brat. Thank you, God for my Abby.

  “Why, even Christmas went more smoothly because Anna was not here. She always caused trouble over one thing or another, honestly Loretta. I feel terrible, but to be honest it was nice to have a day without the drama and the problems.” Loretta had to agree, even Abby had commented months earlier, how pleasant the day was without Anna.

  “Martha, you must let this go. Don't feel guilty about Anna; you did your best. We have no control over how our children turn out. All we can do is guide them and pray for the best.”

  “Oh God, Loretta, I keep remembering the night Anna miscarried. She was fifteen, for God's sake. She lied about having sex; she looked me right in the eye and said she was never with a man. How could she have expected me to believe her? She never would take responsibility for anything.” Martha wiped a tear away. “You know Loretta, I was so angry that I couldn't even comfort her knowing the pain she was in. I am afraid guilty is exactly how I feel.”

  “Well, talking David into lying for her and claiming he was the father didn't endear her to me Martha. I think Anna should take all of the responsibility for that situation.”

  “You are so lucky to have a wonderful daughter like Abby, Loretta.”

  Almost on cue, the doorbell tinkled and Abby Wells walked into the shop. A hot
blast of air followed her. “Mother, Aunt Martha, are you here?” Hans hearing her voice appeared at the office door.

  “Good morning, Abby, you look lovely today. Is it still hot outside?”

  “Yes, it is very humid, Hans. How are you? I am looking for my mother.”

  “The two of them went out back to supervise a shipment. You will find them there, or you can wait here with me if you like.” Hans was hoping she would stay.

  “Thank you, Hans, I will go and find her.” Abby liked Hans but she knew that he wanted more from her. She was in love with Ezekiel and that was that. If you don't marry me Ezekiel, I will be an old maid for the rest of my life. Abby disappeared behind the door and Hans reluctantly returned to his work.

  Abby found Loretta and Martha still seated on the settee in the showroom. “Mother, would you like to go shopping this afternoon?” Loretta smiled at her daughter. Martha looked at the two of them with envy. Why can't I have that relationship with my daughter? Loretta finished her work and she and Abby set of to shop. Martha helped Hans with the books until closing time.

  Abby wanted to ask her mother about her situation with Ezekiel. Loretta tried to help her but it really was up to him. He would have to make the next move. Just as they arrived home, Ezekiel walked up to the gate. “Good evening, Ladies, may I help you with your parcels?” Elegantly he scooped the bags from their hands and ushered them to the front door. “May I speak with you in private, Abby?”

  Abby and Ezekiel went into the living room while Loretta took the parcels upstairs. Quietly, she returned to the top step where she could eavesdrop without being seen.

  “I have to return to England. I was supposed to leave at the end of next week. I have done a lot of thinking Abby.” Abby held her breath. She prayed that he would ask her to go with him.

  “Yes, Ezekiel, what have you decided.” Under the cloth of her flowing skirt her fingers were crossed. At the top of the stairs, Loretta too held her fingers crossed and prayed.

  “It was necessary for me to make a change in my travel plans. It appears I can not travel with the new ticket next week, but will have to wait until the end of the month.”

  “Change your ticket? I don't understand.” Abby was becoming more confused by the minute.

  “The new ticket is for two, Abby. Will you marry me?”

  Suddenly, Ezekiel dropped on one knee. He produced a beautiful diamond ring; a single diamond surrounded by green emeralds.

  Abby stared at him. “Yes, yes. Oh my darling, Yes.” She almost knocked him over as she leapt into his arms. He carefully placed the ring on her finger, before picking her up and twirling her around the room.

  “I know I put you through it, Abby but I had to be sure. I am a bachelor at heart and I would never want you to be hurt. I love you with my very soul.” He kissed her. “You will have to come to England with me, that means leaving your family. You understand we will have to marry in the next week, so it will be a very small affair.”

  “Of course, Ezekiel, anything you say. Oh, I love you too.” Loretta was elated but heartsick. Next week, you must leave me, my dearest Abby. Dear God how will I stand losing both of my children? Slowly she walked down the stairs, holding her head high. I must not let you know my heart is broken. Abby ran to her mother, hugging her tightly.

  “Oh Mother, I am so happy. I know you wanted a big wedding but Ezekiel has just asked me to marry him and go to England at the end of the month. My dream has come true. Please be happy for me, Mother.” Tears of joy ran down Abby's face, Ezekiel watched as Loretta forced a smile. He knew that Abby's leaving would be a difficult time for the Wells family. He would come back and speak to Austin later.

  “My Darling, I will go and start planning our wedding. I shall return after dinner and we can discuss it with your parents. I must tell Mama and Papa. Remember, I love you.” He pecked Abby's cheek, placing his hand supportively on Loretta's shoulder; he left the house. Why did one person's happiness have to make another so miserable?

  The next few days were a whirlwind of activity at St. Louis Haute Couture. The seamstresses worked overtime. “She will have the most beautiful wedding gown Martha. Although we have little time, we must make this special.” Loretta chose the finest lace for the neck of the gown. “Martha, are you sure we should use this lace, it is most expensive. Austin and I appreciate your gesture of giving Abby this dress, but we really do not want to take advantage.”

  “Loretta, you are the best friend any woman could have. I love Abby as if she were my own daughter.” A sad expression crossed Martha's face. “I probably will never be able to do this for Anna, this is my pleasure.”

  Abby's school friend, Stephanie McEachern stood admiring the gown that she would wear. “Abby you are so lucky to have your gowns made here. This shop is the envy of everyone at school. I love this design for your gown, with the removable panel.”

  “The removable panel will be taken off after the ceremony. I like the idea of the chaste and pure bride with the high neckline, later revealing the true woman beneath.” The two young women giggled like schoolgirls. Martha and Loretta smiled.

  “Oh, Abby, it is too bad you will miss my wedding next spring. England is so far away.” Stephanie looked forlornly at her friend.

  “Yes, it is far away.” Loretta added sadly.

  “Mother, please we have talked about this.” Abby went to her mother and hugged her. “I know you will miss me, and I, you, but this is my life now.” Loretta looked over Abby's shoulder at Martha, who understood only too well what losing your daughter felt like.

  Vivienne was fitted for a Matron of Honor's dress. Stephanie was bridesmaid. Even little Sissy was included, wearing her flower girl dress from Abraham's wedding. “Sissy, Grandma will make you a new dress for this wedding, if you like.”

  “No Grandma, I really only need one dress, I don't really like wearing dresses. But, thank you anyway.” Annabelle shook her head.

  “What will I do with you, Sissy?”

  “Just love her and enjoy ever minute that you have her with you. One day she will grow up and leave.” Annabelle knew that Martha was thinking of Anna. She hugged Sissy close. “We will alter the dress to fit our new bigger, Sissy.” Everyone laughed.

  Isaac and Abraham, as best man and usher, completed the wedding party. They helped console the nervous bridegroom. “Are you sure you are making the right decision, Zeke?” Abraham wanted to be sure Zeke was ready to settle down. “There will be a lot of unhappy young ladies in this town.”

  “Oh, I am very sure this time Abe, I love Abby and I want her for my wife.”

  The day of the wedding, Jeremy was thrilled but could not help remember the last wedding. He sat in the church with Martha; a cold chill ran down his spine. I might have died here. Martha knew what he was thinking and squeezed his hand. The music began to play. Vivienne walked down the aisle with Sissy, both dressed in pale purple gowns. Stephanie followed in the palest of green, which set off her chestnut hair beautifully. Abraham, Isaac and Ezekiel stood proudly at the altar. Ezekiel wore the most up to date shorter style coat, with narrow lapels closing higher at the throat, almost covering the tie.

  Loretta turned with tears in her eyes as Austin walked Abby down the aisle. Ezekiel gasped at the sight of her. Her gown was white silk, a simple, straight empire waist gown. A lace gusset rose high on her neck, sparkling jewels on the lace reflected the light. Long tight lace sleeves hugged her arms. Lace gloves appeared as if they were one with the sleeves. The left glove had a split seam on the ring finger for ease of placing the wedding band without removing the glove. The lace veil was feminine, held in place with a diamond tiara. Her hair was pulled back and high on her head. Small blonde tendrils fell from the fringe over her lovely, beaming face. She was the most beautiful bride in the world in his eyes.

  I wish David could have been here, Loretta could not help but think of her son so far away in the Navy. Grandma Minnie smiled as the young couple said their vows. She had waited years f
or this day. Thomas sat in pew beside Minnie with his baby sister, Amy. Agatha Carruthers, now in a wheel chair sat holding Amy's hand. Agatha was as close to a mother as Martha could have and she was thrilled to see these two families coming together. Agatha loved Ezekiel as if he were her own grandson. Agatha looked over at Martha. Martha glanced over and smiled but Agatha could see the sadness in her eyes. You are thinking of your own daughter aren't you Martha?

  The couple was married without incident and a small reception at the Whittaker mansion followed.

  “Anna has missed her brother's wedding.” Martha stated. Annabelle and Vivienne looked at each other. “I am sure this will only be the first of many events that Anna misses in this family. She no longer cares about any of us.”

  “Mother Martha, I am sure Anna cares very much for all of you. She is just far away, that's all. Don't distress yourself.” Vivienne was trying to appease Martha but she had to agree with what Martha said. Anna didn't seem the least bit interested in writing to let them know what was happening with her or in finding out how any of them were. In an effort to change the subject, Annabelle suggested they go and see the blushing bride and the three made their way across the room.

  “A married man, Zeke. I never thought we would see the day.” Isaac patted his brother on the shoulder. “You are a lucky man.”

  “Abby is too good for you, my brother,” Abraham added. Abby smiled at the brotherly jousting going on. She loved this family. Austin came to dance with his daughter, pride shone in his eyes. Ezekiel took Loretta's hand and led her to the dance floor.

  “Aunt Loretta, I know you are heart broken. I am so sorry to have to take Abby away to England, but I must return to work. The school has been very understanding but their patience has run out.” She smiled at him.

  “I know Ezekiel, I know. It is just hard to let her go. She has loved you since she was a child and now you are her knight in shining armor. Take care of my girl.” Tears ran down her face. Ezekiel reached into his pocket and handed her his handkerchief. He was close to tears himself.