Return to Whittakerville

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Something you are trying to tell me?” Annabelle raised her eyebrows.

  “No, not yet. But hopefully I will be pregnant soon. I would love a houseful of kids.” The two wiled away the afternoon discussing the family and their futures.

  Thousand of miles away in England, Austin and Loretta visited their daughter and Ezekiel. “How wonderful to have you here with me, Mother. I have missed you so.” Abby was thrilled. She showed Loretta the parlor, decorated in moss green, gold, rust and earthy tones. The furniture was large and stately. Loretta commented on Austin's study. “It is so like him. I can just picture him sitting here amongst his books. You are very lucky to have such an elegant home, Abby. It thrills me to see you both so happy.”

  Austin and Ezekiel toured the grounds and Austin was most impressed. “Years ago, Martha and I played in that meadow as children; too many years ago to remember. It has been years since I was back in England. This is a lovely stately home you have Ezekiel, and Abby seems perfectly at home here.”

  “Yes, she is the perfect English wife. Everyone loves her. She is tutoring some of the boys at my school. Did she tell you?” Ezekiel showed Austin the large formal gardens. The hedges were trimmed, some in the shape of birds or animals.

  “That is wonderful news. Abby was a brilliant student; I want her to use what she learned. It was wonderful of Jeremy to give Loretta and I this opportunity to come to England. He didn't want to leave St. Louis, in case there was word of Anna.”

  “Still no word, bloody hell? What is wrong with that girl?” Ezekiel seldom cussed but he was angry with Anna. “Excuse me, Austin. She makes me so angry.”

  “I am afraid I have to agree with you, Zeke.”

  “Hopefully she will write to him again soon. Unfortunately Anna always was a self- centered girl. I am sure both Mama and Papa are frantic with worry.” Arriving at a large cluster of buildings, Austin pointed to the left. “The stables are this way.” Saddled horses awaited them. The men took a ride out into the grounds.

  Abby and Loretta toured the house and Loretta could see how happy her daughter was. It made her feel better.

  “We must go into town and I will show you the lovely English tearoom there, Mother.” The two women spent days together enjoying each other's company and making the most of their time together.

  “I have a letter from David. He is doing very well in the navy. I wish he could have been at my wedding. Has there been any word of Anna?”

  “Not a word, Martha and Jeremy are beside themselves. Daddy brought them a newspaper saying that Jeb. Jr. was now the mayor of Whittakerville and he and Anna were married. That girl is too much. Let's talk of better subjects shall we. Any pitter patter of tiny feet in the near future?” Loretta looked at her daughter, Abby laughed.

  “No, Mother but you will be the third one to know.” Loretta and Austin were content and happy to see their daughter blissfully settled.

  After a blissful two weeks, they traveled by ship, back to America, feeling better about their daughter and son-in-law's future. They would still miss her, but it was time to let her go.

  Chapter Eleven

  Illness Strikes

  “Missy, come quick. Bossman fall down.” Ling Ye was frantic. Anna rushed into the dining room where Jeb was sprawled out on the floor.

  “Jeb, are you alright? Jeb.” Anna shook Jeb but got no response. “Go for the doctor, hurry up.” Ling Ye stood frozen to the floor. “I said, ‘Go you stupid woman.”

  Ling Ye ran from the room. As soon as the door closed, Anna walked calmly away from Jeb and looked out the window. Autumn was arriving with a flourish. The grass was turning yellow and the leaves were blowing on the trees. Several leaves drifted to the ground. She stood there until she heard the door and then quickly moved back to Jeb.

  “What seems to be the problem?” The doctor quickly checked Jeb. Anna stood by, looking frantic. Ling Ye watched her suspiciously.

  “Let's get him up to the bedroom. Where is your man servant?” Without being told, Ling Ye went to find Chu Ying. Jeb was placed in bed as Anna questioned the doctor nonstop.

  “I am not sure, Mrs. Whittaker, we will have to wait until he comes to. Perhaps he can answer a few questions in the morning. His breathing seems to be regular. Just stay with him through the night and I will come back in the morning.” Anna showed the doctor to the door. She walked calmly to the kitchen.

  “I will have my supper now.” Ling Ye gave her a strange look, and went to fetch the meal for her mistress. Later she took Chu Ying outside for a private conversation. Anna watched them from the window. Just what are you talking about. It looks very serious. Perhaps it is time to terminate this employment agreement.

  The next day the doctor concluded that Jeb had severe stomach pains. All he could say was that Jeb must have contracted food poisoning. Jeb was conscious but very ill. He vomited most of the day. Ling Ye continually provided a clean pail and several cool drinks. She wiped his fevered brow, fretting over him. Anna went shopping with Alice Parker. Although she found the plain, mousy young woman dull, Alice made Anna feel superior. Whenever they were together, gentlemen always paid a great deal of attention to Anna, ignoring poor Alice completely. This suited Anna very well. The ladies of the town also seemed impressed that Anna and Alice were friends, and Anna was going to do whatever she had to do to achieve her elevated status in Whittakerville.

  “How is your husband today? Does the doctor have any idea what is wrong with him?” Alice fidgeted in her seat. Anna looked around the hotel to see who was there.

  “What?” She was not paying the least attention to Alice.

  “I asked you how your husband was feeling today.” Alice was used to being ignored. All of her life she was the A student, the girl that the boys avoided. Her parents treated her more like a servant than their daughter and fawned over her sister, who everyone said was beautiful. The harder Alice tried to get good marks and be the perfect child, the more everyone adored her sister.

  “Oh, he just has an upset stomach. I'm sure he will be up and about in no time. That reminds me, I must stop by Jeb's office and finish up some paperwork. Come on, let's go.” Alice found Anna's lack of concern rather unnerving but she remained silent.

  Ling Ye looked pale when Anna returned. “What's the matter with you? Are you getting sick now?” Ling Ye shook her head.

  “Ling Ye with child, Missy. No problem.”

  “No problem! The last thing I want is some screaming brat running around this house. Go to Fort Laramie and get rid of it or I will get rid of you.” Ling Ye stared at her in shock. “You heard me, I will take you there myself. There will be no children in this house.”

  Ling Ye ran frantically from the room, Anna watched her go, shrugged, and picked up her paperwork. As far as she was concerned, the matter was settled.

  For more than a week, Jeb lay in his bed. Anna sat with him for a few minutes each morning and then using the excuse that there was pressing mayoral business to take care of, she left. He was happy that she was making sure his duties were taken care of in his absence. Chu Ying visited his room often; he and Ling Ye would stare knowingly at each other. Jeb wondered what was going on. Ling Ye avoided Anna as much as possible; she was frightened that Anna would take her to Fort Laramie or fire them.

  Two weeks later, Jeb was back in his office. He sat discussing his health with Bill Smithers and Donald Martin, the new town sheriff. “What do you think it is?”

  “I am not sure, Doc thinks it's food poisoning.” Jeb shuffled some papers on his desk. It appeared that Anna had taken care of business very well in his absence.

  “Food poisoning? Do you think it is something that your dad blamed servant made? Shoot man, you had better be careful the servants aren't trying to kill you.” Donald laughed, the other two appreciated that he had a suspicious nature. He was a big man, moving his tall frame often trying to get comfortable. Smithers liked these two young men; he knew they could be great friends. Although he was old enough
to be their father, the three always found a common topic of conversation.

  “Chu Ying and Ling Ye are like family, they would never do anything to harm us. No, I think I just got some bad meat. I will be fine.” The other two men looked first at Jeb and then at each other. They were not convinced. Suddenly, Jeb doubled over; severe stomach pains overtook him. Bill and Donald rushed to his side. His assistant ran to fetch the doctor immediately. Donald and Bill took Jeb home.

  “I don't understand it, perhaps there is something wrong with your drinking water. Do your wife or your servants show any signs of distress?” Jeb shook his head. The doctor was puzzled. He ordered Jeb to bed. For days he suffered clammy sweats, severe diarrhea and vomiting. Several nights, he was delirious with fever. Ling Ye stayed by his side. This time it took longer for him to recover; thankfully Anna took care of all of the town business in his absence.

  “Darling, I am so pleased that you step right in like you do. You are an angel. Soon people will start thinking you are the mayor.” Jeb chuckled, smiling at Anna. She reached over and pushed a stray lock of hair out of his face. He was very pale.

  “Jeb, dearest. You know you will be back in the office soon, I am just helping out. You are the real mayor of Whittakerville.” She fixed his blankets, kissed his cheek and then excused herself. As she approached the kitchen she heard raised voices.

  “I told you it was her. I saw what she did. You have to do something before Bossman is dead.” My, isn't this interesting. So you think you know something do you, Ling Ye? I think you and I will take a little trip before the week is out. Noisily she approached the kitchen.

  “Mr. Whittaker will have his lunch now, Ling Ye. Chu Ying don't you have work to do? I will be at the office.” With that, she marched from the kitchen leaving the two servants staring after her. Her total lack of concern was evident. Ling Ye turned to Chu Ying, her expression told him they could not wait.

  Anna closed a deal with the railroad to reroute the train line so a storage yard could be built in the town. It would mean a great deal of money for Whittakerville and a nice bonus for Jeb, in the way of a land sale. She, of course, did not refuse the beautiful diamond brooch that the railroad executive gave her. He was determined to close the deal before Jeb came back, knowing that Jeb was against it. Jeb owned several small cottages at that end of town. The rail line would have to go through the poorer section of town, demolishing these cottages. This meant that several families would be left homeless. Anna did not care about that. She held the brooch up to the sunlight admiring its' sparkle. The railroad brought much prosperity to the towns along the track. Anna could imagine Whittakerville growing over the next few years. The final papers were signed and delivered to the waiting railroad executive that afternoon. She rushed off to a meeting with the new Whittakerville branch of the National Women's Suffrage Association.

  Chu Ying rung his hat in his hands, nervously waiting in the Sheriff's office. Finally, Donald Martin arrived. “What can I do for you? Your Whittaker's man, aren't you?” Chu Ying nodded. He was hesitant to speak. Bill Smithers arrived, rushing into the room as if he were expected.

  “Sorry I'm late, well what do you think, Donald?” Donald gave him a perplexed look. Chu Ying looked up and shook his head. “Tell him for heaven's sake man, tell the sheriff what you told me. Come on, don't be frightened.” Bill went over to stand beside Chu Ying.

  “What the hell is going on?” the sheriff was getting anxious.

  “Missy poison Bossman.” Chu Ying was a man of few words. The sheriff looked at Smithers wondering if he understood what the man was trying to tell him.

  “Missy? You mean Mrs. Whittaker? She poisoned Mr. Whittaker? You had better have proof because the Whittakers are powerful people in this town.” Smithers signaled for him to let the Chinese man finish. Martin, who had great respect for the older Smithers, walked over and took a seat.

  “Ling Ye saw her put something in his soup. Later she did it again, only this time in gravy. She no eat gravy.” The sheriff pondered this information for a few minutes.

  “What did she put in his food? Maybe it was just salt.” Chu Ying reached into his pocket and produced a bottle.

  “Arsenic! Doggone it man, this will kill poor Whittaker. Are you absolutely positive?” He began pacing the small sheriff's office. “How do I handle this one?”

  Both Donald and Bill Smithers knew that Anna Whittaker was well respected and becoming a powerful force in the town. It could mean his job if he was wrong. Could he take the word of a servant? “Shoot, let me think about this. Don't say one word to anyone. Do you think Mrs. Whittaker knows that Ling Ye saw her? If so, your wife could be in danger.”

  “We'll come back tomorrow, Donald. I understand your problem. Whatever you decide, I'll back you up.” Smithers ushered Chu Ying from the room. The young sheriff put his head in his hands. Jeb Whittaker hired him; he owed the man. Not only that, he liked him. What was he to do; he couldn't let Jeb Whittaker be poisoned. He was hired to uphold the law.

  Chu Ying returned to the house to find Ling Ye in tears. Anna had ranted and raved about the meal and then fired her. Ling Ye told him Anna threw the entire contents of the soup pot across the room like a madwoman. He took his wife to their tiny room and started to pack the few belongings that they had. Silently, they left the Whittaker house and went to Bill Smithers blacksmith shop. He gave them the little back room and told them to stay out of sight. Smither was worried for their safety. Bill's wife told him that Anna was becoming very demanding with the women, almost totalitarian. Several of the ladies had left the Suffrage group because of her. There had been other instances at the dress shop in town that were most disturbing as well. After she related several odd occurrences over the past weeks, Bill knew he had to tell her. He hesitated telling her about the poisoning but in the end, he did tell her, swearing her to secrecy.

  “You must get Mr. Whittaker out of that house right away. She is trying to kill the poor man. Oh dear, dear, dear. That woman is insane.” Mrs. Smithers was beside herself. Her husband convinced her to wait until the next day. He too wondered if it would be too late.

  Jeb felt much better this morning. The sun was shining brightly. It was starting out to be a fine day. The night before Anna had been very amorous with him and he felt wonderful. He found his way to the kitchen. “Ling Ye, I would love bacon and eggs this morning.” He stopped dead at the sight of a complete stranger in his kitchen. “Who are you? Where is Ling Ye?”

  “I'm Clara, your wife hired me yesterday. Apparently the yellowbellies ran away with the silverware.” Her rotund body shook when she laughed.

  “First of all, if you are going to continue working here, we do not use terms like ‘yellowbellies' and Ling Ye and Chu Ying would not steal anything. Where is my wife?” Jeb was furious. He didn't like Clara and he wanted some answers. He turned on his heel and left the kitchen. “Anna, Anna.”

  “Stop shouting like a commoner. I'm right here.” Anna was putting on her coat.

  “Who is that woman?”

  “That woman is our new cook. Now calm yourself or you'll get sick again.”

  “I demand to know what you have done. Where is Chu Ying?” He was very angry. His whole body shook.

  “Your dear friend, Chu Ying took off with our silver candlesticks, my best silver brush and mirror and some money. They were nothing but thieves, so good riddance. Now I have work to do, are you coming?” She dismissed him as if he was a child and he didn't like it. He grabbed her arm.

  “Let go of me this instant.” Anna's face grew stern and angry. She tried to pull her arm away but he held fast. “Let me go, you stubborn ass.”

  “Not until you give me some answers.” Suddenly there was a loud knocking on the front door. The distraction was all Anna needed to free herself. She rushed to the door, finding Alice Parker standing there.

  “Anna, I must speak to you about these changes you want in the school curriculum. I really don't think we should be teaching this t
o the students. They should make up their own minds about things like this.” Anna grabbed the poor woman's arm and moved her down the steps.

  “We can discuss this at the school. Do not forget who is responsible for you having this job, Miss.” She turned and gave Jeb a very angry look, before proceeding down the street. He was fuming. Donald Martin rode up to the front door on his stallion, as Jeb watched Anna walk away.

  “Whittaker, we need to have a chat.” Martin dismounted and following Jeb's angry stare, saw Alice and Anna walking away. “Problem?”

  “No, just a household spat, come on in Donald.” Jeb ushered Donald into the parlor. “What can I do for you? Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “How long is your wife going to be? This is a very confidential conversation.” Jeb looked at the sheriff strangely. He pointed to his study and the sheriff followed him.

  “Now exactly what is this about?” Jeb was very curious and still angry from his run in. The sheriff dropped a large pillowcase on the floor. It clanked when it landed. Jeb stared at it curiously. “What on earth, is this about?”

  “John Little found this in your trash. He took it to Olga, because last night he saw the young Chinese couple in the street, carrying all of their belongings. John thought they might have dropped this, so he picked it up but he couldn't find them. He knew Olga would give him chocolate for something this valuable, so he took it to her. Olga called me.” Donald emptied the contents on the floor. One silver mirror and hairbrush, two silver candlesticks and several spoons clattered together in a heap. Jeb just stared.

  “Little found this in our trash, you say?”

  “Yep, no doubt about it. Somebody threw it out last night and I know where Chu Ying and Ling Ye are if you think it was them. Your wife fired them.” Jeb's head jerked up.

  “Fired them! She said they ran off with the silver. Wait until I get my hands on her. Chu Ying saved my life. The man is my friend.” He stood up; his whole body was shaking. Over the past month he had lost a great deal of weight, his strength was waning. He grabbed the back of the chair. Donald wished he didn't have to tell him anymore. He could see that the man was already suffering.