One morning, a letter arrived from St. Louis.
Dear Jeb:
I want you to know that all of us have forgiven and forgotten what was in the past. We consider you a member of this family. All of us know and understand how you suffered at the hands of Jebediah Whittaker for we also, were his victims. You loved Anna. You are our link to her. If you feel inclined to visit, please do not hesitate. Our doors are always open to you. I trust you are working through your grief and your great loss, although she may not have said so, I am sure Anna loved you in her own way. She was a very troubled girl who in her own words is “Free at Last.” Find solace in that, as I have done.
Please keep in touch,
Sincerely,
Martha Whittaker.
He could not believe that the matriarch of the Whittaker family had written to him. He was very touched by her words. He folded the letter and placed it in his desk, he would always keep it. Perhaps you are right Mrs. Whittaker, perhaps in her own way, Anna did love me and I loved her enough for the both of us.
Chapter Seventeen
David
“Mother, are you here?” The tall handsome young man in the naval uniform drew several glances from young ladies passing by the Haute couture. Hans looked up from his work, as the bell tinkled.
“May I help you?”
“Hans, my goodness, it has been a long time.”
“David, why I hardly recognize you. You look very smart in that uniform. How is the navy treating you?” David walked around the show room fingering the fine fabrics of the gowns as he passed. He was much taller than Hans remembered him and much more mature. “Your mother will be thrilled to see you.”
“Is she here?”
“No, she and Mrs. Whittaker have gone to Chicago on business for a few days. They will be back tomorrow.” David looked disappointed but soon brightened.
“I guess it is just the old man and me then. I will go and see my father. Hans, nice to see you again.” The two young men shook hands and just before David walked out the door, Hans added. “My deepest sympathies in Anna's death. I know you and she were very good friends since childhood.” David stopped and turned to face Hans.
“I should not tell her fiancé this, but I loved Anna more than life itself. It nearly destroyed me when I heard that she had taken her own life. I came back to get the entire story, letters can be very sparse.”
“I am sure the Whittakers and your family will fill in the details. Anna and I were engaged for a short time, however, she left St. Louis with another man and lived with him as his wife. Apparently, he is the one that she tried to kill. I look at it as a close escape myself.”
“Well, I don't believe any of that. Anna would never try to kill anyone; I am surprised to hear you say that. Didn't you love Anna?” David was disturbed by the comment.
“I thought I did, but it appears you were much more in love with her than I. I apologize if my comment insulted you. Perhaps we will have lunch before you return to your ship.”
“Perhaps.” David turned and left the shop. Hans watched him go.
David walked across the street toward the export business. The sun felt good on his face. Austin and Jeremy were discussing a trip west to make new contacts. The window was open to allow the cool breeze in. Both men stood with shirtsleeves rolled up in the heat of the day. The door opened and both turned to see who it was. “David, dear God, is it really you? Why didn't you tell us you were coming?”
Austin ran to his son and embraced him. Holding him at arm's length, he looked him up and down. “Looks like you have grown a foot and gained twenty pounds. The navy is feeding you well, I see.”
“Father, great to see you. Yes, the navy takes very good care of me. Uncle Jeremy, nice to see you again. I am very sorry about Anna.” David and Jeremy exchanged a look of understanding. These were the two men that loved her unconditionally.
“David, you have grown into a fine young man. That uniform is very becoming.” Jeremy wiped the sweat from his brow. “Although you must be warm in this heat. I am sure all of the young ladies in St. Louis will be knocking on your door before you leave town. You mother and Martha will be back tomorrow.”
“Let's the three of us go for dinner at the hotel. Just we men, oh, it is good to have you back, Son. With Abby in England, the house seems so empty. Grandma Minnie will be thrilled to see you.” Austin was ecstatic. His son, the boy, had come home a man.
The men enjoyed a long delicious dinner at the hotel. Ceiling fans kept the diners cool as they sipped cool drinks. “This weather is wonderful for this time of year, perhaps we won't see snow until after Christmas.” After a wonderful visit, Austin took David home to see his grandmother. She was thrilled. She asked him all about the ship, the places he had seen and the men that he worked with.
“Last year the Navy Secretary requested funds from Congress for the construction of modern ships. The request was rejected but this year they finally authorized the construction of three steel cruisers. I am hoping to be assigned to one of them.”
“Where will they be used, David?” Austin wondered how far away his son would travel.
“Interest is increasing in Samoa and Central America, Father. There is a canal building scheme in the works and of course, other countries have been building up their navies and we must be ready.”
“The USS Chicago is the largest of the three ships, and the one I hope to be on. By the way, I had a lovely visit with Abby and Ezekiel when I was in England.”
“Your mother and I were in England some time ago as well. Abby seems very happy.”
“I went there to visit the British arms establishments with Commodore Simpson. We visited the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich and the Elswich Works at Newcastle on Tyne. That is when I spent two days with Abby, after which we traveled to seven steel manufacturing plants that made ingots and steel masses for casting cannons. All of this was in aid of our country establishing a Naval Gun Factory. Most interesting assignment.” Austin was very impressed with his son's newfound knowledge. David had grown up a great deal since running off to join the navy.
“What did you think of Pheasant Run?”
“Oh, I was truly impressed, it is a most imposing country home. Abby seems to fit the role of ‘Mistress of the Manor' very well. She took me to see your family home as well, Grandma.”
“Your mother was very upset when Abby left for England. We missed her terribly. You missed a lovely wedding.” Minnie added, placing a plate of freshly baked cookies on the table.
“Grandma, I have missed these cookies almost as much as I missed you.” He picked one up, savoring the flavor in his mouth before swallowing. “You haven't lost your knack, Grandma. Delicious and oatmeal, my favorite, did you know I was coming?”
“No, but I make them all the time. I knew one of these days you would be here to eat them. Welcome home, David. I have missed you.” She placed a kiss on the top of his head and excused herself to lie down. Minnie was not as young as she used to be.
“Is Grandma alright?” David watched his grandmother, who shuffled from the room.
“Yes, Son, she is just getting old. Her arthritis bothers her more and more and she has slowed down a great deal. But she still makes the best cookies in town.” Austin reached over, taking two cookies from the plate.
“David, why did you do it?” Austin popped half a cookie into his mouth.
“Why did I do what?”
“Why did you say that you were the father of Anna's child and then leave town? We know that wasn't the truth. Can you please explain to me, what you were thinking? We were very hurt and upset.”
“I'm sorry for causing you any pain. Anna asked me to help her and I could not refuse. I loved Anna. I can't explain why I did it or even how I felt about Anna. I just had to help her; there was no other choice. She was my friend and I loved her. I am going to miss her very much.” His voice started to tremble. Austin put his hand on David's shoulder.
“Alright son, enough. I
will not speak ill of the dead, but Anna was not as innocent and needy as you thought. Your mother sees her as a conniving, liar that ran off with the man that stabbed her father. Whether she planned it or not, no one will ever know. But she used him and then tried to kill him. Jeremy says she was totally insane before she killed herself.”
“I can't believe it, Anna insane. Dear God, what could have driven her to it?”
“I just want you to know that your mother holds Anna responsible for your leaving. She had no sympathy where Anna was concerned. I don't want you to be upset when she comes home. I am not sure what she will say. Try to understand, your mother loves you and Abby more than anything.”
“I know Father, it is fine. I realize that you both love Abby and me very much. I will miss Anna. I always dreamed of marrying her. I came home to hear the truth, but perhaps that is not what I really want.”
“Jeremy will be happy to discuss it with you however, he is rather biased as far as Anna is concerned. Isaac might be a better choice.”
“Oh, speaking of biased, I saw Hans today. He said something rather strange. Intimated that he considered himself lucky that he didn't marry Anna, or it might have been him that she tried to kill. I am afraid I just don't believe that Anna tried to kill someone without good reason.” Austin could see that David was in denial. The subject turned to other things. Father and son enjoyed the rest of the evening. It was good to be back home. David was very sad about losing Anna, but happy to be home with his family again.
In another part of town, Abraham visited Jeremy before going home. “David is home on leave. Austin is thrilled,” Jeremy stated before asking Charles to bring them a brandy.
“Mother will be happy to see David. She was always very fond of him.” Abraham looked at Jeremy, he thought better than to mention what Anna had done to David. How she had used him and then not given him another thought. Jeremy seemed to sense what Abraham was thinking.
“I know what you are thinking. Anna was very cavalier where David was concerned. She knew he would do whatever she told him to and she used him. I will not excuse her behavior but let's talk of something else. How is your wife feeling?”
“Vivienne grows larger everyday and is feeling wonderful. She spends as much time with Amy as she can. ‘Practice' she calls it.” Jeremy laughed.
“Martha and I are looking forward to being grandparents again. Sissy has been a Godsend to Martha. That little girl is old beyond her years. I am sure Annabelle is happy to have her back on the farm but I miss the little imp. It was fun having her here to greet me when I finished work.” Abraham chatted for a few more minutes and then headed home. He was happy to see things improve between Jeremy and Martha. They were very important to all of the Whittaker boys. Abraham wanted everyone to be happy. He didn't like discord. He stopped at Isaac's farm on his way and let them know that David was home. Isaac would want to see David before he left town again.
“Hello Sissy. I just talked to Granddad and he is missing you.” Sissy carried a large basket of eggs into the kitchen. Annabelle took the eggs and poured Abe a coffee.
“I miss him and Grandma too, they spoiled me. I like it at their house.”
“Yes, they did spoil her. Now I have to retrain her all over again.” Annabelle laughed. “Please go and tidy up your room, Sissy.” Sissy moaned and headed for the stairs, her red pigtails bouncing as she walked.
“Oh Mama, make sure you don't tell Uncle Abe the secret.” Sissy put her finger to her lips signaling Annabelle to keep quiet.
“Secret, what secret?” Abraham looked from Sissy to Annabelle.
“Sissy Whittaker, you go and clean your room right now. There will be no telling of secrets, do you hear me?” Annabelle shook her finger at Sissy, who disappeared up the stairs.
“I hope we have a little girl just like Sissy.” Abe sipped at the hot coffee, enjoying the fragrant aroma between sips.
“Be careful what you wish for. She can be a handful. I am sure you will be happy with either a boy or a girl.” Abe nodded.
“I assume you are not going to tell me the secret?” Annabelle ignored him. “I just stopped by to let Isaac know that David is home for a few days.”
“David! Oh that is wonderful, Loretta will be thrilled. She really misses her children.” Annabelle folded laundry as she chatted. Abraham finished his coffee and headed home.
He admired his large farmhouse as he rode between the tall poplars that lined the drive. Viv had done wonders with the property and it looked more inviting every time he came home. He was not good with gardens or repairs but his wife certainly was. She had planted wild flowers along the path giving the house a very welcoming appearance. He was very proud of her.
Vivienne rushed out to meet him. “Darling, you're home. There is a problem in the drive shed, can you come and look?”
“Oh, Viv can't it wait? I'm tired and I just want to put my feet up and relax. I will look at it tomorrow.” Vivienne gave him a stern look.
“No, you will look at it right now. I take very good care of the maintenance around here, but this time I need you to look at something and you are going to help me.” She gave him her best pout. He pulled her close.
“Oh, alright show me this big problem. I shall get my trusty hammer and smash something to pieces. You know how good I am with tools.” She laughed out loud. “And then maybe I can have my dinner.” Vivienne took his hand and led him towards the drive shed at the back of the house.
As the large door opened, light from the setting sun filtered into the dark building. Particles of dust floated in the air. Abraham stepped inside just as a small squeak could be heard from the corner. Abraham looked at Vivienne with curiosity. “Perhaps we have rats.”
“You go over there and check, I don't mind most things but I do not like rats.” She stood her ground. Abraham walked toward the corner where the noise could be heard, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dim light. As he approached, straw rustled, suddenly a small brown puppy, bounded toward him. Surprised, he knelt down and the puppy licked his face. Abraham was overcome with joy.
“Vivienne, who is this? He looks exactly like Bo.” Abraham lifted the boisterous bundle into his arms. The puppy continued to lick his face. Abraham laughed and laughed. Vivienne smiled widely. She could see the joy on her husband's face, just the result she was looking for.
“His name is Little Bo and you can bring him into the house now. Aren't you glad that I made you come and see the drive shed?”
“Vivienne, I love you and I love this little bundle. How can I thank you?”
“You can get your tools out and put that shelf back up tomorrow.” She laughed, put her arm in his and walked toward the house. Little Bo wriggled and squirmed in Abraham's arms. Abraham was a very happy man.
The next morning Isaac rode into town to see David. They went for breakfast at the hotel. “I can't believe that Anna went insane, Isaac. Something terrible must have happened to her. Why was she in Wyoming anyway?”
Isaac had known David since he was born. He knew that David loved Anna all of his life and so he chose his words carefully. “David, a lot has happened since you have been gone. I am going to tell you from the beginning, please let me finish before you interrupt me. I understand that you are not going to like some of what I tell you, but please try and take it in, before you dismiss it.” Isaac looked at David, waiting for him to agree before going on. David moved the eggs around on his plate before responding.
“I understand Isaac, I know what you are about to say will not be pleasant.”
“A man came from Wyoming to stalk our family. He had his reasons, which I will not go into now. Let me just say, that there was an inheritance involved and he thought that we Whittaker men stood between him and his money. While he was in St. Louis, he attacked my wife, almost killed Abraham's wife, Vivienne and then stabbed my Papa. All of us were in the church office when he came in. Abraham and Vivienne were just married and about to sign the registry. This man came in, grab
bed Papa and held a knife to his throat. He ordered all of the Whittaker men to kneel before him and fully intended to kill all of us. Somehow, your father and Anna talked him into letting us sign a letter that would get him his inheritance. Anna then told him she would go with him. We were all shocked. No one knew if Anna knew this man or was being a heroine. Of course, we wanted to think the best of her. Long story short, he stabbed Papa and he and Anna ran from the church. We couldn't catch them because all of the horses were gone. Later, we learned that someone visited Mama and Papa's mansion, stole clothing and money from the safe. It was not a break-in. This led us the believe that Anna may have been in on this plan.”
“Anna would never plan to kill or maim her father. She just wouldn't do it. And besides wasn't she engaged to Hans?” David could not help himself; Isaac knew that he would interrupt.
“Let me finish. They disappeared and although we had the police searching for them, they were not found. The horse that they rode away on was Thomas' Chestnut and it returned to our farm several days later. It was several weeks before a letter arrived from Anna. In the letter she said that she was with Jeb, he is the man that stabbed Papa, and that he was not a bad man. She was happy and did not wish to be found. Of course, Papa and Mama were devastated. We didn't hear anything for months and months, until a letter arrived from this man Jeb, saying that Anna was in jail for trying to kill him and that she would be hanged if found guilty. Papa, Thomas and I went to Whittakerville, Wyoming. When we arrived, Anna was in jail but not the same Anna that we knew. This Anna was quite insane. I saw her for myself David; she had lost her mind. She even begged Papa for a gun so she could end her life. Of course, he didn't give her one. But someone did. Before we could make arrangements to have her committed to an asylum, she shot herself in the head.” David gasped, tears rolled down his cheeks.
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