by June Venable
One by one, the neighbor’s wagons pulled out, but not before they promised Amos to return the following week to help rebuild his barn. At last, only the three remained.
After a light supper, Abby and Caleb walked outside. Far away stars winked, and a cool night breeze helped to rid the air of the acrid smell of smoke.
“Uh…Abby, that fellow I saw you talking with today at the picnic? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him before.”
Abby wrinkled her brow. “Oh, you must mean Edward Craft.”
When she didn’t continue, Caleb cleared his throat and tried again. “He seemed quite taken with you. Have you known him long?”
“Our families have been friends for years. We played together as children. He just returned from school in Europe.”
“I see.” Caleb said no more and their conversation turned to the happenings of the day.
* * * *
Friends and neighbors arrived the next week as they had promised. No one came empty handed. Wagons held rough-hewn planks and tools. Willing hands pitched in while the hot sun beat down. Wives and mothers stood by with baskets of food for the hungry workers.
The frame went up quickly. Caleb, perched atop the structure, looked down to see another wagon pull in. Looking closer, he recognized the young man who had attracted his attention at the picnic when he chatted with Abby. He continued to work, but kept an eye on Edward Craft. His face turned red with embarrassment and pain when he hit his thumb instead of the nail he hammered.
After the noon meal, he found himself at work beside Craft. He looked a few years older than Caleb, and unlike the others who worked in silence he kept up a friendly line of chatter. Caleb learned Edward’s plans of becoming a doctor. The young man spoke of his studies and his travels in Europe. He regaled Caleb with the wonders of Italy and the great museums that held magnificent works of art. Caleb thought of Major Hunt and his appreciation of the Larkin’s collection of paintings.
As Edward continued to talk, Caleb let his mind drift until something Edward said brought him back to earth with a thud.
“Next month is Abby’s birthday, and I plan to ask for her hand. We’ll keep company until I finish my studies, then we’ll marry.”
“You speak as if you know how she’ll answer,” Caleb said calmly enough, even though his head buzzed with the news.
“Our parents have planned this since our childhood, so I’m sure it will cause no problem.”
Caleb couldn’t understand why he felt so confused. He looked at Edward Craft. Almost as tall as Caleb, Edward had curly black hair and a pleasant look about him. His speech proved him well educated.
“Well, that’s…um, nice,” he responded, while his stomach seemed to fill with butterflies. Caleb realized with a start how much he cared for Abby.
By dusk, Amos Clark had a new barn, and the wagons, their loads lighter, headed home.
Tossing and turning late into the night, Caleb made a decision. Gazing out on a moonlit landscape, he told himself the time had come for him to head home too. He hoped the little house still stood, and that this terrible war had passed it by.
“But is that the only reason I feel I should leave?” he muttered before he dropped into a restless sleep.
SEVENTEEN
Early the next morning Caleb gathered his belongings, saddled Victory, and waited to say goodbye to Abby and her father.
On his birthday, the day he rescued Abby, Amos Clark had made him a gift of the horse, his companion for almost two years. “He belongs to you, lad. You’ve proven a good master. Victory couldn’t have chosen a better one himself.”
Rendered speechless, Caleb had finally stammered his thanks.
He stood now, shivering in the cool dawn, and whispered into the horse’s ear. “I’ve made the right decision, Victory. You’ll like my farm.” Caleb swallowed when he realized he had said, ‘my farm.’” Cinching the saddle, he murmured, “With my folks gone, it’s just you and me, boy. But you’ll like it there. We’ll do just fine. You’ll see.”
“Well, what’s this? It’s mighty early to be out.” Amos Clark’s voice broke the silence of the morning. Yawning, he joined Caleb in the yard.
“It’s time I went home, sir. I owe you so much, but I’m well and strong now, thanks to you and Abby. I plan to go to Charleston to see how the Larkins fared. Perhaps they will have information about Major Hunt. Then, I’ll head home. If my farm is still there, it will need my attention.”
Before Amos could reply, Abby appeared. “Father? Caleb? What’s the matter? You’re out so early. The sun’s not up yet.” The girl looked from one to the other, waiting for an explanation.
“Caleb is leaving, daughter. He’s going home.” Amos Clark’s voice shook as he replied.
“But, why, Caleb?” Abby’s blue eyes bore into his, but Caleb reminded himself that Abby would soon be promised to another.
“I’m well now and my farm needs me. Things are winding down, and the militia can do without a man who limps. I’ll always think kindly of you and your father, and I’m mighty grateful for all you’ve done.”
As Caleb spoke, Victory raised his head and neighed.
“What’s the matter, boy? What do you hear?”
The three fell silent and listened. Seconds later, the sound of hoofbeats reached them.
“Quick, Caleb, get the guns,” Amos ordered. “Abby, you must hide. Go to the root cellar and don’t come out until you’re called.”
Caleb obeyed. He closed the door to the cellar and covered it with brush after Abby climbed down. He ran into the house and collected the muskets Amos kept in a cupboard and hurried back outside. The two took refuge in a grove of trees and waited.
The sound of hooves came closer. Three horsemen came into view, but could not be clearly seen in the pale dawn. Riding up to the door, the men stopped and looked around. “Yes, I’m sure this is the place, even after several months, but it’s hard to tell in this light,” one announced. “Let’s find out.” In a loud voice he shouted. “Hello, we’re looking for Private Caleb Fields. Is he here?”
“I recognize the voice, Mr. Clark. It’s my friend, Seth Larkin, the one who brought me here.”
Laughing, Caleb dropped his gun and stepped from the shelter of the trees. Amos followed at a distance. “Seth Larkin! You took your sweet time about coming back to see a friend.”
“Well, if it’s not the pride of the Carolinas. You look good from what I can see in this light. Much better than the last time I saw you.”
“I am, Seth, thanks to you. You probably remember Amos Clark, and if you’ll wait a moment, I’ll get his daughter. We didn’t know who might be coming at this hour.”
Caleb returned in a few minutes followed by Abby, who bobbed a curtsy to the assembled horsemen. “What brings you to the part of the world? Although whatever it is I’m glad to see you.”
“Major Hunt sent us to clear up a little business nearby. He gave us permission to stop and check on you before we reported back. I’m still under his command until I decide if I want to continue in the army. Those leaving the army and militia will muster out soon, so plan to attend. It should prove quite a ceremony. I’ll let you know the details.”
“Thanks, Seth, it’s good to have news. We’ve had little here except to learn the fighting has moved north and the war is almost over. I was just leaving as you arrived. I must find out if my place is still there. My father and grandfather farmed and I suppose it’s in my blood, Farming doesn’t require two good legs as the militia does.”
“I approve your decision. Oh, my parents have sent an invitation for you to visit, if I found you. And, of course, Bess asked for you.”
Caleb noticed Abby’s eyes darken at Seth’s words.
“Thank you, Seth. I look forward to seeing your family again. I accept your kind invitation. I had planned on stopping by anyway.”
“How about some breakfast?” Amos Clark offered. “I’m sure you men have worked up an appetite after your travels. Abby, d
o you think you could rustle up something? We can’t let Caleb leave on an empty stomach, nor these other young men.”
Looking at Abby at that moment, Caleb saw a strange look on her face.
When the girl left, the men stood outside discussing the end of the war and what it would mean to the country.
Seth spoke more of the war. “You’ve no doubt heard of General Washington’s great victory at Yorktown recently?” When Caleb and Amos nodded, Seth continued. “This sent most of the king’s army running. We’re still on duty, and have only heard of a few skirmishes, but that brings me to the reason we’re here today. I did not want to speak in front of your daughter, Mr. Clark, but a band of Red Coat renegades have been roaming the area. They deserted their regiments and camped not far from here. We captured all but one. He was wounded but got away, so do keep an eye out.”
“Could they be the ones who set fire to my barn?” Amos exclaimed.
“Yes, it’s possible. The rest of our group took the prisoners into custody, but I’ll question them on my return. Maybe we’ll get a confession.”
“Thank you, Corporal Larkin. With the help of my neighbors, my barn stands again. We’ve had little food and goods because of the war, but we’ve shared what we had and were always glad to share the labor. But this does not compare to what our brave men have been through and we are all indebted to you and your men, as well as the militia, ably represented by Private Fields here.”
Caleb blushed. This was the longest speech he’d ever heard from Abby’s father.
“Father, breakfast is ready. Please bring the gentlemen in.” Abby stood in the doorway wiping her hands on her apron.
The men crowded into the small room and made short work of Abby’s Johnny cakes, swimming in molasses. Amos had recently traded some of his farm equipment for food staples. He hoped, when things improved, he could buy back the traded items.
Breakfast finished, the men gathered their knapsacks and prepared to leave. Caleb had already packed his saddlebags before the men arrived.
Thanking the Clarks for their hospitality, the riders started out. Suddenly, Caleb dismounted and ran back to Abby. The others looked on curiously as he leaned close to her. “Abby, do you care for Edward Craft? If you answer yes, I’ll ride on. If not, will you wait for me?”
The early morning sun cast a golden glow on Abby’s face. Her eyes filled with tears. “No, Caleb, it isn’t Edward I care for. Now, go safely, and come back when you can.”
His heart pounding, Caleb once more swung up into this saddle and waved goodbye. His last glimpse of Abby, bathed in sunlight, with tears staining her cheeks, went straight to his heart.
He made a silent promise to return as soon as he could.
EIGHTEEN
A two-day ride brought Caleb and Seth to the Larkin plantation. They rode alone when Seth’s companions decided not to rejoin and said their goodbyes. The trip proved uneventful and the two young men rode side by side deep in conversation.
Although Caleb felt well, the ride caused his leg to ache. The magnolia tree that marked the Larkin’s property came as a welcome sight.
No sooner had they started down the long drive than they saw a horse coming from the opposite direction. The mare ran swiftly. Its rider leaned into the wind and caused a tangle of blonde curls to escape her cap and bounce behind her. Bossy Bess! Caleb’s breath caught in his chest. “She’s all grown up,” he murmured. Images flashed through his mind of their escapades almost two years ago.
Stopping short of the waiting pair, the girl looked from one to the other. Nodding to her brother, she turned her smile on Caleb. As if just remembering her manners, she said formally, “It’s good to see you again, Caleb.”
“And you, Elizabeth. You look well. Do you still slide down banisters?”
A blush colored her cheeks and she ignored the question. “You’re just in time for supper. Charity has outdone herself. Mother and Father have looked forward to seeing you again. They counted on Seth to find you.” Looking at the dust-covered travelers, Elizabeth said, “Though I do suggest you both wash before coming into the house.”
“We’ll do that. Meanwhile, go ahead like a good little girl and tell them we’ll be along when we’re presentable.”
“I’ll deliver your message, Seth, but I’m hardly a little girl any longer.” With that, Elizabeth turned Dancer, her mare, and rode toward the house.
“She’s right,” Seth said, looking after his sister. “She’s a young lady now, and she doesn’t want us to forget it. I think she’s looked forward to seeing you, Caleb. She speaks of you often.”
“It’s good to see her too,” Caleb managed. He knew full well the meaning of Seth’s words, but could not admit his newly realized feelings for Abby yet.
The family greeted Caleb warmly. Charity nudged him in the ribs and whispered, “I’ll fatten you up, boy, if you stay around long enough.”
They peppered Caleb with questions as Charity served a meal of beef and vegetables from the garden. Appreciative sighs greeted her when she came in later bearing an apple pie with thick cream. The pie disappeared in record time, a testament to the cook’s skill.
Elizabeth helped her mother and Charity while the men walked outside to discuss what the latest developments meant to the nation.
James Larkin puffed on his pipe, its smoke curling upward in the gentle breeze. “I have news. The Congress has asked me to serve in whatever capacity I see fit.”
“That’s wonderful, Father. Will you accept?”
“I only found out yesterday. I must discuss it with your mother. It will call for me to be away for some time.”
“Then this helps me make a decision whether to stay in the army or muster out. I can run things here while you’re gone, Father. Maybe we could persuade Caleb to stay. What do you say, private?”
“A tempting offer, Seth, but I really must find out if my farm still stands. If so, it will need much attention. It has lain fallow for almost three years now. So, after Charleston, I’ll head back to the Barnwell District. I think my father would have approved of that.”
“He’s right. We mustn’t try to sway him, although we want him to always feel a part of our family,” chimed in James Larkin.
“Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me.”
“Father’s right, of course, but you must promise to come back when you can, and I’ll visit you when I can get away.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
Later that afternoon, Caleb found himself in the parlor with only Elizabeth to keep him company.
“You must tell me about your injury, and how you found a way to walk again.”
Caleb obliged and recounted his part of the battle, his wounding and rescue, and the help he received from Abby and her father.
“Is she pretty?”
“Who?” His thoughts were so intent on his story, Elizabeth’s question confused him.
“Abby. You said Abby helped you and I asked if she’s pretty.”
“Yes, I guess so.”
“Prettier than me?”
The question left Caleb almost speechless. “Why…uh, you’re both pretty.”
Elizabeth suddenly changed tactics. “Would you care to take a walk?”
“Yes, I’d like that.” Caleb readily agreed, hoping to drop the subject of looks.
The two walked outside where a late afternoon breeze lifted the curls around Elizabeth’s face. Caleb realized the path they traveled would take them to the river. The spot brought back memories of the firefly miracle that happened the last time he was here. It seemed so long ago. Today, the scene looked very ordinary.
The two stood without speaking. Caleb soon noticed the silence, only broken by the buzz of bees that circled the water’s edge. The light began to fade, and the smell of a late summer flowering vine filled the air.
“What a peaceful place,” Caleb remarked.
“It’s my favorite place to come when I want to think.”
“And jus
t what do you think about, Elizabeth?” Caleb spoke absent-mindedly, as he chewed a blade of grass pulled from the riverside. His gaze focused on the still, sluggish water.
The silence stretched out so long, Caleb looked around to see if Elizabeth had heard him. Her face looked a shade paler than it had a few moments ago. Her lips parted, but no sound came forth. Caleb had never seen her at a loss for words.
“What’s the matter, Elizabeth?”
“I, uh, I...” Caleb saw the muscles in her throat working. Then, they heard a shout.
“Caleb, Bess, where are you?”
“Here, Seth,” Caleb answered, still looking at the girl, whose face had gone from white to a rosy glow.
Without a glance, or another word, Elizabeth hurried away, passing Seth who came to meet them.
“Where’s Bess off to?”
“I don’t know,” Caleb replied slowly, as he stared after the retreating figure.
Early the following morning, Caleb and Seth prepared to leave. Seth’s parents came to see them off. Seth intended to join Major Hunt, while Caleb would turn toward home. Charity had stuffed their saddlebags with food. “You never know when you’ll get hungry,” she admonished, although they had just consumed a huge breakfast. Only Elizabeth was missing.
Before the turn in the drive, Caleb looked back. In an upstairs window stood a solitary figure, barely visible in the breaking dawn. He lifted his arm to wave goodbye, and then let it drop when his gesture of farewell went unreturned.
Once more, their trip proved uneventful. Seth and Caleb rode slowly, chatting about the past and speculating on the future. In the midst of discussing what Caleb might do with the farm if all proved well, Seth broke off and turned to his friend. “Caleb, what do you think of my sister?”
“Why, Elizabeth, uh, she’s a…brave girl. Foolhardy at times, but admirable.” He knew this wasn’t what Seth wanted to hear.
The older boy shook his head impatiently. His forehead wrinkled and his light gray eyes pinned Caleb. “No, I mean how do you feel in your heart?”
