Finding Her Way (Wildflowers)

by Leah Banicki

  "I cannot thank you enough, Mrs. Temple." Mrs. Grant cried again. Her dark brown hair fell around her shoulders and her tear-filled eyes endeared her into Corinne's heart.

  "Please call me Corinne. I am so pleased to be able to help." She saw how young this mother was and knew she needs a female friend.

  "Then please call me Chelsea. My husband is Russell." Chelsea gestured to the tall handsome man beside her. "My brother-in-law brought you here. His name is Lucas." Chelsea handed her sleepy child to his father and he headed to a shady spot nearby. She grabbed another stool, set it next to hers already near the fire, and motioned for Corinne to sit. "How did you learn about making medicines?" She seemed to be without embarrassment when she pulled all her pins loose and braided her hair and wrapped it with surprising skill around her head.

  "My mother taught me all she knew and I learned also from the Boston Greenhouse about the healing properties of plants and oils. My grandmother had the knowledge of healer, also. Her journals still teach me things every time I read them." Corinne missed them. She grew quiet. Chelsea seemed to sense her moment of sadness, stood up, and checked on her son. There was yelling nearby that sounded like the wagon boss preparing people for the day's run and Corinne thought she should get back to her own outfit soon. Andrew would not be pleased. Chelsea had a sleeping child in her arms and thanked Corinne again. Lucas Grant brought the horse around and carried the bag she had left inside the wagon.

  "Can we pay you for the medicine, Mrs. Temple?" Lucas held paper bills in his hand. Chelsea stood near him nodding and looking at her with gratitude.

  "Please don't, I have plenty of lavender oil. However, I will accept your friendship. Chelsea, I have a great need of a friend out here in the wilderness." Corinne held a smile on her face but the inside her heart was close to breaking. She needed this. Chelsea reached out and squeezed her hand and two tears escaped out from Corinne's eye and the deal was struck. Corinne felt foolish for crying, but she hopped back up on the tall dark horse and held on while Lucas plotted his way through the bustling village of wagons to her own little home.

  Chapter Nine

  April 15 1848

  Andrew waited, impatiently next to Corinne's wagon with a scowl and a frown he aimed at his wife. Corinne was so grateful that Lucas took charge the moment they stopped to dismount.

  "Mr. Temple, please forgive our interruption. The Grant outfit has extreme gratitude for you loaning us your wife's healing skills." Lucas reached for Andrew's hand and shook it warmly, grabbing with both hands almost bowing to Andrew as he stood there. Andrew’s response was instantaneous, a near preening look.

  Oh, how he loved to be admired. Corinne nearly laughed out loud.

  "My young nephew was burned this morning. We heard there was a healer in the wagon train and had to see if she knew how to ease his pain. We are abundantly grateful and wish to invite you and your wife tonight to be a guest at our fire for dinner and music. The best we can offer on a journey such as ours. Please say yes. It will be an honor." Lucas was brilliant and was rewarded with an agreement and another handshake. Andrew could hardly deny when Lucas seems educated and had a gift for flattering him.

  "Mrs. Temple, thank you again." He nodded and was gone.

  Corinne made herself useful and tidied up the camp and put everything where it belonged. Jimmy hooked up the oxen and got ready for the ride. Joe brought Corinne's horse around and hitched it to the back of the wagon. Andrew stood watching her quietly.

  "Well good work, Mrs. Temple. I can see maybe I was a bit harsh about you and your work with plants. Maybe you do know a thing or two. Perhaps flower picking and medicine is a good job for women. Well at least when they have the acumen for it." Andrew wandered off to get his horse while Corinne put away the coffee pot and drawing utensils then untied her mare and prepared herself for a long day in the saddle. Within twenty minutes the train was moving forward and the long morning was forgotten as they traveled across the land toward the next x on the map.

  Fifteen miles came and went and Corinne was admittedly saddle sore. She thought all day about the dinner with the Grant family. Little Brody had been in her prayers as she rode along beside her wagon. His sweet face and cries stayed with her a long time. Corinne was relieved to give him help but had concerns about his suffering as he healed.

  * * * * *

  The wagons ahead were beginning to form groups and Corinne noticed several even turning back and heading towards spots along the trickling creek. The wagon boss headed through the wagon train giving his orders for the day. It was about five minutes later he stopped at her wagon informing them that they were done also. Tomorrow there would be a river crossing. A scout said it was less than two feet deep where they needed to cross. He took a glance at the wagon and told Joe and Jim that the wheels needed a good soaking. The boys nodded and the train boss moved on with a tip of his hat at Corinne before he passed.

  Jimmy and Joe were grunting and smacking the oxen to get them in position as Lucas Grant rode up on his big black horse.

  "We were hoping to have you join us. Our outfit is about two hundred yards ahead, we have cleared enough space and Chelsea has already got a fire going. Looks like a dry night. We would like your crew, Mrs. Temple and your husband as our guests of honor." His smile was infectious and Jimmy and Joe followed his lead as they joined their outfit to the party. Corinne rode along beside Lucas admiring his stallion.

  "Wow. Mr. Grant, he is beautiful! My father would pay handsomely for breeding rights, I bet. My Father is John Harpole. His ranch is in Willamette Valley, Oregon country," Lucas brought his animal closer to give her a better look.

  "Well, that will be grand. I say after what you did for Brody today it's a done deal. He has been peacefully sleeping in his mother's arms or the wagon bed all day. Good healing sleep. Thanks to you!" His eyes were ahead of him but Corinne could see he was still as haunted by his earlier cries as she was.

  "Mr. Grant that is a valuable offer but payment will certainly be necessary. Breeding rights for a stallion that magnificent would be a small fortune. If I may ask, where did you get such a creature?" Corinne was certain the stud was at least 17 hands high, she was more than impressed.

  "His name is Solomon. Well, actually I call him Solo. He is a gift from my fiancé, Sarah Ballentine. I'm sure Solo was essentially from her father Nicholas Ballentine." Lucas patted Solo on the neck as they walked along.

  "Ah yes, I have heard of them. The Ballentines have an excellent reputation in the breeding circles. My Father did business with them before going west." Her eyes were still on the horseflesh when she heard her husband ride up on his mount.

  "Lucas, are we headed for your outfit tonight? I've been looking forward to it all day." Andrew could be so charming and polite to others. Corinne wondered what it was about her that made him irritable or regard her as such a bother. She hasn't figured it out yet.

  "Yes Mr. Temple, we have a full night of dinner and some music planned. My brother shot some venison yesterday so we will feast tonight." Lucas moved away from Corinne to give Andrew space near his wife. He was surprised when Andrew went all the way around to the opposite side. It almost looked as if he was avoiding her.

  "Your wife has been making arrangements for breeding rights to my horse, Solo, with her father’s horse ranch. After her amazing care for my nephew Brody today, it’s settled! Perhaps we could work out a deal that the first foal goes to her.” Lucas gave Corinne a friendly grin.

  "He is a stunning creature, but that offer is too generous. That mount, Solo, you say. He is worth more than whatever simple trick she used today with her flowers and ointments. You cannot be held to a silly promise to her. Her father is my benefactor. He will pay handsomely. How many hands? Sixteen?" Andrew gave his speech just as always, unaware that condescension dripped from his words like rain.

  "He reached seventeen hands last spring. He is five years old and may still grow a bit more." Lucas replied a bit dryly. Mr. Temple was more tha
n a little insulting to his wife. Lucas owed her a lot but didn’t want to be inhospitable. "Here we are up ahead. I am hoping supper will be soon. I'm hungry. Thanks for coming Mr. and Mrs. Temple." Lucas dismounted and lead the way for Jimmy and Joe to get the wagons in position for the night and the oxen unhitched and the animals grazing. Andrew joined him and Corinne made her way to the middle of camp looking for Chelsea and little Brody.

  "Corinne, over here." Chelsea hollered and waved her over to the fire. Chelsea was busy peeling potatoes. Brody was sitting in his father's lap. They both looked comfortable napping in the shade.

  "Let me help." Corinne offered and was handed a small knife. "My husband does not allow me to cook at our camp. Maybe I can be useful here." Corinne sat on a stool and started peeling. It felt good to have her hands busy. "How is Brody doing?"

  "Oh, he has had a few fits today but that's expected. Mostly he napped and kept one of us busy holding him today. The redness has improved since the morning and the edges are already looking healthier. The oozing is gone completely thanks to you." Chelsea was smiling and continued peeling. "This morning is still such a blur. Brody is nowhere near the fire. He had learned the first day we left Independence that the fire is off-limits. We heard a dog barking nearby. People were yelling. I was sitting next to Brody when this small dog ran through camp. The dog clipped the edge of the tripod holding the boiling water pot I had started early this morning to wash some of the men's laundry. The water pot fell into the fire and sent a large coal flying through the air and it landed on poor Brody's arm. I was inches away and grabbed him up and the burning piece of log fell off his arm but the damage was so bad." Chelsea let a tear fall down her cheek at the memory. Her hands were both busy so it rolled down to the edge of her face and disappeared into the collar of her dress. "I have been wishing all day it would have hit me instead. I was only inches away." Chelsea took her large container of peeled potatoes and started cutting them into little pieces and then into the boiling water on the fire.

  "I am so sorry Chelsea, it must be hard to have a little one out here. There are so many dangers everywhere." Corinne knew the sacrifices women made to follow the men, 'wherever they went.'

  "I just pray we will stay safe after this. But I will take one day at a time. As God wills it." She has such a great attitude. Her face was full of resolve. "Thanks for helping here. This is the last of the potatoes. I saved them in the root cellar and now they are gone. Mashed potatoes with butter sounded like such a luxury. The butter is easy enough with the jostling wagon. It’s just feeding the cow that will get tricky. For now the land is lush with grass. I know better than to believe that it will always be so." Chelsea stood up and stretched after the potatoes were happily boiling. "Russell darling keep an eye on the pot. Corinne and I need to stretch our legs."

  "Let’s grab our neighbor Susannah and then I can have real privacy." Chelsea headed on a winding path through the wagons. Corinne had no idea what Chelsea meant by privacy but followed behind grateful for a distraction after the long day of no one to talk to.

  "Susannah, come let’s stretch our legs." Chelsea waved to an older woman who grabbed a young woman by the shoulder and led her to us. After a minute they headed away from the wagons and into a section with grass and bushes. Corinne could see no reason to stop but watched Chelsea to see what she was doing.

  "Who's first?" Chelsea questions. Corinne was about to ask a question but was interrupted by Susannah.

  "Please let it be me. I haven't had a chance in a while and I'm near to bursting." She hustled forward, Chelsea corralled the other woman around her, and they all grabbed their skirts and turned around.

  "Like this Corinne dear." Chelsea held her skirts out in a huge bell at each side and they created a very private wall for Susannah. In a split second Corinne understood. Female privacy for when... things were necessary. Nature calls and the girls gave each other privacy. Corinne had been riding out during the day to find the largest tree or bush possible to relieve herself. Now, this was better and would take less time than traveling so far. Corinne could not help but giggle a little when it was her 'turn' in the circle of ladies.

  "I can't tell you how much better this is compared to the way I was doing it." Corinne heard the other ladies tell their stories too. She would try and convince Andrew that Angela could join in, for propriety's sake. He would like it if she worded it like that.

  They walked back quickly to their wagons and said quick goodbye's as they all had jobs to do and dinners to make.

  "Thank you Chelsea. That was educational." Corinne laughed again as they were heading to the fire and boiling potatoes they had left behind. Corinne had a bucket of cold water she brought over and they washed their hands and then their faces of the trail grime of the day. Corinne felt like a new woman. The evening had turned out beautifully. The spring weather so far had been mild since they began the trip. Corinne wondered how long it would last.

  Dinner was delicious. Cookie even contributed with a dried apple pie. He really outdid himself. Andrew, Lucas and Russell got along well and the fire was a place of warm laughter and stories. After all the food and dishes were cleared away Corinne took a peek at Brody's arm and applied more oil. She was pleased with the way the skin looked. It would be tender for a few weeks but the danger of infection decreased considerably. Brody was a dear little man and very shy but after she gave him a peppermint candy he offered a big hug as payment.

  * * * * *

  An old-timer was sitting by the fire when Corinne and Chelsea returned after tucking Brody in the wagon. He had silvery white hair and a smile that was infectious. His clothes made him look like a trapper and he held a coonskin cap in his lap that Corinne thought confirmed his profession. She took an instant liking to the man. He had kind, wise eyes.

  "Let me introduce you to our new friends." Russell smiled and pointed to the Temples. "This is Andrew and Corinne Temple. This is Clive Quackenbush."

  "Please just call me Clive. My Ma called me ‘sonny’, my brother called me crazy and my Pa called me names I can't repeat in front of the ladies present." Clive reached for Corinne's hand and gave it a genteel kiss. She gave a grand curtsy in response.

  "Mrs. Temple here is a natural healer. She helped us out with Brody this morning. She is the main reason for this gathering." Russell saw she was blushing and gestured them all to sit. Every stool and crate they had available was around the fire.

  "Well let's enjoy the evening. I say we have some music." Russell grabbed a guitar, Lucas a violin, and Clive had a harmonica. Without a flourish the music started. Nearby wagons joined in on the fun and a few instruments were added too. The wagon boss, Mr. Walters, brought a washboard and the band was complete.

  Corinne has missed the days of singing and dancing of her childhood and when a song started that she knew she sang right along with everyone.

  Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,

  Long, long ago, long, long ago,

  Sing me the songs I delighted to hear,

  Long, long ago, long ago,

  Now you are come all my grief is removed,

  Let me forget that so long you have roved.

  Let me believe that you love as you loved,

  Long, long ago, long ago.

  After they all sang sweetly the fiddler started a reel. Old Dan Tucker. Corinne was invited to dance by her new friend Clive and joined him with vigor. The crowd was clapping and stomping and a large group were dancing. Corinne lost all her sadness. She saw Angela dancing with Cookie and could not help but laugh at Reggie who seemed to have trouble keeping time as he clapped. Even Andrew was smiling and clapping.

  The night passed with many more songs. Dancing and singing every song they could think of. After a few of the adults started heading back to their wagons it was agreed between the men that the Temple outfit and the Grant outfit would travel together.

  Clive was thrilled at the idea. Somehow he and Corinne struck an interesting friendship. Her mama would
have called them kindred souls. 'Sometimes you just connect with somebody. Don't need a good reason.' Corinne had a memory of her mama's voice. That was probably why she questioned society rules about befriending Angela. She was raised to respect people of all backgrounds.

  Corinne went to bed with a smile and more than a few good memories of the night.

  Chapter Ten

  April 17 1848

  "River crossing ahead." Corinne heard Jimmy say as they moved along slowly. Mr. Walters rode by earlier but Corinne had ridden off to look for plant life after an early morning rain. She had just made her way back to the wagon outfit when Jimmy informed her of the bad news. She didn’t like the river crossings one bit. So far the small streams they had crossed had not given them any trouble but she knew this Wakarusa River was going to be more difficult. They had news that there was a way across that was safer but one never knew if the rumors were true or not until you were already across. With the several days of rain the current could be strong. She said more than a few prayers about the safety of the whole wagon train. Corinne rode ahead and saw Chelsea walking behind her own wagon with little Brody next to her.