by Leah Banicki
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Chapter Thirty-Three
Sept 24 1848
The air was crisp on her face as she walked along. Clover was tied to the slow moving wagon as they climbed the shallow hills that morning. Her heart felt squeezed within her chest. She knew it would be hours before she would get a glimpse of the town but still her heart raced to think about where she was.
There were a few wagons ahead of Corinne's outfit that had already climbed the hill. She kept glancing ahead to see signs of homes, farms, or anything that looked like a town. Her heart jumped when a shotgun booms in the distance. She was already on edge but when she heard cheers around her she nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked up to Jim Blake who sat in the wagon box and had a better view.
"Some people up ahead. They aren't part of the train." He smiled big and Corinne's heart began its own race again.
She picked up her feet and walked faster. She reached the top of the hill within a minute and the flat valley before her looked like a farm. She covered her eyes from the bright sunlight and saw a house in the far corner and a path that could pass for a road nearby. A road... her heart thrilled at the sight.
The Blake brothers reached the top of the hill within a few minutes themselves and began their own hooting. Chelsea was behind her and caught up after hearing the shouts herself. They shared an embrace and tears and continued walking. They had no words, just joy shared between them. As they followed the wagons ahead of them they noticed in a cleared field what looked like a gathering. As they drew closer, they saw buggies and horses tethered there.
The wagons stopped and everyone piled out of wagon boxes and they walked together leaving their animals in harness to graze on the grass on the road. A gathering was waiting for them.
Corinne walked toward the group; she saw a sea of happy faces. She did not recognize anyone yet.
"Corinne!" She heard it. Like a yell across a canyon but it was there. She looked to her right and stopped moving. The bright sun was blocked by her hand, distorting her vision, but she could see a man in a black suit. He was headed her way with his hat waving about as he called out again.
He was there, it was him! Her dear father ran toward her in his own reckless way. His black hair, his beaming grin, she saw her own eyes looking back at her as he approached and barreled into her with a bear hug.
"My girl, my baby girl." His tears fell as freely as hers and the fears and pain of the past melted away with a new love and acceptance of each other. She hugged him back as she remembered his smell and the memories of hugs from her childhood rushed back to her. She was safe and loved.
He pulled away and laughs. "You got taller, a little." He chuckled again and wiped a few tears away.
"You look good father. I missed you so much." She started crying again and reached for another hug. "I am so sorry Papa." She sobbed and he just held her.
"Now don't you say it again. We have both made our mistakes. We are together again at last. I just love you and am glad you are safe. You don't know how much I prayed that this was not a mistake. I wanted to see you so badly but knew the dangers. Oh my girl, you are safe."
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Part Three:
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Chapter Thirty-four
Sept 24 1848
"Where is your husband, Andrew? Back at the wagon?" His voice was so warm and loving but his words stopped her heart. They were walking toward the wagon. "His family is so eager to see him too."
Corinne stopped and took a deep breath; she had been having nightmares about this for months, dreading breaking the hearts of his family. "He died nearly four months ago of cholera." Corinne wanted to keep the story simple but saw her father's face fall. He looked like he wanted to say something but kept silent.
"It was horrible father," Corinne felt so weary but continued on. "Can we find his family? I want to tell all of you." Corinne would hold herself together. She walked arm in arm with her father back into the crowd.
He waved over a couple and Corinne saw the resemblance, immediately. The tall man had Andrew’s blond curly hair cut short just the way Andrew wore it. His mom's smile looked so much like the smile Corinne rarely ever saw. She was no taller than Corinne and seemed very sweet.
"Is this your Corinne?" The dark blond woman spoke. Her smile was huge as she reached forward to share a hug with her daughter-in-law. "I've been dreaming about meeting you for eight months." Corinne accepted the embrace but knew she had to break the news to them soon.
"I am so sorry Mr. and Mrs. Temple. I have bad news that cannot wait... Your son passed away four months ago of Cholera." She watched Mrs. Temple go from confused to devastated. She buried her face into her husband's chest. Corinne watched them accept their loss while reliving the awful night in her mind. She realized she was crying again.
"I am so sorry. I know this is not how you wanted to meet me." Corinne was certain she was handling this all wrong. "I kept all of his belongings. They are yours when you are ready." Corinne felt overwhelmed and exhausted. She barely knew these people but felt so wretched for meeting them with such horrible news.
"Let’s head back to my home and we can absorb all that has happened. I'm sure your crew is ready to rest." Her father took charge and had everyone organized in quick order. They met the crew and the awkward-ness of the Temple family was only short-lived as everyone was exhausted and just wanted to finish their traveling and find shelter.
Wagons rolled out to follow Corinne's father in his buggy as the Temple's followed behind. Corinne rode next to her father, wordlessly. He finally broke the silence.
"I know this is hard for you, you have been through so much. To have to help them mourn the loss of their son must be difficult as well. I am so sorry you had to survive this trip alone."
Corinne smiled faintly. She had done it, but she had never felt alone for long. She had good friends that were there for her, the Blake brothers and Reggie and Cookie, then the Grants and Clive. She smiled when she thought of Clive and knew she would have some introductions to make once everyone was rested.
"You just smiled a little, what are you thinking of?" John Harpole asked, seeing her grin had warmed his heart.
"Clive." She just shared one word.
"Who the heck is Clive?" John laughed.
"Clive Quackenbush, an amazing scout and now a personal friend, secretly adopted grandfather." She truly wished it so. "He was a guardian angel to me. You will meet him soon."
"Quackenbush... There is a Mercantile in town that is owned by a Quackenbush."
"That would be Clive's business, well one of them. He also consults with the government, a scout, a trapper and Indian negotiations expert. I have learned so much from him." Corinne smiled a little more but then finds herself overwhelmed and tired again. "How close is your home?"
"About three more miles. We are on the southern edge of town. We have a great spread. The Temple's live nearby. We set up the property that way; our homes are on the edge so we will have close neighbors in case of trouble. This land can seem big when we are all spread out. Having a close neighbor is good." John looked thoughtful for a few minutes. Nothing ever happened the way he expected it too.
"I have another surprise that you won't be expecting, I recently got married, to a widow in town named Marie." John smiled but saw the shocked look on Corinne's face. "I had thought it would be such a pleasant surprise but now I realize it may all seem a bit much to take in. She is a sweet woman and her son is wonderful. He is six years old and well... you will just love him."
Corinne was spinning with the information but wanted to have something to say to her father. "I am happy that you are happy. It is a lot to take in but honestly after some rest everything will seem a little easier too, I feel so beat up and dirty. I have dreamt of a real bath and a real bed for eight months. You get me those and I will be in heaven." She leaned back in the buggy and closed her eyes for a minute. She never heard his reply as she fell asleep. She slept the rest of t
he way.
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They reached the cabin quickly and John got the crew to park the wagons behind the house. They would unload the next day. He woke Corinne gently as they neared his property. She was upset with herself for falling asleep but he calmed her down. He remembered the exhaustion of the journey.
"We all thought you would be staying with the Temple family with Andrew. They added a large section to their cabin to give you and Andrew your own private living area. I think for now you should stay with us. We can discuss your future another day. I have plenty of room.”
John gave directions to the crew to go downtown; the hotel had arrangements for all the men to have luxury rooms, dinner privileges and free baths for the winter months. They were also treated with payment packets and a healthy bonus for bringing Corinne home safely and taking such good care of her during the journey. They would be having a harvest party in a few days and they would be welcome at the Harpole ranch for the festivities. Until then they were dismissed to rest and recuperate. The men were grateful, indeed. Corinne gave them all a weary hug and promised to see them soon.
Corinne grabbed a few articles of clothing before heading into the cabin. Corinne was impressed by the size. It had several chimneys and good sized glass windows. Wooden shutters were open and painted a dark green. This cabin looked so welcoming. Her father carried her few articles in for her and she saw the inside of her new home. She followed her father into the cabin wearily. A beautiful brunette with a sweet smile and curvy figure greeted Corinne enthusiastically.
"Oh you beautiful girl." Marie was pure kindness. "You must be exhausted. I made the trip two years ago and remember... Glad I never have to do that again. Why don't you come with me and we'll get you settled in your room." Marie had large caring eyes that were the color of dark honey. Corinne could not help but like her.
Corinne's room had a westward facing window, the view was beautiful of fields and mountains. Corinne was so relieved to see the bed she nearly wept. A roof and walls were something she had long taken for granted in her previous life. Now they equaled heaven.
Marie had prepared well and the tub in the corner of Corinne's room was nearly full of warm water. Her fireplace was heating more water and a young boy peeked through the window from outside to ask if more water was needed.
"Are you my new brother?" Corinne had enough energy to ask.
A sweet face peeked over the windowsill again, he had brown hair just as dark as her own. He grinned and said, "Yep!"
"I think tomorrow will be a good day to get to know each other okay?" Corinne reached through and took the bucket of water that he lifted through.
"Yea, my ma said you'd be tired today. Do you like fishin'?" His brown eyes were excited at the prospect of someone new to fish with.
"I sure do, ya know, I don't even know your name." Corinne laughed at her own comment a little too hard. She was punchy.
"I'm Cooper but some people call me Coop. Well somebody else called me something else but the teacher took a strap to him for callin' me that." He was a storyteller for sure and Corinne was giggling as her own brain was guessing the strap worthy nickname.
"Well Cooper, me and you will do a little fishing tomorrow if we can. I am so glad to meet ya." They shook hands through the window then he ran off for a few more buckets. His mom gave instructions to leave them on the windowsill from now on without peeking in, he promised.
Corinne took a long leisurely bath. She washed her hair three times to get any trail dust and imagined grime from her long brown hair. Marie brought a cream rinse in that smelled of honeysuckle and Corinne felt revitalized and pampered. After climbing into a soft robe she sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace and brushed her hair in the warm air to dry it. Her father brought in a tray and she munched on fresh fried chicken and some green beans. The glass of milk was cold and refreshing.
Clean with a full belly and dried hair she barely lasted long enough to get into her nightgown. She thanked her family briefly then crawled into her cozy bed before the sun went down.
The next morning Corinne slept in well past the breakfast hour. She finally crawled out of the soft bed due to hunger. After dressing she was surprised by a breakfast plate waiting for her.
"I heard you moving around so I hurried and made you some eggs and bacon. It is no trouble. So don't bother apologizing." Marie made a sweet picture standing in the kitchen, Corinne was happy her father had found a companion who made his home so warm and cozy again. Marie seemed to be a good woman. Corinne would sort out any complicated emotions another day. Right now she could smile and eat her breakfast at an actual table.
"I was hoping to spend some time with Cooper today and maybe clean out the wagon. I will have to find some of the clothing I packed away in Boston and never wore. All my traveling clothes are a disgrace." Corinne ate her breakfast and felt her energy returning. The sleep had done her wonders.
"That sounds like a fun chore. Will you want some help or is that something you want to do alone?" Marie was very accommodating, sensing her needs.
"Actually a partner will make it go quicker, and we can spend the time getting to know each other." Corinne washed her own plate in the wash bucket and dried off her hands. "Just let me know when you are ready."
The morning passed pleasantly as they conquered the wagon’s contents. Corinne and Marie lugged the two largest chests to the edge, and then managed to find a ranch hand nearby to lift them off the edge, then safely to the ground. The rest was easy to handle and the women took care of the rest. There was a storage shed nearby where all of Corinne's dried plants would be stored. Marie had ideas for the glass bottles that held Corinne's special oils. Shelves in Corinne's room where suggested later as John and Cooper came to the house for lunch. It seemed Cooper spent the morning shadowing his stepdad. He was all grins and full of stories about the horses and the barn... his smiles were infectious.
Corinne was pleased that her packed clothes lasted the trip so well. The lavender packets in the trunk had done their job and kept the bugs away. With a day or two to hang up and air out they should be good enough to wear for the harvest party coming up.
Corinne helped Marie with preparing dinner and once the meal was done Cooper and Corinne spent a pleasant hour at the nearby creek. A fallen log made a comfortable seat as they talked about nothing more important than the silly things you talk about while fishing. They caught nothing but the relationship was secure, it was decided that sisters ain't so bad, and she agreed, brothers were keepers.
Another early night to bed and Corinne felt whole. She was ready to face her new life head on.
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The morning sun was streaming through the glass windows. There was a chill in the morning air that the warmth of the stove in the kitchen chased away. Corinne dressed sensibly and sat at the breakfast table with her family when the Temple family arrived. They came bearing gifts and Corinne could see Mrs. Temple still wearing her grief some. Her embrace was sincere when Corinne stood up and welcomed them.
Corinne's father quickly found a few chairs for them to join in.
"We didn't come by to be a bother, we have already eaten. We just wanted to make sure that Corinne was rested and well. We have gifts to share with her and I felt ready to come over. I do hope this is not too soon for you dear Corinne." The woman was all consideration and sweetness.
"Of course not. I am glad you came." Corinne felt awkward at what to say next but was relieved when a package was thrust into her arms.
Corinne opened the brown parchment paper and found a silk shawl. The delicate lace on the edges would rival any lace my Aunt would boast about. Corinne thought to herself.
"Mrs. Temple, this is so breathtaking. Thank you." I looked her in the eye. She grinned through her tears bravely. It was all she could handle at the moment.
"The other gift is outside." Mr. Temple said with a scratchy throat. He was struggling in his own way too. Corinne could tell that he was a quiet one. S
o far Corinne could not see where the gruffness of their son had come from.
They all followed the Temples outside to see two gleaming wood cabinets waiting next to the door.
The cabinets were duplicates, each one had more than ten drawers, and each stood near to five feet tall. The carving and details on each drawer and edge was amazing workmanship. Each little metal knob was a work of art.
"I do not know what to say. I will treasure them." Corinne walked over and touched the smooth wood, every edge smooth and flawless. The dark gold finish was waxed, oiled, and shined in the morning sun.
"We know of your love for medicines and herbs from your father's stories. We thought this would be useful for you. We do hope they are a blessing to you." Mr. Temple held his wife's shoulders as he spoke softly.
The Temple's excused themselves shortly after that and Corinne was still admiring the cabinets. Their leaving did something to her heart. She felt sad and empty.
"Such a strange way to feel." Corinne said to herself. Andrew was a short part of her life she'd rather forget, and here he was again sneaking into her mind in another way.
"Did you care much for Andrew? Was his passing difficult for you?" Corinne's father joined her. Corinne looked around and saw that Marie and Coop had left them alone to talk.
"His passing was difficult but not in the way you think." Corinne stood quiet for a minute, gathering her words. It was tough to talk about those that were gone. If they were missed it was tearful if they acted badly it felt wrong to tarnish their reputation.
"Andrew and I were not romantic at all, in any way." Corinne did not want too, but looked him in the eye when she said the last part, she forced herself to continue. He nodded slowly to let her know he understood.
