A Promised Land

by Kimberly Grist

  “The kids will be excited. It’s you I’m worried about.” Jake cleared his throat. “I love my mother, but I’m not blind to her faults. She’s opinionated and pushes until she gets her way. My hope is she’ll be so busy trying to design her own house that she’ll lose interest in yours. But if it’s not the house, it will be something else.”

  “I understand what you are saying.” Meriwether bit her lip. “I’ll keep what you say in mind and not take offense to anything she might say. Try not to worry about me and your mother. I feel certain we’ll get along fine.” She forced a bright smile. “She will have been traveling for days and will probably need time to rest up.”

  Jake’s eyes rolled skyward. “One can only hope.”

  Meriwether opened her mouth, then closed it. Surely, he’s overreacting. The woman couldn’t be that bad, could she? “Don’t worry I’ll be on my best behavior, and besides, you’ll only be gone a week. What could happen?”

  CHAPTER 23

  ~o0o~

  “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

  Romans 8:25

  Two days after Jake left for St. Joseph, Meriwether drove the children in the wagon to the train depot to meet their father and grandmother. She’d rolled the girls’ hair in papers the night before, and they looked adorable in their Sunday dresses and straw hats. Zachary refused to put on his church clothes, but instead wore his dark work pants with a white pullover shirt and vest.

  His eyes stared, large behind his blue steeled spectacles. “Pa won’t care what I’ve got on as long as it’s clean.” He placed his wide brimmed hat on his head. “He’s going to like my new boots.”

  “You certainly look handsome. Your father is going to be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished while he’s been away.” Meriwether patted his shoulder. “I know I am.”

  Standing on the platform with the children, Meriwether placed her hand over her stomach and smoothed the skirt of her plum calico dress unnecessarily. She adjusted the bow on her gabled bonnet and sighed. I hope they like me. As if on cue, a whistle sounded. Clouds of steam and fire shot up from an arriving locomotive.

  “Here they come!” Sarah cried. “Hold my hand, Sissy.”

  “Let’s step back a bit.” Meriwether guided the children toward the center of the platform. “We’ll stand here so we won’t be in the way. Plus, it will be easier for your father and grandmother to see you.”

  The locomotive brakes squealed and the sounds of hundreds of moving parts made an impressive entry. Huffs of smoke inhibited their view, then quickly disappeared. Zachary grinned and the girls clapped their hands as the conductor exited the train. Meriwether forced a smile. “It won’t be long now.” Lord, please don’t let me make a mess of things.

  Several passengers exited. The girls’ eyes grew round when several women in silk dresses with full bustles stepped off the train. Meriwether glanced at Zachary. He shook his head. “That’s not her, but she wears the same kind of fancy dresses.” He leaned closer and placed his open palm in front of his mouth. “She usually wears a big hat.”

  Sissy gasped, “Look, it’s Grandmama.” Meriwether turned her attention to a woman who looked as though she’d stepped out of a painting. Mrs. Harrison struck a perfect pose in a lilac princess-style gown with silk knife pleating and a cascade of ruffles. She was beautiful, dark haired, with high cheek bones and looked years younger than a woman in her early fifties.

  Zachary elbowed Meriwether good-naturedly. “I told you she’d have a big hat.”

  Her eyes widened at the sight. Undoubtedly it was the largest and most magnificent garden party hat she’d ever seen. The front displayed two-toned lilac, purple silk flowers and green leaves, and the back sported an oversized bow with delicate strands of beads and ribbons. Mrs. Harrison nodded regally at an awestruck conductor who offered her his hand.

  Sarah pointed. “Look, I see Daddy standing behind Grandmama.”

  Meriwether blinked as a man, similar to Jake in stature, dressed in a dark suit, striped vest and wearing a bowler hat, descended and searched the crowd. The children sprang forward. He knelt, opened his arms and brought them into a full embrace. Tears sprang into her eyes from the sweet reunion as the children all spoke at once.

  Mrs. Harrison scrunched her nose as she scanned the train station. She tapped her parasol on the platform. “After I’ve traveled all this way to see you, I will not be ignored.”

  The children’s heads turned toward their grandmother, and they politely left their father’s arms to be met by a kiss on the cheek. Meriwether’s knees shook as she stepped closer. She offered her hand to the children’s father. “Good morning. I’m Meriwether Walker.”

  “Miss Walker.” He tipped his hat displaying dark wavy hair. “As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m Luke Harrison.”

  Sarah appeared and gave a snaggle-toothed grin. “Daddy, Miss Walker’s been teaching us all kinds of things. I can read almost anything now.”

  Luke’s eyes widened, and he placed his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “How nice of Miss Walker. But what about your teacher, Miss Johnson? Surely, she deserves some credit as well.”

  “Nope, she quit right after you left.” Sarah reached for her father’s hand. “She got married so they wouldn’t let her teach us anymore. When we get home, I’ll read something to you. And if it’s not too late, I want to show you where we’ve been fishing. We found a hidden cave too, and it’s got a waterfall.”

  Luke picked up his daughter and held her close, his eyes misty. “Well, it sounds as though you’ve had a wonderful summer so far. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

  Sissy pulled Mrs. Harrison by the hand toward Meriwether. Zachary took off his hat. “Grandmama, this is Miss Walker.” He grinned at his father. “She’s Uncle Jake’s girl.”

  Mrs. Harrison raised one eyebrow. “You don’t say?” Her gray eyes, so like both of her sons, darkened like storm clouds. “How do you do, Miss Walker. I’m Gloria Harrison.” Her eyes darted from Meriwether’s bonnet to the bottom of her skirt. “I see you like purple too.” She placed her finger on her chin. “Although I’m not sure it’s the best color for a redhead.”

  Meriwether stifled a gasp. Zachary scowled. “Her hair isn’t red exactly.”

  “It’s pretty. I like it.” Sarah placed her hand on Meriwether’s arm.

  “So does Uncle Jake. He says it’s almost the same color as his horse.” Sissy hopped on one foot. “He gave Miss Walker a horse for her birthday. Wait until you see it.”

  Meriwether felt heat rise from her neck to her cheeks. She cleared her throat. “Mr. Baker is at the livery stable hiring a buggy to transport you back to the ranch.” She nodded toward Jake’s brother. “Should I get the wagon so you can arrange to have your luggage loaded?”

  “Whatever you decide, please do it quickly.” Mrs. Harrison opened her parasol and rested it on her shoulder. “I’m not used to this heat.”

  “Perhaps you’d like to wait in the hotel restaurant. Although it may be too early for lunch, they offer a refreshing lemonade, and if you have a sweet tooth, they serve a wonderful apple pie.”

  “You seem quite the expert on the hotel, Miss Walker. Is there a reason for that?” Mrs. Harrison spun her parasol and smiled sweetly.

  Luke coughed. “The lemonade is a wonderful idea. Thank you.” He took his mother by the elbow. “Come along, children, I need you to stay with Grandmama while I take care of our luggage.”

  Meriwether crossed her arms across her chest and tapped her foot. Now I know the reason Jake was so worried about me meeting his mother. But is it me, or does she act this way toward everyone? She took a deep breath and watched the girls skip happily behind their father. Mrs. Harrison took Zachary’s arm and seemed to glide across the dusty street.

  Boots shuffled on the boardwalk behind her. A rough hand tapped her shoulder. Meriwether gasped and turned to see a tight-lipped Mr. Baker standing with one hand on his hip. “I see the har
py has landed.”

  “I didn’t realize you were back.” She looked down at her feet. “Based on your comment, I suppose you heard everything?”

  “Heard enough to see which way the wind blows with that one.” He pulled on his ear. “I’m disappointed in Luke. He shouldn’t have left you standing here while they traipsed off to get the dragon a lemonade.”

  “It all seems unbelievable. Jake tried to warn me, but I never imagined things would be this bad, and so quickly. They haven’t been in town ten minutes.” Her lips trembled.

  Mr. Baker patted her shoulder awkwardly. “How about we tell the baggage handler to start loading up? Then you and I can wait it out with Zeb over at the sheriff’s office. There’s a clear view from his office to this platform.”

  CHAPTER 24

  ~o0o~

  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

  1 Corinthians 15:58

  “You say you were planning on letting her stay in your house? Even after what she said to you?” Deputy Tucker’s face reddened. “You do realize she was calling your morals into question when she remarked on the hotel?”

  Meriwether placed her hands on her flaming cheeks. “I don’t know what to do. The children are happy there, and I don’t want to disappoint Jake. I told him I would try not to take offense at anything his mother said.”

  The deputy walked over to the window and peered toward the train depot. ”I run into all kinds of trouble in my work as a deputy. There is something I found in the book of Matthew, which I’ve put into practice when it comes to resolving conflict.” He held up one finger. “Don’t let your anger fester. You need to talk to the woman one-on-one. I’d lay down the law with her and Luke. Tell them they are welcome to stay as long as they treat you with courtesy and respect. In the meantime, the freight they’re loading in your wagon needs to go anywhere but to your ranch. She’s sounds like the type who would move in and stay out of spite.”

  Meriwether wrung her hands. “I wanted his mother and brother to like me. What is Jake going to think?”

  Deputy Tucker’s nose flared. “He’s going to be appalled his mother made the comment, and if not, then you need to put a halt to your relationship then and there.”

  Mr. Baker placed his hat on his head and motioned toward the window. “Looks like Luke left his mama with the kids at the hotel. Now’s your chance. It’s as much about him as it is about her. He and his children are staying in your house because you’ve allowed it for their convenience, not your own.”

  “I’ll talk to him.” Meriwether squared her shoulders, took Mr. Baker’s offered arm and walked across the street.

  ~o0o~

  “Good to see you, Thomas.” Luke smiled and shook hands with Mr. Baker. “Miss Walker, I was wondering where you were. I thought you were coming with us to the hotel for refreshments.”

  “Did you?” Meriwether lifted her chin. “I don’t believe an invitation was extended to join you, Mr. Harrison.”

  “Please call me Luke.” He took off his bowler and ran his hand through his hair. “Look, Miss, I’m sorry for the things my mother said to you. I can’t apologize enough.”

  She swallowed. “Mr. Harrison, you are not responsible for your mother’s actions. If there is a need to apologize, it should be for the way you left me standing at the train depot after I’ve gone to a great deal of trouble to make sure your children had the opportunity to greet you when you arrived back in town.”

  His face flushed. “You’re right. I was thankful for the suggestion and the distraction to take my mother for refreshments and assumed you’d follow us.”

  Meriwether blinked rapidly. “I adore your children and I was hoping we could be friends.”

  “You were all they talked about while they were eating their pie. It’s clear you’ve done wonders for them. When I left, Zachary was sulky and Sarah rarely spoke.” He met her gaze. “I’m truly sorry.”

  “We’ll start anew then.” Meriwether offered a half smile. “I will have this conversation with your mother as well. But going forward, I will not be spoken to in that manner again. For now, feel free to make yourself at home at the log house, until your home is ready.” She pointed to the multiple crates loaded in the wagon. “I assume there will be more arriving as well?”

  “Yes, quite a few more, I’m afraid. Will that be a problem?” Luke’s eyebrows rose.

  “Not if you store them in the barn on your property, Mr. Harrison.”

  Mr. Baker dropped Meriwether at the log house before turning the wagon toward Jake’s property. The return trip was much slower due to the heavy load in the buckboard. Luke had taken his mother and the children in the buggy and should have arrived hours ago. She shook the dust off before entering the back door through the kitchen. “Goodness, what a day.” She forced a smile at Cookie who was placing bread in the oven.

  “It’s going to be a long couple of weeks, I imagine.” Mrs. Baker placed her hand on her hips. “I’ve already had to bite my tongue at least three times, and if it weren’t for the children, I would’ve marched out the door.”

  Luke Harrison coughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard the wagon and wanted to make sure Miss Walker arrived safely.”

  “I’m fine, thank you.” Meriwether reached for a glass and walked toward the pump.

  “The tea is ready. Sit down and I’ll pour you a glass. You look as though you’re about ready to drop.” Cookie reached for a pitcher. “Would you care for some, Mr. Harrison.?”

  Luke’s eyebrows narrowed. “Before I left, you called me by my first name.” He pulled out a chair and set next to Meriwether. “I’ve spoken to my mother and offered an ultimatum. She can either alter her behavior immediately, or she has two choices. I’ll either rent her a house in town or she can stay in the hotel.”

  Meriwether took several swallows of refreshing sweet tea. She studied the dark shadows under Luke’s eye and the gauntness of his face. “Jake tried to warn me. He mentioned your mother could be difficult.”

  Luke placed his face in his hands. “She can be. But I’ve never known her to be downright venomous.” He lifted his head. “Mother is simply used to getting her own way. She has a notebook of drawings and ideas of how to transform this house. She also planned on bringing a guest—a friend of my sister who she believes will be a perfect wife for my brother.

  “She was furious when Jake declined her request but was planning on bringing the young woman anyway.” His shoulders shook with laughter. “You should have seen her face when she found out Jake wrote to the young woman’s parents directly. He apologized and extended an invitation sometime in the future after his marriage to you.”

  Meriwether felt her heart leap. She straightened and offered a smile. “Thank you for telling me. I only have a general idea about his correspondence with you.”

  “Miss Walker, I can assure you there has been an about-face from the first letter we received to the most recent ones. He is clearly smitten, which further infuriated my mother. And when we arrived and found my children circled around you, it was clear they love you too.” He rubbed his chin. “I’m afraid my mother has engaged in a counterattack.”

  CHAPTER 25

  ~o0o~

  “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

  Philippians 1:6

  Jake exited the popular three-story hotel in St. Joseph and shook his head at the crowds of people hurrying along the sidewalk. The clerk at the hotel had mentioned how the city was now considered a modern wonder with sixty thousand inhabitants, numerous factories and seventy passenger trains each day. Who would think so many people would live in one city?

  He completed his business dealings the day before and spent a considerable amount of time with his buyer at what was considered the largest stockyard west of
Chicago. I’m glad I only have to make this trip twice a year. Maybe Meriwether will come with me next time. His mouth turned into a smile and his heartbeat quickened at the thought.

  The clang of the streetcar’s bell sounded, and he picked up his pace toward his destination of the Bavarian Jewelry and Watch Repair Shop. A jingling above the door announced his arrival, and an older gentleman with thick white hair and a full beard appeared from behind a curtain. He smiled and greeted him with a thick accent. “Good Morning, how may I help you?”

  Jake’s eyes widened. The shop was exactly how Meriwether described it, but smaller than he imagined. Wooden clocks with detailed carvings hung on the wall between shelves, which held displays of silver and gold watches ticking in unison. An L-shaped glass-top counter displayed brooches, pins, earrings and lockets on rich burgundy velvet.

  He cleared his throat and turned his attention to the salesperson. “A friend of mine inherited a locket purchased by her grandparents from this shop. It’s very special to her.” He pointed toward the wall. “When she was a young girl, her family visited here. She has fond memories of the wall of clocks. She described one in particular with dancing figures that emerge at the top of the hour.”

  The man nodded. “They are quite popular. In a little over twenty minutes, you can see for yourself. This friend of yours, tell me about her.”

  “She also inherited a lace shawl purchased from here for her mother on her wedding day. She said the owner’s wife designed it.”

  “My wife Bridgett would have made the shawl. I own this shop along with my son, Mattias.” He nodded toward the room behind the curtain. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Wilhelm Mueller.”

  Without understanding why, Jake found himself drawn to the man. He stepped closer. “Her name is Meriwether, and she is the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. She’s smart, patient, generous and beautiful. We didn’t hit it off too well at first, but now I can’t imagine life without her.” He circled his hand around the room. “Meriwether thinks of this shop as a special place. I was hoping you could help me choose a gift.” Jake swallowed. “I want to give her something she will treasure as well.”