Later that evening, after a candlelight dinner at the hotel, Daisy accepted Billy’s offer to go for a walk in the moonlight.
She gazed into his sky-blue eyes, and her insides turn to mush. Her heart rate raced like the pony rider who was behind on a run. A small gasp escaped from her lips as Billy took her into his arms.
“I realize now how much I need God, and you. Daisy, I love you. Will you marry me?” Billy asked.
Daisy’s skin heated with emotion. She loved Billy and had realized just how much while he’d been in danger. She needed him and wanted to be with him forever.
“I love you, too, Billy, and yes, I will marry you.” She gasped again as he pulled her closer and laid a tender kiss upon her lips.
The next morning they made a trip to the telegraph office and wired a train ticket to the orphanage. Billy’s nephew should be home in another week.
That afternoon Daisy and Billy rode to the outskirts of town to look at a farm he planned to purchase. The beauty of the place took her breath away.
The big white house had plenty of rooms. One was for Billy’s nephew when he arrived, as well as the bunch of children Daisy hoped to have someday. A large garden plot sat ready for planting the following spring, and Daisy would have a good time sowing corn, peas, and a large assortment of vegetables. She loved to cook, and the large modern kitchen held a big cookstove and a shiny new water pump.
Billy said the barn was big enough for a whole slew of animals, and the chicken coop would hold dozens of hens. The large paddock would serve their horses well. Daisy smiled when she envisioned Clancy prancing around in it.
Peace settled over Daisy. She wouldn’t have to run anymore.
When they finished looking at the farm, Billy dropped Daisy off at the hotel.
“I’m headed to the bank to make sure the Tully’s reward money arrived. If it has, I’ll sign the paperwork and get the deed,” Billy said before riding away. Soon they would all be settled in their new home, but he and Daisy had to get married first.
Daisy spent the better part of three days making the preparations. Adrianne baked a wedding cake. Daisy sewed a nice wedding dress, and this Sunday the circuit preacher was coming to town.
Billy and Daisy planned to marry right after the service. Daisy had already drawn her last paycheck from the Pony Express, and she rode her horse out to see Green Grass’s family.
Upon her arrival the family tumbled out of their home and embraced her. The children, especially Little Bear, clung to her legs and smothered her with hugs. Her friend’s mother and grandmother embraced her as well. Daisy gave them the money they needed to get through the winter. Green Grass’s mother happily told Daisy that she had gotten a job at the hotel.
“I’m going to be the new cook.” The woman beamed. “We will no longer need money from you to get by.”
Daisy was pleased to hear that the oldest daughter now worked in the laundry in town. She wiped a tear thinking how proud Green Grass would be to see her family now. They invited her to stay for dinner, but Daisy had to get back. She had a wedding to plan, but before leaving she invited the family to her and Billy’s ceremony.
In the span of a single breath, it was Sunday afternoon, or so it seemed to Daisy. Her wedding day. Johnny and several of the Pony Express riders sat in the church pews. Johnny, Gabe, Jack, and Sam took up a whole row. Daisy chuckled and wondered who’d be riding in their absence.
Green Grass’s family sat in the back. Much to Daisy’s delight, little Luke, Billy’s nephew, had arrived on the train just the day before. He seemed to be a happy youngster, in spite of the trauma’s he’d faced, and she looked forward to getting to know him. Even the Tullys had decided to attend the nuptials.
Summer flowers, native to the region, decorated the altar. Billy stood at the front of the church with the preacher. Little Luke served as the ring bearer. The youngster jerked a frog from his pocket and announced to everyone that it was his present to the couple. Daisy laughed so hard her stomach hurt.
A silent moment passed, and the situation grew serious. When the music began Daisy proceeded up the aisle. A twinge of sadness ached in her middle. She missed her papa and would have loved for him to give her away. Her mama would have taken great joy in helping her sew the lace on her dress. Green Grass would have made a beautiful maid of honor. Daisy had to forgive Butch for what he’d done, but that would take time.
One thought didn’t escape her. Would she have ever met Billy if this had never happened? She had to trust that God would return what the locusts and cankerworm had stolen. God would always be there with her, like He had protected her even from the time she had hidden in her parents’ closet.
Daisy reached the front of the church and Billy took her hand in his.
“Dearly beloved,” the preacher began.
Billy and Daisy exchanged their vows. Life would throw some hitches in their get-along, but she anticipated many happy moments, too. God’s grace would see them through.
Debby Lee was raised in the cozy little town of Toledo, Washington. She has been writing since she was a small child and has written several novels but never forgets home.
The Northwest Christian Writers Association and Romance Writers of America are two organizations that Debby enjoys being a part of. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steven Laube Literary Agency.
As a self-professed nature lover, and an avid listener to 1960s folk music, Debby can’t help but feel like a hippie child who wasn’t born soon enough to attend Woodstock. She wishes she could run barefoot all year long but often does anyway in grass and on beaches in her hamlet that is the cold and rainy southwest Washington.
During the football season, Debby cheers on the Seattle Seahawks along with legions of other devoted fans. She’s also filled with wanderlust and dreams of visiting Denmark, Italy, and Morocco someday.
Debby Lee loves connecting with her readers through her website at www.booksbydebbylee.com.
Hidden Courage
by Rose Allen McCauley
Dedication:
This book is dedicated to my youngest granddaughter, Elinor, whom the heroine in my story is named after. Our Elinor actually lives in a pre–Civil War home in Kentucky where a hidden cellar room was discovered during remodeling, which spurred the idea for this story. I pray Elinor and all our grandchildren will live lives of courage even when times are tough.
It is also dedicated to my aunt Hilda Allen Mullins who recently went to her heavenly reward. She was like an older sister to me and taught me to read and to ride a bike. I was proud to be her niece and friend.
Acknowledgments:
Special thanks to:
My husband who reads my stories aloud with me to help make them the best they can be.
Tamela Hancock Murray for always believing in me and guiding my writing career.
Cecelia Dowdy, who encouraged me to write a story for this collection.
My wonderful brainstorming group of Loretta Gibbons, Jennifer Johnson, Jackie Layton, and Christina Miller.
My faithful critiquers who made the story better and helped to delete the unnecessary words—Joy Liddy and Loretta Gibbons.
The other authors in this collection who formed a close bond through our private loop of encouragement and help.
Great research help from great friends—Lynn Coleman and Martha Barnes. (Any mistakes are my own!)
The many friends who have told me they pray for my writing, especially the Unity Christian Church Book Club ladies—Ellen W., Ellen K., Jean F., Chris H., and Betty J.
ACFW for all the writing instruction I’ve received over the years and especially for the friendships that will last throughout eternity.
Most of all to my Heavenly Father for giving me the privilege of writing stories for Him. I pray my words may always bring Him the glory and draw all readers closer to Him.
Chapter One
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
PSALM 31:24
Cynthiana, Kentucky 1833
Elinor Peck slipped into the cellar kitchen of her home, hoping to avoid her mother until she could make herself presentable. Her eyes met Dottie’s.
The slave shook her head. “Look at you now, missy. You done gone and got your new dress all muddy. No way I can get it clean before dinner tonight. You gon’ have to change, and make it quick now. I already sent Shug up to your room to help with your hair, so skedaddle on up there.”
Elinor tiptoed up the stone steps to the first floor then searched both ways before scurrying to the wooden staircase in the middle of the hallway. Just a few more steps and—
Someone cleared their throat.
Elinor turned to see the one person she was trying to avoid.
“How did you manage to get this filthy so close to dinner? What am I going to do with you, Elinor?”
Which question to answer first? “I’m sorry, Mother. I went to check on Pansy’s sick baby and fell into a mud puddle.”
“Always rescuing someone. Hurry, or you’ll make dinner late. You know we’re having guests tonight.”
Elinor flew up the stairs into the solace of her room. Shug had a clean dress laid out and water in her bowl. After stripping off her dress, Elinor cleaned off as much of the mud as possible.
Shug dumped the filthy water into the slop jar, poured clean water into the bowl, then lifted the cloth from Elinor’s hands. “Let me get the rest of the mud off the back of your legs.” She looked Elinor over. “It’ll have to do until you take a proper bath tonight. Now sit down and let me work on that hair.”
What would she do without Shug? Elinor hated slavery but couldn’t imagine life without her best friend since childhood. She also hated that Shug was her personal slave, a gift from her father last year when she turned eighteen. She’d vowed to one day set Shug free.
“Missy Elinor, you gots to help me get this dress over your head now without mussing up those curls.”
Elinor gave Shug a quick hug. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Shug’s eyes lit with affection. “Hold still now, and let me look you over front and back.”
Elinor obeyed while Shug circled her. Life isn’t fair.
“Nobody’d ever know you wore a mud puddle a few minutes ago. Now get down those steps afore your mama come up and fuss at both of us.”
With a curtsy, Elinor lifted her skirts and left the mess to Shug.
“There you are, my dear.” At the foot of the staircase, her father offered his arm and escorted her into the dining room.
Her uncle and a handsome younger man stood while her father seated her next to her mother.
The men took their seats across from them, and her uncle nodded. “Elinor, I’d like you to meet my new apprentice, Mr. William Chandler, from Ripley, Ohio.
“Pleased to meet you.” She smiled then dropped her gaze to the table, so her mother wouldn’t censure her later for staring too long. His longish hair was brown. What color were his eyes?
Dottie and Shug passed plates filled with roast and vegetables to each person. Then Dottie returned to the kitchen while Shug stood in the doorway, ready to fetch anything needed.
Elinor’s father set down his fork and turned to William. “My brother wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember, son. What made you decide to study medicine?”
William swallowed, as Elinor sneaked another glance. “Since I was sixteen, sir. My younger brother died of a ruptured appendix because there was no doctor near where we lived. I vowed then to get the training to save as many lives as I could.”
“Very noble.” Her mother nodded then turned to Shug. “Clear the table, then go tell your mother we’re ready for dessert.”
Shug obeyed then left, her eyes on the floor.
The two slaves soon returned with heaping bowls of peach cobbler for the men and smaller ones for the women.
Her mother scowled. “I thought we were serving whipped cream with the fruit.”
“Yes’m, but the cow only gave enough milk to mix in the taters and make the gravy. None left to make cream.”
Mother turned toward Father. “Nicholas, you must see to that tomorrow. I’m ashamed to serve fruit pie without any cream.”
“Now, Clarissa, the cobbler Dottie makes is the best in town, even without cream.”
Uncle John nodded. “I’ve heard many people say so. Why do you think I never turn down an invitation here?” He grinned.
Her mother straightened. “I still don’t want it to happen again.”
Her father stood. “Gentlemen, shall we retire to the study to smoke our local burley?”
The other men pushed in their chairs. William glanced at her father then at Elinor. “I’d rather take a stroll through your lovely gardens we saw when we parked the buggy. Could Miss Peck join me?”
Surprised, Elinor looked at her father, who gave a short nod of assent. She glanced at William and smiled. “That would be nice.”
Mother looked at Shug. “Grab Elinor’s shawl, then chaperone them as they walk.”
“Yes’m.” Shug left then returned with the shawl and placed it around Elinor’s shoulders.
William crooked his elbow. Elinor linked her arm with his, amazed at the warmth. Flustered, she gazed into his eyes—light green like spring leaves.
William stared down at the beauty on his arm. Her blue eyes mesmerized him, so he looked away before he got lost in them. “Shall we begin our walk in the front yard then go to the back?”
“Certainly.”
After reaching the bottom of the steps, she stepped to the right, her hand lightly touching his arm.
“What a tall pine tree.” He tilted his head back to see the top.
“Father planted it the day I was born, to shade my room.” Her eyes shone.
“The tree grew faster than you.”
Laughter bubbled from her lips. “You’re right.”
They turned at the front corner of the yard, and he glimpsed the slave girl following them several yards behind. How could Southerners stand to enslave a fellow human being?
The stone pathway wound its way beside some boxwood bordered with taller arborvitae.
Elinor sniffed the air. “I love the scent of the ‘tree of life,’ don’t you?”
He drew in a breath. “Yes, what else do you like?”
“I like to read, and I love to help the slaves feel better when they’re sick.”
“I love to read and to help sick people, too. What kind of medicines do you use?”
“Mostly herbs from my garden.” She waved her hand toward a fenced-in area at the corner of the backyard. “Would you like to see it?”
“Of course.” How wonderful God had led him to meet someone in his new town who liked some of the same things he did, especially the healing arts.
They approached the narrow gate into the garden, and he let his arm fall away to allow her and her hoop skirt to enter. His arm ached to hold hers again, but from this view he could observe her lovely blond curls and petite form.
She pointed to sticks with little pieces of paper tied to them. “I grind these peppers to make a salve for Dottie’s achy knees, and I have several plants to make poultices—mullein, mustard, goldenseal, and onions.”
“I’m impressed. How did you learn so much about herbal medicines?”
“From Dottie and some of the other slaves who visit her. Once when I was little I had a bad earache the doctor couldn’t heal, and Dottie made me an onion poultice, and the pain disappeared overnight.” Her eyes misted. “Of course, her love and prayers helped a lot, too.”
His heart swelled with admiration for this sweet woman. “You seem very close to your slaves.”
“Shug has always been like a sister to me. We’re only a few weeks apart in age and played together on the floor while Dottie cooked.”
“You’re a special woman, Elinor. I hope we can get to know each other better.”
“Th
at would be nice.” She grinned, and a dimple appeared on each cheek. “Do you want to see my willow tree?”
“You have a willow tree?”
“Yes, it’s outside my other window. I begged Father for it so I could use the bark for pain relief.” She walked through the gate. “Follow me.”
He’d never been so enchanted with a woman—a book, maybe, but never a female. Medicine had been his whole focus for the past five years. Wait. He would need to remain focused for the next three years to reach his dream to save lives. He had to. In his brother’s memory.
Saturday afternoon Elinor couldn’t concentrate on her book. The image of her uncle’s apprentice flitted into her mind. She’d dreamed about him last night, although she couldn’t remember the details.
Her mother entered the library, carrying a package. “I need you to take this to your uncle John. I had the slaves rip up some old sheets into bandages for him.”
Excitement mounting, Elinor put down her book and lifted the package. “Certainly.”
“And take Shug with you.”
Her heart sang with joy. “Yes, ma’am.” Shug would be glad to get out of the hot kitchen, and Elinor would love extra time to visit with her, a rarity nowadays.
She went downstairs to seek Dottie. “Mother has a package for me to deliver and told me to take Shug.”
Dottie wagged a finger. “Remember to walk behind Elinor, Shug.”
Her friend’s dark eyes danced. “I will, Mama.”
Elinor and Shug giggled and hugged as soon as they went out the back door.
They strolled down Pike Street, Shug keeping a step or two behind Elinor but close enough so they could chat.
“What did you think of the new doctor, NorNor?”
Elinor smiled. Shug had given her that nickname when they were tiny. Just like she had called her Shug instead of Shirley.
Shug whispered. “He had eyes only for you.”
The Courageous Brides Collection Page 26
