“Terrific, Sissy and I are best friends. If it is acceptable with Annabelle and Isaac, I would love to stay here. You go and see your mother. I will see you in a few days.” She turned to Isaac. “I can do chores to pay for my stay.” She looked anxiously at Isaac who shook his head to let her know it was not necessary. “Oh no, I insist. I always pay my own way.” He looked at Annabelle and then nodded. “Good, where will I sleep?”
“You can stay in my room, come on I will show you.” Sissy pulled Vivienne up the stairs, out of sight. Abe thanked his brother and sister-in-law and walked outside. The sun was just setting over the horizon and the two men stood watching as it disappeared.
“I can't thank you enough, Isaac. I am not sure how Mother will like the idea of Vivienne staying with us at the house. I will have to decide how much to tell her. Vivienne is quite a character and can be almost as rude as Sissy sometimes.” Isaac laughed at the comparison thinking the two were very much alike. “To be honest, I am not exactly sure where she fits into my life right now or if she does at all. Oh, and by the way, I am having Vivienne's stallion brought here tomorrow. Hope you have room to board him, he is quite the horse!” Isaac just shook his head at his brother, waving as the wagon disappeared. Well, Abe is back and look what he has brought us!
Back at the pond, Red Fox returned to the old woodshed, he now called home. His curiosity was raised by the appearance of this new woman. A woman dressed like a man, but very much a woman. Was she staying with the family? Who was she? He would soon find out. His trip to New York was everything he wanted and more and now his plan was coming together. Another Whittaker was back in St. Louis, now they were all here where he could watch them and plan the surprise.
Chapter Eighteen
Together Again
Abraham arrived to find the house empty. Charles reassured him that the family would return shortly. He wandered his childhood home remembering the happy times. His mind relaxed for a few minutes and he actually pushed Vivienne from the forefront.
Charles served him a delicious lunch in the conservatory and Abraham tried to compose the conversation he knew was inevitable. How would his mother react to Vivienne? Did she really belong in St. Louis, or had he made a terrible mistake? Ezekiel arrived home first.
“Abe, it is so good to see you. How are things in the south? You are looking well.” Ezekiel hugged his brother, the two looking more like twins than brothers two years apart.
“Zeke, you look healthy and happy. Obviously England agrees with you. How long have you been here?” Abraham was so glad to see his younger brother that for just a moment he forgot all about his problems. “I am sure Mother was pleased to see you. I am anxious to see her, does she look well?” The two brothers caught up on two years worth of living in a few short hours and soon the rest of the family started to arrive. First, Jeremy found them in the conservatory.
“Abraham, my son. You look terrific. It is good to have you home.” He hugged his son and sat with the two men discussing business, life and St. Louis. Soon Martha arrived. She ran to Abraham. Tears welled up in her eyes as she beheld her two sons and the man she loved together again.
“It is so good to have you both back home. I have missed you terribly. Abraham, welcome home.” She touched his cheek affectionately. “I am afraid your sister will not be home for a few weeks. She is starting a new boarding school and cannot come home until month end. We have had some problems with Anna but hopefully all is well now, nothing to worry about. Now, tell me all of your news.” Ezekiel gave Abraham a sideways look that spoke volumes. Abraham knew his brother would fill him in later.
Much later, when the two brothers were alone in the study, Ezekiel told Abraham what had happened before he arrived. “Anna came back from New York and although she was rather sullen and quiet, she certainly was not sorry for all of the trouble she caused. Mother is hoping that this new boarding school will help, but I am not so sure. There is even a very nice fellow here in St. Louis who asked for her hand in marriage. I don't think he knows what he is in for.” Abraham listened attentively. “Our little sister is a real handful for Mama and Papa. I honestly do not know what is wrong with that girl. She had everything a child could want. Loving parents, a beautiful home, everything she ever asked for appeared as if by magic and still she is stubborn, spoiled and self absorbed.” Ezekiel paused to light his cigar. “Actually, I think I just answered my own question, she is spoiled, very, very spoiled. She could have used a little discipline. We certainly didn't have any lack of it.”
“Let's not go there, Zeke, I have been remembering him too much lately. I even had a dream about him on the train coming here. Do you remember the dreams I used to have?” Abraham seemed to drift away somewhere in the past.
“Oh, I remember. That time you dreamt that John Tucker was buried in snow. The next day his dad arrived to tell us John was dead. That was spooky. Father was very angry about your dreams.”
“Angry is putting it mildly. I was nearly beaten to death the next day when Isaac told Father about the dream. Isaac was a different person back then.” Abraham shivered as a cold chill ran up his spine. “Sometimes it feels as if Jebediah Whittaker is still here, lurking in the shadows waiting to kill us all.”
“I, too, have been thinking about that horror of a man. Do you think it is because we are home again? Yet, he lived in Wyoming, never St. Louis so I do not think the association fits. Perhaps we are being haunted.” Ezekiel recalled the episode with Geraldine and considered telling Abe, but then decided against it. “Do you think Isaac ever thinks about Wyoming and what happened?”
“Speaking of Isaac, I have something to tell you.” Abraham proceeded to fill Ezekiel in on Vivienne's presence and how he came to know her. Ezekiel was enthralled by the story. He was anxious to meet this mystery woman.
“So when are you going to introduce her to the family?”
“After I speak to Mother and Papa tomorrow. I am trying to decide how much to tell them. Vivienne can be rather uncouth at times and yet at other times she is very much the perfect lady.” Abraham's expression gave away the feelings he was starting to have for the young lady. “Soon, everyone will meet her, soon.” Ezekiel then remembered running into Abby Wells and told Abraham how she had changed in the past two years.
“Abby is a most fetching woman, Abe, wait until you see her.”
“I see you have not changed when it comes to the ladies, my brother. Still looking to conquer them all.” Abraham laughed at Ezekiel's feigned hurtful look. “Just be careful with Abby, Loretta is Mother's best friend and you could be looking for trouble.”
“Oh really, Abe, Abby is off limits, beautiful but she is still a very young woman. I have enough woman trouble back home in England. Wait until I tell you about the lovely blonde on the ship!” The brothers chatted into the night over brandy and fine cigars. They talked of life, women and the present. They did not talk about the past.
Martha and Jeremy returned from the country club late. The evening proved to be somewhat of a distraction for them and both of them were more relaxed than they had been in days. “Honestly, Jeremy, I think the school is the answer for Anna. I am very fond of Hans, but she is only fifteen. Yes, I know she will be sixteen soon, but still she is not ready for marriage.”
“I assured him that we would want a very long engagement with a wedding after her eighteenth birthday. I think it might settle her down. Besides, at the rate she is going, we may have a promiscuous old maid on our hands. No gentleman will marry a used woman and although she assured us that nothing untoward happened in New York, we really do not know.” Martha shivered at the thought. “I'm sorry, Martha, but that girl needs to be betrothed soon. I just feel it in my bones.” Jeremy undressed slowly, taking care to place his jacket and tie in the wardrobe. Martha sat at the vanity brushing her chestnut hair. He knew she did not want to hear what he was saying, but in his gut he knew something more happened in New York than they were told. God help them if she was pregnant by
some New York stranger. He dare not even mention the possibility, fearing the spoken word would make it true.
“You know how I feel about Anna marrying a man that she loves, not one that we choose for her. My Darling, you are the love of my life, but your brother was the man that my father chose for me and he was my worst nightmare. You know what I went through with him and I could never do that to Anna. She must love the man she marries.” Martha looked so sad; Jeremy went to her and pulled her into his arms. “Oh, Jeremy, where did we go wrong?”
Jeremy knew exactly what went wrong with Anna. Martha was so disturbed with the way Jebediah had treated her and the boys that she refused to discipline Anna. Jeremy tried his best, but Martha was too soft with the child and now they had a spoiled, self-centered woman on their hands, a woman that might not be so easy to find a husband for. Hans was willing and he loved Anna with all of his heart. He was a good, reliable man. Jeremy felt that she could do much worse. He let it drop for now, but sooner or later they would sit down and make a decision. It wasn't fair to Hans to keep him waiting for their answer. He kissed his wife and ushered her to bed. God, please don't let Anna be pregnant or we will all have to pay for her wild weekend.
Loretta and Austin returned to their home after the lovely evening at the country club with Martha and Jeremy. “That was lovely, Austin. Martha and Jeremy needed a night out after what that spoiled brat did to them. She wasn't the least bit sorry you know. If she were my daughter, I would have slapped her across that smug face of hers. I hope the boarding school can tame her.” Loretta removed her cape and hat as she walked into the living room. Moving a book, she relaxed into her favorite chair. “You know I always thought that she would be nothing but trouble. She was much too spoiled. One thing I do not like is way she manipulates David.”
“David is her friend. He is also a very good boy and will only do so much for her. I believe he had nothing to do with her New York escape. He said he was going to the symphony, and he did. He is not responsible for that girl. I remember how Martha and I were the best of friends when we were growing up in England and I too would have done anything for her. At one time I even thought I would marry her. But then you came along and stole my heart, my Sweet. Now how about a nice brandy before bed?” Austin poured two drinks and handed one to his wife. “What do you think she was up to in New York? Those girls she was with were a few years older than she is and could have been up to no good.”
“Oh, it scares me to think. Drinking, dancing and I pray nothing else. I am just happy that we have our Abby. Beautiful, studious and intelligent instead of a headstrong little…… Oh never mind. Let's stop talking about her. Cheers, Austin.” She raised her glass to his and smiled. Loretta was worried about Martha and the affect Anna's adventures were having on her. At least the boys were home now and everything would improve. She snuggled up to her husband and thanked God for her family, especially her children. She was secure in the knowledge that they would both grow up to be responsible adults. Abby was a year older than Anna and showed no interest in boys. Thank Goodness.
Chapter Nineteen
The Secret
Thomas and Vivienne had gone riding and Sissy was a little jealous of the time they were spending with the horses. Thomas was thrilled with the black stallion and Vivienne even let him ride it. Sissy finished her chores and wandered to the pond. Maybe her new friend was there.
“Red Fox, are you here?” she shouted into the forest. “Red Fox.” He heard her calling from the woodshed and checked to see if she was alone. She was.
He moved to the opposite end of the pond and walked out into the clearing. The little girl saw him and ran towards him. “Red Fox, I am glad you are here. Now we can have a nice chat.” She was charming but he wanted information not a new friend.
“Sissy, nice to see you.” He was on his best behavior, lowering himself to a log ready to disappear if anyone else came near. “Where is your friend today?”
“Oh, you mean Vivienne? She is riding with Thomas. How do you know about Vivienne?” Sissy was young, but very astute.
“I saw you both the other day. I was going to say ‘Hi,’ but you looked busy with the ducks. Besides, you and I are a secret, remember?” He thought carefully about what to say. “Who is she? Is she a friend of your ma?”
“Vivienne? No, she is Uncle Abe's friend and she is really nice. I like her a lot. She is sleeping with me in my room.” Sissy picked at the daisies that grew near the stump. “Now, tell me about being an Indian. Did you say you were a Cherokee?”
“No, a Cheyenne. Now what were you saying about your new friend? How long is she staying?” Sissy was upset that Red Fox wanted to talk about Vivienne.
“I don't know, now, are you my friend or not? I want to know about Indians. Do they really scalp people? Pa says that they only did that when the white men were very mean to them and stole their land. Pa says Indians are people just like us and you look like us, you even remind me of my pa. You have the same color hair and eyes as him. Do you know my pa?” Sissy rambled on and on.
“Your pa is a smart man. He is right about Indians. Does you pa know about Indians from when he lived in Wyoming?”
“Yeh, how do you know that?”
“You must have told me. Where did he live in Wyoming?” This little one was too smart; he would have to be careful. Suddenly, the sound of horses came closer and he had to leave. “Sorry, Sissy, but I have to go, you remember our secret. You didn't see me, Okay?” He quickly disappeared before she could protest.
“Where the heck did he go so quick? Maybe that is Thomas and Vivienne.” She stood up and turned toward the sound of horses. “Hi, I'm over here.” The two riders slowed their mounts and rode toward the pond. They dismounted and brought the horses to drink from the cool, clear water. “Did you two have a good ride?” Sissy tried to be casual and not look guilty.
“We sure did. Vivienne even jumps the stallion. She is the best.” Thomas was impressed with both the horse and the rider. Vivienne smiled. She wore her hair tied back in a ponytail and with no make up she looked even younger than her seventeen years.
“You are an excellent horseman yourself Thomas and Chestnut will learn to jump just like Blackjack. Sissy, did you have a nice day? Why are you at the pond? I don't see the ducks?” Vivienne sensed that something was up with Sissy; she was acting as if she had something to hide.
“No, just walking. Nothing special really, thought I would pick these daisies for Mama.” Sissy remembered the daisies in her hand and quickly covered her tracks. She wanted to keep Red Fox all to herself. Thomas was already trying to take Vivienne.
“Thomas, Papa wants you to take some more fence posts out to the north forty. I almost forgot to tell you. Come on, Vivienne, let's get more flowers for Mama.” Sissy took Vivienne's hand and walked away leaving Thomas wondering what she was up to. From the cover of the trees, Red Fox watched the woman and the children. Perhaps Uncle Abe's friend had the information he needed.
Vivienne fit in very well at the farm. She did chores every morning and even helped Annabelle with the children. Annabelle was pleased to have her, and the two women soon became close. “Do you think Sissy is up to something, Annabelle?” Vivienne did not want to betray Sissy's confidence, but it was bothering her.
“Well, Sissy is always up to something, Vivienne. Did you have something specific in mind?” Annabelle closed the lid on the last of the preserves that the two women were working on. “Can you give Amy her bottle while I take these jars to the pantry?” Vivienne reached for baby Amy and held her close. She liked feeding the baby having never given any thought to children of her own. She always felt like a child herself until her father died, leaving her alone. Although she was very capable, this life as an adult was new to her. Amy smiled at her as if reading her thoughts. “You think you know what lies ahead, little one? I wish I did.” She decided not to ask Annabelle any more questions about Sissy; she would keep a close eye on her and make sure nothing bad happened.
Vivienne felt comfortable and wanted, here on the farm with this lovely family. She speculated whether the rest of the family in the city was as nice and accommodating. Abe had not returned for days. Would he even come back for her? In the meantime, this felt right. This was where she was supposed to be.
Thomas and Sissy worked in the barn together. “Thomas, remember that secret you told me about Pa's old mean father? Well I have my own secret.” Sissy just couldn't keep it to herself any longer. “I have a new friend and his name is Red Fox.”
“You have a fox for a friend? Well don't invite him into our chicken coop or he will eat all the chickens and the eggs and you will get a good tanning on your behind.”
“No silly, an Indian named Red Fox. He is my new friend. Now, don't tell anyone, it is a secret. I didn't tell anyone your dumb old secret about that mean old grandfather so don't you tell.” She gave Thomas her most threatening look. “Promise?”
“Yeh, I promise. So where is this Indian?” Thomas thought that Sissy was just making up another tall tale but at least he was happy she had kept quiet about their pa's father. “When do I get to meet him?”
Sissy looked at him. He doesn't believe me, I can tell. “Right now, come on. Race you to the pond.” The two youngsters raced down the lane towards the pond. Red Fox had just finished washing in the pond and was heading back to the shed. He retreated to the forest and watched. “Red Fox, come out, Thomas wants to meet you.” Sissy hollered.
The Whittaker Family Reunion Page 10
