Dreams and Nightmares

by Shirley A. Roe

  Minnie Wells decided to stay in St. Louis. The weather was milder in St. Louis than England and her arthritis didn't bother her as much. There were three babies to care for and she had no one in England to rush home to. Loretta and Martha were thankful for Minnie who took complete charge of the babies and left the women to return to the dress shop. Minnie would arrive at feeding time and the babies were fed, cuddled and returned to Minnie. She was happy to have the responsibility and was the perfect Nanny. Isabel Langley visited her grandchildren once a week and although the two women had nothing in common but baby David and Abby, they spent many pleasant hours together.

  Austin gave his flat to Minnie, who was thankful to have her own place. Austin and Loretta moved into Martha's small house and Jeremy and Martha moved to a larger home. A new section of St. Louis was being built and they found a perfect place in the upscale Vandeventer Place. The brick house was much larger than Martha's cozy two-story, with six bedrooms upstairs, a lovely sitting room, great room, kitchen and good-sized dining room and a large two-acre lot. Jeremy was becoming very successful in St. Louis and wanted to have many business dinner parties. Thanks to the Carruthers, Martha's fashions were now being sold in a shop in New York. Agatha had made the arrangements on one of her many trips. The woman never failed to amaze her. Martha intended to have several dinner dances in her new home to promote her growing business and the house suited both of their purposes. A woman was hired to cook and clean and the six Whittakers began their life in their new home.

  Martha's first day in her new home was spent transplanting the white and pink roses that she moved from Lucas Place. She knelt in the grass, soiled garden gloves on her lap and sent up a silent prayer for Margaret and John Dwyer. She would not forget them.

  Isaac and Annabelle sat on the riverbank, fishing rods in hand. Annabelle enjoyed fishing and Isaac was pleased. Now he could partake of his favorite pastime with his best friend. “How long will you be away Isaac?”

  “Well, Mr. Langley said that the wagon train was traveling to North Dakota so I guess about six months by the time we get back.” Isaac was excited about his new job with Arthur Langley. Martha had tried to talk him into staying in school but this was what Isaac had dreamed of doing. He would ride shotgun with the wagon train and help with the routine chores. Isaac's marksmanship was the best Arthur had seen and the teenager was keen. They were leaving at the end of the month. Martha had been shocked to learn that Phillip Carruthers was accompanying Isaac on his first trip. Isaac was nervous and excited at the same time. He would be away from his family and Annabelle for half a year, but the excitement of the journey was overwhelming.

  “You know I'll miss you terribly.” Annabelle was sad to think of how long he would be gone. She would wait forever for Isaac and dreamt of marrying him one day.

  “And I you, but this job is important for my future. You know how I love the west. I'm like Mr. Langley in that way. City life is just not for me and I'll be making good money for our future. Grandpap is very excited about seeing a buffalo. It is amazing that he has hunted lions in Africa but never shot a buffalo. It will be fun to hunt with him.” The two held hands, watched the sunset and fished. “ Mr. Langley told me that in Wyoming, farther west than Fort Laramie there is a red desert. The wagons travel through this desert for days and days and then they come to this huge rock. People stop and carve their names into that rock- Independence Rock they call it.” Annabelle loved to listen to Isaac talk of the wagon trains west. His face always lit up when he spoke of the west and she knew that that was where his dreams led him. She would wait. As teenagers they were confident that they would be together forever.

  Martha and Agatha had returned from a shopping trip when Martha learned of Phillip's latest adventure. “But Phillip, do you really think you are up to traveling by wagon train? It is very grueling.”

  “Don't you worry about me, my dear. I am looking forward to shooting my first buffalo. Isaac has been telling me how to go about it and I am quite excited.” Phillip looked like a young boy, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

  “Are you sure you aren't going just to keep an eye on my son? I am very nervous about this job with Arthur Langley. Isaac is really only a boy.” Martha's concern was evident in her tone and her expression.

  “Well, that is part of it but we mustn't let Isaac know that. I have convinced him that I am going strictly as a buffalo hunter. Don't worry I will keep an eye on him and besides I can hardly wait.” Agatha put her arm around her husband, pride showing on her face. Phillip winked at her then added, “You should see me in my buckskins.” Agatha swooned. He laughed his magical musical laugh. Although Martha worried about Phillip taking such a trip at his age, she was thankful for such a good friend and mentor for Isaac and the other boys.

  Abraham, who had stayed in school, had taken a part-time job with the local veterinarian and spent his time caring for horses and large farm animals. Phillip Carruthers had introduced Abraham to the vet on one of his visits to the Carruther's stables. His love of animals and his healing abilities made him the perfect apprentice. The veterinarian was happy to have him. Abraham did not discuss his other special abilities with anyone but used them whenever he could. The experience with Loretta had been a life changing one for Abraham and he now happily realized that the dreams were a gift from God not a curse, and if he could control his gifts he would be able to use them to help others.

  Ezekiel was devouring as much knowledge as he could and was never without a book in his hand. Martha knew that college was in Ezekiel's future. He spent time with Jeremy and was a big help with the ledgers and inventory. Phillip was advising him on possible college choices.

  One day Abraham would want to go to medical school. Her business was doing well and she and Jeremy were saving money for their son's educations. Anna was a precocious little girl, much loved and spoiled by her brothers. Grandmam Agatha found Anna to be gem. The two could often be found together in gales of laughter over some secret or another.

  Life with Jeremy was wonderful. He gave her support and encouragement, he was a gentle and caring lover and her dreams of a loving marriage and family had finally come true. The nightmare of her time with Jebediah was slowly fading and she seldom thought about those days.

  Jeremy was on the dock checking a shipment and Martha went to meet him for lunch. As she approached she noticed that he was talking to one of the ship's crew. Instantly recognizing the man, Martha stood in shock as she looked into the face of Richard, the seaman from the Salvation. No it can't be, not Richard, after all this time. Recovering, she stomped towards the two men, fists clenched.

  “You, I never thought I would see you again, you vile bastard.” Martha shrieked at the man and Jeremy turned in utter surprise. Martha was usually the epitome of decorum.

  “What the…….? Martha what is the matter?” Jeremy looked at the enraged face of his wife and hardly recognized her. The seaman was more surprised than Jeremy.

  “You owe me an explanation. You set me up you, you……” Martha could not think of a vulgar enough word, as she pointed her finger in the seaman's face. Recognition dawned on Richard's face as he backed away. Her face was crimson with rage; his was white with shock.

  “Let me explain, the bloke threatened me. One of the crew told him about the necklace and when he demanded to know what I was doing with it, I couldn't deceive him. He beat me good and threatened to throw me overboard; he was a mean bastard.” Richard stammered as Martha continued to close the gap between them. “All of the crew hated him. I'm sorry but I had no choice, I felt badly but there was nothing I could do.” Richard was speaking quickly, backing away as Martha descended on him with her fists clenched. A stunned Jeremy just stood and watched the events unfold, not knowing what was happening. Martha was obviously furious and what did this scruffy seaman have to do with her?

  “Well, that beast beat me almost to death after you told him the entire plan of escape. I could kill you with my bare hands.” Martha's
face was shaking with fury and she was out of control. Jeremy decided that he better intervene before someone got hurt. He reached out and took Martha's arm.

  “Let's calm down a little. What is this about? How do you know my wife sir?” He could feel Martha's body trembling under his grasp.

  Richard still moving away from the irate Martha, related the entire story of the planned escape to Jeremy. “You can go, sir. Martha let's go home and talk about this. Nothing else to be done here.” Jeremy spun Martha around as Richard ran for the ship.

  “I'll not calm down, you don't know what that man did with his big mouth.” Martha, memories of the beating fresh in her mind, was still tense and not ready to calm down. “That night on the ship was the worst of my life. Jebediah was waiting for me instead of Richard.” Martha related her version of the whole story and how Jebediah had intervened that fateful night. “It was a nightmare, a horrible nightmare. He hit me and hit me and I thought he would never stop. He called me every name under the sun and beat my spirit as well as my body.” Jeremy pulled her close. “ He tore my clothes off and raped me repeatedly, my mouth was gagged with cloth and I thought I would die. I was terrified of him. Every time he looked at me after that, I thought I would die.”

  She was still shaking, all of those suppressed memories fresh in her mind, when Jeremy led her into the house. He was only beginning to understand the horror she had endured at the hands of his brother. Thank God the man was dead because right now, Jeremy felt like killing him. Later that night, Martha relived her tortures once again in her nightmares. She awoke to her own scream, bolting upright in bed. Her whole body was shaking. Jeremy folded her trembling and sobbing, into his arms.

  Chapter Twenty-five- Six years Later

  Six year old, Anna Whittaker stood pouting at the bottom of the stairs. By the door, several cases and trunks were piled and the family was scattered through the house. Martha appeared from the kitchen with a basket of sandwiches and goodies. Jeremy and Abraham appeared at the top of the stairs and Ezekiel came from the study at the end of the hall.

  “Now Annie, no pouting. Abraham will be back for holidays and so will I. Now come here and give your brother a big hug.” Ezekiel reached for the pouting child's chestnut brown pigtails and gave them a tug.

  “No, I don't want you to go. I want you both to stay here with me.” Anna, tears on her cheeks, stomped her foot and tried her best to get her way, but this time she knew she would not win.

  “You know that we have to go to college and all that stomping will not do you any good. Now behave yourself or I won't let you come to the train station with us.” Ezekiel had a natural gift with children; Anna, David and Abby Wells would do what ever he wanted.

  “I'm coming to the train, Papa said I could. I'm mad at you and you too Abraham. You are leaving me and I'm mad.” She stomped her tiny foot one more time as Abraham and Jeremy reached the bottom of the stairs. Abraham scooped the little girl up in his arms and tickled her until she giggled with glee. Abraham and Ezekiel now looked almost like twins. At over six feet with blond hair, strong jaw lines and handsome features, they were very similar. Abraham was going to Medical College to study for his doctorate. Everyone was surprised that he had chosen to treat people instead of animals but the family was very proud of him. Ezekiel was off to Business College and then would return and help Jeremy with the business, eventually becoming a professor. Isaac was somewhere out in the west with a wagon train and was now Arthur Langley's junior partner. He spent more time away than he did at home and took wagon trains as far as the gold fields in California. Martha knew that this was the life Isaac was best suited for. She was sad when Annabelle months before, grew tired of waiting. She surprised everyone when she married the son of the blacksmith and moved away. Martha thought that Isaac and Annabelle would somehow always be together. She missed Annabelle at the dress shop as well, but her staff had now grown to over a dozen seamstresses and Ellen was an excellent manager.

  The family traveled to the train station where they were met by Loretta, Austin, Abby and David. David resembled his father in every way and Abby was a smaller version of Loretta. Minnie's arthritis was acting up so she decided to stay home in her comfortable house that Austin and Loretta had bought just for her. The boys had visited the Carruthers the night before bidding them farewell. The train station was bustling with passengers arriving and departing. The youngsters ran and played and the women cried. Abby, who was madly in love with Ezekiel, gave him a small stuffed bear to take with him. “Why, I shall put it beside my bed and think of you each night,” he teased her. He leaned over and pecked her cheek and she blushed bright red. The two handsome young men said their goodbyes and climbed aboard the train. Jeremy and Austin, single strands of gray beginning to show at their temples, were reminded of their own journey west years before as they watched the two young men. They looked at each other knowingly and smiled.

  “We'll be back for your birthday, Mama. Goodbye. Be good Annie.” Abraham and Ezekiel's train chugged out of the station as black coal dust settled over the remaining crowd. Friends and family stood and waved until the train was out of sight.

  “How long before your birthday Mama?” Anna wanted to know just how long it would be before she got to wear her lovely new dress. Anna loved clothes and spent as much time at the dress shop as she could. She and Abby scrutinized the Harper's Bazaar magazines when they arrived and usually saw them before Martha.

  “Please do not rush my thirtieth birthday young lady. Now let's go and eat at the hotel, I'm famished.” Loretta looked sideways at Martha and gave her a curious look.

  Days later Loretta confronted Martha with her suspicions.

  “I think I might be pregnant but to be honest I'm not sure if I'm happy or upset. I'm going to be thirty years old and I don't know if I want another child. The boys are grown and Anna is going to school now. It is nice to have some time to myself.” Martha looked at her friend as if she wanted her to reassure her that she was not pregnant.

  “If you are, you will have to accept it. Jeremy would love another child of his own and you are a wonderful mother. I wish we could have had more children, but after David was born I couldn't get pregnant no matter how we tried.” Loretta looked away with a sad, wishful look on her face. Seeing Loretta's reaction, Martha felt guilty for expressing her less than enthusiastic views. Loretta recovered and picked up a stack of dresses that lay on the table. “Now let's get these dresses hung up and ready for the fashion show tomorrow. These bolero jackets are most popular. I'm glad we expanded the show room because this place will be full or overflowing.” Loretta carried the dresses to the rack, commenting on the new colors of magenta, electric blue and vivid yellow. Martha followed her commenting on the new aniline dyes, which had replaced many of the vegetable dyes and produced a deeper richer color.

  Martha told Jeremy a few weeks later of her pregnancy and he was ecstatic. Martha however was not as enthused. She felt guilty for not really wanting another child, but tried to accept the situation and make the best of it. Agatha was the only person she shared her concerns over this pregnancy with. Agatha reminded her she had a birthday party to plan with Loretta and that would take her mind off it.

  The party was a huge success. The country club was decorated in sparkling gold and silver decorations and beautiful red roses. The evening was warm, with a light breeze and star-studded firmament. The fragrance of roses mingled with the smell of roast beef, fresh pastries and fine cigars. Over a hundred people attended and a great deal of food and drink was consumed. Martha was dressed in a yellow bustled gown of beautifully crisp, light taffeta, which was perfectly suited for the elegant style. A gold heart necklace adorned her long neck, a birthday gift from Jeremy. Loretta wore a pink princess gown, which consisted of panels joined and fitted from shoulder to hem creating a slimmer silhouette. The two young women made a stunning pair. Anna and Abby paraded like peacocks in their own tiny designer gowns accompanied by Isabel who wore a rich golden bro
wn pinned with emerald green plumes.

  Abraham and Ezekiel returned as promised and only Isaac was missing. Martha wished he could have been with her on this wonderful day. She loved all of her sons and they were an important part of her life. The orchestra played and couples whirled on the dance floor. Ezekiel whisked the adoring Abby around the dance floor and Abraham twirled Anna as the music played. It wasn't long before several lovely young women were vying for the attentions of the two brothers. Midway through the evening, Jeremy silenced the guests and with a majestic wave of his arm invited Martha to the stage where a huge cake was waiting.

  “Thank you all for coming. I have lived in St. Louis for over ten years now and I love this city and it's people. Many of you are customers as well as friends and I wish to thank you for your continued support. It is wonderful to have such wonderful friends. I must thank my family for making my life a dream come true. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, three grown boys and a lovely little girl. I'm very grateful for all that I have.” Martha paused to wipe a single tear from her cheek. She smiled lovingly at Jeremy. “ Now let's eat this delicious cake.” Martha lifted the knife and made the first cut in the three-tiered cake accompanied by loud applause.

  “Save a big piece for me.” Martha looked in the direction of the voice and there stood Isaac, bearded, tall and lean. Agatha and Phillip stood by his side grinning from ear to ear. She put the knife down and ran to his arms. Now her party was complete.

  “What a wonderful surprise. Isaac, thank you.” Arm around his waist, she led him to the others. Martha stood looking at her family, Jeremy, Isaac, Abraham, Ezekiel, Anna and her friends Loretta, Austin, David and Abby. Minnie Wells was seated to the left with Ellen and May and smiled at her. The Carruthers stood arm in arm behind Minnie. How lucky she was to have such wonderful people in her life. Her boys were no longer boys but men. She was very thankful, sending up a silent prayer.