Redeeming Light

by Annette O'Hare

  “Oh? Will you go alone?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back this evening. I’ve already finished the morning chores. I’ll tell Melvin to check in with Pedro this afternoon. If he has the time, that is.” Sarcasm coated her words, and she wasn’t proud of it.

  “Now, Sarah, don’t be like that. And watch what you’re doing. You’re about to burn breakfast.”

  Sarah scooped up the griddlecake and flopped it onto the pile with the others. “I’m sorry, Mama, but those three act as if this is some kind of hotel, when there’s plenty they could do to contribute around here.”

  “Oh, speaking of contributing, Melvin asked that you move the rest of your things into Grace’s room. It’s getting crowded in your old room with the new baby bed and all.”

  Sarah’s blood boiled. Not only was she doing the lion’s share of the chores, she had to clean out her room for Louise and Melvin. Unwilling to make the move into Grace’s bedroom, she had been sleeping on the couch ever since they’d showed up. The least Melvin could do was offer to help move her things. She plopped the final cake on the pile and turned off the fire. Taking one of the griddlecakes, she rolled it up and began to eat.

  “Sarah, wait until we’re all seated!”

  “I’m not sitting down, Mama,” she mumbled. “I’m leaving. The longer I stay, the angrier I get. So I’ll just go.” She grabbed one of the cups of milk Mama had set out on the table and drained it.

  “Oh, Sarah, please don’t leave in anger.” Mama pleaded.

  “Mama, I love you more than you’ll ever know, but this…this…situation ain’t working out for me. I got a bad attitude, and I don’t want you or anyone else to be the brunt of my anger. The sooner I get my cattle moved to a place of my own, the better off everyone will be.” Sarah walked out the kitchen door letting the screen slam shut. It pained her to no end that she was the reason Mama was crying. But there was nothing she could do about that. Something had to change, and if it had to be her then so be it.

  ~*~

  Frederick drove the automobile up to the Broussard home and set the brake. He was greeted at the door by Rachel and shown into the parlor. He sat in his usual chair—the one with the maroon and gold stripes—and waited for Eliza to grace him with her presence.

  Eliza made her grand entrance and barked orders at Rachel. She waited at the door for Frederick to come to her.

  He took her hand and began walking toward the seating area, only Eliza didn’t move. He frowned. “What is it?”

  Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “What, no kissy?”

  Frederick begrudgingly kissed her cheek and pulled her to the chairs.

  Goodhearted Rachel came to his side and poured out a glass of tea.

  Frederick sipped his sweet tea and listened.

  “Oh, Frederick, you’re not going to believe this. Claire and Joseph are engaged! I thought I would be the next one to announce my engagement.” Eliza released an audible sigh. “Oh, well. I suppose it will happen when it happens.”

  Eliza, I don’t know how to tell you this, but I realize now that I’m not in love with you.

  “I so wish you had been here over the weekend for Dorothea and Blake’s wedding. She looked like a princess in her white gown.” Eliza laughed wickedly. “From what I’ve heard she had no business wearing white. If you understand my meaning.”

  Frederick understood completely.

  I hate to interrupt you, Eliza, but there’s something I simply must tell you. Over the years I have come to know you better. And the more I do, I realize what a boorish oaf you are. I have to admit that I have no intentions of marrying you. Not now, not ever. Frederick stifled a laugh. That was rather harsh.

  “So tell me, Frederick, what exactly did you say you were here for? I wasn’t expecting you for another week. You do remember Sybil is getting married next weekend?”

  I don’t love you. Did I ever love you?

  “You silly man, now you’ll have to make another trip.” Eliza fluffed her long skirt. “Oh, well, not to worry. Actually, I’m glad you’re here. Now you can escort me to Papa’s dinner party this evening.”

  Sarah…I’m in love with Sarah. There’s nothing you can say that will ever make me love you.

  “Oh, this is wonderful!” Eliza clapped her hands together.

  Rachel ran through the door. “Yes, Miss Eliza?”

  Eliza tightened her lips. “For heaven’s sake! You don’t have to come running every time I clap my hands, Rachel!”

  “Are you sure? Because the last time you clapped your hands and I didn’t come a running, you was plenty mad at me.”

  “You’re dismissed, Rachel.”

  Frederick covered his smile as she backed toward the door.

  “Yes, ma’am, Miss Eliza.”

  “Servants!” Eliza shook her head. “Now where was I? Oh, yes, the dinner party. This will give you the perfect opportunity to meet with some of the town’s elite. I can’t wait for you to meet…”

  “Stop!” Frederick held his hands up, palms toward Eliza. “Please, stop talking for one minute so that I may speak.”

  Eliza’s mouth hung open. “Excuse me! All you had to do was say something.”

  Frederick sighed. “I’m sorry, Eliza, but there’s something I really must tell you.”

  “Well, go on then. What is it?”

  “This is difficult for me to say. And I’m sorry, but I must tell you.” Frederick bowed his head and clasped his hands together between his knees. He raised his head and looked at her. “Eliza…it seems I’ve fallen in love with someone else.”

  She bent her head to the side, and her eyebrows came together. She sprang to her feet, not saying a word. Rage smoldered in her eyes. Her hands coiled into fists. “Who is she?”

  “Well…”

  “Is she someone I know?”

  “No, she’s…”

  “When did this happen?”

  “It’s…”

  “How long were you planning on leading me on? Have you no feelings?”

  “I, I…”

  “What’s her name?”

  Frederick stood, striking his own intimidating pose. He’d had enough. “I’d rather not say!”

  Eliza’s cheeks glowed a bright hue of crimson. “It’s over between us, Frederick.” She began to shake, her anger apparent.

  Frederick closed his eyes a moment and extended his hands. “Eliza, listen to me. I’m so very sorry it happened this way, but you couldn’t actually think we had a future together, did you?”

  “Get out!” She pointed toward the door.

  Frederick did exactly as he was told.

  Rachel scurried to meet him at the door. She held his overcoat and hat, a sweet smile lit up her face. “I sho is gonna miss you, Mr. Chessher.”

  “Thank you, Rachel.” Frederick accepted his coat and shrugged it on. “You’ve always shown me great kindness, and I appreciate that.”

  “Aw, it ain’t hard being nice to someone like you.” Rachel rubbed the brim of Frederick’s hat. She leaned in to whisper to him. “I’m just glad you is gettin' out while the gettin' is good.”

  Frederick chuckled softly and leaned down, whispering back to her. “And I hope you will someday have the opportunity to get out as well.” He winked at Eliza’s housekeeper, and she plopped the fedora on his head.

  “Maybe someday, after you marry yo sweetheart, I can come and work for you.”

  He tipped his hat and smiled as she shut the door behind him.

  Frederick’s mind reeled. What would happen when Mr. Logan found out he’d cost him an important, wealthy client? But there were two things Frederick knew for sure. He was madly in love with Miss Sarah Jane McKinney, and he needed to purchase a train ticket back to Bolivar because he certainly wouldn’t be returning in Mr. Broussard’s snazzy automobile.

  24

  Friday, September 7, 1900

  Mama’s grandfather clock chimed, and Sarah sat up straight. “Three o’clock. I give up.” She swep
t the covers away and swung her legs to the floor. She grabbed her robe off the bedstead.

  It was good she’d shipped the breed stock days before. Strong winds and thunder rattled the windows all through the night.

  Grace’s bed was empty.

  “Come on, boy.”

  Rex jumped up, barked, and then wagged his tail.

  “Let’s go see where Grace has wandered off to.”

  Rex ran to the bedroom door with Sarah close behind.

  She walked down the dark staircase to the kitchen.

  The whole family was gathered around the table. Louise sat on Melvin’s lap. She didn’t look comfortable with her arms draped around his neck and her big round belly lurching to one side. He gently rubbed her back. She had complained about her back pain since Sarah returned from the cattle drive.

  “Hey.” Sarah sat down at the table. “Is everything all right, Louise?”

  “She’s fine…probably tired, is all. But no one is getting back to sleep tonight.” Grace yawned.

  Rex sidled up to Grace and nudged her hand trying coaxing a head scratching.

  Mama fiddled with a box of matches. “Storm’s coming in. Gonna be a big one. I can feel it in my bones.”

  “Oh, Mama, you’re so full of your superstitions.” Grace stretched. “What will you think of next?”

  Mama’s eyes narrowed. “It isn’t a superstition, Grace. Wait until you get old and get the rheumatism and you’ll see what I’m talking about.”

  “Well, that’s just it, Mama. I don’t plan on getting old.”

  “Suit yourself, but it’s a might better plan than the alternative.”

  Everyone chuckled.

  Melvin stopped rubbing Louise’s back. “I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m starting to get hungry. Anyone up for cooking us some breakfast?”

  Sarah, Grace, and Mama turned to look at Melvin as if they’d rehearsed it. The only thing that saved him was the flash of lightning that lit up the entire house for a brief moment.

  Rex barked from his hiding place at their feet.

  Louise tightly grasped Melvin around his neck.

  Grace put her hands on the table and sat up straight. “All right y’all, brace yourself for it.”

  A low rumble rolled in, increasing in intensity as it drew near. The windows rattled so hard it seemed they would fall out of their frames.

  When the thunder ceased, so did Rex’s barking.

  Sarah put her hand on his head for comfort…his and hers.

  Mama pushed away from the table with a sigh. “Might as well cook some breakfast.” She turned to the one man in the room. “Name your poison, Melvin.”

  He smiled at his mother-in-law. “Griddlecakes please. And…hold the poison.”

  After breakfast, dark gray skies loomed overhead. Rain began to come down.

  Sarah fed the animals by lamplight before pulling boards, nails, and a hammer from inside the barn. She knew right where everything was, having helped Daddy secure the house from storms many times in the past. The wind blew out the lamp. She pulled down her cowboy hat as she walked to the house. The rain and wind had picked up, and it stung when it hit her face. Inside the kitchen, Mama scrubbed the breakfast dishes while Grace dried and put them away. The other two adults weren’t around.

  Sarah put the lamp on the sideboard. “So where’s Princess Louise and Prince Melvin?”

  Grace giggled, but Mama whipped her head around and snapped at Sarah in a loud whisper. “Now don’t you talk like that. Those back pains Louise is having means that baby is gonna come soon. And it ain’t time for it to come yet. I don’t want you doing or saying anything to upset her!”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sarah‘s sassiness took over again. “It’s just that they hardly ever do anything to help around here, Mama.”

  Mama pointed a finger at Sarah. “I’m sure you’ll tell me if I’m wrong, Sarah Jane McKinney, but if memory serves, this is still my house. And as long as I live here, I’ll be the one in charge. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Now until that baby is born, you, and me, and Grace can do the lion’s share of the work. Melvin is a grown man, and I ain’t his mama. He can see what needs to be done all by himself.” Mama went to wipe off the table.

  “I’m not so sure about that,” Sarah mumbled under her breath.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing, Mama.”

  Sarah was thankful when Grace drew their mother’s attention away from her. “Mama…” She waited until a loud thunderclap passed before continuing. “If you don’t mind, can I go over to the lighthouse and check on how they’re doing over there?”

  “Are you finished putting away the dishes?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “All right then, go on ahead. But be careful out there. It looks nasty.”

  “I will. Thanks, Mama.”

  Sarah twisted her lips to the side as her sister walked out the door.

  There goes another pair of helping hands.

  “Mama, we need to get the windows boarded up before the storm gets here.”

  “All right, go on and do it. You know what needs to be done.”

  “I need help. Can I have your permission to ask Melvin to help me?”

  Mama abruptly stopped wiping. “Don’t get all surly with me, Sarah. Go tell Melvin you need his help. And hurry up about it.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Louise and Melvin sat reading books.

  Sarah took a deep breath to quell her anger. She put her hand on Melvin’s shoulder.

  “Yes?” He said, looking up at her.

  “Melvin, there’s a big, bad storm brewing outside.”

  “Why, yes, I have noticed.”

  “Oh, good. Well, here at the ranch we board up the windows when a big storm is coming.”

  Melvin returned her cynical smile. “Is that so.”

  “Yes, yes, it is. That’s why I’ve come to ask for your help.”

  “And what is it that you want from me?”

  “Actually, I thought you would have taken the hint by now. But since you haven’t…would you please get off your lazy rump and come help me board up the windows before we all get blown to kingdom come?”

  Melvin jumped to his feet.

  Louise gasped and dropped her book. She put one hand over her mouth and one on her tummy.

  Sarah headed out the door.

  The only thing Melvin understood was a good, swift kick in the rear end or his wife’s baby sister telling him what to do.

  “Sarah Jane McKinney! Get in here right this instant!” Mama’s voice was shrill.

  Her shoulders slumped. When am I ever going to learn?

  25

  Frederick hadn’t slept so well in a very long time. He got out of bed and threw back the draperies allowing the bright light to come inside. “What a beautiful day!” He opened the window of the second-floor hotel room. The wind sent dirt flying into his eyes. He slammed the window shut and went into the bathroom to splash water on his face. Everything he did was from a fresh point of view. He even shaved his beard with renewed energy.

  He was free from Eliza Broussard. Free from the controlling grip she kept on him that was tighter than the knot in his tie. He was free to make his own decisions. He planned to use his newfound freedom to finish his business in town and get away from Beaumont, Texas as fast as he could.

  His heart was in another place, Bolivar Peninsula, where the most beautiful girl in the whole State of Texas was hopefully waiting for his return. Straightening his jacket, he considered his image in the mirror. “You’re looking rather dapper this morning, Frederick.” With a chuckle, he grabbed his fedora from the hook by the door and left his hotel room a new man.

  The stiff blowing winds kept shop owners from leaving their doors open.

  Frederick held onto his hat as he looked for somewhere to get a bite to eat.

  The Jefferson Diner, perfect. Eliza loathed diners. Frederick pu
shed open the door. A quaint bell jingled overhead. “Ah, lovely. Eliza would have hated that.”

  Inside the diner, he took a seat at the counter and turned over the coffee cup. A woman with a pencil stuck through a knot in her hair came and filled the cup. She took an order pad from her apron pocket and removed the pencil. “What can I get ya, hon?”

  She called me hon, how quaint. Eliza would have called for the manager by now. “Yes, ma’am. May I have the two egg special, please?”

  “You sure can, hon.” She scratched his order on the pad. “What kind of meat you gonna have?”

  “Fried ham, please.”

  “Uh huh.” She made another scribble. “And how do you like your eggs?”

  “Over easy.” Frederick put his thumb and index finger together. “Very easy.”

  “No problem. Toast or biscuits?”

  “Hm…” Frederick tapped his chin. “I believe I’ll have toast.”

  “Sounds good. Anything else I can get ya? Juice? Milk?”

  “No, thank you.” He smiled.

  “All right, then.”

  “Oh, wait, one more thing,” Frederick called out. “Will you also bring some strawberry jam, please?”

  “You got it, hon!”

  Frederick picked up the morning paper someone left behind. Look at me now, Eliza. I’m reading a used newspaper. What would you think of me now?

  News of the upcoming election was splattered across the front page. The war in the Philippines took up a good amount of space. One story near the bottom of the page caught his eye. West Indian Hurricane Skirts Western Florida.

  Frederick shifted his gaze to the diner’s window. It wasn’t even raining, but a strong northeastern wind continued to build. Trees waved back and forth.

  The Weather Bureau office in New Orleans, Louisiana has reported heavy damage along the coastline. The National Weather Bureau in Washington, DC has ordered storm warnings from Pensacola, Florida to Galveston, Texas. No evacuations are called for at this time.

  The waitress served Frederick his breakfast with a smile on her face. “I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new in these parts?”

  “Oh, no, ma’am, I’m in town on business.” Frederick surveyed his food. “Thank you.”