by Karen Alston
Theo Callaway was riding the first wagon in the caravan and he signaled that they would take a rest in 2 miles. Ollie made the signal to the wagon behind his and so on. The sun was overhead and the horses needed water. They were coming upon tributaries of the Missouri River, which would be plentiful as they travelled through the state. Everyone, especially the children looked forward to stretching their legs. The men gathered when the wagons stopped as the women prepared lunch. The men discussed whether to continue while they still had daylight or stay near the water because the next tributary was hours away.
“Before we even begin this discussion, I think we need to vote for a caravan leader. It should be the one who has the best feeling for the weather conditions and geography. I appoint Ned Grippon.” Theo looked to Ned. “You’ve travelled to the foot of the Rocky Mountains before. Until we reach that point, I’d say you have the most knowledge.”
The other ten men concurred that Ned would make the decision.
“I think we should hold still for the night because it will be dark by the time we reach water again. We’ll be on this well-travelled road until we reach Colorado. The Mormons covered this land before us and they left deep grooves in the road for us to follow. We’ll run into the most Indians in Kansas so keep your shotguns handy through the territory.”
“Father, I saw a clear pool a little ways back. Would you mind if I wandered down there and dipped in my pole. We should take advantage of fish while we can catch it,” Ollie asked his father Theo.
“No, go on ahead. I like your initiative son.”
Ollie only wanted to go because he planned to sneak away with Nora. Sitting so close to the woman he loved and being unable to touch her was torture. Ollie spied her with the other women. The scene was chaotic because there were so many little ones and he guessed Nora wouldn’t be missed. Ollie stuffed a blanket in a sack that looked like it was packed with fishing gear and waited for the moment when he could get Nora alone. He walked out of the bushes and pulled her from behind.
“Sh. It’s Ollie, don’t scream.” She looked back to make sure it was him and giggled.
“Where are you taking me?” Nora asked.
“Down to the river bank. I told my father that I was going fishing and it’s crazy back there so I doubt you’ll be missed. I’ve wanted to kiss you all day.”
When they arrived at the riverbank, Ollie found a soft patch of grass and spread out the blanket. Nora collapsed as the sun shined down through the trees. Ollie knew she loved to dip her toes in the water so he removed her shoes and then her stockings.
“I was worried that we wouldn’t find the time to be alone together Ollie. It doesn’t make sense that we have to sneak around when we are both 18 and capable of making our own choices.”
“Let’s not talk about it now. Why waste the short time we have together.” Ollie reached for her bonnet and pulled the tie causing it to fall to the ground. “I’ve never seen your hair not braided. I imagine it’s beautiful especially now with the sun upon it.” Nora pulled at the ribbon and guided Ollie’s hand to the braid. He separated the chunks of her hair and watched as it fell gently down the front of her chest.
Nora pulled Ollie in and whispered in his ear. “I’m ready Ollie, for you to be the first man I give myself to.” He pushed up her skirt and pulled down his pants. They were scared but knew that this would mark a turning point in their lives together. What they thought would be clumsy and rough was beautiful as they thrust against one another gently and easily.
Ollie relaxed in the sunshine while Nora braided her hair. “Do I look different Ollie?”
“More beautiful, if that’s possible.”
“I feel different. It’s hard to explain but I know that what we did was meant to be. It wasn’t shameful or dirty.”
Ollie summed it up. “It was love Nora and there’s no shame in that. When I look at you around the others, only you will know the meaning behind my glance. I will live for the next time our bodies meet.”
“Me too Ollie. I should get back before I’m missed and you had better catch some fish. Otherwise, your father will wonder what you were up to. I will float as if I’m on a cloud on my way back to camp. It’s amazing; this trip no longer seems daunting because if I die tomorrow, I will die fulfilled.”
Nora slipped back to camp, unnoticed. “I see the girls are napping. They’re played out and with any luck they’ll sleep until dawn.”
“It will give us to enjoy adult company with the other women. I’m sure your father and the other men will pass the bottle and tell stories. As we move through Kansas, we’ll have opportunities to buy supplies if we run short. We’ll need plenty to get us over the pass.”
“Don’t be scared Mother. I am a woman and will take charge of the children as if I were a mother myself.”
“You will be someday. I’m sorry that you will have to wait to find a husband until we reach California. You won’t be a spinster because you come from good stock. A man will be lucky to have you some day and you’ll be happy.”
“I’m already happy Mother.” Nora smiled.
The women and children slept in the wagons as the men stayed warm by the fire under the stars. After the youngsters were tucked in, Nora crept out to say good night to her father.
She kissed her father on the cheek. “Be safe Father and try to get some rest. I love you.”
“I love you Nora. Thank you for the help you are giving your Mother.”
As Nora walked away, she felt a pull on her ankle. She looked down to see Ollie’s sparkling eyes. He mouthed I love you. Nora returned the sentiment as she blew a kiss in the air.
Chapter 4:
The next morning Clara and Nora Grippon took charge of the chuck wagon for breakfast. They made corn cakes, bacon and porridge with plenty of coffee. The previous day’s events energized Nora and she feared her Mother knew something was different about her. On the second afternoon, they found a similar opportunity to sneak away and it was even more passionate than the day before. Ollie approached Nora on the third night while they were still in Missouri.
“Hello Nora. Anything I can help you with?” Ollie asked.
“I’m mending socks which is women’s work but thanks for asking. Nora smiled politely as she was aware her mother was nearby.
“I’m going fishing down at the watering hole.” Ollie turned towards her mother. “Mrs. Grippon, I imagine some of the socks don’t only need mending but washing too. I would be happy to show Nora a spot where she can do it. She can wash while I fish. I will also keep my eyes open for savages and protect Nora.”
Clara Grippon was impressed with Ollie’s respectful proposition. She responded as Ollie had hoped. “That’s very kind of you Ollie. I’m sure Nora would be happy to go down to the water with you. A stretch of the legs would do my daughter good.”
“I’ll gather the socks that need to be cleaned. I do need to stretch my legs.” Nora pretended not to be overjoyed at the prospect of being alone with Ollie.
They walked through the trees to the spot that Ollie had scouted out. Nora giggled.
“Very clever plan Ollie. What will happen when we run out of excuses to be alone together?” Nora asked as he removed her stockings and massaged the inside of her leg. It was a place on her body that she never paid attention to, that Ollie made feel heavenly.
“I will always find ways to be alone with you Nora. You are as important to me as the air I breathe.”
Nora moaned and cried out softly.
“Have I hurt you Nora?” Ollie asked.
“No. Those are sounds of pleasure. The sounds surprise me as much as they do you. I don’t think I can help it.” They both laughed as Ollie rolled to his back before he shot up. He grabbed the hunting knife that he had nearby.
“What is it Ollie? Savages?” Nora quickly got dressed as Ollie looked in the brush nearby.
“If there was someone there, they’re gone. We had better return to the wagons because whomever it was might come b
ack. Ollie grabbed Nora’s hand and they ran back to camp. The first thing Nora noticed was her 12-year old sister Martha in tears talking to her father. The others, including her mother were going about their business.
Ollie whispered in her ear. “Go about your business. Martha probably skinned her knee and went to your father. There is no way we were seen. I’ll see you tomorrow on our perch upon the chuck wagon. Ollie returned to his family and Nora walked towards her Mother when her father pulled her back behind the wagon by her braid.
“I raised you with standards and your Mother and I were proud of the woman you were growing up to be. Your sister saw you with Oliver Gallaway on top of you. She heard you calling out and moaning. She came to me in tears, afraid that he was hurting you.” Ned Grippon’s face was red and sweat dumped from his brow. He reached back and slapped Nora across the cheek. “In my life I have never struck a woman but you are no woman. You are a common whore. You brought shame upon this family and scarred your sister Martha for life.”
“I’m sorry father but I lied in the name of love. My love for Ollie is beautiful and you cannot stop it.” Nora put her hand on her cheek.
“We are a part of a caravan moving towards a better life. Your Mother and I can’t do much once we reach California but for the rest of this journey you are our daughter. I’m not going to allow you to have sex as un unmarried woman in front of my young children and your Mother. You are dead to me Nora.”
“Father, don’t say such a thing!”
“I am so angry. Your Mother and I will figure out how we will deal with you in the morning. One thing is for sure, you won’t be joining Oliver Callaway on the chuck wagon tomorrow. If you hear sobbing tonight, it will be your Mother. She will be inconsolable along with Martha.”
“Where shall I sleep father?”
“With your baby sister Sadie and your little brother Cal. They are too young to know what’s going on. I have told Theo what his son has done and he will be spoken to. He’ll be lucky to only receive a single slap.”
Nora crept into the wagon with her siblings and tried to conceal her crying. She peeked out the wagon and saw Ollie with his pants down as he received the belt. His father was whipping him with all his force. Ollie looked up and caught Nora’s eye. He couldn’t quite manage a smile but he was trying through the pain. Neither of them would trade the moments they shared for all of the punishment their fathers could give.
Nora laid stiff on her back wondering about her parent’s next move. At this point, there would have been a chance that Nora and Ollie’s parents would have softened to the idea of them being together. However, now there was deception and sex outside of marriage involved and it meant the next month’s travel would be unbearable. Nora waited for the moment her father filled in her Mother. She heard them beginning to speak as they walked into the woods.
“Clara,” Ned Grippon spoke gently to his wife. “Our daughter has deceived us. Little Martha saw Nora and Oliver Callaway being intimate down at the river. It’s true and has been confirmed by Nora.”
Clara started to sob, which was more painful to Nora than the slap on the face. Clara asked questions and Ned answered what he could. It was tough to hear her own Mother and Father talk about her in such a negative light.
“We can’t just leave Nora next to a swamp. What do we do before reaching California?”
“Nora’s every move will be monitored by the two of us. She’s not going near Ollie for the next few months. We explained to them that they were raised like a brother and sister. It’s not as if they’re just family friends because that we could accept. It’s the lying that has been going on for who knows how long, that’s most troublesome. When we reach California they can do as they wish but it won’t be done with the support of this family.”
“I am with you Ned. Have you spoken to Theo?” Clara asked.
“I did and he was as revolted as I was. Ollie won’t be in charge of the chuck wagon any more. We think it’s a good idea if both Ollie and Nora travel in the back of separate wagons with the youngest children.”
Nora fell asleep, as her younger sister Sadie snuggled up against her. They had just crossed into Kansas and the nights were cold. The coming days of travel would be long because there weren’t as many water sources. It was also a good idea to keep moving because Indian tribes were plentiful in the area. Nora did chores as her parents assigned them and assumed Oliver was doing the same.
Chapter 5:
It had been a few weeks, all 12 wagons were still a part of the caravan, and there had been no deaths. Folks who chose to stay in Burk Iowa said that at least one person would have died by the time they reached central Kansas. No fever had fallen on them and there were no major accidents. Mr. Wild and his brother had a terrible case of poison oak and nearly everyone had blisters. There were minor conveniences and would be worth it when they struck it rich with the Gold Rush.
Theo Callaway and Ned Grippon made sure that their oldest children were watched at all times. Nora was doing arithmetic with her sister Sadie and Ellie Callaway. The girls were tired and Nora didn’t mind that they nodded off because it meant she could sneak away. She wouldn’t dare try to see Ollie because she couldn’t bear to see him whipped again. Nora followed a path where the bushes had been recently trampled. She heard voices and got closer so she could listen but Nora couldn’t understand what was being said. She was leaning against a hickory tree when she felt a tug at her skirt. It was a small child dressed in Indian garb.
“Hello.” The boy spoke perfect English and his skin was white but he was dressed as an Indian.
Another woman who was dressed in a buckskin dress quickly followed him. “Excuse my son. You must be with the caravan we saw passing through and got lost. If you follow the trail, you will get back to your people.”
“Who are you? Do you need help? If the Indian’s have kidnapped you, I can take you back to my wagon with your son and we can care for you.”
The woman laughed. “My name is Donna and this is my son Daniel. The Indians are my friends and they saved me when I ran away from a husband who was going to kill me. They gave me food and shelter when I was pregnant. They mean you no harm and they are my family now.”
“You seem happy Donna so I won’t tell anyone I saw you. We’re going to California to take part in the Gold Rush. This is your last chance, if you want to come with us.”
“No, I’m safe and happy. Ask my friend Morning Star who will show up any moment. We’ve been berry picking together.”
Morning Star joined them and had the most brilliant smile Nora had ever seen. Nora saw her clear brown eyes that sparkled, and knew Donna was with friends. Morning Star offered her hand but said no words because she didn’t speak English. She spoke to Donna, who understood what she was saying.
“She wants to know if there is anything you need and says she’s happy to give you ½ the berries she just picked.”
“No, we need nothing but I am grateful for the offer,” Nora said. She was starting to worry that she’d be missed.
Donna and Morning Star spoke some more. Donna was hesitant to translate the words so Nora could understand. “My friend discovered I was pregnant when I arrived at the Indian village. This will probably surprise you but Morning Star says you are with child. Sounds silly but that’s what she told me.”
Nora nearly collapsed with shock but it made sense that she would be pregnant with Ollie’s child. It was too early for her to be sure but she knew instinctively that Morning Star was right.
“Thank Morning Star for me. She has given me the best news of my life. Carrying a part of Oliver inside of me is a blessing and it has given me determination to fight for our love. I have to get back before I’m noticed missing. Good luck to you and thank you.”
Nora rushed home through the hickory grove to the wagons. She was able to climb in while the girls were still sleeping. She laid down between them and put her hands on her tummy. She decided to wait as long as possible before letting t
he other’s know of her condition. It would be months until they arrived in California and with her winter coat others might not have to find out. Her Mother peaked her head under the flap.
“Nora, I need your help with dinner. We have some beans and the men were successful trapping rabbit so we are making a stew for supper. How long have the girls been sleeping?”
“I’m not sure mother because I nodded off too. The journey has been tough on the little ones; I say we let them sleep.”
“Sounds good. It will be good for you and I have a chance to talk. We haven’t been alone since your betrayal.”
“I acted impulsively Mother.” Nora said as she stirred the stew. “Calling it a betrayal makes it sound as if I intended to hurt you and father. Ollie and I love each other and to call it anything else is wrong.”
“I’m willing to say maybe we were too harsh to forbid a relationship between you and Oliver. Your father and I had conversations about letting you make your own choices when we arrive in California. The way in which you lied to us and how the two of you were found changed everything in our mind. If you choose to continue with your affair in California it will be without our support.”
“You are telling me mother that I have to choose between Ollie and family?”
“Yes and your father and I want no more hanky-panky while we’re on this trip. What were you thinking Nora? We had to make up a story about you throwing out you back to Martha. Poor girl is so confused and we’ve worked hard to keep the two of you separated.”
“I wasn’t thinking mother. I was following my heart. It was a leap of faith much like this journey to join the Gold Rush in California. I’ll go and deliver the stew while it’s hot.”
Clara Grippon handed her daughter two bowls of the hot stew. Nora saw Ollie sitting on a log with Harney Mercer. It was going to be the closest she was able to get to her love in weeks. She didn’t know if she would have the time to tell him she was pregnant or if she even had the courage.
