Vow Unbroken

by Caryl McAdoo

  “Oh, no. Sorry to hear that. Sister Buckmeyer was one fine lady.”

  “Thank you.” Henry held the reins up. “I’m happy to cool the bay down and get him settled.”

  “No. You go on in and get some supper. Levi can help me.”

  Henry chuckled. “Sure am proud you gave Mis’ess Baylor’s animals a good day of rest.”

  “Yeah, I figure they’ll be needing it all right.”

  He headed on up to the house. The women were in the middle of a conversation as he stepped onto the porch. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but he hesitated.

  “Well, I wanted to leave tonight.”

  “Too late now, I guess.”

  “Bosh! Henry wanted to wait till tomorrow, too, and now he’s getting his way. I sure hope he won’t have any trouble taking orders from a woman after we leave.”

  “That why you put those britches on? I hope you’ll at least try not to be too bossy.” Mis’ess Dawson sat Sue’s plate on the table. “Either way, he’s a godsend.”

  Henry didn’t know about being sent, seemed to him it was his decision to come along. He knocked with one knuckle. Mis’ess Dawson looked up and smiled. “Come in, come in, Mister Buckmeyer. I’m fixin’ you a plate right now.”

  He removed his hat. The wonderful scent of corned beef and cabbage filled the kitchen. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  His new boss lady gave him a nervous smile, then forked another bite.

  Mis’ess Dawson set a loaded plate in front of him.

  “Looks delicious. Thank you, ma’am.”

  “My pleasure, believe me.” She smiled and went back to the washtub and supper dishes. “Susannah had me mortified, planning to head out on her own. I love her, but sometimes she’s stubborn as any of those mules out there.”

  Sue held her fork midair. Her face reddened. “Excuse me, Elaine! Stubborn? As a mule?” She turned to him. “I planned to leave tonight, but can’t fight you all. Just remember, I’m the one paying your wages.” She scooped a bite of creamed potatoes, then added, “I’ll expect to pull out of here at first light.”

  “Then that’s when we leave, ma’am.” He swallowed his bite, then faced her. “I been thinking, ma’am, do we have everything we need for the trace? Extra iron, hobbles for each animal?”

  “My mules are tamed and good mannered.” She looked over at her friend as though the woman would support her statement. “They won’t be wandering off.”

  “I don’t doubt that they’re good mules, as you say, but after three or four days of pulling, any animal would be hunting a way to escape those loads. Doesn’t mean they’re bad or ill mannered; it’s only natural.” He pressed. “Do you have any with you?”

  She shifted her weight and put her fork down. “No, sir, I do not. I’ve never used them before. Maybe the Dawsons have a set we can borrow.” She looked to her friend.

  “I’ve no idea what all he’s got out there. You can ask Larry when he comes in.”

  “And what about extra shot? And powder?”

  Sue seemed relieved. “Yes, I have both. Packed it all and brought my husband’s pistol should we need an extra gun. If there’s any trouble, I mean.”

  “Very wise.” He nodded and did his best not to sound patronizing. “What about iron? With five, one of those mules is bound to throw a shoe along the way.”

  She looked over once again at her friend, then back. “Uh, well, I didn’t bring any extra. The farrier came out the beginning of the month, so they’ve been recently trimmed and shod. Perhaps Larry might have some shoes, too.” She looked again to Mis’ess Dawson. “I’ll buy replacements after I sell the cotton. Or pay for it.”

  “Oh, if we have some, you know you’re welcome to ’em.”

  “Grain?” he asked.

  “I’m carrying about thirty pounds.”

  “We’ll need more; we can buy some along the way. Flour and salt pork? What about grease for those axles? And when were they last greased?”

  She looked like a trapped animal. “Thirty pounds of flour, and enough salt pork. Levi greased the axles the day before we loaded the cotton. I didn’t carry any extra, of course. Wasn’t planning a long trip. As you’re aware, I thought I had my crop sold.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He nodded. “That low-down scoundrel who backed out is definitely to blame. I’m only trying to think of everything. Extra leather for the harnesses and leather tools I can use to repair them if need be? And what about axes?”

  She glared and scooted her chair back from the table, then stood.

  The door slammed, and Rebecca busted in with another little girl on her heels. “Are you done yet, Mama? Can we have a tea cake now, Aunt Elaine?”

  Mis’ess Dawson nodded, and the second girl retrieved a plate covered by a dish towel. She placed it carefully on the table. The two little ladies were giddy.

  Larry came in. “Looks like I timed this about perfect. I’m ready for one of those sweet cakies if you gals are ready to pass ’em out.”

  Clearing her throat, Sue took the soft, not-too-sweet cookie that Rebecca held out to her. “Thank you, sweetheart. Larry, Mister Buckmeyer has pointed out several things that we might need on our journey, and I’m hoping you might have some of them so that we won’t be delayed further. I’ll either replace it when we return or pay for it, your pleasure.”

  He hesitated to ask, but thought it worthy of mention. “That’s one more thing, since you brought it up. How much cash are you carrying, ma’am? Don’t mean to pry or be too personal, but I’m wondering if it is enough for, say, four more mules. Or oxen maybe? They’d be a good bit cheaper.”

  “But not as sure-footed. I won’t have any oxen pulling my cotton.” Sue folded her tea cake in a handkerchief she pulled out, then tucked the treat away in her pocket. “I’m certain my coin will be sufficient. You might not know, the Good Book says God will provide all our needs. I’m comfortable with that.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Henry smiled, glad she hadn’t pulled her Bible out and gone to thumping it at him. “Didn’t mean to offend.”

  “No offense taken. Please go over your list with Larry, won’t you? Unprepared for a long journey, I obviously overlooked a few things. I’m grateful for your thoroughness, sir.”

  “You’re most welcome, ma’am, and I’ll gladly do that.” He stood, taking a tea cake Rebecca offered with one hand and putting his hat back on with the other. “Oh, and something else—sorry to keep bringing more up—what about wax and oil?”

  She made a face and huffed.

  Her friend’s husband spoke up. “I have plenty you can load.”

  “Thank you, Larry.” Sue nodded. “Since we won’t be leaving tonight, I’ll take Becky to bed now.” She started out, but turned back. “First light, Mister Buckmeyer.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Mis’ess Dawson faced him, too. “How about a pallet near the stove?”

  “Oh, no, ma’am. I’ll be fine in the barn. But thank you for the kindness, and the supper. It was delicious.”

  “Why, thank you, sir.”

  He faced the man of the house. “If you’ve got a minute, we can see what you might be able to spare.” He started toward the door, and Larry followed. Before stepping out, he turned and tipped his hat. “Ladies, a good night’s sleep to you both.” On his way to the barn, he noted the location of the privy.

  * * *

  Henry made himself roll out before the first rooster crowed, even though he felt like he’d hardly slept. Once he saw to the necessaries, he lathered his face and pulled out his knife, working in the moonlight. Directly, he had all the extra supplies from Larry packed and the mules hitched. With sufficient grease, wax, and oil, leather and tools to work it, two more sets of hobbles, and some extra iron, he was comfortable to set out even if it wasn’t everything he thought they needed.

  Only thing that bothered him was those loads. He counted sixteen bales, eight per wagon. At five hundred pounds each, that was twice what a wagon usually carried.

&
nbsp; Wasn’t long before Larry came out with two steaming cups of coffee. He handed one to Henry. “Thank you, sir.”

  Larry snorted. “No need callin’ me sir, Henry.”

  “Hey, I want to ask you about something. I’m a bit concerned she’s got the wagons overloaded.”

  The man shook his head. “Naw, don’t worry none about that. Andy, her late husband, and his brother were loggers. Had these wagons specially built for haulin’ timber.”

  “Proud to hear that.” He sipped his coffee.

  “Yeah, no need to worry.” Larry motioned toward an iron pot. “What you got there?”

  “Put on a pound of beans to soak last night. Figured we’d eat them for our first evening on the trace.”

  “Well, I hope you’ll have room for all the food my wife packed up for you. She and the girls cooked morning to night yesterday.”

  “Even if there wasn’t, I’d make room. She’s one great cook. Hadn’t had such a good meal since Mother took sick.” Henry extended his hand, then shook Larry’s. “Thanks for all your help, sir.”

  “There you go sirring me again.”

  “Oh, that’s Mother’s upbringing showing out. Taught me to say sir to every man and ma’am to all the ladies. Claimed it never hurt to show another human being a little respect.”

  “Yep, like I said, she was a good woman. Suppose that’s why you never married, huh? Couldn’t find one like her?”

  Henry laughed. “Maybe so.”

  CHAPTER

  FOUR

  SUE SNUGGLED INTO THE COVERS and smiled, relishing the feel of her husband’s back against her chest. Holding on tight with her arms wrapped around him, she squeezed. “I love you, Andrew.” She sensed him turning and puckered, but the man wore the face of Henry Buckmeyer! She screamed and pushed him away. “You!”

  Her eyes opened to a dark, quiet, unfamiliar room with her exclamation reverberating in the stillness. Thank the Lord. It was only a dream. Her heart still pounded against her chest. She looked around, trying to get her bearings, and soon remembered where she was. Becky lay in the bed beside her. She swung her legs off the feather mattress and buttoned her shoes on. Quickly dressing in the dark, she headed out to wake her new employee so she could finally be on her way.

  As soon as she opened the door, the aroma of coffee greeted her and brought a smile. That Elaine was some kind of lady. She didn’t see her friend, but poured herself a cup of the brew and headed outside. In the moonlight, she distinguished the shadowy figures of Larry and Henry speaking by the barn. Well, he was already up—a good sign.

  She moseyed on out toward the men. “Good morning, gentlemen. Room for a lady here, or is this a private conversation?”

  Henry smiled broadly, and his teeth shone in the light of the moon. “Morning, boss. Always room for you.” He gestured toward the back side of the barn. The harnessed mules stood in front of the wagons. She’d know Daisy’s snort anywhere. “We’re ready to pull out as soon as you and the children are.”

  “Have the animals been fed and watered?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Did Larry have everything you needed?”

  “No, ma’am, but most of it. He’s lending me his post maul axe. Should be able to pick up the rest along the way.” He smiled.

  She returned the gesture with a genuine one of her own as her insides bubbled with glee. Her cotton would actually leave for market that morning. Her hope and anticipation for a brighter day returned. “That’s grand news, sir. I’ll go wake Becky and see what Elaine’s packed for us.”

  The difference in the statures of the two men in front of her caught her attention. Henry stood a good four or five inches taller than Larry, and his expansive shoulders made quite the contrast to the smaller man’s narrow frame. She shook her head, disgusted and surprised at herself that she stood there comparing the two in such a manner. What was she doing?

  She turned toward the house, but made a full circle, facing the men again. “What about Levi?”

  At the mention of his name, her nephew appeared in the shadows of the barn door. “Over here. I’m up, Aunt Sue. Your man Buckmeyer had me cleaning the mules’ hooves ’fore the crack of dawn.”

  “Excellent!” Her enthusiasm rode over the boy’s sarcasm and paid it no nevermind. He disappeared into the barn. Sue whirled and almost trotted back inside and tiptoed up to her sleeping daughter. “Becky?” She shook her little girl’s shoulder, trying not to wake the whole house. “Rebecca.” She bent and kissed her baby’s cheek. “Come on, sleepyhead. Get up and get dressed. We’re ready to go.”

  Elaine came out, tying her apron on. “Let me get y’all’s breakfast. I made it for the road because I knew you wouldn’t think of sittin’ down at the table of a morning to eat it.” She smiled her big ol’ I-love-you smile.

  Sue went over and wrapped her arms around her friend. “Sorry I got upset last night. I just love you so much, and I’m thankful for you.” She leaned back from the hug and looked Elaine square in those deep brown eyes. “Sure will be amissing you while I’m gone.”

  “Well, I didn’t mean to upset you either. Those sentiments are mutual, my dear Susannah.” Elaine pushed a flour sack into her arms. “Here’s some vittles the girls and I cooked up yesterday for the road.” She pulled Sue into another embrace and patted her back. “I’m going to be praying for you and your little caravan every day until I see you again.”

  “Thank you. No doubt we’ll need all the prayers we can get.”

  Becky came out rubbing her eyes.

  “Get a move on, missy; we’re waiting on you to leave.”

  “Mama.” The girl made no effort to move, just stood there with her eyes closed. “I don’t want to wake up. I’m sleepy.”

  Sue sat the sack of food on the table, then went and gently took her daughter’s hand. “Come on, now. I’ll help you, but we have to hurry. Mister Henry is ready to leave.”

  “He can go by his self, I don’t want to go.”

  “Rebecca Ruth, do not use that tone of voice to your mother, do you hear me?”

  “Yes, ma’am, Auntie.” She nodded and turned back to the bedroom.

  “And you apologize to her, too.”

  “Sorry, Mama.”

  “It’s all right, baby. Let’s hurry now.” She mouthed a thank-you, then guided her daughter away. She really should scold Becky more, but disciplining her baby soured her stomach. Besides Rebecca being her only child, the poor little thing had to grow up without her daddy, and that was all Sue’s fault.

  By false dawn, she waved good-bye to her friends. Her chest practically burst with the excitement of beginning the journey, but Elaine’s words kept ringing in her ears like water sprinkling a fire’s embers.

  Until I see you again.

  Would she ever see her best friend again? She had another moment of foreboding. Was taking her cotton on the Jefferson Trace a mistake?

  Until I see you again.

  She sighed and turned her attention back to the team. “Come on, Daisy. Get up, Dex.”

  Elaine waved one more time. “Y’all be careful now. Send news if you get a chance.”

  “We will.”

  The wagons groaned, and the mules strained to get them moving. Mil pulled with Brown Mule, and Mabel got the day off, tied to the second wagon. They snorted and pawed the earth, and the big wheels rolled.

  “Take care of yourselves.”

  Henry walked up beside her wagon. His dog wagged its tail following close on his heels.

  “You sure are going to be getting tired, Mister Buckmeyer.” Sue glanced down. “I see no reason in the world why you shouldn’t ride.”

  “For the mules’ sake, ma’am. I figure we should save ’em best we can. Every pound they don’t have to pull will help.” He didn’t look up. “We’ll take turns, driving and walking.”

  She didn’t rightly care for him telling her how it was going to be, but his reasoning was sound and should definitely be implemented. “Of course, we’ll
all walk a turn. Give us a chance to stretch our legs, too. Would you tell Levi that I’d like him to walk the next hour? Tell him that I said it’s to save the mules, please.” Just because she was paying him didn’t mean she shouldn’t use her manners.

  “My pleasure, ma’am.”

  After some time passed, her nephew suddenly appeared afoot beside her seat. She didn’t know when he’d gotten down and Henry had climbed aboard; they must have accomplished the switch without ever stopping the team.

  “It ain’t right, Aunt Sue.” Levi looked back.

  “Isn’t, Levi, there’s no such word as ain’t.” That he ignored his grammar peeved her to no end. “What isn’t right?”

  “Your man Buckmeyer. He’s letting that mangy dog of his ride in the wagon. Invited him up as a matter of fact. Thought you said we needed to save the mules from pulling any more weight than they had to.”

  “Yes, that’s right.” She tried to look back, but couldn’t even see the wagon, much less its driver or his wrongly encouraged passenger. A sudden jolt bumped her hard. “Mercy! I hate those stupid, huge cracks in the ground! Oh, but I don’t want it to rain either, not until we get this cotton to market.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Dry as it’s been, I seen a few could swallow up a newborn calf.”

  “Have seen, Levi. You have seen a few.”

  Becky leaned over across her. “Can’t you ever learn to talk right?”

  “You’re treading on thin ice, Bitty Beck.”

  “You two stop it.” Sue pushed her little girl back to her own side of the bench, then looked down at her nephew. “You say he called Blue Dog up into the wagon?”

  “Yes, ma’am. He sure did.”

  “Hey, Levi!” Becky leaned across her again. “Mama’s walking next, then I get a turn.”

  “You don’t need to be walking at all, little girl. You wouldn’t even be able to keep up.”

  “Can too! I can even keep up skipping. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll skip, and I’ll show you!” She sour-puckered her whole face at him, then plopped back down. “Tell him I do get to walk a turn, Mama.”