Myrtle interrupted their conversation to hand him more letters from Mable. “Get one now about every day.”
“I owe you, big time,” said Charlie.
“How about a new dress?”
Mary ordered Myrtle back to work so she could have some one on one time with her son. “I miss you so much.”
“You missed the others when they got married and moved off.”
“Not like I've missed you. Your leaving was different. You were made to go.”
“Why does he hate me so? He's good to the rest of you?”
“When he gets something in his mind, even if it's not true, he won't turn loose.”
Charlie couldn't believe what he just heard. Buster Funkhouser told him the same thing.
“And I think he aims his hate at the people he loves the most.”
“So you're telling' me that he loves me the most by hating on me?”
“Something like that.”
“Mama, I think you been hitting the hard cider. Maybe you're just trying' to tell yourself that he loves me.”
“You're not the only one Bill hates. He's good at hiding it from you and the rest, but he don't like me none either. Treats me something awful and he's hit me a time or two.”
His mother's news floored him. “If I ever catch him laying a hand on you I'll...”
“Just don't hate your daddy. Forgive him, just like it says in the Bible. Forgive him and put it behind you.”
“Somebody else said something like that to me a while back. Guess you knew Buster Funkhouser back in the day, back before daddy tried to kill him.”
“Me and him and your daddy grew up together. He's a good man.”
It occurred to Charlie that he may have just found the third person in the puzzle but when he started to ask for more information she abruptly ended the conversation. “Got to be heading back. Come on, girls.”
“Don't go. I have more questions.”
“We'll talk again, soon. I promise.”
As they drove out of sight, he wondered how his mother fit into the story and how it was possible to forgive a father who had abused and rejected him. Most difficult to believe was her assertion that Bill Polk actually loved him. “If that's love,” he thought, “don't want nothing to do with it.”
Happy New Year from Strathmore – December 31, 1918
Things were looking up at Strathmore. The move to open Strathmore Orchard Corporation to investors had provided the quick capital that Frank, Jr. needed to save the business. More importantly, for the first time ever the Wissler brothers were acting more like loving family than bitter rivals. Even their wives had grown closer so they decided it was time to celebrate and close out 1918 with the Valley's finest social event of the year.
Carrie took charge of the menu and decorating while Ada sent out one hundred invitations to those she considered worthy of such a high-class affair. They even hired a dance band from Washington to provide entertainment.
As the only eligible bachelor among the Wissler men, Frank III invited his old friend Cilla Miller to accompany him to the soiree. Actually, Priscilla wasn't particularly excited about the invite but she saw it as an opportunity to stir up some jealousy in Charlie. She wasted no time in announcing her big date with Frank. “He's so cute, and wealthy, and drives a really fine automobile. We might even do some necking. What do you think about that?”
“Ain't never thought about necking with Frank. Don't expect I would much like it,” said Charlie as he walked away laughing.
At first Charlie's reaction hurt her feelings but upon further consideration even Cilla laughed at the notion of engaging in a passionate kissing session with Frank Wissler.
What Cilla didn't know was that Frank was crazy about her, thrilled that she accepted his invitation, and more than just a little excited about the prospects of the traditional New Year's kiss at midnight.
The invitation mandated “tuxedos and gowns” and by 7 o'clock as buggies and automobiles ascended the steep drive to Strathmore House it was evident that attendees were adhering to Ada's dress code. Top hats and fur wraps were in abundance as the who's who of the Shenandoah Valley paraded toward the festivities.
The elected officials, doctors, bankers, business owners, investors, elite farmers and their ladies who gathered together on that cold winter night were particularly optimistic about the prospects for the new year, now that the Great War was over.
As the guests filed through the door, John and Ada were there to greet them while Frank, Jr. and Carrie mingled among the early arrivals. Strathmore was in top form and the atmosphere was joyous as the band played one lively tune after another.
When Frank III arrived with Cilla, he couldn't wait to show her off. Dressed in a beautiful white gown and pearl necklace she was a real head turner. It was hard to believe that this was the same girl known for her wild antics and mischievous pranks. She was refined, surprisingly ladylike, and the object of considerable conversation between Frank's parents who had already decided that she would be a perfect addition to the Wissler clan.
All was going according to plan until Ruthy the cook rushed into the parlor to get a message to John, Jr. “Somebody at the back door needs to see you.”
“Send them on in.”
“No, sir. Think you better go on back there.”
John, Jr. took leave from his wife and followed Ruthy through the kitchen. He was shocked when he saw his guests, not just by who had come calling and the unfortunate timing, but the sickly appearance of Marie Johnson. He almost didn't recognize her. Despite her 29 years, she looked like an old woman, frail, in obvious pain, and exceedingly sad. “Marie?”
“I know this is a bad time.”
“Silas? You're so big.”
“Yes. He's 10 now.”
“Follow me.”
John, Jr. led Marie and Silas to a mud room off the kitchen where they sat on a bench.
“What's going on?”
“Didn't have anybody else to turn to. You've always been there for me.”
“What do you need?”
Marie ordered Silas to go into the kitchen and visit with Miss Ruthy while she talked. “Guess you can tell I'm not doing so good.”
“What's wrong?”
“Cancer … and I don't have much longer.”
“Don't say that.”
“It's true.”
“I know some good doctors.”
“Won't help. I need to know that Silas is going to be well cared for.”
“You mean like a boarding school.”
“No. I mean like a home. I want you to take him … raise him as your own. He never forgot you. You're the closest thing to a daddy he's got.”
“I don't know what to say,” said John, Jr. as he considered her request. He and his wife Anna had an 8-year-old son of their own. He wondered how Anna would respond to taking in a child who had been rumored to be his illegitimate offspring.
“I know this is a lot to ask. You have already been so generous.”
“I'll have to talk it over with Anna. What about you? What are your plans?”
“Go back to West Virginia. I have a place where I can stay until the end.”
When John, Jr. returned to the parlor, his Aunt Carrie stopped him. “What's the matter? You're upset.”
“Where's Anna?”
“Last I saw she was with Little Frank and his friend. What's going on?”
“Marie is here.”
“What?”
“She's sick. Real sick. Wants us to take Silas.”
Carrie Wissler was very fond of Marie and treated her like a daughter while she lived at Strathmore. “Where is she?”
“The mudroom.”
While John, Jr. looked for Anna, Carrie rushed through the kitchen where she saw Silas talking to Ruthy. “Can't believe how big you got. Remember me?”
Silas stared but didn't say anything.
“I'll be back. Ruthy, keep him company,” she said as she proceeded to the mudro
om where she found Marie laying down on the bench.
“Marie?”
Nearly asleep Marie opened her eyes. “Hello, Carrie,” she said barely able to talk and trying to sit up.
“Stay where you are.”
“Where's Silas?”
“He's okay. In the kitchen with Ruthy.”
By the time John, Jr. returned with his wife he had already filled her in on Marie's request. Initially, she gave a negative response until she saw Marie's condition.
“Did you tell her?” asked Marie again attempting to pull herself up.
John, Jr. looked at Anna for a response and with tears in her eyes she shook her head “yes.”
“We'll take good care of him.”
“Thank God. Thank you all so much. You all have been so good to me. John, I need just one more thing.”
“What's that?'
“Get me to Edinburg to catch the midnight train.”
“No,” protested Carrie. “You're going to stay right here at Strathmore.”
“Can't do that. I'll be a burden.”
“No such thing. This is your home.”
“Don't want Silas to see me die.”
“He needs you and you need him.”
Carrie reminded John that Doc Koontz had attended the party. “Go fetch him. We'll take Marie to her old room.”
As the time steadily progressed toward the New Year and the revelers continued their celebration, Carrie and Anna helped Marie up the back stairway.
“I'm spoiling your good time,” said Marie as they helped her into bed.
“Nonsense,” said Anna. “To tell the truth I thought it was boring.”
Carrie pulled a comforter from a closet while Anna removed Marie's shoes and soon she was asleep.
“We can keep Silas here with his mama,” whispered Carrie.
“No. Little John always wanted a brother. We'll take him to live with us.”
The party was about to reach its climax and echoing through the halls of Strathmore House could be heard the countdown to 1919. “10, 9, 8, 7...”
Quietly Anna and Carrie joined in and at the stroke of midnight, as the crowd could be heard yelling “Happy New Year,” the women tearfully embraced.
“I know this is hard for you Anna, but you're doing the right thing. I'm very proud of you.”
The door opened and John, Jr. entered with Dr. Koontz.
“Doesn't look like the same woman,” said the doctor as he looked her over. “We'll just let her rest and I'll swing by tomorrow.”
That night John and Anna did their best to explain to Silas why he was coming to live with them. Silas was pleased to hear that he would have a younger brother but could not understand why he couldn't stay with his mama.
“Don't care if she is sick. I won't bother her. I promise.”
On January 17th Marie died in her sleep, in her room, in her adopted home at Strathmore, and surrounded by a family that loved her as their own. She was laid to rest in what would become the family plot in Mt. Jackson Cemetery.
Chapter VI - Success
The Doctor Is In – February 1919
By all accounts, Russell Miller was a fine man except for just one thing. He talked too much. More specifically, he liked to boast about his family and everything on his farm. To hear him tell it, he had the best children, the best darn tractor, and the finest livestock. Nobody ever challenged him on his claims until he began telling his friends about that incredible new foreman he had hired. “Best doggone vet I ever did see. Saw him raise a cow from the dead.”
Unfortunately for Russell, he wasn’t the only farmer in the Valley who needed the services of a good vet. At first, Russell was happy to oblige, just to prove the truthfulness of his claim but soon the demand for Charlie’s assistance was interfering with work that needed to be done on his farm.
His first remedy was to post a sign at the farm entrance declaring that vet services were no longer available. Cilla was quick to point out that a sign wouldn’t solve his problem since many of the farmers were uneducated and couldn’t read. She was right. They just kept coming.
As for Charlie, he didn’t mind the additional work at all since it had substantially increased his income. He saved every penny he made in a small wooden box hidden under his bed. This was the first time he had ever had money of his own and he was in no hurry to turn loose of it.
When Russell could take the constant interruptions no more, he sent Lisa to the field to bring Charlie back to the house. It was time to put an end to the madness.
Russell was sitting at the kitchen table and by the time Charlie arrived he was plenty worked up. His nose and ears were beet red, there was fire in his eyes, and his voice quivered as he talked. “How many people did you help yesterday?”
“Don’t rightly know. Maybe a dozen or so.”
“I lost count at twenty. Day before that it was seventeen.”
“No kidding.”
“I’m putting my foot down. No more animal doctoring. When they show up, we’re just going to have to tell them that we’ve got a farm here to run and to go find somebody else. Didn’t hire you to work for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Brought you here to work for me and that’s the way it’s going to be. And if that doesn’t happen right away then you and me are going to have a parting of the ways.”
Charlie was shocked, hurt, and offended by the angry tone of Russell’s demands but said not a word.
“You’re neglecting the work that needs to be done around here and I ain’t having it. You only work for me. Is that understood?”
When Charlie again failed to respond Russell became more agitated. “How much you been making off those folks?” There was more to Russell’s concern than just the numerous requests for Charlie’s help. He didn’t think it was fair that Charlie was raking in an untold windfall of cash on his farm as his employee.
Finally Charlie responded, very timidly, staring at the floor and looking as if he had just lost his best friend. “Just told them to pay me what they thought the job was worth.”
Russell angrily pushed his chair back from the table, stood up, and pulled a coffee pot from the cupboard and slammed it on the table. “I’ve got a business to run. You understand that, don’t you? No more working for other people. Not when you’re working for me.”
While Russell prepared coffee, Cilla entered the room. “Hey, Charlie. What brings you up to the house today?”
“Run along, Cilla. Me and Charlie are talking business,” said Russell gruffly.
“Somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Sorry, I got up so late. Out with Frank again last night,” said Cilla cheerily attempting to get a rise out of Charlie and lighten the mood in the room. “We’ve been seeing each other a lot lately.”
“You can leave now,” said Russell motioning for her to leave. “Scoot.”
Cilla stared at Charlie waiting for a response, but there was none. Then she playfully pushed him out of the way to grab some bread and a jar of jam from the table. “Frank bought me some fancy perfume? What do you think?” Then she shoved her wrist under his nose. “What’s the matter with you? Cat got your tongue?”
“Goodbye, Cilla,” said her daddy pointing to the door.
Usually, under similar circumstances, Cilla would have gotten upset and stormed out of the room. This time was different because she recognized something in Charlie’s behavior that alarmed her. “The two of you having a fuss?”
“Am I going to have to carry you out?”
“Daddy, you’re angry.”
“And you’re not helping.”
Cilla pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table. She had no way of knowing why her daddy was so angry, but she did understand Charlie’s problem. She knew that Charlie shut down when confronted with anger. He had confided in her about the abuse he suffered as a child and realized that her daddy was stirring up painful wounds from his past. She took Charlie’s hand in hers and held it while Russell looked on in disbelie
f.
“This is entirely inappropriate,” complained Russell. “Go help your mama in the washhouse.”
“Daddy, I don’t know what your problem is but you need to back off. Can’t you see that Charlie’s hurt?”
“We’re just having a man to man talk. I was telling him that he can’t be working for everybody else in kingdom come when he works for me.”
“Nothing wrong with what you’re telling him. It’s the way you’re saying it. This is a good man.”
“I know that. Best farmhand I ever had.”
“But one thing he can’t handle is to have somebody yelling at him. The reason he came to Miller farm was to get away from anger.”
“Charlie, I am so sorry. I’m not ill with you. Just upset at the situation.”
Cilla touched Charlie’s face and tried to get him to look at her. “Say something. You’re scaring me. What are you feeling? Angry. Sad. Apparently, not happy.”
“Don’t feel nothing. Nothing at all.”
Russell poured coffee in three cups. “How do you take your coffee, Charlie?”
“Black.”
“Daddy, seems to me that you can’t see the forest for the trees.”
“I’m listening,” said Russell as he placed cups in front of each of them and sat down.
“Haven’t been paying real close attention to all the people coming here to get Charlie’s help but it does seem like it’s turned into an everyday thing.”
“Even on Sunday.”
“Charlie, do you like doctoring animals?”
“Sure I do.”
Russell frowned, leaned back in his chair, and loudly slurped his coffee. “Dadgumit. That’s what I hired him for. Plenty of livestock here to keep him busy.”
“Hear me out. Daddy, you have always said that farming is no good if it doesn’t make money.”
“That’s right. That’s why this whole thing has me so riled.”
“I say you should let them people keep coming, hire somebody else to help out around here, and split the extra cash with Charlie.”
For the first time since the conversation began Russell smiled. “Cilla, that ain’t a half bad idea. Never heard you talk so much sense before.”
In the Valley of Hope Page 19
