Rescuing Barnabas

by Elissa Strati

  When you left we thought it would just be for a few months until those silly Johnny Reb's got over their Notions and went back to being part of the country. And now it's been years and I still love you but I can't let Mama and Papa's Farm go to some stranger after all the work we've been doing to make it a good Farm. Your brother has offered me his protection in case something happens to you but please can you come home before spring so we can get married. I am so scared.

  Love,

  Sadie

  ~~~

  His brother had also written to him.

  Dear Brother,

  I hope this finds you well. Congratulations on your promotion but you really need to get back home to take care of Sadie. Her mama and papa took sick and died and she needs a man real bad. That crazy Foreman Jeb over to her place has made her that scared and nervous so she has moved in with me and Ma and our sisters.

  I know you have always had feelings for her and so have I. When you were here to protect her and she seemed to like you better, I stepped back to wait for you but she needs help now and can't wait beyond spring cuz that's when Jeb will be making his move to take over the place. Nothing much to be done in the Winter but he'll be plowing come spring so you need to get back here and marry her right now but if you can't I will marry her myself to protect her.

  Please say you can either get home or that you understand because I love you and don't want to go against you but I can't let anything happen to Sadie.

  Your loving brother,

  Cal

  ~~~

  Of course he couldn’t leave. Even if he weren’t shot as a deserter, he had obligations to these men with whom he fought side by side. War had dulled his sense of cause but he cared about his comrades and couldn’t let them down. Not too many of those he’d started out with were still there. Many had died, some of wounds but more of dysentery and fever and other ailments that swept through. Many more had returned home wounded, scarred, missing eyes or limbs. And even if their bodies were whole their minds had been maimed forever by the sights, sounds, and horrors surrounding them.

  He wasn’t the boy who had left the hills; he’d been lost somewhere along the way, to be replaced by a hard-bitten man whose life now consisted of one battle after another followed by marching and more marching. Even if he now rode a horse instead of walking, it was mile after weary mile, slogging along through dust and rain and mud, fields and forest, crossing streams and mountains, through villages and small cities.

  He wrote back:

  Dearest Sadie,

  I have loved you since I was a boy and I will always love you but now I cannot be there to protect you, so I give you to the protection of my brother who loves you, too. Please pray for me so far from home and know I am praying for you and Cal, for your health and happiness.

  I know Cal loves you as much as I always have and will take good care of you in my stead. It breaks my heart to let you go, but it means more to me that you be safe.

  With all my love and devotion,

  Barnabas

  ~~~

  He wept as he wrote and could feel his heart breaking, just as he’d written, but also, perhaps, he could feel a little relief, because he wasn’t the boy she had known, and he wasn’t sure he could have made her happy now.

  And to his brother he wrote:

  Dear Cal,

  I wish I could be there to help but I can’t. I give you my blessing to marry Sadie. I know you have loved her as long as I have and you have been the one watching out for her while I’ve been away. I know you will always take care of her the same as we both have since we were kids. I hope this war will be over soon so I can come home to wish you both every happiness. Maybe you will name one of the boys after me.

  May God bless you and Sadie and give my love to Ma and Sam and the girls.

  Your loving brother,

  Barnabas

  ~~~

  And he wept a bit more and kissed her ribbon in his bible. And then he took it out and put it inside his brother’s letter to him, with her letter tucked inside, too. It still meant home and love and was a token that he would always treasure, but she was his no longer.

  CHAPTER 6 – More Letters

  The war had finally ended and Barnabas made his dreary way home. Cal and Sadie had gotten married within a month of getting their blessings from Barnabas. By the time he’d finally gotten home they had a toddler and another on the way. He was touched they had, indeed, named the boy Barnabas, as he had requested, and he had fallen in love with his nephew, but it was awkward being home.

  He helped out for a few months, doing repairs through the winter, and then the plowing and sowing in the spring, growing ever more restless and feeling in the way of his brother’s new family. Their younger brother Sam was now old enough to be a proper partner and, with Sadie’s property joined, the farm was large enough to prosper. While his extra set of hands was useful, he wasn’t really needed, so as summer started, he and Thunderbolt headed west.

  Lance Jenkins had become a good friend over the months of campaigning, and they had kept in touch, much as he had with Charles Barnett, although letters often took months to arrive—if ever. Lance had invited him to come visit so Barnabas decided to make that the first stop on his adventure. His second stop would be in Green River, Kansas, to visit with Doc. And then, beyond that?

  He wasn’t certain of his plans. Perhaps chase silver or gold? Or take up work on a ranch? But he was a farmer. He loved planting and tending crops, seeing them thrive and produce. Well, maybe he’d try to homestead—if he could build a house and improve the land, he could own 160 acres at no additional charge. Of course for that sort of endeavor he’d want a wife, and Sadie was now his brother’s.

  ~~~

  Walking into the Jenkins farmhouse, one could see the love of books, as they seemed to spill over every surface. In this home books were not a luxury but a necessity; all were well-read, by everyone in the house. The mother who loved King Arthur turned out to be as charming as Lance had described her. She had been a school teacher before meeting Lance’s father and becoming a farmer's wife, and had instilled a love of reading and learning in each of her children.

  The extended family managed a dairy operation. The oldest boy, Thomas, had taken a tumble from the hayloft a few days before Barnabas arrived and, from the giggles and mischievous looks on the younger children's faces, it was evident that it had been horse play that caused the accident. Thomas had broken his leg and was not too mobile at the moment.

  Barnabas was happily put to work and made to feel like a member of the family almost at once. The loving and laughing family atmosphere was soothing to his soul. But it was the overall cheerfulness of the family, regardless of travails or ills, that gradually helped dispel his morose spirit. Life at home had generally been comfortable, growing up, but never this cheerful and sunny. No wonder Lance had such strength of mind and purpose!

  Although he had been rather embarrassed to introduce his youngest, seventh child, a charming infant named Guinevere.

  “My letter home about Mrs. Schmidt caught Rebecca’s fancy and she decided our next daughter should share the name.”

  “You didn’t waste much time in providing her that daughter,” teased Barnabas.

  “I was rather glad to see my wife,” Lance admitted.

  Lance, a great letter-writer, had also stayed in touch with Mrs. Schmidt, Peggy, and learned little Charlotte Athena Guinevere was thriving and now had a younger brother. Mr. Schmidt, a professor at the local Seminary, had resumed his position as soon as the soldiers had cleared out.

  Dear Lance,

  You will be pleased to know I have been delivered of a son whom we have named after my husband, at his request. Since I had the naming of our daughter, it seemed only fair. Young Gwen is walking now and getting into mischief. Alfred decided he liked that name best for his bouncing baby girl.

  Doc had suggested I might prefer a birthing chair for my next delivery, and the midwife was perfectly h
appy with the choice. But as the time came near, I fled into the garden and delivered much the same as the first time to the dismay and chagrin of the midwife—and my husband. I think both were scandalized! Of course you know the garden is my special place.

  Poor Doc thought I was a farm wife at first, little realizing that the Hebbings were managing the acreage. The professor and I like country living and besides the farm is very near the Seminary where he teaches the classics. I was a bit of a bluestocking when I met Alfred, and he has only encouraged me in my reading and education, so I will likely be rearing bookish children. It is so lovely to find others who share my love of the written word.

  Oh dear, young Freddy wants his bottle and Gwen has found a turtle in the garden. Thank you for your lovely letters and please thank your wife for the recipe for formula which is she included with your last letter.

  All my best to you and your family and please share my greetings with Zeus when he arrives to visit.

  With my very best wishes to you and your family, I remain,

  Yours Truly,

  Peggy Schmidt

  ~~~

  Lance laughed as he shared this tidbit with Barnabas. “Of course we happen to be calling our baby ‘Gwen’ as well!”

  ~~~

  With Thomas hobbling about, Barnabas was happy to pick up the slack and ended up staying through the summer, helping with mowing and baling the hay and, just for fun, with a few births around the farm, including a late calf from when the bull got out, and a colt and filly from the draft horses. He didn’t really count the litter of barn kittens, although they sure were cute, tumbling around in the hay.

  He’d also allowed Thunderbolt to service two riding mares who came into season, giving Lance a copy of the papers he had showing his stallion’s lineage. Lance had insisted on paying both for the servicing and for Barnabas time working for him.

  “You’ll need some travel money to get on with.”

  ~~~

  When one of the older boys, Arthur, asked about his nickname, “Zeus,” and the Day of the Blades, he hadn't much to say beyond, “Pray you never have to go to war. It is like encountering the portal to hell and all the ancient furies.”

  Seeing the deep despair lingering in his hero’s eyes, Arthur dropped his questioning and merely held out his hand, saying, “It is an honor to know you, sir.”

  ~~~

  The next letter of importance arrived from Charles, addressed to both of them.

  Lance had ended his military career as a Sergeant, and immediately had been dubbed “Sarge” by Charles. He’d actually gotten the promotion at Gettysburg, when the units were being sorted out and re-formed to account for casualties, and moved gracefully into his new position. Lance had written Charles upon Barnabas’ arrival, and Zeus had penned a few lines at the bottom of the letter explaining why he would be extending his stay with Lance.

  My dearest friends, Sarge and Zeus,

  I trust your reunion is as joyous as can be with no worries of bugles going off demanding a call to arms. I am glad the timing of your visit worked out so well for Thomas. Hope he has learned not to accept a dare.

  I just wanted to share my great good-fortune. My darling Mary has agreed to become my wife. We are planning a Christmas wedding because this time of year means so much to us. I know it is an awkward time to invite people to come visit since you have your own families with whom to enjoy the holidays, but if either of you and family members would care to join us in Green River, I would be most honored and gratified. Just let me know how many are coming so I know how many rooms to round up among family and friends.

  Barnabas, I also want to talk with you about a possible job. I am in desperate need of a farm manager here and know that is your former calling. If you are still interested in doing that kind of work, let me know.

  And now, let me tell you a little more about Mary. She is the woman whose child I delivered last Christmas. Her husband was murdered by jayhawkers about 6 months before that and she and her sister Dorothy had been trying to manage their properties. My own house was burned down during that same raid while we were still off fighting and I was feeling pretty discouraged. I even thought about upping stakes and maybe traveling further West to see what might be available.

  I don’t know about you all, but when I got home I was pretty depressed from the war and probably not thinking too clearly. But my friends were looking out for me. I cannot wait for you to meet Tom. He and his wife Suzanne took me in when I returned and got me back on my feet.

  Sarge, I know you will remember Major Cooper. Zeus, he is the fellow you helped me prepare for burial at Gettysburg. Reggie Cooper was my first cousin and he and Tom and I were the best of friends growing up. Dorothy and Mary Sevenoaks were in school with us, but Mary was quite a bit younger.

  Dorothy married Reggie and they had three children before he went off to war. I didn’t learn until I returned that the boy had died, too, a year after his dad, of smallpox. Dorothy had been running the Circle S ranch with the aid of a foreman, but had pretty much decided to sell out to secure dowries for her daughters.

  Her younger sister, Mary, had married Robert Rogers, whose family land aligned with Dorothy's. Mary and Robert were running a horse breeding operation and the two of them were going to take over Dorothy's ranch and help her run it in some complex family arrangement. When Roger died, they were hard put to carry through with the plans.

  And then I came home. I think Suzanne hatched the plot of having the three of us get together. We actually did so and combined the ranches into one we call Tri Brand. We are doing amazingly well and are expanding, thus the need for additional qualified men to help run the operation. So if this sounds at all interesting, please let me know. I will be happy to share the details with you when you are here; there is just too much for a letter. And I have probably already just confused you!

  I hope you will be able to come to help me celebrate my wedding. Best wishes and fondest regards to both of you and to your families. And congratulations on the birth of your daughter, Lance! So there are now two Guineveres for one Lancelot!

  Your friend,

  Charles

  ~~~

  Barnabas stayed through the haying, by which time Thomas was pretty much recovered. As reluctant as he was to leave the warm and friendly family atmosphere, he was also excited about the possibilities in Green River. So, with haying done, he took his leave and headed west. With the nice weather, he expected to be there within a day or two, planning a leisurely trip so he could enjoy the countryside.

  Lance had been surprised when Rebecca had agreed to go to the wedding. He’d expected her to want to stay home and celebrate Christmas with the family.

  “The Good Lord willing, I will share many more Christmases with our children and the rest of the family. But I have never been to Green River and I have never been to a big wedding before. You went gallivanting all over the country for four years. I’d like to see more than this valley before I die!”

  When he started to protest, she reached out and clasped his wrist.

  “I know you were in battle and saw many horrible things; I’ve held you through your nightmares. But you also saw cities and farms and places and people I never will, all those things I’ve read about in books but can only imagine. If you really don’t want to be there for your Major then we won’t go. But I saw your face as you read his letter—until you realized he intended the wedding for Christmas Day, you were excited to go.”

  “Looks as if we will be seeing you in a few months, after all,” Lance exclaimed, clapping Barnabas on the back. “Safe travels and write to let us know you arrived.”

  CHAPTER 7 – Green River

  The weather had remained beautiful and Barnabas arrived in Green River within an easy day and a half of leisurely travel. He imagined it would be a great deal rougher in winter when Rebecca and Lance would be coming. They’d be taking a wagon, which would be slower than horseback, as well, and would spend at least one night on
the road.

  Thinking of Rebecca having to be outside in the cold, he made a point of stopping by a few of the farm houses to see if they would be willing to accept a guest overnight in December, and found each of the families more than happy to welcome strangers. Visitors were few and far between and the folks were equally delighted to welcome him. He had to accept at least coffee and dessert if not a full meal at each of his stops. Since he was traveling by himself and on horseback, however, he chose to sleep outdoors, enjoying the wonderful weather and knowing he was moving much faster than the couple would be able to.

  As he approached the town, the road ran along the Green River, after which the town was named, and then moved up hill, overlooking fields and pastures sloping down toward the water. Charles had written that he should look for a sign for “Tri Brand” over a gate, on his right hand side before he got to town, and to turn in at that gate and ride right on up to the farmhouse. He was rather impressed with the sign that was clearly for a first class operation.

  This was pretty countryside, with long views and rolling hills, and had lots of great pasture for horses or cattle, as well as acreage clearly devoted to farming. He liked the appearance of the mixed use and was impressed with the quality of the stock he could see from the road. As he approached the farmhouse he was greeted by number of fellows who have appeared to have been awaiting his arrival, as one of them got up and headed toward the house he could see below, sitting on a rise above the river.

  Barnabas had kept Thunderbolt at a relaxed gait but now increased his pace a bit, seeing all the activity at the house. Slowing down as he neared the yard, he dismounted at the gate.

  “Major Schuyler,” a young man called out to him, “Allow me to take Thunderbolt to the stable and rub him down and get him some feed.”