Hannah's Handkerchief

by Zina Abbott

  The captain noticeable inhaled, evidently unwilling to discuss the matter further with the freighter. “Mr. Jones, is your scout with you at this time? We have business in Salina, but at least part of the platoon with me will be going on the Fort Ellsworth. I would appreciate any information he can share on what he had discovered beyond the town.”

  Leander Jones shook his head. “I haven’t seen him in the last ten days or so. He knows the route we will take and that there should be no concerns with hostile tribes this side of Salina. He left to join his tribe as they travel to their summer hunt to help scout where they can safely set up camp without interference from the Cheyenne. The Kaw prefer to stay at Cow Creek, but in the last few years, they have been forced to hunt farther north. Now, doing so puts them at risk of contending with those Americans that keep spreading farther west to claim homesteads.”

  “What tribe does your scout belong to again, Mr. Jones?” Jake asked the question before considering whether or not his interruption would annoy the captain. He pressed his lips together. What was done was done. He focused his gaze on the freighter and waited for an answer.

  “He is part Kaw, or Kansa. His people travel the Kaw Trail, which follows the Santa Fe Trail fairly close from Council Grove going west to their traditional hunting territory. The Kaw and Cheyenne have clashed more than once in recent years as the area for hunting buffalo shrinks.”

  Jake scrunched his forehead and chewed the inside of his cheek. There was still much he needed to learn about the region where he had been transferred just before Lee’s surrender. He was under the impression the Kaw Indians were on a reservation and received an annuity. Why were they leaving it to hunt buffalo?

  Leander Jones turned back to the captain. “I anticipate Charlie Gray Cloud rejoining the freight train while we’re somewhere between Salina and Fort Ellsworth. If not, he knows to meet up once we turn south toward the Arkansas.”

  “If he joins you in Salina while I’m still there, I would appreciate being able to meet with him. If not, it is possible, depending on what I find at the stockade in town, you might have a military escort as far as Fort Ellsworth. Any escort beyond that will be up to the commanding officer there.”

  “I’ll be sure to send Charlie your way if he meets up with us in time, Captain. If not, I’m sure the other wagon masters will appreciate the escort. We’ll be splitting at the fort. Over half will continue on the Smoky Hill toward Denver. My train and one other will start south. Any escort we can arrange on that leg will be appreciated.”

  Jake reflected on whether or not it was wise traveling in a smaller train. With no treaties in sight for the Cheyenne, Arapaho, or Sioux, using the more-isolated trail through the middle of the plains, barren of all but grass, buffalo, and hostile tribes, struck him as foolhardy. Once they approached New Mexico territory, they risked attacks by the Plains Apache. However, it was not his decision. He could only hope this train with its men, oxen, and supplies destined for Fort Union in New Mexico would arrive safely.

  Once the conversation between the two men ended, following the captain’s lead, Jake nodded his farewell with the freighter. He again admired the lines of the stallion as Leander Jones turned his mount and galloped toward the head of the freight train. He involuntarily twitched at the thought that, if this man married Hannah’s dark-haired Atwell cousin, and anything came of his interest in the blonde beauty who had filled his thoughts since the dance, the two could end up with a family connection. He quickly dismissed the notion, unwilling to dwell on it.

  Without conscious thought, he reached up and patted his inside shirt pocket where he kept personal letters, sensitive documents, and Hannah’s handkerchief. As alluring as he found her, nothing was settled between them at this point. For all he knew, her gesture at the dance had been but a flirtation, and Miss Hannah Atwell may have dismissed him from her mind by now.

  Jake spurred his horse, and he followed Capt. Prescott as the man pushed his mount into a lope and passed the freight train on the left.

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  Chapter 5

  ~o0o~

  East of Salina, Kansas

  April 26, 1865

  B rushing the damp soil from her hands, Hannah rose upright on her knees and turned to see whose horses entered her yard. Why, this morning of all mornings, did unannounced company arrive while she looked her worst? Her apron did next to nothing to keep the dirt from grinding into the fabric of her gown. Her hands were filthy, with dirt caked under her fingernails. Perspiration dotted her face and ran down her temples unchecked by the sunbonnet she had donned to protect her complexion and contain the unruly hair she had only finger-combed this morning before quickly twisting it into a knot at the back of her head.

  Her heart caught in her throat. Two men wearing military blue approached. One of them looked like the lieutenant she had danced with and to whom she gave her handkerchief after a sweet kiss that set her tingling from the top of her head to her toes. Of all people, why must he now see her looking like this? For, she did intend to find occasion to speak with him, unless her father interfered and ordered her to stay in the house.

  As Hannah rose to her feet, she glanced over to see Henry walk out of the barn toward the pair. Henry, of all the family except Magpie, their youngest sister, was the least capable of offering a proper greeting. Yet, she was in no condition to approach them. Yes, she intended to speak to Lt. Jake Burdock, the man who had set her to daydreaming until sleep claimed her each night, but only after she cleaned up.

  When she saw the front door open and her mother step onto the front porch, Hannah heaved a sigh of relief. Her mother would speak to them until Henry could summon Papa from the pasture where he and Carl looked after the new batch of calves. She brushed as much of the dirt off her hands as possible and walked just short of a run to the front of the house. She waved to the visitors just before she leaped onto the side of the porch without the benefit of a stair. She called out to her mother just loud enough she hoped only her parent would hear. “I’ll hurry and clean up. Then I’ll put together some refreshments for them to enjoy while they wait for Henry to get Papa.”

  Upon seeing her mother’s nod, Hannah rushed through the door, not allowing it to close behind her before she pulled at sunbonnet strings and ripped the head covering off her hair. “Magpie, please, please, please bring my brush and some hairpins from our room while I wash up. Papa has company.”

  Magpie, whose real name was Margarete, rushed to the front window. “I want to see.”

  Hannah tore off her mud-smudged apron and wadded it up, intent on hiding it behind the wood box in case her father invited the men into the house. “Please bring my hairbrush and pins first, Magpie, and then you can look out the window. But don’t go outside unless Mama or Papa says you can.”

  She poured fresh water from the pitcher into the bowl and began to scrub her face with a clean rag. Next, she removed the pins already in her hair and carefully set them on the ledge in case her sister did not bring as many as she needed to hold her hair in place. She finger-combed the tangles out of her curls. Where is Magpie with my brush?

  Upon hearing her sister’s footsteps on the bottom stairs, Hannah sighed with relief. She leaned forward and peered in the small mirror while she rubbed her chin and neck to be sure no streaks of dirt remained. After Magpie slam down the brush and a handful of pins with a little more force than necessary, Hannah glanced down with a smile. “Thank you, Magpie.”

  The young girl turned and trotted toward the front window.

  Hannah turned while pulling the brush through her hair. “Tell me what you see, Magpie. Are the soldiers still on their horses, or did they dismount?”

  “They’re on the ground talking to Mama. Henry’s running toward the pasture.”

  “Thank you.” Hannah huffed as she brushed her hair. Not much time. Her fingers seized up on her and threatened to drop the pins before she could push them into her chign
on. She used the damp cloth to flick away any loose dust from the bodice of her dress. She shook the folds of her skirt, dismayed two spots of dampness darkened the fabric. Next, she used the rag to knock the largest clumps of mud from her boots. She lifted the rag and inspected it. She needed to wash her hands again before she cut some cake squares to offer their guests but this rag must be washed before anyone else could use it. Without muddying the water by rinsing it first, she stuffed it behind the wood box with her apron. She washed her hands and reached for a fresh cloth.

  Hannah turned to face the kitchen. She took a deep breath and blew it out to force herself to relax while she gathered her thoughts. She stepped to the stove, picked up the coffeepot, and shook it. Not enough to offer guests. She added wood to the stove, poured what was left of the coffee into a cup, and dipped more water into the coffeepot to heat.

  “Why are they here, Hannah?”

  “They’re probably from Fort Riley. Maybe they came to talk to Papa about how many steers he’ll be able to sell them this fall.”

  “Oh. I see Papa coming, and now there are four soldiers.”

  Hannah’s eyebrows shot upwards. Four? She shook her head. No time to figure out what was going on. The important thing was to cut the cake left from last night’s supper and stack the pieces attractively on a plate. As soon as the water boiled, she could get the coffee started. She could not let them leave until she arranged an opportunity to talk to Jake Burdock once more.

  Does he even remember who I am? Or was I just one dressed-up female among many at the dance for his entertainment?

  The front door opened. Hannah looked over to see her mother, Carlotte, enter.

  “The soldiers, for cake and coffee they stay, but first your papa takes them to see the calves.”

  Hannah released a sigh of relief. She glanced at the pot of water that had not yet heated to boiling. “Good. I about have the cake ready, but I’m waiting for the coffee water to boil. Mama, will you take over, please, so I can go outside? I’ll come back in and help you when it’s time to eat.”

  Carlotte tossed her hand in the air with a dismissive gesture. “Pah! About cattle they talk. Nothing of interest.”

  “I would still like to go out and listen. I’d like to again thank Capt. Prescott for the invitation to the dance, and I think it would only be polite for me to say hello to the other officer I met there that night.” Hannah held her breath as her mother’s intense gaze studied her face before she glanced at her from head to foot.

  “Yes, very nice you look. You may go, but their business, you let them talk, ja?”

  “Yes. Mutti. I’ll mind my manners.” Hannah slipped into the German name for Mama she and her older brother, Otto, had used as young children.

  “I want to go outside.”

  Hannah’s heart sank as she glanced at her sister standing next to her, an imploring expression on her face. Does Jake like children, or would he find her presence annoying? She turned to her mother, who now looked between the two.

  “For a few minutes. With your sister or your father stay. Then back here you come, help your mama.”

  Hannah reached for Magpie’s hand. She walked toward the door and stepped out on the porch. She felt her heartrate increase as she focused her gaze on Jake. Her breath froze in her chest when he turned to face her and their gazes met. Both of the enlisted men who accompanied the two officers also studied her while they struggled to keep from breaking into grins. However, her attention remained on Jake. He smiled and nodded before, reluctantly, if she read his body language correctly, turning his attention back to the conversation between her father and Capt. Prescott.

  Hannah leaned down and whispered in her sister’s ear. “No chattering or asking questions, Magpie. Don’t say a word unless Papa or someone else speaks to you first. If you interrupt, Papa will send us back into the house.”

  Magpie mumbled and tried to pull free of Hannah’s grasp. “I know. Don’t call me Magpie.”

  Hannah and her sister approached until they stood a few feet behind Jefferson Atwell.

  When Jake glanced her way, Hannah felt a surge of excitement. Although he immediately returned his attention to the conversation between her father and the captain, the hint of a smile remained. She chose to believe it was intended for her. Reluctantly, she forced her attention to the men’s conversation.

  Capt. Prescott gestured in a westerly direction. “With Fort Ellsworth only thirty-six miles that direction, we’re in the process now of dismantling the stockade in Salina. We’re utilizing forts throughout the state until we get the native issue resolved. Although the quartermaster’s department does not cover subsistence…er, rations…for the soldiers, I do know the need for beef will shift to the west. Gives them a break from buffalo. If you’re interested in selling your cattle to them, I can send word to the commissary officer at Fort Ellsworth to see if he’s interested.”

  Hannah stiffened. Traveling west into open prairie was dangerous.

  Her father cocked his head as he considered. Next, he folded his arms. “Are you intending on me delivering it on the hoof? I’ve no issue with bringing a small herd east to Fort Riley. Driving a herd west would be more dangerous, even if we have a military escort. You know we would be subject to attack by the Cheyenne or other tribes intent on stealing both the cattle and our horses.”

  “It would be up to the command at Ellsworth if they wish to provide an escort for your herd. Unfortunately, it will be a couple of years before we can expect the railroad to come through here. Are you saying you’re unwilling to herd beef to the west?”

  “Do we even have corrals and butchering facilities at Ellsworth, either the fort or the town? If not, it would be best to suggest they have the beef butchered and salted down here and sent by oxen train.”

  Everyone’s attention turned to Jake, who had spoken.

  Captain Prescott cleared his throat. “Although I’m certain there are enough soldiers to handle the butchering, I’ll have to find out if the fort is developed enough to keep the cattle protected. Like I said, that will be up to the commissary officer, though. I still would like to see what you have before I pass on my recommendations.” He turned his focus to Hannah. “Pardon my lack of manners. Good morning, Miss Atwell. I trust you are well?”

  Hannah dipped a curtsey. “I am, Capt. Prescott. Thank you for asking. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Have you met my sister, Margarete?”

  Magpie offered her own awkward curtsey.

  Hannah realized she needed to work with her sister on that skill. She smiled at the captain. “I would like to once more take the opportunity to thank you for the invitation to the dance at the fort. Mrs. Prescott was so kind and helpful, and I had a wonderful time.”

  “Pleased to hear that, Miss Atwell. My wife was thrilled with the funds she raised at that event for the Sanitary Commission. We thank you for sharing your evening with our officers since they aren’t always able to enjoy the company of the fairer sex.” He cleared his throat. “Allow me to introduce you to Lt. Burdock of the Quartermaster’s Corps. He is here assisting me today.”

  Hannah curtseyed once more as Jake faced her and offered a quick bow.

  “Pleased to meet you again, Miss Atwell.”

  “The pleasure’s mine, Lt. Burdock.”

  Jefferson raised an eyebrow as his gaze flitted between Hannah and Jake. “You two know each other?”

  Hannah mustered up her most charming smile as she turned to her father. “I met him at the dance, Papa. We were only allowed one dance per officer, but I recall Lt. Burdock.” Hannah resisted the urge to bite her lower lip. Does Papa remember it was with Jake I shared a kiss right before he dragged me away from the kissing game?

  Jefferson narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I remember now. Hannah, I’ll be taking Capt. Prescott and his men out to show them the cattle. Plus, they might be interested in our newest colt. Please let your mother know that, when we return, we’ll appreciate those refreshmen
ts we were offered earlier.”

  Hannah desperately wanted to go with them—anything to stay with Jake Burdock. However, she never had shown much interest in either the horses or cattle in the past. Her father would suspect her motives if she asked to go with them now. If she ever wished to convince her father to allow her to spend more time at Fort Riley where she might see Jake again, she dared not interfere now. “Yes, Papa. We’ll let Mama know.” Holding tight to Magpie’s hand, she offered Jake one last smile before reluctantly turning toward the front door.

  Inside, the smell of coffee greeted Hannah. She watched her mother wring her hands and peer through the window. “What’s the matter, Mutti?”

  “I worry, not enough cake we have for seven men. Carl and Henry will join your papa when he returns with the four soldiers.”

  Hannah glanced at Magpie and then back at her mother. “I don’t need a piece of cake, Mama. Also, we have several biscuits left over from breakfast. Perhaps, if we spread them with jam, the men will feel like they are getting enough to fill them until their noon meal.”

  “Ja, a good idea. Magpie, you and I will have half a biscuit with jam. For the men, we save the cake.”

  “It’s Henry someone needs to warn not to take more than his fair share, Mama.”

  While her mother found the bowl of baked biscuits and a crock of strawberry preserves she had been saving for special occasions, Hannah reached on the shelf for the china teacups and everyday crock cups. She carried a handful to the empty tray on the table her mother had already set out. She spread the cups—four china on one side and the crock cups on the other—so they would be ready for her mother to fill when the men reappeared.

  As soon as the women inside heard male voiced coming from the direction of the pasture, the kitchen turned into a flurry of activity.

  “I want to carry something.”

  Hannah glanced at her mother before she turned to her sister. “Maybe you can carry the biscuits with jam. Why don’t you follow Mama down the stairs, and I’ll hand the plate to you. I’ll follow with the tray of coffee cups.