Chapter 10

Decisions and Revelations

"Who else, except for Dorcas and Alice?" Milly repeated with her eyes fixed on Martha, Liza, Sarah, and Ruth. The four girls stood in silence, each of them had different expressions. Martha's eyes had become wide as dinner plates, her mouth was open in shock and everything about her body language said that this woman was not planning to join Dorcas and Alice anytime soon. She looked downright offended that Milly even asked that question to her. As much as Martha loved Daniel, she wished to be properly married first in order to even consider going further then simple kissing. Martha was raised with high standards and she wasn't about give up her virtue just like that. Daniel Pontipee had to wed her like a real gentleman first!

Liza had her eyebrows raised and her arms crossed. Everyone could read in her pretty countenance that she had done nothing remotely close to what Milly was referring. Truth be told, she wasn't completely ignorant of the idea. Love was love...and if Dorcas and Alice thought that they were ready to step up the game, it was their choice. She wasn't about to judge them or rebuke them. Liza knew pretty well that all of them had fallen hopelessly and utterly in love with those Pontipee brothers. But becoming intimate herself? No! That was little bit too far for her personally. Besides, Ephraim was very self-controlled in that sense, and didn't want to mess around with her. He wanted to properly ask for her hand and then engage in a serious relationship. Well, I guess that's what happens when you fall in love with the solemn brother. Liza shook her head, motioning to Milly that she definitely wasn't among the rebellious girls.

And then there was Ruth. No one had any doubts about her anymore. Her whole explanation speech about the doctor examining her, and how honorable and gentle Caleb Pontipee was proved everything to them. Ruth was very puzzled and shocked about these revelations. She deeply loved Caleb! She almost starved herself for him! However, she was way too timid for such actions. Ruth thought that so was innocent Alice, but apparently she had been very wrong about her all a long.

Ruth was totally out of question.

So that leaves us with one and only Sarah Kine, who had become red as a tomato. Her small coy smile, mischievous glare and hesitant, nervous state gave everything away. It wasn't easy to lie to a woman like Milly and most of the people couldn't get away with it. Even Adam had a hard time escaping his wife's blazing blue eyes. Sarah's insides were shaking violently and her throat was completely dry. She couldn't bring herself to speak. And she didn't need to, all of the girls realized everything in few seconds.

"Sarah Kine!" Horrified Martha exclaimed, clasping her one hand on her mouth. "No, no! Not you too?"

"Shhhh...quiet." Whispered Alice, looking over her shoulder.

"Sarah, I must say I'm impressed you aren't so boring and prudish, like I thought you were." Dorcas teased and winked at her.

Martha was still furious over this. She felt so betrayed. "I would never think of this from you, Sarah. I am so disappointed."

"Martha... I-" Sarah started with a guilty expression.

"I can't say I didn't see this one coming." Liza remarked not surprised at all. "Alice's pregnancy on the other hand, is quite a shock."

"Keep quiet." Alice spoke anxiously again and desperately glanced around, to make sure that they weren't being overheard.

"Oh my goodness." Milly gasped terrified when poor Ruth almost fainted. Milly caught her on time while Liza poured glass of water for her.

"I'm alright...I'm alright." Ruth spoke meekly. "I haven't been eating well these days...that's all."

"I can't blame you, Ruth." Martha remarked, her eyes narrowed at Sarah. "I was about to faint myself."

"Martha please, don't be like that." Sarah begged in a low tone.

"How is Frank... when it comes to kissing?" Dorcas asked in her typical manner. "Benjamin is marvelous though."

"Oh Dorcas, just shut up!" Liza burst angrily. "This has gone too far. Can't you see how disappointed Milly is? What's wrong with you ladies?" Martha nodded in agreement and rolled her eyes.

"Alright, that's enough." Milly chimned in. "I didn't gather you girls here to bicker at one another. I wanted to know the truth. And even though sometimes it might be painful, I wanna thank you all for being honest with me." Before either one could say something, Reverend Elcott was seen walking towards the group. The girls quieted and continued fussing around the picnic vittles, while the preacher greeted his daughter with a small kiss on the cheek and then asked Milly to speak with him privately.

The two of them wondered away from the crowd and once alone, he spoke. "Milly, I conversed with our mayor just now." The Reverend Elcott said and glanced back at the town leader, Pete Perkins caught their sight and nodded politely.

"You have? What did he say? What will happen to Adam and his brothers?" Milly questioned anxiously.

"That's the thing. He doesn't know yet. It all depends on us - the parents. Now, I told him that I had forgiven the Pontipees and so did my daughter, but it's not only up to me. Most of the family members of the kidnapped girls insist on trial. Frankly, Mr. Perkins admitted to me that he is also pressured by the civilians here. They all want the seven brothers to get their punishment."

Milly sighed in defeat. Oh, this was a horrible news. Especially now! Not only Hannah was in need of a father, but Alice's unborn baby also needed Gideon the new father. Sarah and Dorcas had given up their virtues to the Pontipees. They practically belonged to them now. Oh what was she supposed to do? Things were becoming so complicated and so uncontrollable. She couldn't do this alone anymore.

"Milly, don't worry. I also managed to make an appointment so that you can visit your husband." The loving guardian added after a while.

"Really?" And just like that Spring and relief came to Milly Pontipee's bosom. At last, she could speak to her husband; her partner, her wonderful Adam about all of this. She was sure that together they would make good decision on what to do.

"So what are you planning to do, Carl?" Joe Miller asked his friend and companion, as he together with George Thompson, Matthew Straighter, and Steve Johnson listened to their friend. Carl out of the girls' former suitors, stood ahead of them. Sarah Kine was more than ready to consider his idea if he could manage to free the damned Pontipees. His friends however, weren't that lucky. Their girls didn't even wish to speak with them. Just the other day, Liza had turned down George rather harshly, and all because of that backwoodsman. Matt, Steve, and Joe couldn't even see the faces of the lovely ladies. It was becoming pointless. They had lost.

"Don't think about it!" Matt warned sharply, "If we help those Pontipees out, they'll surely steal our women again.

"I don't have a choice, if I want to find a wife... I must do as Sarah asked me." Carl spoke determined and drank from a hidden bottle of alcohol. Church yard wasn't exactly the place of such beverages.

"I say we forget this whole matter and find other women." George pointed out at young ladies passing by. "I'm sure there are others who are far worthy of us. If we can't find 'em here, surely we'll get a nice lookin' gal back from East."

"So you are saying, that we should stand aside and watch Pontipees take over everything that used to belong to us?" Steve Johnson, Alice's suitor said bitterly, as the others nodded in agreement.

George simply shrugged. "I only think that we're beating our heads against the stone wall. Those girls are already in love with those brutes."

"I still have my Sarah." Carl spoke in slight arrogance. "And I won't shy away simply because of Frank Pontipee. No way, sir." As he said this, Carl turned around on his heel and made his way towards the mayor of town, Pete Perkins.

Ruth Jebson was still in complete shock over everything she had heard. At the moment, she seeked out the nearest tree and stood in the shadow. Hoping that this overbearing social gathering would soon come to an end. Her thoughts were drifting back to her sweet Caleb, once more. A small tear rolled down her white cheek. Oh, how she desired to be with him right now. Away from this pride and prejudice. Back at the farm, with lovely farm animals and cozy atmosphere. Soon enough, her thoughts were interrupted when Ruth heard a crack. She turned around to see Harry Lovelace the ex sheriff from the state of Montana. He used to be her former suitor with a terrible temper. He was also very often intoxicated with alcohol, that was the main reason of his uncontrollable anger issues.

"Hey Ruthie, how are you my darling?" He asked nearing her.

"I am not your darling, Harry." Ruth answered coldly and decided to walk away, but was stopped half way.

"Don't choose that oaf over me, Ruth." He warned, his voice getting shaper and sharper. "You'll regret it. I guarantee you that."

Ruth glared at him for a little while and then continued walking away. She wanted to be far from that person. Caleb was so sweet, kind, positive and gentle. This terrifying man was nothing compared to her lover.

"Liza!" Robert called for his sister, as he finally found her with little Jenny and Lora, teaching them couple of ballet moves. "I know that my sister is a graceful dancer and teacher, but I must steal her from your company for minute or two, ladies." Robert winked at the little girls, and grabbing Liza's hand took her little bit further from the whole crowd.

"What is it, Robert?" Liza asked uninterested. She had been upset with her family members for a while now. How could they not believe her, after she explained her sweetheart's innocence? When would she finally reunite with her beloved Ephraim? They had done nothing wrong! She wasn't as irresponsible as Dorcas, Sarah, and Alice. Nerve of that blonde girl though! What was she thinking? Reverend's daughter!

"Well, I've been doing a lot of thinking and truth be told, I trust your judgment dear sister. I've been foolish to insult Ephraim without knowing him and only seeing things in one light. I know that the whole kidnapping was a bad idea, but I realized that I want you to be happy. And he seems to love you and is a decent fella, apart from the whole abduction thing. And if you find him worthy of your love, then who am I or Mama and Papa to judge you? Now, you just say a word and I will speak with our mayor and insist on freeing him."

After all the shocking revelations Liza had heard that morning, this one topped everything. Even Alice's pregnancy out of wedlock!

"Wh-what? You've seen Ephraim?" She gasped in surprise.

"Yes, I have. And I made a decision to free him. He did nothing wrong. His only sin was falling in love...and I know exactly how love feels." As he said those words, he gazed back at the pretty redhead Olivia Hamilton, who smiled right back at him.

"Oh, my dear sweet brother!" Liza cried out happily and hugged Robert tight. "Please, release him from that horrid place. Help my love."

"Your wish is my command, little sister." Robert whispered and spinned his petite sister around.

Thanks for the support! To be continued!