Chapter 5
The late afternoon sun had lost some of its burning heat as the three people traveled down the well-maintained road. Not far in the distance loomed a large white two story building with several small out-buildings around it. A dozen shade trees provided welcome relief from the Virginia summer sun. Mingo's heart was beating rapidly in anticipation. Ollie glanced at her fellow traveler and smiled at his excited expression. He had recently told her about his attachment to Walter and Nancy, their journey together twelve years ago and the friendship that bloomed between them so quickly.
Several minutes later the company hitched the two mules outside the Amity House. Ollie helped Tempest off of her mule and held her hand. Mingo stood rooted to the ground before the front door. Moving around him, Ollie opened the painted door and entered the large cool taproom. Mingo heard a voice hail his companion and his heart skipped a beat as he recognized Nancy. The sound gave wings to his feet and he quickly strode through the door behind Ollie and Tempest.
Inside the dim room his eyes adjusted to see a long bar, several long tables and benches, and a half-dozen guests seated there. Crossing the floor from the kitchen was a small, honey-haired woman. Mingo stood where he was, a loving smile on his handsome dark face. Nancy froze also. She looked long into his face, her look of puzzlement turning rapidly to doubt, then joy as she recognized him. She stretched out her arms and met his friendly embrace.
"Walter, Walter!" Nancy called excitedly. From behind the bar a small man rose from a crouch and stared at his wife in the arms of a tall Indian. He grabbed the mallet that he kept hidden behind the bar and ran across the floor toward them. As he raised the mallet over his head Mingo reached out and took hold of the man's arm.
"Walter, don't make me knock you out before you welcome me," Mingo said teasingly. The innkeeper stared at his tall opponent, and then the mallet dropped to the floor as he grasped Mingo's hand tightly.
"Mingo! I wouldn't have recognized you in a hundred years with all that hair. Come in, come in!" Walter pulled Mingo across the floor to the bar. Before Mingo could refuse Walter poured ale into a tall pewter mug and pushed it across the bar to his friend. Ollie and Tempest came to stand beside him. Mingo introduced the two to Walter and Nancy. Nancy shot a look of bewilderment to her husband, who shook his head. Mingo saw the exchange and laughed.
"Ollie and Tempest are my traveling companions. Ollie has a family in Williamsburg, and we hope that Tempest will too."
"Come and sit down, Ollie, Tempest. You must be thirsty. I'll bring you a nice cool lemonade. Be right back." Nancy bustled through the kitchen door leaving Ollie and Tempest seated at a small table near the kitchen. Mingo remained at the bar with Walter, softly explaining the reason for his journey. The innkeeper listened quietly and beckoned to his wife when she returned with the lemonade. The three old friends whispered together at the bar while Ollie and Tempest enjoyed their cool drinks.
After a quarter hour Nancy broke away from the conversation and spoke to Ollie. "I've got a nice room all ready for you. A bed will feel good after weeks on the ground. I remember. Bring your things and I'll show you." Ollie rose and told Tempest to remain where she was. Short minutes later she was back inside with her pack. She nodded to Mingo and took Tempest's hand. They followed Nancy through one of the closed doors and disappeared.
"And we have a room for you too, Mingo. We've kept it just for you all these years. No charge for any of you. It's so good to see you! Why don't you get cleaned up and we'll serve you a good meal, then spend the evening catching up. What do you say?"
"I say that your offer is very, very welcome. And I look forward to both the meal and the conversation. Thank you, Walter." Mingo's eyes conveyed all the affection that he felt for the short friendly innkeeper. "Where shall I put our two mules?"
Walter's eyes twinkled as he called out a name. "Edmund! Come here, son."
Mingo's eyes widened in surprise as a youth came across the floor. He looked very much like his father. Honey-colored hair, light blue eyes, small frame, friendly expression. Edmund. His namesake. The last time Mingo had seen the boy was days after his birth. Mingo had held the infant close, praying for his health and happiness before beginning his journey over the mountains into Kentucky. Now here the boy stood, smiling shyly at the tall black-haired stranger before him.
"Edmund, this is Mingo. You've heard your mother and me talk about him for years. Say hello, son."
Edmund extended his small hand and Mingo carefully took it in his own. His dark eyes sparkled and his lips smiled with tenderness. Walter slapped Mingo on the back and turned to his son.
"Put Mingo's mules in the stable and feed them well. Where do you want the packs?"
"Just lay them somewhere dry, please. I'll go out later and get what I need."
"You heard the man, son." Edmund smiled and nodded, then went outside to do his father's bidding.
"A wonderful boy, Walter. Where did the years go?"
"That's what I was hopin' you'd tell me. But come on, let me show you your room. After you've washed come on out and I'll get you supper. And your two companions too. Seems like you never change. Got yourself two more wanderers to watch over, huh? Hope they're easier on you than Nancy and me was."
Mingo pressed the other man's arm affectionately. "Walter, you, Nancy and I were all equally young and green. I think we were trouble to each other."
Walter returned the affectionate squeeze and said, "Mingo, our troubles were nothin' compared to some. I think we were very fortunate, all three of us."
Mingo nodded in agreement and followed Walter into the comfortable little room that his friends had kept all the years just for him.
An hour later Mingo was washed, groomed and seated at the small table ready for the evening meal. Lost in thought, he missed the sound of a door opening and closing and so was unprepared for the woman and girl who suddenly appeared before him. When he saw them he rose hurriedly and pulled the chair out for the woman to seat herself. Then he helped Tempest sit opposite him beside Ollie.
He didn't realize that he was staring at the young woman until she grinned at him. Blushing, he complimented her on her appearance. She was dressed in a very becoming gown of rose calico. Her hair was dressed and shining with golden highlights. She bore little resemblance to the traveling companion that he was used to seeing. Tempest was dressed in the blue calico that Daniel had bought in Salem. Her hazelnut hair was freshly braided and she looked happy. Mingo smiled at them both. Ollie returned the smile affectionately and nodded.
The meal of roast beef, potatoes and gravy was delicious. Tempest ate several pieces of the fresh bread, buttered and spread with jam. Watching her, Mingo remembered the first few words that he had exchanged with the little blind girl. The girl opposite him didn't seem like the same child. She was several pounds heavier, her hair shone and her little face was rosy with health and happiness. In his hidden heart Mingo rejoiced and the emotion caused his dark eyes to glow. Ollie noticed and perceived the reason. She leaned across the table and whispered to him.
"Mingo, she's happy. All her life she will remember what you have done for her. Not everyone can say that they have changed another's life. You can. You're a remarkable man. I am proud to know you." Ollie smiled and squeezed his hand companionably.
"Thank you. This journey would not have been possible without you. I am forever in your debt. I think that you are a remarkable woman, Ollie." He squeezed her hand in return. Then he continued, "What is your true name? Now that you are dressed as a woman, I'd like to be able to call you by that name. Ollie doesn't suit you now."
Smiling, the young woman answered, "It's Olivia."
"The olive branch. How appropriate. You surely brought peace to me. Thank you again."
Beside Olivia Tempest continued to eat the buttered bread and jam. Mingo and Olivia smiled at each other. And the warm Virginia evening slowly sank into darkness.
After Tempest was asleep and Olivia had retired for the night, Nancy, Walter and Mingo sat together well past midnight, reviewing memories and updating each other on their respective lives. Mingo had been introduced to all of the Miller children and found them to be as charming as their parents. As the conversation slowed, Nancy asked the question that had been churning inside her for years.
"Mingo, why haven't you married? You are so good with children, you should have a houseful. And your heart is so loving. Some deserving woman is missing you right now. I know that you're lonely. You never say so, but I know you. So tell me, my friend, why are you alone?"
Walter placed his hand on Nancy's arm and squeezed warningly. But womanlike Nancy was not to be put off when it came to matters of the heart. She continued to look into Mingo's eyes. He dropped his gaze to hide from her but she would have none of it. She took his hand in hers and refused to let go.
Inside his mind Daniel's nearly identical words were swirling. Was his loneliness so obvious? Anger began to grow in his heart; it was no one's business but his own! Menewa and Atsila. Daniel, Rebecca, now Nancy and Walter. Did they all believe that it was impossible to be happy without a wife and children?
As he sat with bowed head his honest nature admitted that his friends were perceptive. The anger retreated before his admission. He raised his dark troubled eyes to Nancy. She saw the loneliness there and squeezed his hand warmly.
"I have no one who fills my heart, Nancy. I have lost two who would have been my wife. Until I again find a woman who makes my heart sing, who needs me, who loves what I love and makes me smile, I will remain unmarried. I will not settle for only part of what I seek. Do you understand?"
Nancy nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "And until that time you will give your love freely to those who need you. Like that little blind girl. Mingo, you are a man like none other I have ever known. I feel so blessed to know you!"
She rose and kissed his cheek, then left the two men alone before the dying fire. Before Walter could offer any words concerning his wife's questions Mingo asked if anyone Walter knew would be willing to take Tempest and raise her lovingly. He spent several minutes explaining Tempest's entire story to Walter.
Walter sat silently for several minutes. When he spoke his words were encouraging. "I will ask Nancy. There are many well-to-do families in the Williamsburg-Yorktown area. Surely one of them could take the child."
Mingo nodded gratefully then rose with a yawn. Walter rose also and bade his friend goodnight. Mingo walked into his own little room and laid down on the soft bed. As his eyes closed he prayed that Tempest find a home that was deserving of her stalwart little heart.
Olivia was waiting for him in the dining room when he arose. She beckoned him to her side. Alarmed, he stode toward her. His first words were for Tempest.
"Where is Tempest, Olivia? Has she run away? Is she ill?"
"No, Mingo, nothing like that. I'd like to talk to you about her though. She is still asleep. Nancy's daughter Eleanor is in the room with her so she won't be scared when she wakes alone. Let's go outside, shall we?"
Mingo and Olivia walked together into the warm Virginia morning. The mid-August light slanted through the misty air. Olivia naturally took Mingo's arm as they walked slowly in the dewy grass.
"Mingo, I have been thinking hard about Tempest. I want to take her. Before you say anything, please hear me out. Will you do that?"
Mingo nodded. Though his mind was whirling with surprise, he admitted to himself that Olivia's suggestion was both logical and very welcome.
"I know that I am unmarried and as a single woman I am a questionable guardian for a child. But my family in Williamsburg is well-off. We have a large house. My older brother and sister are married. Only my parents live in the house. Many rooms are vacant. We could easily give Tempest a sunny room of her own. She would be taught to care for a house, to sew and cook. I promise you that I will read to her every day. She will learn about history and literature. I will see to it that her world is as large as she can handle. What do you say?"
"Have you given any thought to your own family, Olivia? It would take a rare man to wed a woman with a blind child. Forgive me, but I must point this out to you. It is possible that in taking Tempest you are dooming yourself to any chance for married happiness."
Olivia smiled into his eyes. "You are such an unusual man! You think of everyone's happiness. Alright, Mingo, I will tell you. I am engaged already to another unusual man. He doesn't find it odd that I dress in trousers to travel, or ride a horse astride." Mingo cast his eyes away at her revelation, prompting a giggle from Olivia. "To ease your mind, I will travel into Williamsburg today and ask the opinion of my parents and Nathan. Would you be at ease if they say yes?"
Could I meet with them, Olivia? It is not that I doubt your word; it is that I am responsible for the child. May I come with you?"
Olivia nodded and smiled. Together they went back inside the Amity House and found Tempest eating a large breakfast of eggs with buttered bread and jam. Nancy sat beside her telling her about their journey from Philadelphia twelve years ago. She rose to bring breakfast for Olivia and Mingo, who sat on either side of Tempest and smiled at each other over her head.
The next day Tempest was told of Olivia's plan to take her. She reached out her hands for Mingo and the loving man gently explained why he could not take her as his daughter. Tears flowed down her little white face, but Tempest dropped her hands into her lap and nodded. Olivia spoke her name softly and gently embraced her. The child clung to her and cried on her shoulder. The young woman sang softly and rocked soothingly. Mingo stood and watched, swallowing the lumps that continued to rise in his throat.
The next day Mingo led Tempest's mule to the white house underneath the large shade trees. He helped her down, then took her hand and climbed the five white stairs onto the shady veranda. When the door opened Olivia's parents stood in the open doorway. Claudia and John Schumann looked with surprise at the child, then looked at each other. Mingo stood holding Tempest's hand in his, wondering what problem had suddenly arisen. He was certain that the Schumann's recognized Tempest.
"Forgive us! Please come in," John Schumann stammered.
Claudia led them into a high-ceilinged parlor. Mingo carefully sat Tempest on a silken divan. Then he turned to John Schumann and beckoned the older man into the hall. Inside the room Mingo could see Claudia Schumann offer Tempest a piece of candy as she sat gazing at the child. He partially shut the door and turned to Olivia's father.
"What is wrong, sir? I could not help but notice that you recognized Tempest."
"Her name isn't Tempest. It's Claire. Claire O'Brien. Her parents used to work for us. Her father died soon after her birth. Her mother had six other children to care for. She gave the baby to a young couple who were childless. They moved soon after and Maggie never saw Claire again. She died later that same year. The other children have all scattered. I don't remember that the baby was blind. How tragic her young life must have been! Olivia has told us what you told her. But I am certain that this girl is Claire. She looks so much like her mother. That's why Claudia and I looked so surprised."
Mingo stood in the hall, the winds of fate blowing through his mind. How unlikely Tempest's story was! She had come full circle and was now back to the place where she had been born. But why then didn't Olivia recognize her?
"Excuse me, sir, but Olivia did not recognize Tempest. Can you explain why?"
"Because Olivia is only eighteen herself. She would have been around six years old when Claire was born. She wouldn't have known the baby or remembered Maggie very well."
Mingo nodded. He understood the explanation. His mind still reeling, he shook his head. John Schumann stood silently waiting for his acceptance.
"I accept your explanation, sir. I would like to be the one to tell Tempest, if you don't mind. Where is Olivia?"
"With Nathan. They should arrive within the hour."
Again Mingo nodded, then reentered the parlor. John Schumann took his wife's arm and they left the room. Mingo sat beside Tempest, took her hand in his, and lovingly told her all about her life. And as he spoke the little troubled Tempest became Claire, a child of light.
Nathan Pomeroy was as remarkable as Olivia. Mingo felt instant rapport with the young man. By day's end he was completely convinced that Olivia and Nathan would be wonderful parents to the former little waif that he'd found weeks before crouched in the Salem alley.
Mingo's last embrace was warm and lingering. His slender hand rested for several seconds on the bright red hair. Then he bent and kissed her cheek. She returned the kiss, then waved. She no longer needed him. The realization was both freeing and painful. No more would she be called Tempest. The reason for the name had lost its validity. Claire's face glowed with happiness as she stood with her hand in Olivia's. Mingo turned toward the steps. Olivia kissed his cheek as he passed.
"I will write to you in Boonesborough. Have no care for Claire, Mingo. I love her already. I promise you that she will be treated as my own. And Ethan will be a father to her. You have my word."
Mingo smiled at the young woman with loving friendship. He nodded, and with a last tender glance at the little girl turned and strode into the deepening twilight. At the Amity House he ate a light supper and challenged Walter to a game of chess. The two played until near midnight when Walter's eyes would no longer stay open. Bidding his friend goodnight, he left Mingo alone in the large echoing taproom.
In his little room Mingo lay thinking on his soft bed. Loneliness crept unwelcome into his heart. He knew that Claire was where she belonged. Olivia and Nathan would be her parents, she would be warm, well fed, and loved for the person that she was. He had done what he set out to do. But he missed the feel of the child curled beside him. In the small dark hours of the morning tempestuous thoughts and memories tumbled through his mind until he finally fell lightly asleep as the dawn lit the sky.
Epilogue
By the middle of October Mingo had returned to his village. After a few days with his family he made his usual fall journey to Boonesborough for the winter trapping season with Daniel Boone. The late afternoon found him on the crest of a hill overlooking a bend in a little river. Below him he could see a cabin perched in the small meadow near the bend. There was no smoke coming from the chimney, which was odd. Dinner should be cooking over the fire. In the shadow of the porch he could see a quilt fluttering in an unfinished doorway. His curiosity aroused, he strode down the hill to investigate and changed his life forever.
CC March 23, 2008