New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 29
The Beginning Of A New Adventure
Boston, Massachusetts, 1901
As the steam engine puffs out it's last puff from the journey, Claire and Rob say goodbye to their porter.
"Thank you for everything you did to make our journey pleasant, Mr. Jeremiah." Rob tells the man as he shakes his hand.
"I will never forget you or this journey. I hope we meet again someday. You are exceptional at your job. Thank you for giving us information about the states we went through." Claiire adds also shaking his hand.
"Thank you Mr. and Miss. Cord. If all of my passengers were as kind as you this job would be easy. Enjoy your studies. Take care of yourselves. Boston is quite the city." Jeremiah replies turning to say his farewells to others disembarking.
"Well we're here. Let's go find our trunks and get a carriage. It is past seven but surely we can get a room for the night. I'll ask inside. Come with me." Rob says as he lifts Claire from the foothold of the train car.
"Yes sir, there is a hotel across the street and a boarding house on the next block. Both can accomodate travelers for a night. Both have meals included in the price. You and your wife can enjoy a good dinner tonight."
Settling in after finding the room in the hotel, Rob says "Claire, I know how much you want to see Alex. We do need to let our parents know we made it safely. Tonight let's call home and set a time for the family to be at the General Store tomorrow. It will be Sunday so we know they will all be in town for church. We can call back and talk when they are there. After we talk to them, we can contact Alex and arrange to get to his home. How does that sound to you?"
"Yes, tomorrow is Sunday so they can talk after church. Perhaps next Sunday we can attend church services here in Boston. Let's make our second call be for noon. That is a good plan you thought of to get a room for our first night here. I appreciate having the opportunity to get a real bath and change clothes before meeting Alex and his family."
"When I found we would be arriving at night, I felt it would be the polite thing to do. Who wants weary travelers entering their home at night? I am just happy we thought to bring extra cash with us." Rob remarks from the bed he is stretched out on.
"Yes, me as well. I am also happy to be off the train and to have a soft bed to sleep on. The last stop in Pennsylvania when we had two hours to explore the little community was great. I wish we had the recipe for those pancakes we had there. The lady called them German pancakes. I was ready to get off for good then. Six full days of traveling was long."
"Yes, I agree, Claire. The train only made one stop every other day for refilling the water for the engine. I was grateful it did so we could at least get off and walk outside a bit. I do not like being inside all day. We made very good time. Pa thought it might take us until Monday to get here. They will be surprised we are already in Boston. Have you noticed the accent? The words are clipped off."
"I did notice. We must sound strange to them, too. Let's go downstairs find some supper, Rob. I noticed a dining room off to the side of the lobby. I am famished."
"Famished? Don't start the upper society talk. You may be going to live in a fancy city but you are still just a ranch girl from tiny Paradise, Colorado, Miss!" Rob teases as he slips on his boots.
Sunday: Paradise
Gathered near the back of the General Store, Ethan, Delphie, Joseph and two excited boys wait for a phone call.
Reaching over to pick up the cone shaped earpiece, Ben is stopped with a firm hand on his arm.
"I told you not five minutes ago to leave that be! This telephone is not for you to play with young man. Now mind me and keep your hands off the switchboard and telephone until I give permission!"
"But Pa how will we know it is working if we don't keep listening? I have to check it by picking it up."
"Bennn" Ethan scolds, drawing the boy's name out. "You have two strikes already for not sitting still and behaving during church this morning. If you do not heed me and leave the telephone alone, you will have strike three and a sore behind to go with it! Last warning, young man! Calm yourself!"
As Ben folds his arms in a huff, one of the small lights over a turn switch lights up. Having been instructed on what to do, Ethan pushes the small lever under the light from a down to an up position. Holding the earpiece he leans forward speaking into the mouthpiece of the box telephone beside the switchboard.
"Hello, Paradise Colorado General Store."
"Yes Ma'am. I will hold."
Looking at his family he says "We are being connected to Claire and Rob."
"Yes Ma'am, I am Ethan Cord. Thank you." The family hears as he listens to the person on the telephone.
"Rob? Well hello to you too! How are you and Claire? You are in Boston, already? Are you with Alex?" Ethan asks listening to his son answer from across the country.
"Are they at Alex's house now, Pa? Is Claire safe?" George asks. "I want to talk to Rob! Did the train go fast?" Ben says. Both boys speaking at the same time, both jostling each other, trying to get Ethan's attention.
"SHHHHH! Both of you hush! If you want to talk to your sister and brother you must be calm and quiet." Delphie reproves having pulled the two energetic boys further from the telephone.
"We'll be quiet, Mama. We just really really want to talk too." George explains earnestly.
"We will all have a chance to speak to them. Be patient, my loves." Delphie tells the sad eyed boy.
"Yes let me speak to her. Hello, Claire! Did you enjoy the trip?" After a few more minutes Ethan tells her "That does sound exciting. Mr. Jeremiah seems very kind. Your Mama and brothers all want to talk so stay on the line."
After Delphie, Joseph spoke briefly with his brother and sister before giving the earpiece to Ben.
"Three minutes, Ben. Be brief and then give it to George." Delphie reminds the excited child bouncing in place.
"HI ROB AND CLAIRE! WHAT? Oh okay, sorry for yelling. Did you drive the train? Was it really fast? Did you get to shovel the coal in the broiler? No? Well maybe on the way home they will let you, Rob. School is fun, Claire. Miss. Donalson let us do our math and reading lessons out in the grass the other day. Oh, my time is over. Here is George. Don't yell George. They can hear us just fine."
"I miss you both so much. Have you seen any automobiles in the city? Will you write soon? Henrietta pecked my hand this morning when I went to gather eggs. You need to come home and comfort her Claire. She likes you best. Yes, I like school too. I made a perfect score on my arithmetic and vocabulary yesterday." Hearing Ben say "We were home yesterday because it was Saturday and because the bad gang was in town." Claire asks "George? What gang is Ben talking about?"
"Uhh well I can't really talk about that. Pa said not to mention it, Claire. I love you too. I will! Here's Pa again."
"No Claire, you do not need to worry. Everything is fine. We love you both. Rob, take care of yourself and your sister, Give our best to Alex and his family. We'll talk again soon." Ethan ends the connection by lowering the lever to it's original position.
Giving Ben a chastising look, he says "Let's gather our shopping items and go to the wagon everyone. Time to get home."
On the ride home, Ben can not wait. Standing and clutching the back of the front wagon seat, he asks "Pa? Am I in trouble for talking about the gang being in town yesterday?"
Keeping his grip on the reins relaxed, Ethan glances over his shoulder. Seeing the boy's worried expression, he answers "No, son. You obeyed me by not telling Rob or Claire about the events yesterday. Your mistake in talking to George where they could hear was just that, a mistake. Now sit down, please."
"After we have lunch and chores are done, I need help making dessert for supper." Delphie calls over her shoulder.
"I'll help, Mama." George answers before Ben says "I'll help too. What are we going to make this time? Another pie? I like all the baking you are doing."
"I don't yet know. Maybe you two can pick a dessert from the recipe book I found today. Mr. Axelrod had several of them. I like having a book of recipes as I have new things to cook.
"I like everything you already cook, Delphie. I don't believe you need someone else's directions for cooking."
"Well thank you, Ethan. Having new ideas for cooking brings me joy. There are dinner recipes in the book as well. I may try some."
"Mama, I saw you buy two books. Did you find two books of new things to cook?"
"No, George. The other book is all about baby care. Helpful hints for new mothers."
"I need to read it too. I want to know how to help take care of the baby." George tells her.
"Boys don't take care of babies! That is a girl's job. Are you a girl George? Should I call you Georgina and get you a dress to wear?"
"Do be quiet, Ben! That is not funny. You are now being annoying." George tells his snickering brother.
"I am not annoying! You are!" Ben answers back loudly.
"Yes you are so annoying! Just be quiet."
"Boys! Do stop arguing. Behave yourselves." Delphie scolds from the wagon seat.
Completely ignoring his mother, Ben exclaims "You be quiet, Georgina! I can talk if I want to you little girl." He follows up his words with a kick to George's leg.
"Owwww!" Papa! George punched me!" Ben wails after his brother retaliates with a fist to his upper arm.
"Well don't be kicking him if you don't want him to strike back, Ben. Both of you stop this rolling around. I just got a shoe in my knee. Mind Mama and settle down! Arguing over boys caring for babies is so dumb. I cared for you BOTH when you were babies! I was younger than both of you are now!" Joseph speaks up having witnessed the entire event.
"Stop poking me, Ben. My name is not Georgina!" George yells.
"You stop! You poked me first! Telling me you were right about babies!" Ben retorts just as loudly.
Feeling the wagon pulling off the packed dirt trail into the grass, the younger boys swap glances as they instantly still after having put their hands under their legs.
Passing the reins over to Delphie, Ethan steps down over the wagon wheel to the ground and walks down to the end of the wagon bed. Fixing a stern glare on his two wide eyed youngest, he orders "Ben! George! Come down here!"
As the boys reach him, he says "Come with me. We are going to have a discussion in private." before leading them into the trees further off the trail.
Stopping just far enough in to be hidden from view of the wagon, he asks "What were the two of you doing back in the wagon? Ben?"
"We were just playng, Papa. I was teasing. Right, George?" Ben asks aloud as he quickly sends a silent message 'agree or we are in for it!'
"Yes, we were just playing, uh roughhousing, Pa."
"What have I taught you about playing or roughhousing as you call it, around horses?"
"We're to always be calm and gentle with horses to not startle them." George replies quietly.
"Exactly. Now do you consider how you were behaving in the wagon being calm? You were both shouting at each other plus rolling, punching and kicking. What about ignoring your mother's directive to behave? Both of you answer."
"No sir, we didn't behave. I'm sorry. Ben made me mad calling me names."
"No, Papa. I am sorry for how I acted. I am sorry for teasing, George."
"Thank you. I am sorry too, Ben." George replies hoping his Pa will not punish him if he apologizes to Ben.
"I accept your apologies to me but you both know better than to act in this way! Your parents are to be obeyed. You could have frightened the horses causing them to run! Your mother is having a baby. She can't be submitted to jostling and jarring such as in a running wagon. Fooling around near horses is forbidden! We have discussed that several times. Isn't this true, Ben? George?"
"Yes sir" both boys answer quietly. Their brief hope to get out of this trouble now gone.
"Ben, you started this. Kicking and punching someone is forbidden. You earned yourself eight, bend over put your hands on this tree trunk. Keep still."
"Papa! Please don't spank me. You haven't in weeks. I won't do it again. Honest!"
"Ben, your behavior this morning led to two strikes before your shenanigans in the wagon. You have now reached strike three. If you disobey me, I will use one of these branches to wallop your behind instead of my hand! Is that your choice?"
"No sir." Ben says as he slowly moves to place his hands on the tree with his arms extended.
Delivering with his hand, Ethan hears the boy gasp at the first smack. Delivering two more sharp smacks he eases off on the last five making them less intense. His objective is to leave a sting but not more.
"Now George. Come here and bend over, hands on the trunk. You know better than to punch someone no matter what they did. You have five." Ethan remarks before delivering stinging smacks to him as well.
Finished with his chastisement, Ethan gives the boys time to calm down before he says "Let this stinging in your backside help you remember to never ever do something that could startle a team of horses. It is extremely difficult to gain control of a runaway team. Do not risk yourself or others safety this way again! If I ever have to take you to task over reckless behavior in a wagon again, you will feel more than my hand! You do as your mother and I tell you and you will come to no harm. Remember what I tell you. Let's get home, boys."
Having a very good idea of what went on in the woods, Joseph arranges the grain sacks for his brothers to sit on to ease the bouncing from the moving wagon.
"Your Pa is talking a long time, isn't he? He must have much to say to the boys. Do you think he is also punishing them?"
"Yes Ma'am, he most likely is applying something to the seat of their pants as well as delivering a firm talk! Pa has strict rules of how to behave in a wagon. No playing around and no riding standing up. We are to sit calmly as to not upset the horses. The boys learned this at the ages of five and six just after we moved here so they have no excuses."
"Here they come now. We won't talk of this any longer, Joseph. Do not tease them about being scolded."
"I won't, Mama. I know how it feels as I've had a few discussions in the woods myself. It is never a good sign for Pa to say the word 'discussion' when we have misbehaved."
Later that afternoon, Delphie has the younger boys one on each side at the table in the kitchen.
"Ben, what ingredients do we need? Please read four of them to us."
Looking at the recipe book, Ben reads "Three eggs, two cups of milk, two tablespoons of melted lard, two and one out of two cups of sugar."
"Mama, that doesn't seem right. Why would you measure another two cups of sugar if you just need one?" Ben asks looking at the book curiously.
"Yes that does sound strange, let me look. Oh, I see. This is a fraction, Ben. It reads one half. It means one part out of two so you were thinking correctly in some ways. We need two and a half cups of sugar."
"Oh yeah. I remember those. We had to do that in arithmetic before. I just forgot."
"Alright, Ben please get the milk, four eggs in case we drop one and George gets the lard and the bag of white sugar."
"Thank you boys, just put everything here on the table.. George, now you read for us what else we need."
"Yes, Mama. We need flour, salt, baking powder, also the spices nutmeg and cinnamon. We are to sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a bowl.
"While I gather the rest of what we need, you boys slice these apples Joseph peeled. We need slices the thickness of your first two fingers. Watch yourselves. I need apples sliced, not fingers. I don't want fingers in our cake. Finger cake would not be very tasty."
Giggling at her silly caution, the boys answer "Yes, Mama."
Having mixed the eggs, milk and sugar with a whisk, Delphie says "Ben, carefully pour in half of the flour mixture while George stirs the mixture together then George will pour the rest for your turn to stir."
"Good job, boys. Now we pour your mixture into our greased cake pans. Press your apple slices into the batter, then use your nutmeg cinnamon mixture to sprinkle the slices. Each of you has a tin cup with just enough mixture. Sprinkle it evenly not just in one place."
"I am finished." Ben calls as George sprinkles the last pinch of spices over his pan.
"Now that the wood in the stove is burning well, we bake them. I will be keeping track of time so they don't burn. I think twenty minutes should be enough. I will check them at fifteen minutes though. You boys go have fun. You did an excellent job as bakers today."
Later that night as the couple enjoys talking in bed before sleep, Delphie speaks first, "Ethan? Something has been puzzling me all afternoon. If Ben believes caring for babies is for girls, why does he not feel cooking is as well? He enjoys helping in the kitchen. George enjoys it more but Ben does like to help. Most boys of their ages prefer not to be involved in women's chores."
"The boys were brought up differently than most children. Everyone in the family has been involved in helping take care of us from the time we formed this family. Even as young as six and seven, the boys helped with all the chores and the cooking. They could gather the vegetables and wash them if we had fresh produce, bring ingredients to whoever was cooking, help set out the food and much of what they do now. They do not see those jobs as just for females."
"Do you think Ben is resenting our new baby? Is that what caused the argument in the wagon today?"
"Do not fret over how the boys behaved, dear. They are young and still make bad choices. I straightened them out on those choices. Ben has not been around babies so he has not seen men caring for them. He is barely a year older than George so he has no memories of being with a baby. Let's not borrow trouble. If he needs reassurance or teaching when the baby arrives, we will give it to him. Now, let's blow out the lights and have alone time without talk of any children."
Sunday afternoon: Boston, Massachusetts
Hanging the earpiece back on the hook, Rob turns to his sister. "I spoke to Mrs. Hale. She said we are welcome to come to their house now. She said to take a taxi to 23 Wiggens street. I am to let them pay the driver."
"I am ready. Let's gather our things and find one of these taxis. Did she say Alex was home?"
"She did not mention him. Is he working on Sundays?"
"The last he spoke of the hotel job, he worked every morning from five until noon. That might have changed since my last letter was a month ago. We did not speak of his work when we spoke on the two telephone calls." Claire replies.
As she finishes speaking, a black canopy covered two seat buggy being drawn by a white horse stops at the curb.
"Excuse me, sir. I noticed your baggage. May I be of service?" The driver calls.
"We need to go to 23 Wiggens street. Could you find that street?" Rob asks.
"Certainly, sir. I know exactly the place. Step in Miss, Buster is tame and will stay still while we load your luggage."
"My, this city is busier than even Denver. Everyone is out with horses and buggies instead of wagons." Claire says quietly.
"Yes, but the streets are just as muddy. There are a-lot of buildings close together aren't there?" Rob replies.
Riding quietly the brother and sister examine the city. Turning on to a street seemingly made of pebbles, Claire admires the trees.
"Look Rob, each side of the street has a row of trees. It seems every two houses share a tree. These houses are two and three floors."
Arriving at their destination after a bumpy ride, Rob thanks the driver. "How much do I owe you, sir?"
"Two fifty,, young fellow. I take cash not I.O.U."
"Here you are, sir. Two dollars even. I know the fee for a trip from the depot. You are trying to overcharge my friends." They hear behind them.
"Alex!" Claire exclaims spinning around only to stare. The young man behind her is dressed in a tan suit, white shirt, a flat black long hanging tie, a hat wiith a flat top and black heeled shoes. He also has a thin mustache on his upper lip.
"Alex? Is that you in all those fancy clothes?" Claire asks.
"Hello Claire, Rob. Welcome to Boston. Yes, it is me. This is how I dress here. No dungarees or suspenders on trousers anymore. Come, Mother is waiting to greet you. She has afternoon tea ready."
"Mind helping me carry some bags old man? Are you too high society for that? Wearing suits and ties, having afternoon tea, sporting a mustache. What happened to my adventure loving buddy?"
"Of course, young whippersnapper!" Alex jokes back. "Things are different now, Rob. Like you, I have changed. I heard you went on a two month long cattle drive. You look different as well. You are more muscular than I remember. Claire looks just as I remember though."
"Your home is lovely, Alex. The tall round section over there makes me think of a castle tower. This is a big house."
"Yes it is but it is not my house. Remember, we are living with my mother's uncle. He lives in the top floor and my family has the rest. My mother and father keep up the house and his business for him. He is a bank manager. Before my father became ill, he worked with Uncle Leon."
"How is your Da doing, Alex? It was wonderful to hear when we heard in your last letter, he was much better."
"Thank you, Claire. He is awake more and improving with getting some movement back in his left side. One eye is turning inward still but he is able to sit up and talk much easier than when I arrived three months ago. I will take you to visit later. He is asleep now. Mother wants to greet you. I will show you your rooms afterwards. She is on the side porch with the children."
Walking through what seems a large sitting room, Claire notices large chairs with velvet seats and backs, long cushioned benches for sitting, dark wooden tables with carved legs, hanging shade covered light fixtures and a massive room size woven carpet.
Opening one of the two framed glass doors, Alex ushers them outside to a wide wooden covered porch.
"Mother, Claire and Rob have arrived. I brought them to see you."
"Good morning, Mrs. Hale. Thank you for letting us stay with you." Rob greets the frail looking woman reclining on a wicker lounge. The overhead fan moving her hair just slightly.
"Hello, Mrs. Hale. How are you? Thank you for your invitation to live here while I attend nursing school. I will be helping you often while I am here."
"Welcome to our home, Robert, Claire! You are quite welcome no need to thank me. My, you two have changed since I saw you last. A year and a half makes such a difference. You were all children but now you two and my Alexander are looking like adults. Robert, you are much more muscular, Claire, you are even more of a young woman. What have you been doing since you finished school? How is your family? Your Da is married?"
"Thank you, Ma'am. Please call me Rob. Robert is my name when I am being scolded. I worked on a cattle drive for two months this past summer. I developed these muscles then." Rob answers.
"I have been working in the Doctor's clinic and going with Dr. Amy on her rounds. Yes, Pa married Delphie last spring. He is very happy as we all are, to have her join the family. They are expecting a baby in the new year. How are young Danny and the baby, Laurie Elizabeth? I am eager to see them."
"They too are growing fast. Our baby is not much of a baby any longer. I'll call them in."
"I'll get them for you, Mother." Alex remarks walking out the opening in the short brick wall surrounding the porch.
Coming back a few minutes later, Alex holding a small girl and gangly boy by their hands, stops beside his mother.
"Did you need me, Ma? Is it time for Laurie Elizabeth to nap?" The boy Claire knows is Danny asks.
"NO! NOT NAP! NO NAP!" The small girl dressed in a light blue smocked dress and tights declares with a foot stomp.
"Laurie Elizabeth Hale! You do not shout and stomp your feet. Do you need a swat?" Alex scolds bending to look into the child's eyes.
"Maaaammmmmma, Awex be mwean!" The tyke exclaims moving to climb up on her mother.
"I won't let him swat, precious. Can you tell our guests hello?"
"Hewoah, Me Worree who'r you?"
"Hi Laurie. My name is Claire and this big fellow here is my brother, Rob. I knew you when you were a tiny baby."
"Not a baby! Big girl!"
"I see that. You are definitely a big girl now. Are you five now?" Rob asks squatting to look at the adorable imp with dark brown hair and green eyes.
"Me's thwee."
"She is really two but will be three soon. Hi, Claire, Rob. Remember me? I am Danny. You are even prettier than I remember, Claire!"
"Well, thank you Danny. Of course I remember you. You have grown taller. I think you are as tall as George. Let's see, you are nine by now, right?" Claire asks deliberately adding a year.
"I'm eight now. Would you like to see the hideout Alex built for me? It is over by the willow tree in that corner of the yard." Danny asks pointing to a shorter tree with hanging branches
"That sounds like a good idea. I would love a tour of the yard." Claire replies taking the boy's outstretched hand.
"Me go too, Danny!" His little sister exclaims climbing from her Ma's chair.
"May I carry you? You can ride on my shoulders and be way up high." Rob asks.
"Up! Pwease up! Go wiff Danny to pway."
"Up you go princess Laurie. Coming Alex?" Rob calls back as he begins to follow Danny.
"I haven't seen you or Claire in three months and she goes off with my little brother."
"Yes, I saw that too. Maybe you need to brush up on being charming like Danny."