New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 42
New Arrivals
Five days have passed since the arrival of Savannah Miller and her two children. Being a considerate guy, Chris has been visiting with her daily. She insists he is responsible for her welfare as it was his letter that brought her to Paradise. Having been unable to convince the woman he did not correspond with her, Chris has enlisted Ethan's help to find who did.
Having gathered a group of eligible bachelors of the town together in the Sheriff's office, Ethan explains the situation.
"So you see why I asked you to come this morning. No one is angry or will be angry. We are only trying to solve this mystery. There is a woman and two children stranded because of someone using Chris's name. If you do not wish to announce in front of the group, please leave us a note explaining you were the letter writer. Just put it in the tin box outside the office door by tomorrow noon."
By the following evening, no note had appeared.
"It seems we are not going to find which man wrote the letters, Ethan! Someone is responsible for this and they need to come forward! Mrs. Miller showed me the contract I apparently signed. It plainly says the man requesting the woman is legally bound by signing, to provide a home for the woman through marriage! What do I do?"
Having been listening for days to this ongoing saga and his friend's predicament, Mitch offers advice.
"Christopher, you will just have to marry. There! Problem solved!" He intones solemnly while fighting a smile.
"You are a real jokester, Mitchell! I am quite amused!" Chris replies using the man's formal name in return. "You can see by my face how amusing you are."
Studying the younger man, Mitch says "Someone has lost their sense of humor as well as their ability to take a joke."
That evening at home, Ethan informs the family that Matthew and Linnea have decided to accompany Elisha to her new school. Elisha was accepted into a new training school in Colorado Springs."
"What type of training? Will she be learning Nursing like Claire?" Joseph asks.
"According to Matthew, It trains young women to be able to do office work such as in a bank or hotel. I do not know more than this, Joseph."
Caleb has requested to stay here in Paradise, but Sarah and of course the babies, are going. Would it be too strenuous to have the boy here for a week? I will make sure he behaves. They plan to leave day after tomorrow." He asks Delphie.
"No, he is welcome to stay. Elisha is going to be missed. First Alex then Claire, now Elisha, so many young people leaving town." She responds.
After the meal while out in the barn settling the animals for the night, Ethan asks "Joseph?"
"Sir?" Joseph replies startled, looking up from petting his horse at the commanding tone he hears.
"Come over here with me. I have something to ask you."
Standing in front of his father, Joseph waits while quickly thinking of anything he might have done for his Pa be questioning him.
"I know you have heard your mother and I discussing the situation with Chris and the new woman, Mrs. Miller. Correct?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you know anything at all about the letters she received? Have you heard anything from your friends? Is someone playing a prank?"
"I don't know anything except what you have told us. I did not have anything to do with this. I promise if I knew I would tell you. I don't act the matchmaker." Joseph answers.
"Thank you, son. I was not accusing you, just asking if you had possibly heard something. Just so you know, I asked Rob the same question. I was not accusing him either. The two of you are around young people and could hear something."
"Perhaps she has the wrong town. Maybe there is a Chris in a different town who wrote."
"Good thinking, son. I thought that at first. Then she showed me the two letters. Both have details only someone knowing Chris could write. The fact he has blonde hair and green eyes. Another fact written was he likes coffee with cream but has it black most of the time. Details only a person who knows Chris would write.
"Did the letter say if he sleeps in his boots? A prospective wife might want to know. Mama said you sometimes fall asleep with your boots still on! She has to pull them off or call Rob to do it!" Joseph says, grinning.
"You find that funny, I see. No, no mention of sleeping at all." Ethan answers as they walk back to the house.
"Pa? Is it too early to ask permission to attend the Valentine's day lunch and dance? l want to let Sarah have time to get a dress ready if we're attending."
"Being that it is five weeks away, I would say it is a little premature to ask permission to go to a dance no one has discussed having yet."
"The Ladies Aid Society has held dances every Valentine's day, Pa. This year they are adding a luncheon at the hotel for fifty cents. I have my extra chore money to use so you don't have to pay."
"Every Valentine's day?" Ethan asks one eyebrow raised. "The Ladies Aid Society was only formed three years ago. Besides that, I do not 'have to pay' for any if your extra activities. I may choose to do so."
"Paaa! You know what I meant! May I go?"
"You tell Sarah to find herself a dress. Every young girl deserves a time to wear party dresses. I will give you permission even if it is over a month away! Your Mama and I will not attend this year as we may have a little one soon after. Dr. Amy thinks two more months judging from Delphie's size."
Having decided to get to know Savannah, Chris invites her to come to dinner with the children.
"Hello, Charlotte. Hello Nathaniel. It is very nice to meet you. These are my children. This is Aaron and this is Alyssa. They will show you their toys while we finish cooking." Chris greets the young children.
Taking the hint, the twins escort their young guests to their individual rooms.
"Charlotte is such a pretty name. How old are you? I'm eleven."
"I'm six and I will be seven next September. Some people call me Lottie. I like Charlotte better. Mama named me after her home city. Is that your doll? Can I hold her? I had dolls. We had to leave them behind."
Smiling at the chattering little girl, Alyssa places her ragdoll in the girl's arms.
"She is pretty like you. Her hair is brown just like yours. My hair is brown but not curly like yours. Mama insists on me wearing braids but I want it loose like yours. Do you go to school? I want to go but haven't yet. I can read and do numbers."
"That is very good! When I was six, I could not read yet. Would you like to look at my books? I have three. You might like this one." Alyssa says as she hands her the colorful nursery rhymes book."
Opening the book and carefully turning the pages, Charlotte stops at the page with a picture of kittens.
"I can read some of this. It says; Three little kittens lost mittens. I see the word mother and here's the word pie. Would you read this to me?"
"Sure. Let's sit on my bed together so we can both see the book."
In Aaron's room, he is trying to entertain Nathaniel.
"Do you like to play blocks? I have some wooden building blocks."
"No."
"Are you always called Nathaniel? Never Nathan or Nate? It is an awfully long name isn't it?"
A blank stare is his only response so he tries again.
"Do you like cowboys? I have a set of cowboys and wagons with horses. Wanna play?"
"NO. I want Lottie! No like you!"
"You don't even know me how can you say that? Be nice, Nathaniel. I am trying to be nice too. Do you like books? I have a book with animal pictures."
"WANT LOTTIE NOW!" The boy screams stomping his feet.
Hearing the child, Chris and Savannah come to investigate.
"Aaron? What is wrong?" Chris asks as the younger boy flings himself into his mother's skirt.
"He doesn't want to play or look at my book. He said 'no' to everything. I tried but he does not want to do anything." Aaron answers after the child and his mother have left the room.
"Thank you for trying. He is just four, remember. Supper is ready, let's eat."
"Try your carrots, Natey. They're really good!" Charlotte urges her brother before putting her hand over her mouth.
Seeing the child staring at him fearfully, Chris asks "What's wrong, Charlotte?"
"Grandfather says 'Children do not speak at the table unless spoken to first.' I am sorry, sir."
"No apology necessary, sweetheart. In this family, children may speak when they wish to if they are respectful. My children are helping themselves to supper so they haven't had a chance to speak yet. I am happy you like the carrots. I used brown sugar and butter to cook them. It makes the carrots taste so much better. Do you have a favorite food?"
"Mammy's hot biscuits with butter and honey! They are so fluffy they might float off the plate if you don't hold them."
"Is Mammy your grandmother? We don't have any grandparents that we know of." Alyssa asks.
"Our other Papa never said and Mama's parents died long ago," Aaron adds.
"Mammy is the cook back at the children's grandfather's place. She loved spoiling the children with special treats." Savannah answers for her daughter after a quick puzzled look at Chris.
Deciding to answer the unspoken question, Chris says "The twins' mother was my sister. She lost their father to influenza when they were babies but married again. She died about two years ago. I took them as my children about a year ago after her husband was killed."
"What are twins, Mama?" Charlotte asks, puzzling over the new word.
"May I answer?" Chris asks as Savannah hesitates.
At her nod, he turns to the bright-eyed little one and explains "Twins are two babies born to their mother on the same day. Sometimes both are boys or both are girls."
"Our teacher from school last year has twin boy babies, Gabriel and Lucas. Sometimes I get to go visit and hold them. They are fun." Alyssa tells her young companion.
A sudden commotion makes all eyes turn to the little boy. Having bounded from his chair, he is frantically trying to unbutton where his shirt buttons to his short pants.
"Help me, Lottie! Oohhhhh!"
As a puddle forms on the floor, Aaron says "Why is he not house trained yet? He's not a baby, he's supposed to be four years old! Brownie, our dog doesn't even wet the floor!"
"Aaron Anthony McGinnis mind your tongue!" Chris scolds.
Looking over at the now sobbing little one, Chris soothes "Shhhh, Nathaniel, stop crying. No one is mad at you. It is my fault. I never showed you where the necessary is. I am sorry, little one. Please forgive me. I haven't had new guests in my home. Everyone already knows where everything is located."
"Thank you for the evening. I need to take him back to the boarding house now. It was a pleasure spending time in a family home. I hope to see you soon, children. You must come to play with Charlotte and Nathaniel soon."
"Yes, Ma'am. Goodbye." The twin's reply.
Later that night after making sure Chris is asleep, Aaron quietly goes to wake his sister. After the tongue lashing he received earlier, he is being very careful not to wake his father.
"It's me Lyss, shhhh, Pa's asleep, let's talk." Aaron whispers, barely touching the girl.
"Why are you in my room?" Alyssa asks grumpily.
"I told you, let's talk. What do you think of Mrs. Miller? I didn't expect two kids with her. She didn't put that in the letter. She only said she enjoys children. Nathaniel is just a baby. I don't like him much but Charlotte seems nice."
"I like her. I like both of her children too. Papa likes her too. He is going over to see her every day so he must like her. It won't matter that she has kids. He likes kids, remember? When are you going to tell him it was you that sent the letters? I would wait until they get married. That would be safer as he may be mad."
"I know but Uncle Ethan is going to find out soon. He is already asking men about this. All it will take is asking around town. Miss. Hannah will remember I went to her asking for help to talk to a girl. I didn't say the girl was a grownup or I was writing pretending to be Pa though so maybe I will be okay."
"What if Caleb tells he wrote your words? Why did you want him to copy the letters?"
"I don't have good handwriting and he does. Miss. Brandenburg, well, Carroll, being his ma and a teacher makes sure he has proper handwriting. He won't say anything cause I saw him doing something really bad and would tell on him!" Aaron tells his concerned sister.
Midway through Caleb's stay with the Cords, he seems to change. Gone is the helpful, polite boy he was the first few days, only to be replaced by a troublesome child as Rob called him.
"Caleb, as I already reminded you twice this morning, you are responsible for the same four stalls and other chores just as you've been since you came. Now go out there and get them done! " Rob confronts the child stretched out before the fire playing checkers with Ben.
"I am busy! Can't you see? Aunt Delphie told us to stay inside until after lunch. Do go away."
"She did not mean before the chores are done! It is your job to put fresh hay in the hen's nesting boxes today. That hasn't been done either! Get moving or else you can stand up to eat lunch!" Rob declares, losing his patience with the rude child.
"You aren't my parent or my brother. You can't boss me! Leave us alone! Go Away!"
Before he can reach to move his checker, Caleb finds himself on his feet with his bottom stinging from the two swift smacks Rob applied.
"Go! Right now! Those chores better be done correctly by lunch or I will add more to the two I just gave you! I will also tell Pa you refused to do the chores he assigned. I believe he told you defiance would lead to trouble. Remember?"
"Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants. I'm going! Hope you are happy now! I will be telling Aunt Delphie you hit me!"
"You go right ahead, Caleb. Outside! Move!"
Having been granted permission to spend time with friends in town, Joseph returns home by his twelve-thirty curfew. He and Rob agreed to split the daily chores to be able to have time in town. Ethan agreed as long as there was one of the older boys at home to help Delphie and the chores were done.
"Caleb is being obnoxious today. Answering back, refusing to do his chores. I've already smacked his butt. Be watchful as he is most likely going to try you as well. Ben and George are cooperating. Ma is resting. She wants the outside windows washed again. She also said it is laundry day. I already soaped, scrubbed, put the washing through the rinse water, and wrung them out. The boys should help you hang them up on the lines. I just finished so they haven't been told of this chore. I'll be back by time to help with supper." Rob says having finished filling in his brother on the events of the morning.
Going inside for a quick lunch, Joseph asks his brothers "Did anyone cook lunch?"
"Rob made us cooked meat sandwiches and soup. There is some soup on the stove if you want it. Caleb hasn't eaten lunch."
"Thanks, George"
Having heated enough soup for a bowl full, Joseph gets the cheese block from the pulley pantry. Cutting two thick slices and also a thick slice of wheat bread he settles in to eat.
Watching his brother devour the bread and cheese, Ben asks "Didn't you eat a big breakfast? I know you had porridge with maple syrup, fried ham, and eggs with toast. Mama said you cooked some for her."
"Yeah but that was hours ago. A fella gets hungry. Where is Caleb?"
"He got in trouble with Rob and had to go do chores. He must be still in the barn." George answers.
"We have wet clothes to hang on the line. If you help me, I will watch you ride your horses. Pa says as long as he, Rob, or myself is with you, it is alright."
"You will? We'll help, right Ben?" George asks with a side glance to Ben.
At Ben's agreement, Joseph says, "Good, you begin. Let me check on Caleb and I'll be back to hang the clothes."
Not finding the boy inside the barn, Joseph is about to leave when he hears something thump against the wall. Going out and around the side, he finds his cousin.
"What are you thinking?! Have you lost all sense, Caleb?"
"If you say anything, I will tell how I saw you and Sarah kissing after church last week! You will be in big trouble!"
"That is a lie and you know it! I have never kissed Sarah! You are making this up! Smoking is wrong and very dangerous next to a wooden structure! You know this but did it anyway!"
"You can't prove I did anything. Just mind your business, Joseph!"
"We will talk to Pa when he gets home. Until then go stay in your room!"
"I won't!" Caleb answers, arms crossed.
Both boys jump at the stern voice they hear from the side of the barn "I am home! What is going on?"
"Pa! He's been smoking! Look at the ground!"
"I see. Caleb? What do you have to say about this?" Ethan asks the child glaring at Joseph.
"He is making it up. He wants me to be quiet about what HE did! HE was kissing Sarah last Sunday behind the church!"
"Is that so. How do you explain the burned cigarette papers on the ground, tobacco on your shirt, and the smoke smell on your breath? Tell me the truth and your punishment will be lessened."
"Joseph was the one smoking! He put the tobacco in my shirt and the papers in my pocket! He rolled cigarettes here!"
"Caleb Henry Brandenburg! I do not tolerate lying, defiance, or smoking! You have done all three! You know smoking is forbidden in my family. Besides lying about that, you lied about Joseph. He did not put anything in your clothes. He also could not have been seen at church last week because WE DID NOT GO!" Ethan declares forcefully as he unbuckles his belt.
"Turn around, bend over, put your hands on the barn!"
Slightly pulling the child's legs back as he is too close to the wall, Ethan says "Caleb, keep your hands on the wall."
Applying six stinging whacks of the doubled belt, Ethan makes sure each one lands on the boy's bottom.
Witnessing his Pa give his cousin what's due, Joseph's own butt tingles. Those spaced out licks of the belt are the worst kind in his opinion. It gives time to feel the sting before you get the next whack. In some ways, the sound of the whack makes the sting worse.
"We are done. You are to go inside to your room. You may only leave once every hour for the W.C. if needed. I will be in later and we'll talk."
Unable to speak for holding back tears, Caleb nods before jogging towards the house.
"Thank you for not believing him. Are you going to tell his Pa?" Joseph asks before adding "I can't see how he didn't cry!"
"You're welcome. Yes, Matthew will be told. Caleb was forcing himself not to make a sound. I think he was being brave because you're here. I saw the boys hanging laundry. They will need help with some of the heavier wet clothes. You do that while I check on your Ma and talk with Caleb."
"Yes sir. I told Ben and George, I would supervise them riding their new horses. Is that still alright?"
"As long as you do it inside a pasture, it is. I don't feel they are ready to ride on the road yet."
Inside, Ethan finds his wife comforting Caleb. Spotting Ethan in the doorway over his Aunt's shoulder, Caleb looks away.
Stepping into the room, Ethan is surprised to see Delphie give him an annoyed look. Guessing the reason for it he asks "What did the boy tell you?"
"He said he was doing chores but went out behind the barn for a few minutes. He said you came and whipped him. Ethan, you need to stop being so demanding with chores for the boys. They are children."
"I agree, they are children. That is why I, and his own father, forbid smoking. He has tobacco in his shirt pocket. Take a look. Also, notice the brown stain under his fingernails. He was caught smoking by Joseph, denied doing it even with cigarette papers at his feet. Caleb then tried to get Joseph punished by lying about him kissing Sarah last Sunday at church. If you recall, we were kept home from church because of the cold. I told him to tell me the truth but he stuck to his lies. The punishment he received is the same I would have given Joseph, Ben or George."
Finding tobacco stains and pieces of tobacco just as her husband said, Delphie scolds "Caleb! Smoking? You know better! I am so disappointed in your actions. You deserved to have a burning bottom and I dare say you will get another one when Matthew hears of this!"
Flipping over on his stomach, the child buries his face in the pillow refusing to acknowledge the adults.
"Let's leave him alone, dear. I'll check on him later." Ethan tells his wife as he helps her stand up from the bed.
Three weeks later:
As is her practice during supper, Delphie asks the children what they are learning in school on Wednesday nights. Her reasoning is mid week is a good time to find out how their lessons are going.
"Tonight we'll start with Joseph. Tell us something you like or dislike about your school week."
"Mr. Davis assigned a theme. We are to write about any famous person we wish. It has to be at least four pages but no more than eight. He has to set a page limit or some will only do one page and one or two of the girls might write fifteen!"
"Do you have your person chosen?" Delphie asks as the giggles from the younger boys end.
"I haven't decided yet but I do know it will be one of the patriots from the founding of the country."
"So, no theme about Jesse James or some other criminal then?" Rob teases, knowing how his brother likes reading of those people.
"No, not this time."
"Ben? What do you have to tell us?"
"We are having to practice multiplying and dividing fractions again! We did that already but we still have to practice it! I don't like fractions when we have to multiply and divide. I like fractions when we get a fourth of a pie or cake!"
"Yes, I know you enjoy fractions of food. You are a boy who loves sweets."
"That's true, Mama. What's for dessert?" Ben asks.
"Finish your vegetables and you will find out." Ethan tells him, motioning to the uneaten spinach on his plate.
George speaks up in his turn. "Today we started a new read aloud book. If we finish our work without much procrastinating, we learned that word this week, we spend the last thirty minutes listening to a book. We started Treasure Island today."
That night Ben and George are awakened by strange sounds.
"Ben? Did you hear that? Something is moaning! What is it?" George whispers across to the other bed.
"I heard it and someone is out in the kitchen too! Is it robbers?"
Just as the boys decide to sneak out to look, their bedroom door opens and Joseph appears.
"Hurry boys! Get your pillows and clothes too. You are coming upstairs with me."
"Is someone robbing us?" George whispers as they hurriedly grab clothes and pillows.
"No, George. Now come on! Let's move!"
Another moan followed by a muffled shout is heard as the boys reach Joseph and Rob's attic rooms.
"Joseph? What is happening? That was Mama! Is she hurt? Where is Pa and Rob?" Ben asks.
"Pa is with Mama. Rob went to town for Dr. Amy. The baby is coming tonight!"
"No, don't call her "the baby". It is a girl and wants to be called "she" not baby. She will be coming out soon. She does not want to wait." George declares as he stares into space.
"Did our first Mama tell you this?" Ben asks remembering George having conversations with her spirit.
"No, our sister just did."
"You talked to Claire?"
"Not Claire, Ben! Our baby sister!"
Unsure of what to say, Ben looks to Joseph for help. He receives a shrug in response.
Downstairs Ethan wipes the sweat off Delphie's forehead.
"Why did you not tell me you were hurting all day? We could have been more ready. I sent Rob for Amy."
"No time to wait for Amy. This little one is in a tremendous hurry. You need to wash your hands with the hot water and soap now. You have to deliver our baby. It's time!"
Not long after Ethan guides his first child into the world. Carefully wiping her down, he soothes the crying infant "ahh shhh little darling. Give me a second to clean and wrap you. Okay! Here is your Mama."
"She is lovely, Delphie. Such creamy skin. I see she is a feisty tempered little thing already. Wouldn't be patient for me to cut the cord and wipe her down! "
"Umm-hmm! I knew she was a spitfire from all the kicking and rolling she did inside. Do you still want the name we chose?"
"Yes. I love the name. I am so happy we have a girl! I secretly prayed for a little girl and here she is. You were a natural at this birthing! I can not believe how easy that was."
"Call the boys. Let's introduce our daughter to her big brothers." Delphie replies.
Quietly filing into the room as instructed, Ben asks "Are you alright, Mama? We heard shouting."
"I am alright Ben. Come closer boys. I want you to meet someone."
Folding back the quilt and small blanket covering the baby, she says "Joseph, Ben, George, meet your baby sister. Her name is Emerson Rose Cord."
"That is a beautiful name, Mama. I haven't heard Emerson before."
"I chose it because of the book of poetry Rob brought me from Boston. The poet's name is Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson made me think of emeralds and Ireland. Do you remember what I taught you Ireland is also called, Joseph?"
"The Emerald Isle, I remember." Joseph answers, smiling.
"We chose Rose as her middle name because of our wedding song." Delphie explains.
"George? Would you bring me the family Bible please?"
"Ben? I need an inkwell and pen as well."
Having the requested items, Delphie hands the sleeping baby to her Pa.
Watching, the boys see her write with beautiful script under the listing BIRTHS: Emerson Rose Cord, January 15, 1902.
Just as she finishes, Rob followed by Dr. Amy come into the room.
"You had the baby already?" Rob asks, seeing the wrapped bundle in Ethan's arms.
"She was in a big hurry to come meet us all!" George answers.
"Rob, meet your baby sister, Emerson Rose. Emerson, this is your oldest big brother, Rob."
"She's beautiful! She isn't red or wrinkled, well her hair is red but not her skin. I didn't know babies came with hair. What color are her eyes?"
"Bright blue and you may feel she is measuring you up when she looks at you. Not even an hour old and already assessing people." Ethan replies.
"It sounds like she will take after her Pa then. Let me meet and check my neice plus her Ma. You men all skedaddle. Your baby will be in good hands." Dr. Amy insists shooing the "men" from the room.
"Well she is early by a few weeks according to my calculations but very healthy. Her breathing, color and responses to me stimulating her are excellent. Ethan is right, she definitely is already making her choices known. Here you are Mama. One petite beautiful baby needing fed." Amy tells her sister.