Lola Is Kidnapped

I worked on fixing one of the posts in my vegetable garden that had been pushed over by someone or something. I hoped it was a wild something and not a human something. Someone might have wandered this way, looking for a bite to eat out of a garden near a house. I hoped it was just that and not a man hiding out here looking for his wife. I don't know when Avery will be back, but I am hoping it will be soon.

It wasn't long before William had come riding up on the horse he had bought from Avery for his own. I looked up and saw he looked like something was wrong. I quickly put my hammer down, and ran out the gate to where he was dismounting.

"What is wrong William?"

"He's got her!"

"Who? Got who?"

"Lola! She is gone! I knew he'd get her!"

"What happened? I thought Lola was with you."

"She was. I went to the blacksmith to bring back the horses that he had shoed. She was in the office when I left. When I got back, the furniture was overturned and my gun was gone. So was Lola! I saw blood on the floor and don't rightly know what happened."

"Are you sure it was her husband?"

"Yes, Tad Arnold was across the gully near the barn and he said he saw a man who matched her husband's description. I am sure it was Addison. Who else would be after Lola? Fighting to get her?" He tied his horse to the hitching post, and headed toward the house.

"Where are you going?"

"I am going to get my other gun. I intend to kill Clint Addison this time when I catch him."

"Wait William! Did you notify the marshal?"

"He's nowhere to be seen, as usual. I can handle this better than that no good drunkard."

I followed William into the house. He went upstairs and I put together a bag of food for him to carry with him. I knew this is what Avery would do in his place. If Avery was here, he'd be going with him.

After William was gone, I sat in the chair on the porch holding Samuel thinking about Lola. She lived a whole different life before she came here. I tried to imagine her married to this man I pictured in my mind. A  man who treated her like a whore and servant. Poor Lola. Then to have a man such as William, to completely love her and treat her like a queen. Now he was risking his life to save her's.

I picked up Samuel and headed inside after hearing Benjamin waking up from his nap. I better get the children tended to, and start some supper in case William came back with Lola in a few hours. Or in case Avery came home early. I had to keep busy or I'd go crazy with worry.

"Please God, protect my loved ones tonight. Please do not let this man hurt Lola or William. Bring them back safely. And of course, Lord, please keep my husband safe and in your sight at all times. In Jesus's name, I ask it all. Amen."

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Rachel's Dilemma

Photo Source: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest 

It has been over two weeks since Jacob has come to stay with us. I don't want to say anything to Avery because I see how happy he is to have him back in his life. I know they are brothers and have been separated for a very long time, close to ten years I think. I am not really comfortable around Jacob, though he has been a proper gentleman since I first found him sleeping in our wagon. I see him looking at me sometimes, and it is not the way a brother should be looking at his brother's wife. I am trying to tolerate it until he leaves thinking it would be only a few days.

Today, I went to town earlier with my wagon and he wanted to ride with me. I told him to stay home and keep an eye on things, that Avery was watching Benjamin and he should stay with them. I did not want him riding somewhere alone with me. I think he may think I am young, almost seventeen now, and inexperienced with dealing with situations like this. What he should remember is that I told him that first day I met him at the wagon, that I was a crack shot and I am. When I drive to town I carry my pistol. I have had it since I was nine. My grandfather and father taught me how to use it. Father did not want me riding out into the woods without some protection and made sure that knew how to use it.

While in town I stopped in to say hello to my friend, Ruth. She was thrilled to see me. We had tea together and I told her about Jacob. She asked me if Avery's parents knew yet. I told her that Avery didn't want to tell them quite yet. He wanted to get to know his brother again, thought Jacob would leave again once his father knows he is here. She hugged me when I was leaving, "You be careful with that brother-in-law. Don't be left alone with him. If he does do anything to scare you, scream, kick and bite. Then tell Avery!"

"I will," I answered, but in my mind I was thinking I would try to handle this situation the best I could without Avery knowing how I felt. It could be that I was wrong about Jacob. He was just a man of the world and had some hard times. After all he is Avery's brother and they were raised in the same house. How could he be that bad? Maybe I have been too hard on him. I will try being nicer starting tonight.

When I got home Jacob had already brought in all my firewood, a job I usually do myself. Avery still is healing but feeling much better, He has been doing more and more. His ribs were broken and the only mend for them, the doc says, is rest. It's hard trying to keep him down though. So I don't usually mention something I need done. I try to do as many chores myself as I can. Jacob though, has been doing what he thinks needs to be done before I can try to do it myself. He knows not to touch Tator and Spud's stalls as that is one job I will not allow even Avery to do.

"Why thank you Jacob for getting my firewood. One less job for me to do before supper," I said as he came in with another handful.

He brightened up and looked at me with a smile, "Anything for a pretty lady."

I blushed, but tried not to show it. I was not used to other men giving me compliments, and with Jacob I was wary of them.

Just then Avery came in from the front room carrying Benjamin who was crying. "I think he wants his Mama," said Avery as he handed him over to me. "Nothing I could do would quiet him. I hope nothing is wrong."

"No, he is starting to get a tooth and it hurts. I got something in town to rub on that." I opened up a bottle and put some on a cloth and rubbed it on his gum and he quieted right down. I wiped the tears from his eyes and felt his diaper, "You are are dry? What a surprise!"

Avery said, "No, he wasn't. I just changed him. I thought that was why he was carrying on so."

"Well, I got to get to work. Supper needs making and I am behind on my schedule."

"Rachel, how about if I make pancakes and bacon for supper and give yourself a rest?" Jacob said.

"Oh my, I can't let you do that. Meals are my job. Women's work."

"I worked as a cook. I am pretty good, heard tell. Sit down with my little brother and Benjie there."

Later after supper, Jacob cleaned up all the dishes and washed and put them away. I felt like I had been wrong about him. He couldn't be that bad if he did all that for me and Avery's chores too. I think I will give him another chance. Not many men I know would do all that work and he was a good cook too.

On our way to bed, Jacob held the candle out to me and said, "Night Rachel."

Our eyes met and I smiled and said, "Good night Jacob. Thank you for all the help you have been to Avery and myself." Avery took my arm and we went upstairs to our bedroom.

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Back Home At Last

Photo Credit: The Library Of Congress

Avery was brought home by two men driving a large wagon. One man drove our freight wagon pulled by our horses. The other man drove Avery who was too weak and beaten up to drive. A doctor had bandaged him all up. I caught myself from showing how I felt when they pulled up. Nobody had told me he was in such bad shape. He had been beaten up very badly, and had been stabbed with a knife by one of the men who robbed him. He smiled faintly at me, "Oh my, Rachel honey, you are the best thing I have seen since I left here!" He tried to get up out of the wagon but fell over.

I ran to the wagon, "Avery, you are hurt," I felt his pain as I saw it on his face. He tried to smile again, but I could see he was in worse shape than I imagined. The man who was driving his wagon came over, and helped the other one support Avery, to get him out of the wagon. I led the way up the front steps, "Bring him here," I opened the door and led them into the front room.

They put him down on the small bed that is in the corner of the room. It was the bed Avery used before we got married. I looked at him and saw his eyes were closed, his face was swollen and purple in some spots. I turned my attention to the men, "Thank you for bringing my husband home to me. I didn't know what to expect just that he was on his way home. The letter I received didn't say anything about him being injured."

One of the men spoke up, "Mrs. Longworth, you are lucky to see your husband alive. He was beaten up and left for dead. His freight was stolen and so was his wagon and horses."

"Do you know what happened? How did you get his horses and wagon back?" I motioned to the chairs at the table in the kitchen, "Would you care for some coffee and a bite to eat? I've got a venison stew on the stove right now."

The other man perked right up, "Why yes ma'am, Mrs. Longworth! I could go for some coffee. And the venison stew sounds right good, about now. I'm starving!"

After they had finished consuming two dishes of vension stew and numerous cups of coffee, Al Brite, the man who was so hungry said, "Mrs. Longworth, if your husband here hadn't been found by some Indians I don't think he would have made it."

"Indians! What do you mean?" I turned my full attention on Mr. Al Brite.

The other man, Gordon Gleason answered for him, "Mrs. Longworth, your husband was beaten so badly, I believe those outlaws thought he was dead for sure. If some Indians hadn't come along and found him, he would have never made it. They took him to their camp and nursed him, and when he finally came to, they fed him."

"Avery owes his life to Indians?" I asked.

"Yes, ma'am. Then when he was strong enough, he and Many Hunts, the Indian who saved him, went looking for those outlaws."

"Went looking for them? Like that?" I motioned toward Avery on the bed who appeared to be sleeping soundly. He didn't appear to me to be able to go looking for anyone in that shape.

"Well, he wasn't quite so bad off then. When they met up with the outlaws, he again got another beating. Many Hunts was able to overcome them, and those outlaws will not be attacking anyone ever again."

"Many Hunts killed them?"

"Him and your husband killed every one of them."

"I need to get a doctor out here for my husband. When you go through town, could you stop at the hotel and ask for Ruth. Tell her what has happened and that we need a doctor out here as soon as possible. She'll know what to do."

"Why certainly Mrs. Longworth. We'd be glad to do it for you."

"Do I owe you any money for bringing my husband home?"

"No ma'am. The sheriff paid us in advance for it. I would love it if you would wrap up some of them biscuits you had left over there, to eat later on the trail." Al replied.

"Certainly! I'll wrap up some cheese, jerky and some sugar maple cookies too." I turned to the biscuits and started wrapping them up.

Later, after the doctor had been here and had examined Avery, he said he'd heal, but it'd take some time. I sat holding Benjamin on my lap and watching Avery sleep. He had awoken for a brief time, and I fed him some stew broth with a spoon. He hardly spoke, but I could see his love for us in his eyes. He could barely move without moaning in pain. He had to get up to go relieve himself and that was an ordeal in itself. Now he was back sleeping, and Benjamin had woke up hungry, so I fed him. He was falling asleep.

I should be tired but I could not sleep. I could only look at Avery laying there. My husband. The man I loved with all my heart, and I almost lost him. I prayed to the Lord, "Oh Lord, thank you for bringing my husband back to me. Please protect the man who saved him, Many Hunts, an Indian. I don't really know many Indians, but this one saved Avery so please protect him and his family. Please help me to take care of  Avery and get through this. I know he is in so much pain. Please heal him and make him well soon. In Jesus's Name, I ask you to hear my prayer. Amen.

After I came in from checking on the horses and locking up the barn, I put some more wood on the fire, and moved some cushions on the floor next to Avery's bed. I grabbed a quilt from the cabinet and laid down on the cushions. I would sleep next to Avery right here. That way I could keep an eye on him and keep the fire going all night. Benjamin was in his daybed and Peanut was on the rug. My family was safe for the night.

 Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Winter

Photo Source: Field Museum Library

Winter is hard this year. I am glad I stocked up enough food. Avery goes hunting when he is home and we have had more than enough meat. I shared some with our neighbors, the Swingles. Since I helped deliver their mare's foal I have come to know them better. Travis, the boy who came to me for help that day, helps me sometimes. I usually pay him in extra meat. They have many mouths to feed and I think the extra meat comes in handy. We can't eat it all since Avery is a very good hunter and gets plenty for us.

I just fed Benjamin and put him back in his day bed that I keep near the fire in the kitchen. He is the joy of my life. Growing like a weed. Last Sunday we took him to visit my parents after church. Everyone just oooed and awed over him and he seemed to like all the attention. All my sisters had to hold him and talk to him. It was then that Esther told us that she is going to be getting married in the summer.

I looked up at her face, "To who? I questioned, I knew this was coming but did not have any idea who would be marrying her.

"Ask Mother," she motioned with her head toward Mother who was now holding Benjamin in her arms.

"Mother, who is Esther marrying?" I asked.

She looked up and replied, "Will Delaney."

"Will Delaney, the law clerk?" I asked with surprise.

"He's not just a law clerk, but has been getting his certificate to be a lawyer. He will be finished by summer and they can get married then. She will be 16," she answered me, glancing in Esther's direction.

"Well, that's good, " I paused, not sure if Esther was in agreement with this or just surprised like I was when they told me I was getting married to Avery, "Isn't it? Esther?" I looked in her direction.

"I guess I have to marry someone. Might as well be a lawyer," she said with no feeling. I knew she was not happy.

Avery came up behind me, "Esther, look how well it turned out for your big sister!" he smiled.

I answered, "You are just in shock right now. I am very happy that Father found me such a good husband." I smiled back at Avery. He was giving me that secret smile that he reserves just for me.

"We'll see how good he is. I barely even know him."

As I sat drinking my tea, I thought about how Esther seemed so sad. I remember well that I resented being told I was marrying Avery. Someone I hardly knew. It turned out well for me but Will Delaney was not at all like Avery. I had seen him occasionally around town and he had come to our church every now and then. Seems like he did not belong to our church or any church. What was Father thinking of  agreeing for her to marry someone who did not belong to a church? Those things didn't set right with me. Avery belonged to the same church his parents belonged to. He grew up going every week. Though once his business got started there were times he did not get to church as he was away. Many times though on the road if he had a way to clean up, he'd stop in at a church he passed on a Sunday. He said it soothed his soul.

At home we always attended church. When Avery was out of town, I'd still hitch up the wagon and go to church. Even in the snow. Now with Benjamin here with me, I had decided not to go if it was too cold or snowing. Had to think of him. I always pack some hot bricks next to his blankets in his basket to keep him warm.

I said a prayer for my sister and her upcoming marriage. "Please Lord, let Esther have a happy marriage and a good husband and that she would fall in love with him, and he would love her back. Like Avery and me. I am so thankful and happy for all the blessing you have given me. Most especially, that Avery is a Godly man.  Thank you Lord God. Amen."

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Getting Closer To Becoming A Mother

I watched as Avery lifted some pumpkins that he had found left in the garden onto the porch. They were big and beautiful, bright orange. Some remembrances of fall give me a feeling of good feeling. I grew them and all the food in our pantry and root cellar with hardly any help at all. In the fall Avery was gone on a couple of long freight runs and my sister had stayed with me. We harvested most of the pumpkins. Some are in the root cellar and some we cut up and dried. I had made lots of pumpkin puddings and found I could make it as good as Mother did. My cooking skills are something I am proud of and I can tell that Avery is too. He likes to have someone stop in to eat supper with us. Though he has been careful about doing that now that I am almost to the end of my pregnancy.

I am just waiting for my baby to be born now. I am tired and feel big. Avery has been staying around home. Mostly doing jobs that are only a day or two away at the most. I know I am holding him back. Ruth drove out in her buggy the other day. I was ashamed of how I looked. She looks so pretty and thin. I saw Avery help her out of the buggy and for the first time I really thought about what he was seeing when he looks at me now. I just wanted to cry. Ruth came bearing baby gifts and some fresh fruit that she got from a company that transported it from down south. She said some of it had gotten ruined but she brought me 4 oranges! I was so happy to see something fresh again. Oranges, one of my favorite treats.

I invited Ruth to eat lunch with us and she accepted. "I apologize Ruth for not having something more elaborate for lunch, but I didn't know you were coming," I smiled faintly at her as I put a dish of cold chicken salad on the table.

"Oh Rachel, don't give it a second thought! Just to spend time with you, and Avery," she turned toward Avery and smiled brightly as she continued, "is treat enough for me."

"Why would anyone want to come see me when I am bigger than cow?" I felt like bawling right then.

Ruth jumped up and took the knife out of my hand and pushed me toward the chair, "Honey, you sit down. You have been working too hard as it is, and you are about to have a baby. Soon too," she picked up the dishes and set them on the table.

Avery pulled the chair out for me and said, "Ruth is right, Rachel. Sit here and I will help her finish."

I looked at him and tried to smile, "Avery, I am supposed to take care of you. I am your wife and just because I am having a baby doesn't mean I can't do my chores or serve my guest," I replied as I looked at Ruth.

Avery took my hand and Ruth's as he asked the blessing before our meal. I felt relieved for us to be all sitting down eating now. I looked at Ruth's small waist line and then down at my own, or where mine used to be. I was smaller than Ruth before I got pregnant.

Later when Ruth was gone and I was in the kitchen cleaning up, Avery came in and started helping me. "Avery, please go sit down. You don't have to help me. This is easy work and I can do it. I am fine," I looked at him trying to hold back the tears in my eyes that were threatening to spill at any moment.

He came to me and brought me close to him in his arms, he just held me tight and I started to cry softly. "Shhh, shhh, honey, there is nothing to cry about now. Everything will be okay. In a few weeks you will be all done with this and holding our baby in your arms," he soothed me.

I felt safe in his arms and just wanted to stay there. "Oh Avery, I am so scared."

"Scared of having the baby?" he asked tenderly.

"No, I think I will handle that fine. I am scared you won't love me anymore." There! I told him my deepest fear and what had been on my mind the last couple of weeks.

"Rachel! What makes you think that is possible? Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. The baby? You think our child will make me not love you? How can you think that? I think us having a baby has brought us much closer."

"Yes, but now I am so fat," and I started crying again.

Then I heard him chuckle, "Oh baby, you will never be fat. I can tell. You are going to have this little baby and then will be back to work taking care of all of us again. Besides, I think you look enticingly good this way," he smiled that special look in his eyes.

Oh yes, Avery Longworth can be quite the charmer. He is the best husband my parents could have ever found for me. I hope my sister Esther marries a man as good as mine. With that we blew out the light and went upstairs together.

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Photograph Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Eliza's Visit

Photo Credit: The Library Of  Congress

Avery knows that I have to do my work whether I am pregnant or not. He seems to be cautious around me and I liked that at first. But I don't like that he seems to think I might break or something. Even in his attentions toward me. He is gentle but sometimes a little too much for me. I am not a weak woman. Mother taught me how to be strong and to be a partner to my husband. I see how important that is now that I have a husband. Like yesterday, I was outside working in the garden when he came from town. He liked to think I was plowing forty acres! Goodness, I was just doing a little bit of hoeing and raking some of the dead plants. I told him to just let me tend to my business of household chores and having children and he will see that I can do it. 

Today Eliza came to visit me! I made her a special lunch. She was impressed with our house and everything about my life. She could not believe I was going to have a baby. I showed her my expanding waist. Eliza told me all the gossip about our friends. She said Kent Osbourne came to church with his grandparents. As she was leaving he asked to speak to her in private. "He asked me if I had seen you. He seemed anxious or something." she told me as walked along my path to the barn with me. 

"Well, he did ask me not to marry Avery. Mother and Father had set it up with Avery and I couldn't very well not marry him."

She looked at me, "Are you glad? Glad that they arranged your marriage to Avery?"

"Oh goodness, Eliza, I am so glad they did! Avery is so good to me. He treats me special and makes me feel like I am the most important thing in the world to him."

"I thought marriage was hard." she answered back, "Like a job or something."

"I suppose it matters who you are married to. Avery is fun, but hardworking and he can fix anything. Handsome too." I answered thinking about my husband and how he had changed my life.

"I know it can be hard. I don't know if anyone will want to marry me." she said wistfully. 

"Don't say that! The Lord has someone in mind for you like he did for me. What else did Kent say to you? He might want to marry you. He is nice and will be a good husband to someone."

"No, he asked about you. I told him I had only seen you once at church after your wedding. Then he rushed away," she seemed to be thinking about her encounter with him.

Later after Eliza had left, I sat with Peanut watching for Avery. He should be home very soon. I know that my parents did the right thing having me marry Avery. I have a nice home and a good husband. I will probably have several children and I can take care of them easily with Avery. Many men are not that good as husbands and fathers. Not like my own father who is a good man. A good husband and father.

Kent Osbourne is a nice boy but he was not the one for me. He didn't really like horses and hardly ever rode one. He walked most everywhere. I think he will probably marry and then live in town and maybe work at one of the businesses there. I would not have been happy living in town and not having horses be a part of my life. For me though, this is the life I would have wanted if I had thought about it before. I just never had the chance to think about it.

Suddenly I heard horse hooves coming up the road at a gallop, and there was Avery coming into sight. He was smiling at me and made me feel that excitement that always goes through my body when we have been apart and I see him again. Yes, this is the man the Lord intended for me.

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

The Homecoming!

Photo Credit: George Eastman House Collection

I was in the apple orchard this morning cutting and trimming weeds and grass that was growing around the trees. It had gotten pretty high and I want to keep the orchard easy to walk around in. I thought about letting one of the cows graze in there but the weeds were still too high for even them. So I worked in there awhile. Then sat on the ground with Peanut and just enjoyed the birds singing and the sunlight shining on my face. All of a sudden I heard  a wagon coming down the road toward the house. I listened, it stopped. I heard the horses in the paddock calling to the horses driving the wagon. I got up to go check when I thought I heard a voice. As I got closer up the path with Peanut running alongside of me, I heard my name being called, "Rachel! Rachel!" It was Avery! I started running as hard as I could almost tripping over the hem of my dress.

"Avery! Here I am!" I yelled at the top of my voice.

He saw me as soon as I came into sight. He started running toward me, he grabbed me and wrapped his arms around me and held me close, "Rachel darling, I was afraid you'd be gone by now." Then he lifted my chin to him and gazed into my eyes. Then kissing me gently at first, then deeply with much passion. He picked me up and carried me into the house, kissing me the whole time.

I was shaking with the excitement of him finally having come back home. He set me down and looked at me again, and it was only then that I got a good look at my husband. His usual good looks were hidden by weeks of dirt, grime and sweat. I laughed, "I need to get some water ready for your bath. You need one!"

He smiled, "I forgot how bad a man can look and smell after a couple of months of hauling freight."

I quickly grabbed the tin tub we used for baths and put it on the floor. Then stoked the coals in the hearth so it would heat up more. Then I set the towel and the soap near by and picked up two water buckets to get water in, I turned to Avery, "You were gone so long. I was afraid you weren't coming back."

"I know. It took much longer than I figured. But we hit bad weather and the wheel on the other wagon broke. I had to leave Orville with the wagon, so I could find a blacksmith to repair the wheel. I got that, then went back and we put it in on the wagon. Set us back a week and a half. The roads weren't good. Give me those buckets," he said as grabbed them out of my hands.

"No, you should rest. I can get the water. I thank the Lord for bringing you home safely to me." I meant every word. Now that he was here, I couldn't take my eyes from him. I wanted to memorize every detail of his face, his gestures, his words. He is my husband and I love him with all my heart. Mother was right. She said I would grow to love him and I already do. He continued his way out the door with the buckets to get the water.

While Avery took his bath I went outside to fasten Peanut up and to check on the horses he had driven home. They were tired. I brushed them a little, then led them out of their stalls where Avery had put them when he first came home. I led them to the paddock so they could go out with the others. The other horses all came to greet and smell them.  Then welcomed them back home. I heard the water being emptied out of the tub so I knew he was finished, I hurried back to the house.

Avery looked up at me, "We have some unfinished business to take care of," he spoke huskily as he took my hand and pulled me to him. He put his arms around me, kissed my neck, then kissed me again with an urgency in his lips.  He lifted me again in his arms and carried me upstairs quickly as if he couldn't get there fast enough. I felt the excitement building, my husband was home. He was safe and I am in his arms right now. My world is safe once again.

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

My Last Night At Home

Photo Credit: Field Museum Library

This is my last night in my own bed. Mother and the girls made a special meal for me tonight. It was like a holiday. They would not let me help at all. Father and I went out for long ride this morning, even though I felt I should be at home helping to do something. Kenneth and Teddy were busy getting chickens ready for butchering and Mother and the girls were preparing food to take to the church in the  morning for the wedding dinner. So much to do.

My bedroom is pretty empty since all my belongings have been sent to my house. My house. Who would think I would be talking about my house? It never crossed my mind something like this would be happening to me this summer. Moving out of my house. My hope chest is gone. Most of my clothing is gone except for what I am wearing today and my wedding dress that I will be wearing tomorrow. How will I ever be able to sleep tonight? I wonder what Avery is doing or thinking about tonight? Is he as scared as I am? I believe men are never scared of anything. They go off into the woods to hunt and can be gone for days and are never scared of wild animals or Indians. Avery drives those wagons and is on the road by himself without anyone around. He probably can take care of anything like an animal or an Indian.

Avery's family was very nice to me so I think I can ask them for help if I have any problems running a house by myself. I do not know what kind of house it is. Father was going to tell me when he came back from taking my things there. But of course, Avery sent his driver, Orville Babcock, to pick up my things so Father did not get the chance. I wonder if he did that on purpose? I think it is strange that he does not want me to see my house before we are married. I hope that is a good thing.

Tonight I am having a cup of warm milk to help me sleep. I just know I will not be able to fall asleep with all the thoughts I am having running through my head tonight. Avery Longworth is older than me. He is 25 years old and I am only 16. I had no idea why he wanted to marry me because he hardly knew me. Mother says that men like to get established more  before they get married. She says it is good for a man to do that instead of rushing into marriage when they are experiencing "puppy love." I guess that is why he has a house that he built and a business that he runs. Now he must want a wife and children. Children. I am very nervous about that part. Not so much raising them as I have always been around children and can take care of them just fine. It is all the other parts and having them I am not sure about.

I got down on my knees tonight like I do every night to say my prayers, "Please Almighty Father in Heaven, help me to get through tomorrow without fainting. Help me to be strong for it will be hard to leave my family. Especially to leave my parents tomorrow, and go home with Avery. Avery Longworth seems to be a good man and wanted me for a wife. Please help me to be what he wanted. Thank you Lord God, in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

A Broken Heart

Photo Credit: Magnus Rosendahl

Yesterday Kent Osbourne came to our church with his grandparents, Nelsen and Ellie Osbourne. He tipped his hat outside the church door as we walked past him and winked at me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. Then I felt guilty for feeling that way since I am almost a married woman now. He sat behind us with his grandparents. When we stood up to sing the opening hymn, he leaned forward and passed me a piece of paper. I quickly hid it so my sisters would not see. They would run and tell Mother I am sure. Or tease me later about it. They knew I used to like him. The paper burned in my hand. I wanted to take a peek at it so bad. Finally, during prayers when I saw my sisters were all properly keeping their eyes shut tight, I opened the paper very quietly. It read:

My dear Rachel,

I am distressed to hear the news of your soon to be marriage to Avery Longworth. In my mind, I always thought you favored me and never saw you showing interest in anybody else. Most especially, Mr. Avery Longworth. I figured I had some time to talk with you on this. Are you sure this is what you want to do? 

Sincerely,

Kent Osbourne

I looked around and put the note in my pocket. There was really not much to say about this to anyone. I had already promised to marry Avery Longworth and he was expecting it. Mother and Father had really made my choice long ago and Kent Osbourne had not asked in time. I stole a glance at him and he looked very serious at me. I just nodded no to him. And he got up as soon as the preacher was done and was out the door leaving his grandparents behind. By the time I came out of the church he was long gone. I felt sad for him, but I never knew he returned the feeling I had for him before.

All of a sudden, Eliza was at my side, "Rachel, please let me give you a wedding shower!" she blurted out excitedly.

"Well, Eliza I hadn't thought of having one yet." I replied, knowing that girls always had showers when they were getting married. Some had several. It hadn't even crossed my mind to have one.

"You are getting married in June and it is already April! You need to do showers now. I want to give you one  because I am your closest friend,"  she smiled at me.

"I'll speak to Mother and see what she says."

"Thanks Rachel. Remember I asked first so I want to give you the first shower," then Eliza skipped off toward a group of girls giggling near the shady spot under the trees. I used to be one of those girls giggling and acting silly. My sisters were with them now. I felt so grown up now and looked around to see who might be grown up enough for me to talk to.

Suddenly Mrs. Nelsen was standing next to me. She looked at me for a minute before speaking, "Rachel honey, I always thought you'd be part of our family married to my grandson, Kent. I don't need to tell you how disappointed he is to find out about your up coming marriage."

"Mrs. Nelsen, I am sorry......" I didn't know what to say to her. I felt bad about Kent. To be honest though, I  am now looking forward to marrying Avery Longworth. I don't know why.

She nodded. "I know honey. It is your folks' doing. Kent knows. Just sorry about it. Sorry about my grandson's heart being broken. I know it is not your fault." She hugged me close and then was gone following her husband through the crowd of people around the sidewalk in front of the church.

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

My Husband To Be

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I have been spending much time thinking about Avery Longworth since the day he came here to meet me. He was so kind and polite toward me. I had a whole different idea of him before that. Must be it is because he hadn't come here to see me after Father said I could marry him. I think I was resenting him. Now, things are different. He spent some time alone with me in the barn and he was a perfect gentleman.

Two days ago I received an envelope in the mail from him! He sent me a letter and beautiful blue satin ribbon for my hair! The message was short, just thanking me for the day he spent with me and my family. He said the dinner was very good. And that he looked forward to the next time we meet again. That was all. Maybe he is the kind of man who writes few words and will say more in person or after we get to know each other.

I told him when he was here how much I loved the beautiful jewelry box he sent me. I had sent him a thank you note for it when I first got it. It looks empty right now because I don't have much jewelry of my own. One necklace my grandmother gave me that had belonged to her grandmother. I know I will wear it on my wedding day. I wear it to church and on special occasions. My grandmother gave it to me instead of my sisters because I was the first born girl. I put the blue satin ribbon in the jewelry box along with my necklace.

Mother has just finished sewing the lace on my wedding gown. It is very fragile lace and she had saved it for many years she said, just for this occasion. It was packed in her pine chest and had my name on it. She said she has bought or bartered for materials and things for the weddings of all of us girls.  Me, Leah, Edna and Lorraine. It used to be her hope chest. She said she started saving things in it for us because she knew the cost involved with a wedding after her own.

I took Father's stallion, Ebony out for ride today. I imagine I will not be riding him much after I move out. He is not easy for the others to ride as he has a mind of his own. He minds me real good though. I just felt like letting him run. He certainly did that! We ran for miles it seemed. My brothers can't even ride him as they almost always get thrown off. He does not do that to me and never has. I think he likes it when I whisper or sing in his ears when he is on the way home.

Father came in the barn when I was wiping him down. He just watched us quietly for awhile and didn't say a word. Then he said, "Ebony is sure going to miss you missy. He doesn't get to have fun when you are not around. You will have to come take him out every now and then to keep him in shape."  I nodded, for I could not speak as my throat had tightened up as I choked back tears. I want to marry Avery Longworth, but I will miss my family, Ebony, my bedroom with the pink lacy curtains and even the path down to the creek where I like to go to think or take a swim. Why do I feel so sad about my upcoming marriage to a kind, handsome gentleman that any woman would be thankful to be marrying? I want to marry him. I just will miss my life here too.

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016