Waiting For Avery Again

I have been doing all the chores but not worrying about the freight office. With two babies here at home, I cannot take them down there and leave the house empty. Here at least, I feel safe. Some other men in town went with William. Taking a woman against her will, even if it is her husband's doing is not thought of as being right around here. I wish I'd hear something from Avery. At least to know that he is well and on his way home. Right now, I really need him.

Today I heard hooves coming up the road at a fast clip. I said a prayer that it would be Avery, but I knew it wasn't. He'd be driving our freight wagon home and would not be riding a single horse fast. That is unless something happened to the wagon and team and I'd hate to think of that happening. It turned out to be Mr. Masters the man at the telegraph office. He brought me a wire from Avery! Oh boy, I was so excited that I almost forgot to offer Mr. Masters something to eat and drink. He took a hand full of my sugar cookies and drank down a large glass of lemonade I had just made. He had to get back to the telegraph office and had no time to loiter.

As soon as he left, I ripped open the telegraph message. It read:

"Rachel, detained. On trip home now. Arrive in 3 days. Avery"

I jumped up and down! I grabbed Benjamin and sang, "Your Daddy is coming home! Your Daddy is coming home!" He smiled and giggled at his mommy's silliness.

I quickly put my apron back on and hauled out the flour, "Time to make some bread! Avery will be starving for some of my home cooking when he gets home."

Benjamin was still smiling at me. I looked at him and thought with all the things going on around here, he probably could feel how stressed I had been. First Avery had gone on this long trip and then Lola was kidnapped and William leaving to go look for her. Avery had counted on Lola and William being here to help me but now it was all on me. That has caused me to neglect the children as far as enjoying them and doing things together. Now Avery is coming home! 3 days!

Later that evening, I was out in the barn securing the doors. I had brought in all the horses since Lola had been missing. With just me here, I had to be extra careful. That Loomis gang knows where all the good horses are around here. Better be safe than sorry as Father always says.

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016

Left Alone

Photo Credit: Cornell University Library

Avery has been gone for a week and a half now. He had a man come to hire him to drive two wagon loads of supplies to Virginia. It is the farthest he has had to go since we got married. It is a long time with no word from him. He had to leave the day the man, Mr Kendell came to hire him. Avery said he offered him more money than he had ever made in the whole year. He took his other driver, Orville Babcock with him. Orville would drive the other wagon. I did not want him to leave but did not say anything. I hurried to put together enough food for him and Orville to take with them. He came in to tell me he was ready to leave and I tried not to cry. He saw the sadness in my eyes, wiped a tear from my eye and took me into his arms, "Oh Rachel it is hard for me to leave you. But it is my work and it what I must do. This is a lot of money for us and it will lead to more. So I must do this myself. If you need anything just go to my parents' and they will help you. Just ask."

I looked up at him trying not to cry, "Avery, don't worry about me. Please take care of yourself and be careful. I am more afraid for you than me. I will be okay here. After all I have Peanut to watch out for me." I tried to make a little joke and laugh, but my laugh would not come out.

"I will be back as soon as I can. I don't know how long it will take to get there and back. For one thing the wagons are heavily loaded and we will have to move slowly. It could take a month or more to get there and back."

Avery, it's okay. I understand. It is your business."

"Our business, Rachel. Our business." he smiled at me, then took me in his arms and kissed me gently, then passionately. "Oh girl, what you do to me," he replied huskily. Then he pulled away, "Gotta run. Orville has the wagons loaded up." With that, he was gone.

I was alone. I sat there in the chair till it was almost dark. I felt numb. It would be the first time to sleep in Avery's and my bed without him. He had warned me this would happen. He had been putting off taking the overnight jobs by sending his brother-in-law, George and Orville. I got up from the chair and went to light a lamp. Then went outside to unhook Peanut to bring him inside with me. Took a quick trip through the barn to make sure everyone had water and was okay. I stopped to pet Tater and Spud. They rubbed their heads against my shoulder and then Spud licked my hand. It made me feel comforted to know they love me and they are out here for me.

I went through the motions of putting together a small meal for myself. Some cold roast beef, homemade mustard on fresh bread that I had made that morning. A small cabbage salad and cut up some apples for my dessert. I wasn't hungry but ate anyway. After I cleaned up and made my way upstairs, I carried Peanut with me and cuddled him in my arms, which he did not mind at all, until I fell asleep.

 Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole
Updated 2016