Ribbons of Steel (32 page)

Catherine, like Seth, was finding their father’s ultimatum hard to swallow, if the tears in her eyes were any indication. Her large eyes stared past their father at the roof of the barn.

“Think of this as a well-deserved holiday for all of your hard work this summer,” their father said, trying to soften the blow.

With his father taking all the children with him, Seth didn’t know how he was going to manage without Timothy, or even Michael’s help. Seth had depended on Timothy to be there every step of the way, and his brother hadn’t disappointed. It was past time he told Timothy so. Seth didn’t want Timothy to wait so long to be told how proud someone was of him and just how much his hard work was appreciated. His brother needed to know he was growing into a fine worker before he headed out west with the family. Darn it. This couldn’t have come at a worse time. Harvest was fast approaching. He would need all the help he could get. He’d have to see who else besides the Hayland boys he could hire.

Timothy’s indignation smoldered. Once a mild mannered boy, Seth had seen the boy start to turn into a man over the summer. So he wasn’t surprised when Timothy spoke up.

“I don’t want to go west, Pa. I’ll go out to visit Ma with the rest of you, but I’ll come back with Catherine. She’ll be needing a chaperone on her return trip. Seth needs me here. I like it here. What will I do out at a lumber camp anyways?”

“For one thing, you can help your cousin William with logging.”

“I’m not a logger, Pa. I like farming just fine.”

Seth looked from one to the other in the silence. He was proud Timothy had courage enough to speak up.

“I’m relieved to hear you say you like farming, Timothy,” Seth said, then faced his father, unable to hold his tongue any longer. “I sure could use his help, Pa. Like I said earlier, Timothy has been a big help around here. Couldn’t have managed without him. Don’t know how I will if he goes. Let him go visit Ma, and chaperone Catherine on the return trip. As long as he’s back before harvest. I’ll be able to manage.”

His father pondered the situation before he gave his answer.

“It seems my sons are growing up with minds of their own. Guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. Can’t say I was counting on it happening so soon. We’ve all had to make difficult decisions on the heels of this damn railroad strike. Damned trains. They’ve taken too much out of our family as it is. I’ve gotta say starting over in the California Territory will be like a breath of fresh air.”

“We’re really making a go of it right here in Candor, Pa,” Seth said, hands on hips, both feet planted firmly on solid ground.

Timothy and the others stood in silence waiting for their father to say something. For all his bravado of a moment ago, Timothy hung his head, his long, skinny arms dangled at his sides, his fists balled. Timothy wouldn’t go against his father no matter how much he wanted to stay on the farm.

“Well, I suppose Timothy is old enough to make his own decisions. If the fool boy wants to stay behind, so be it. Can’t force him to do work he don’t like. Lord knows I’ve been at it long enough.” He turned to face Timothy.

“If you want to stay behind and be a farmer, it’s your choice,” their father stated, his staunch features showing his displeasure. “Seeing as Aderley’s paying the fare, you can come on out and visit your ma and return with Catherine. I like the idea of you chaperoning her on the return trip. Just can’t tell about the West. I’m not liking the tales I’m hearing about young ladies traveling all alone out there and being abducted and never seen again.” Charley nodded his approval. He faced Catherine, sighed, and said, “It’s settled. We’ll leave Saturday morning on the eight-fifteen train out of Candor. Should give everyone plenty of time to gather up your belongings and say your goodbyes.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The week flew by for the Carmichael and the Flanagan families. Seamus traveled to town with Charley to see about a job on the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad in Candor. Mr. Benson received word from Mason Aderley, as promised, and Mr. Benson hired Seamus on the spot. Instead of having to ride the rails, Seamus was now responsible for the functions around the depot and station area, including signals and making sure the trains left on time. He was the go-between for the engineers and the station master. Seamus was glad of the work, as well, and before the week was out, he was on the job.

Charley rode to town to send a telegraph to Emily saying he’d be coming out to get her as soon as he tied things up at home. He didn’t mention that the children would be accompanying him. He wanted to surprise her. She’d be over the moon with excitement when they stepped from the train for sure. Instead, he sent a separate telegram message to Marybelle so they’d know to expect the lot of them. He also told her he planned to be settling out west for good. Marybelle had offered her home to his family for as long as they needed to get back on their feet. With what Mason Aderley promised him in a pay raise, it shouldn’t take too long.

While in Candor, Charley stopped at the Mitchell’s to thank them for taking Catherine in for the coming school semester and to make a down payment for her lodging once the winter weather set in. He had hoped to meet Anna Louise, but she and her mother were off attending a Women’s Christian Temperance Union meeting at the Candor Town Hall. The girl sounded too highfalutin for Seth. However, if Seth loved the girl, then there wasn’t much he could do. Seth didn’t imbibe anyway, so it shouldn’t be a fly in the ointment between the two of them. From the looks of her home life though, Charley couldn’t picture Anna Louise living on a farm. That might be a speck of dust in the eye, if anything. Seth would have to figure that one out for himself.

Passage for everyone had already been taken care of, and the packing was coming along. Maggie had made sure the laundry was done and ironed for the overnight bags, and the rest of the children’s belongings were packed neatly in her own trunks for Charley to use going west.

“The trunks can come back with Catherine and Timothy on their return trip, they can,” she told him with a smile.

“That’s kind of you, Maggie,” Charley said. He pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table where Seamus was already seated. “You’ve done so much for my family already. I wish you were coming along. I’d like Emily to meet you. I’m sure she’d like to thank you personally for helping out with the children.”

“Perhaps someday.” Maggie shrugged her shoulders. She drew a fresh loaf of bread from the oven and placed it on a cutting board. “I’m not so anxious to leave my Seamus behind again for a while. Besides, I’m not sure I could stomach the train ride for such a long period of time. If Seamus is happy in his new job with the trains here in Candor, then it’s fine by me.” She reached for the bread knife above the dry sink and the freshly churned butter.

The yeasty aroma filled the kitchen, and Charley’s taste buds couldn’t wait to bite into the crunchy goodness. “Some lines are more responsible for their employees than others,” he said, helping himself to a slice and slathering it with the butter Maggie sat on the table. “In the end, Aderley found he actually had a heart and showed compassion for his workers. Be glad Seamus doesn’t work as a coal miner. Their lives are far worse. They’re still striking, and I don’t blame them. Their children are dying alongside them in those cold, dark mines.”

“It’s too gruesome to contemplate,” Seamus said.

Maggie set a cup of coffee on the table for Charley and her husband. Charley poured a good dollop of fresh cream in his cup and swirled it together with his spoon. Seamus did the same.

“You should be aware little Sarah might be a handful on the train,” Maggie said. “Being cooped up in such a tiny space for so long, she’ll need time to run around when you make stops along the way.”

“I’m sure Catherine can manage,” Charley said, then picked up his cup and sipped the steaming brew. “After all, she’ll be dealing with children when she becomes a teacher. She might just as well get a full dose now. I’m sure the boys won’t sit still for long, either.”

Michael and Robert were about the same age as the Aderley boys. They’d need careful tending, no doubt. “I’m sure Timothy will be a big help, too.”

“I’ve made a bit of biscuits and cakes to be taking with ya. They should last a good portion of your trip if ya dole them out careful like. I’ve prepared a bag for each of ya.”

“Seamus was right, Ma’am. You do keep things running smoothly. I’m grateful you’ll be staying on here with Seth. He’ll be thankful for your help.”

“I’m glad to have a place to live until we see our way clear of setting up our own home in town.”

“Don’t be too quick to decide. You might want to check with Seth. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you stay on as cook and housekeeper as long as you like.” Charley raised the cup to his mouth and took a long swallow. “You make a great cup of coffee, Maggie. Your Seamus is a lucky man.”

****

A horse galloped up the road as Seth walked across the barnyard toward the house. The horse and rider were hell-bent on getting someplace fast. He turned in time to see Cassandra Strang ride her horse into the yard. She sat tall and rode well, her back straight. Dark auburn hair hung loose and whipped around her face, her drawstring hat atop her head. She drew the horse to a stop in front of him.

“Hello, Seth. Fine afternoon.”

Cassandra flung her left leg over the front of her horse and slid down the right side, landing right in front of him. There wasn’t much space between them. Cassandra Strang smelled like wildflowers and fresh sunshine. Her brown eyes looked directly into his, she was mere inches shorter than him, and they stood almost eye to eye.

“Hello, Miss Strang. Did your father send you? Is there something wrong?”

Cassandra batted her eyelids. An irritating warmth spread through Seth’s entire body. He took a deep breath, and then let it out in a slow stream.

“Is something wrong with your eyes?” he asked. “Do you have a piece of dust in them from your ride?”

Cassandra looked displeased. “Why no. I’m fine. I understand you’re all moving out to California territory, and I came to say goodbye. I can’t say I’m glad, Seth Carmichael. We’re just getting to know each other, and now you’re up and leaving. And Daddy was so disappointed too. Said you had the makings of a fine farmer.”

“It’s true the family is leaving,” Seth began but didn’t have a chance to finish.

“I’m so sorry to hear you’re moving on.” Cassandra hung her head and played with the reins she still held in her hands. “I suppose then a simple goodbye kiss is in order before you go.”

Seth froze. His eyes popped wide. What was Cassandra Strang suggesting?

She lifted her head. If eyes could smile, hers were doing a bang up good job right now. Before he had a chance to tell her he wasn’t leaving, she took one step closer and kissed him full on the lips. And didn’t let go. Seth found himself responding and placed a hand around her neck, drawing her still closer. The kiss continued until Cassandra was the one who drew back, her face redder than a hen’s comb. For once she was lost for words.

Seth let go and stepped back.

“I’m sorry you rode all this way for nothing, Cassandra. I’m not going anywhere. Pa is taking the others out to California. Timothy and Catherine will be returning the end of August, but I’m staying put. I’m needed here to run the farm.”

Cassandra grinned, ear to ear, not looking so disappointed any longer. She plunked her hat back on her head.

“Why, then you’ll need some looking after without anyone here. I guess I could stop by every once in a while to see how you’re doing. You know, lend a hand.”

“That’s mighty neighborly of you.” Seth didn’t bother to tell her Maggie was going to remain behind as a housekeeper and cook.

“Daddy will be pleased to know you’re not going anywhere. Fact is, I’d better get back and let him know you’ll be at next week’s meeting.”

As fast as she had ridden into the yard and jumped off her horse, Cassandra climbed back up and rode back down the road like the wind. Her hat flew off her head and her hair flew unrestricted in the wind.

Had she just yelled yippee?

Seth couldn’t help but smile as he headed toward the house. Her brazen kiss had knocked him back on his heels. He stepped up onto the front porch and bumped into his father.

“Was that your Anna Louise?” his father asked, a twinkle in his eyes. “Fine spirited woman. I had her pegged all wrong. I think you’ve met your match there.”

Seth swallowed. He’d been caught kissing another woman.

“No.” Seth smiled. “No. It was sassy Cassandra Strang.”

If the Strangs were aware the family was leaving town, then the Mitchell’s must know as well. Why hadn’t Anna Louise been the one to ride up to see him? Seth couldn’t picture Anna Louise riding a horse with such abandon. He couldn’t visualize her hair flying around her head in a small breeze let alone a gust of wind. And the kiss he’d just shared with Cassandra Strang had his toes curling, his heart pounding, and his blood boiling. Unlike the controlled kisses he’d shared with Anna Louise.

Seth recalled his father was still standing there. With a silly grin on his face. He couldn’t remember his father ever smiling like that before.

“I don’t think life will be dull with her around, Seth. I’d rethink my wifely preference if I were you.”

****

The hustle and bustle around San Francisco was a regular bee hive. After being at Marybelle’s where she had gotten the rest and care she needed, Emily wasn’t quite prepared for all the commotion of the city again. She hadn’t looked forward to the long ride back to San Francisco from Marybelle’s, but today the wagon ride hadn’t been so bad. Today, she rather enjoyed the sights and even the city wasn’t so daunting.

They arrived a bit early, so William took them along the bay area where they stopped to enjoy a lunch and walk along the wharf before going to the station to meet her family. William dropped them off at the station and drove his team down the street to conduct lumber business elsewhere.

“Stop fussing, Em. Your green skirt and matching bonnet we picked up look lovely on you. Brings out the glow in your eyes,” Marybelle said.