The Cogan Legend (3 page)

“And Mrs. Lentz?” Rachel asked before thinking.

After a few moments of silence Charles began, “I met Mary at the tavern where I was staying and she was working.”  Leaning back in the seat he continued, “As I got to know her, I realized how knowledgeable she was about the local craftsmen.  After a couple of trips back to the lodge, I realized I needed someone who could take care of it in my absence.  I asked if she knew anyone, and Mary said she would enjoy the challenge.  I already knew she could cook, so I hired her on the spot.  She's been marvelous.”

“Father, you continue to speak of only Mrs. Lentz. Is there a Mr. Lentz?”

“I learned that she became a widow early in her marriage when her husband met with a tragic hunting accident. I still know nothing about the details.”

At midday they entered Valley Forge and pulled the team to an inn with a hand-lettered sign that showed little imagination: Valley Forge Inn.  The girls' stomachs had just begun to feel pinched as Lewey pulled up the team.  After the girls and Charles left the coach, Lewey pulled the team around to the back of the inn to feed and water the horses.  

Most of the shop keepers gathered at the Valley Forge Inn for lunch.  The front of the inn was nothing fancy; there was no trim and it was plain green, a color all too often seen.  The main entrance went directly into a large dining hall, which was filled with patrons.  To the right of the dining area was the saloon where the single men gathered.  The inn did its best business during the day, and today was no exception.  

As they entered the dining hall, many eyes followed the girls, and the Inn went silent until they were seated.  Charles knew his daughter was beautiful and with Rachel along it made for an even greater entrance.  He couldn't help but feel proud.

While seated Rachel remarked, “Do you think we're being watched?”

With that, Charles knew Rachel was beginning to relax.

Their stop was an enjoyable break in the long, boring trip.  They enjoyed a nice meal before continuing to their evening destination.  When they boarded the coach, Rachel thanked Charles for the wonderful meal.  Despite the length of the journey, Rachel realized she was enjoying herself.  She was seeing countryside she had no hopes of viewing before, and she didn't have to go to work.

“Father, did you know upon Rachel's return she will be getting married?”

In surprise, Charles leaned back muttering, “I knew Tom had something to do with your decision.”

Ann knew about society weddings but was curious about Rachel's plans.  “Are you planning on having many guests?”

“We're planning to invite the entire neighborhood, including you and Mr. Fairchild to the celebration following the small ceremony in our church.”

“Rachel, I feel I've known you long enough and well enough for you to call me Charles. Please from now on call me Charles.”

Rachel hesitated for a moment, then looking directly at him, “Okay, Charles.”

As their conversation continued on and on about wedding plans, Charles had enough, so he knocked on the coach signaling Lewey to stop.  He climbed into the cab with Lewey and explained that he had to get away from the girl talk.

 They would travel several more hours before arriving in Warwick to spend the night. Rachel couldn't help but think of her mother and Tom.  

The first night's accommodations were above an inn, the nicest one in town. This inn was always the first stop on Charles's journey.  The owner of the establishment was a relative of one of his dock foremen.  

When they arrived Mrs. Webber, who always delighted in seeing Charles, greeted them with a big hug and showed them to their rooms so they could relax before dining.  Lewey and Mrs. Webber's nephew helped carry in their baggage.  Mrs. Webber was a tall, slightly overweight, jolly woman who was getting up in years.  She had to hang on to the handrail and pull herself up the steps.  Although the rooms were plain, they were very well kept, very clean.  Ann and Rachel's room had two nice size dressers beside each bed and a closet.  They could smell the fresh linens; there were plenty of towels, lotions and soaps.  The dry sink had two large decorative porcelain bowls for washing.  With the weather turning colder, each bed had a heavy comforter neatly folded at the bottom.  Each room had a vent in the floor to allow heat to enter from the fireplace in the dining room below.  

The beds were comfortable.  “This feels so good,” said Rachel as she flopped onto the soft mattress.

Ann collapsed on her bed and both girls giggled.  “This is so nice after sitting on those coach seats all day!”  Ann agreed.

When Rachel undressed down to her under garments, Ann didn't know quite what to do or say, never having seen her best friend without clothes.  For just a moment she saw Rachel as a seductive young woman with a beautiful body.  Rachel turned around, naked except for her underwear.  “Do you think my breasts sag?”  She smiled to show Ann she was joking.

Ann broke into peals of laughter at Rachel's expression.  Soon both girls were laughing.  A knock at the door sent Rachel scurrying for the covers.  Still laughing, Ann went to the door.  “Yes?”

“I have the hot water you requested,” a man replied.  Ann opened the door and a man with two buckets of hot water went over to the dry sink.  He set one bucket down and poured the other.  When he set the empty one down, he saw Rachel's clothing lying on the floor and Rachel in bed with the covers up to her neck.  He looked a little bewildered.  After he left, Ann burst into laughter again.  

Giggling, Rachel slid out from under the covers and removed her remaining underwear.  Standing over the sink to wash, she turned to chide Ann, “Are you going to dinner smelly? Get undressed; since when did you become so shy? I know how a woman looks.”  

Ann hesitated but then quickly undressed.

Soon they were both naked standing at the sink laughing and joking as they bathed.

Charles's room was next to the girls and he could hear their laughter.  As the four of them ate dinner he had to inquire, “I couldn't help but overhear the laughter coming from your room.  What was so humorous?”

Looking at each other they again started laughing.  “I guess, Father, it was relief from a long day.”

Charles just shook his head and grinned.  The dining room was small but quaint, and everyone commented on the quality of the food.

“We will be traveling longer hours tomorrow and through increasingly rural areas to cover more miles to reach our next destination before dark,” Charles informed the girls.  He continued, “There will be no midday stops except necessary breaks.  I will have Mrs. Webber prepare a basket of food for the long journey.”

Ann and Rachel both frowned at the thought of a longer day in the coach.   

The girls and Charles retired to their rooms immediately after dinner.  While enjoying a drink, Lewey sat planning the next day's journey.  He knew Charles would only buy one drink.  He had to be alert for any kind of trouble, especially with two beautiful young ladies riding in the coach.  

The girls awoke to the sound of Charles pounding on the door: “Ladies it's time to get up.”  They could hear Mrs. Webber in the kitchen below preparing breakfast.  They could hardly wait to eat when the smell of fresh baked rolls and bacon drifted into their room.  They dressed and packed all of their belongings, being careful not to leave anything behind.  Charles was already downstairs eating, and Lewey had the coach hitched and ready to go.  When the party was ready to leave, Mrs. Webber handed Charles a huge basket with enough food to last through the day.

 The second day of the journey was ready to begin.  The sun was shining bright, but the air was cold; they wrapped in blankets to keep warm.  As they traveled through the farmland, they saw farmers out with teams of horses harvesting corn and other crops.  Noticing some of the barren fields and wanting to break the silence, Rachel inquired, “Charles, do you know anything about farming?”

Charles, who was knowledgeable, went into depth, “They only have a few weeks before the first snow to pick the corn and put it into the barn so the animals have food for the winter.”  He went into lessons on types of crops grown each season and when they had to be picked, what food farmers grew for their families and what was needed to feed animals.

As Charles pointed, “Ladies, if you look out the window you see that farmer putting alfalfa in the barn that is for his cattle and milking cows.”

“What's the difference?”  Rachel wanted to know, but Ann's glance immediately told her she should have never asked.

“You really don't know?” Looking dismayed Charles continued, “Cattle are raised for their meat, and milking cows are raised of course for milk to drink and to make butter and cheese.”

Ann really didn't care about any of this.

His dissertation consumed most of the morning's travel; it was definitely more than Ann and Rachel cared to know.

Before they realized it, Lewey pulled the coach over in a nice area for their midday break.  It felt good to be out of the coach walking and stretching; it also allowed the horses a break.  They ate and rested for half an hour before continuing their journey.

The afternoon ride was not very pleasant.  The road became bumpy and dusty and the sky turned overcast with a threat of rain.  The girls slept as much as they could, but Charles never slept.  They were traveling further into the countryside.  It was almost dark before arriving in the small village of Schaefferstown.  Lewey helped the ladies down as Charles entered the Franklin House, the town's quaint little tavern.  The ladies followed, brushing themselves off and fixing their hair.  As Ann looked around the small tavern, she felt they were far removed from the civilized people of Philadelphia.  Standing around the saloon, she saw some very rugged-looking individuals.  A few commented to Charles about his beautiful daughters.  He didn't explain otherwise, for they were only spending the night, and he wanted little conversation with any of the locals.  

Since Charles's last visit before Elizabeth's death, the tavern had changed ownership, and he didn't recognize anyone; it was a different clientele.  He was quite sure his name and power meant nothing to these people, so he wouldn't receive any special favors or treatment.  

As they went upstairs, Ann admitted, “Father, this is not at all like Mrs. Webber's.  I'm glad Rachel is sharing my room.”  

“I agree.”

“I'm a little uncomfortable too.”  Rachel added.  For the first time since they left Philadelphia, she was depressed and wondered if the money was worth it.

The girls didn't want to feel uncomfortable in the dining area so they asked, “Can we eat our meal in the room?”

“Absolutely, Lewey will bring a tray up for you.”  Charles was happy to honor their request.  

That night they didn't carry on as they had the night before, although they still enjoyed each other's company.  They washed up, ate, and were asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillow.  The remainder of the night was pleasant for Rachel; she dreamed about Tom.      

Morning arrived, and Charles knocked on the door and announced, “You have thirty minutes to get dressed and be downstairs.”  When he turned to leave, he could hear grumbling from the room.

The tavern owner's wife had made them a hot breakfast. “This is filling but not the quality from Mrs. Webber.”  Ann whispered to her father.   “I'm glad to be leaving this inn.  It's disappointing after last night's stay,” she added.

Charles nodded in agreement and assured them, “You'll be safe at the lodge by the end of the day.”  

This heightened their enthusiasm for the journey ahead and looking at each other they responded in unison, “That is great news!”

Filled with anticipation of journey's end, the day seemed to pass quickly; it was a better day.  They passed through Lebanon, the largest town on their journey.  It seemed more refined.  As they traveled on the main street through the downtown area they saw familiar sights: people and shops.

 “This town is as close to Philadelphia as you are going to see for a while,” Charles commented and the two friends just winced.

“Is the lodge close by?” Rachel inquired.

 Charles looked at her and grinned as the coach kept rolling, “No, it's not.”

 North of Lebanon, in the village of Pine Grove, Lewey stopped the coach at Brady's Tavern.  Again it felt good for the weary travelers to take a break, stretch and walk around.  Following lunch Charles informed the girls, “This was the final portion of the journey.”

 They both sighed in relief.  

“Does this mean we are almost there?” Ann questioned.

He informed them again, “No, but this is the most rugged part of the trip through rough mountain roads.”  

As they continued north, it seemed like there was one mountain after another, and Charles wasn't kidding about the roads.  Again civilization disappeared, and again Rachel questioned her decision.  Slowly the sun began to disappear behind the mountains, and cool air overtook the coach; the girls grabbed for blankets.  They passed through a small village and just as Rachel wondered about its name, Charles spoke. “Ladies, we are in Gratztown and within walking distance to the lodge.  It has the necessities one needs to survive and that's about all, but don't worry, in just a little while, we'll see the hunting lodge.”

 

 

The lodge looked majestic sitting on a hill surrounded by trees.  The oaks still had rustic brown leaves that glistened like copper from the sun's last rays.  The huge stone-covered lodge had a large front porch extending to each end.  They were impressed. Ann admitted, “Father, this is not at all what I expected; I thought it would be a log cabin.”