The Widow's Mail Order Husband (Mail Order Brides) (6 page)

The next morning…

Mary and Rosa were having a cup of coffee  in the kitchen when Tom came in from his early morning chores.  “Good morning, girls, I trust you slept well?” 

“I was sound asleep when some clown shook the bed, and rattled around making noise while it was still the dead of night,” Mary said.

“Well, some of us don’t have the luxury of staying in bed until mid-morning.  Some of us have
to get out and work so the slackers can stay in bed.”

“Tom,” Mary said.  “Approximately how many children under the age of fourteen would you say there are around here?”

“I would say between ten and twelve.  There may be one other, and that’s including Emily.  Where is she, by the way?” he asked.

“She’s one of the slackers you were talking about,” Mary said.

“Where do these ten or twelve children get their schooling?” she asked.

“I doubt they get very much.  Only what the mothers can give them.  The older ones could ride in to the Grapevine school.  Somehow, I don’t think there’s much of that going on.  Where are you going with this?” he asked.

“It’s a shame they’re not getting schooled.  Missing out on an education really hurts them when they become adults.  Where I’m going is this; I have twelve years of teaching experience that are going to waste.  If I could put that to use here, it would solve the problem we were discussing last night, plus it would benefit all of the children.”

“That is a great idea.  I confess I haven’t even thought about Emily and school.  I think the other families will jump at it.”

“I would like to see what interest there is.  There would be a cost involved. Before you even consider whether I should be paid for it.

“Books would have to be bought, supplies and classroom supplies such as paper and pencils.  We would also need to have a place, with enough space for the desks, heater, chalkboard, etc.  There would be startup costs involved, before you even consider paying a teacher.  I don’t feel obligated to do it free, since I could do the same thing in Grapevine and be paid.  Perhaps I’m shouting my own praises, but I have probably done this longer than most  in the Grapevine school.”

“I don’t think you are doing that at all,” he said.  “Our old school has fallen in by now, and there hasn’t been another one built.  How would you like to proceed?”

She responded, saying, “We would have to determine interest, the number of students, and then based on that, find a place to hold classes.  What about the school you and James attended? 

“More than likely, there is state funding for some of this.  I would like to visit the school in Grapevine and talk to the principal as well as the teachers about all of this. 

“The first step would be to get the names and ages of the children that would attend.  It is likely the state would require that information.  I was involved with this to some extent in Maryland since education is federally mandated.

“Do you have any suggestions on how I can get the information?” she asked.

“I guess the best way would be to go visiting. Or to get the parents to meet and discuss it.  Why don’t we start by inviting my brother and his family to dinner and see what their take is on it.  It’s about time they met their new sister-in-law anyway,” Tom said.

“I’d love to meet them.  You said they had three children.  How old are they?” she asked.

“The two oldest, Jimmy and Lizzy are eleven and twelve and Zeke, the youngest is nine, so they fit right into your age group.  If it’s all right with you, I’ll ask them to dinner Sunday.  Would you talk to Rosa about it?”

Sunday morning…

It was eleven o'clock when James and Elizabeth Hartness arrived at the Lazy H for dinner after the short ride from their home, the Rocking H Ranch.  Their children immediately became involved with Emily.  Mary saw she was delighted to have playmates other than her doll, even though they were several years older.  Lizzy, the oldest of the two girls took charge and began issuing directions.  Her eleven year old brother did not take kindly to being bossed around by his sister and said so.  Mary smiled at this, thinking of the heated discussion she had with Tom earlier in the week.

Mary found a kindred spirit in Elizabeth, who was the same age as Tom.  Her beauty showed through the tanned skin and crows feet at the eyes caused by exposure to the harsh Texas sun.  She welcomed Mary to the family with a bear hug, and told her how glad she was Tom had found someone.  She related to Mary how devastated Tom had been after Caroline’s death, causing concern for those who loved him.  “Emily has changed since the last time I saw her too.  You must be having an effect on her.”

Mary related how quiet Emily had been until the story reading and the breakthrough in behavior because of the storm.  “She even calls me Mama now,” Mary said.  “As soon as I get some of my books from back home, I’m going to start working with her on reading and writing.”

“I could sure use some help with my brood in that area.  I really don’t know how to go about it.  Tom told James you were a teacher.  Could you help me with that?” she asked.

“What a perfect lead-in,” laughed Mary.  “Tom and I have talked about the possibility of starting a school if there are enough people and enough interest.  I want to check into state funding for a school and could use your input on this.  Do you have any idea how many children fourteen and under in the immediate area?”

After thinking a minute, Elizabeth said, “I believe it is twelve with Emily, maybe thirteen, but no less than twelve.  I can’t believe there is a possibility we could have a school nearby.  I would like for Jimmy to be better prepared than he is now.  I’m ashamed to admit it, but he can barely read.” 

“Maybe I can help.  Why not send him over  and let me see where he is and what I might be able to do.  I have been at wits end looking for something to do.  It seemed as if everything I thought of, Tom told me I couldn’t because it was dangerous.  We had a big row, and I think he learned he can accomplish more by asking than telling.”

“It runs in the family, because James is the same way, and their Paw was even worse than they are.”

“We had an expression back in Maryland that says, “That dog don’t hunt.” And I’ll tell you that dog don’t hunt describes me,” Mary said.

“I can tell I’m going to like having you around,” said Elizabeth.

“Is Tom exaggerating about the danger from the Indians?” Mary asked. 

“Probably not,” said Elizabeth, “but they tend to raid the smaller ranches.  The ones the size of ours are too well defended for more than the occasional stealing if a few head of cattle.  James and Tom don’t mind that too much.  If it got out of hand, they would put a stop to it.  You can’t be known as an easy target.  That’s what happened to their parents.  They were caught alone by a raiding party  and killed.”

“You grew up around here, didn’t you?” Mary asked.

“Yes, we lived about five or six miles further on down the road.  I’ve known Tom since we were kids.”

After dinner, the adults sat in the living room and talked about the possibility of establishing a school.  James said, “Tom, we could put up a building down by Grapevine Creek.  They’d have good water, and the neighbors would help, just like an old fashioned barn raising.”

“Good idea.  We need to get everyone together.  I wonder if we could have a meeting at the old church?”  The two men laid out a plan to set up the meeting at the church building.  They decided to split the task of contacting the neighbors, with each contacting those closest to them. 

School was now a work in progress.

The small Lonesome Dove Baptist Church outside Grapevine was buzzing this Sunday afternoon.  This was not a Sunday featuring the circuit preacher.  He wasn’t due for another week.  Today, after the Bible reading by one of the members, eight ranchers and their families remained.  Parents had directed the older children to mind their younger brothers
and sisters until the meeting was over.

The meeting was initiated at the request of Thomas and James Hartness.  The subject of the meeting was to discuss the possible establishment of a school for the ranchers who did not wish to transport their children to the Grapevine school.  Tom Hartness led the meeting.  “As the first order of business,” he began, “I’d like to introduce my wife, Mary, whom most of you do not know.  Mary came to Grapevine from Hagerstown, Maryland, where she taught for twelve years in the Hagerstown schools.  Mary, would you please stand?”

Smiling at the way he had made the request, she stood by him and made some small amount of eye contact with each person present.  Tom continued, “As you know, our daughter, Emily, is five years old.  Mary believes she is going to be ready for school this fall.  I have no desire to make or have one of my ranch hands travel to Gravevine to take her to school.  Prior to Mary’s coming, her education would have been handled by Rosa, who has been with my family since James and I were small boys.  Needless to say, we love Rosa very much, but a teacher she is not.  We have talked at length about the need for a school and discussed it with James and Elizabeth.”

“We would like to talk about a school that would serve our children fourteen years old and under.  After fourteen, they would be better served in the Grapevine Masonic Institute.  We’d like to hear your opinions.”

“What would be taught?” asked a young rancher.

“I would teach the same subjects, using the same books as the Grapevine school,” Mary answered.

“If you’re going to teach the same subjects, then why a new school?  Just use the Grapevine school,” the young rancher said.

“That would certainly be an option for you,” replied Mary, “but who of you is going to ride into Grapevine and back twice a day, every day of the school year.”

“Why twice?” questioned one man.

Mary smiled, “Would you stay in Grapevine until school was out, or just leave them to make their own way home?”  The attendees laughed out loud while the man’s face reddened.

“Let Mrs. Hartness tell us about her plans,” said one.

“Well, I would like to meet with the Grapevine principal and teachers, and find out about their subjects, what books they would use, and the possibility of getting state funding for the books.  As you know, the federal government has mandated education to be available for all.  Right now, it is only available in Grapevine.

“There would be some costs involved, such as obtaining a location, school supplies, such as pen and ink, a chalkboard, heat when necessary for the school and of course, a teacher.”

“I thought you would teach,” the same young rancher said.

“I will.  I do think a  stipend is appropriate, since I could and would get paid if I were to teach in the Grapevine school.”

“You would have to make a round-trip to Grapevine every day if you did that,” someone said, drawing a laugh from the audience.

“But I would get paid,” she retorted. 

Several of the ranchers looked at each other and nodded.  “She was a feisty one, all right.  Ole Tom has his hands full with her,” was the communal thought.

“What about a building?” came from the floor.

“We could have a school raising and build one at a convenient location,” Tom said.

“What about the old school building?”

Tom laughed.  “Jeb, that old building fell in years ago.”  More laughter.

“What about this building?  Would it do?”

“It could work,” said Mary, “if we were permitted some small changes.  A teacher needs a desk, and a chalkboard would be necessary.  If it is available, and those changes were allowed, it could work.”

“When?” asked another.

“I have already started with Emily,” said Mary.  “She is learning quickly.  I expect her to be reading before too much longer.”

“Wasn’t Maryland a free state?”  came from the back of the church.

“What is your point, sir?  I believe we are all free,” Mary answered.

“I’m not sure I want my Luke taught by a Yankee.”

“That would be your decision to make, sir, said Mary.

“Damn straight,” the man said.

James Hartness stood immediately, and said, “Jace, your language is offensive.  This is a house of the Lord.  I would ask you to be mindful of that.  Mary is offering to provide us with a much needed service.  Did you hear her say she expects Emily to be reading before long?  How many of your children can read and write?  You don’t have to answer.  I already know the answer if yours are like mine.”

The focus shifted back to Tom.  “We would like to have your thoughts and ideas within the next two weeks.  Please.”

The meeting was officially over, several people, primarily mothers, gathered around Mary, welcoming her to the community and thanking her for what she was doing.  Most spoke in favor of the plan.  No one turned it down flat.  The man with the question about Mary had hurriedly left the building, his wife trailing after him, looking back over her shoulder shaking her head.  With the exception of him, everyone had indicated approval.  Mary would get the information from the Grapevine school, and provide the individual costs to each of the ranchers.

“Well done,” Tom said to his wife.  I don’t think you made a friend of that one man, though.”

“Friends like him I don’t need, though I do feel sorry for his wife and children,” she said.  “I have to admit it bothered me a bit because some of them thought I would not expect to be paid.  Maybe it would be better if I planned to teach in Grapevine.”

“Please, let’s not go there again,” Tom asked.

The next week…

Mary and Tom visited the Grapevine Masonic Institute, where Tom introduced her to the principal, George Barnes. 

“Mr. Barnes, these are my teaching credentials from the Hagerstown schools.  In the immediate area of the Lazy H, there are twelve children under the age of fourteen not attending school.  Our daughter is coming of school age.  We would like to establish a community school for these children to make it easier for them to obtain an education.  They do not attend your school because of the logistics involved.  Would it be possible for you to point me in the right direction so I can get started?”

“It’s really quite simple, really,” Barnes said.  “You provide me with the names of the parents and where they live.  We would have to verify they are in our district.  Then you provide me with the names and ages of the children.  I would put them on our rolls, and designate whatever name you choose as their assigned school.  Once this is done, you will be able to draw the books from our repository according to the appropriate grade level.”

“At our meeting the other day, I got the feeling the only schooling these children have is what the mother can provide.  I would like to be able to get them to the point where they would be qualified to enter your school here, once past the age of fourteen,” Mary said. 

“With your permission, I would like to talk to the teachers that work with the age groups I mentioned,” she said.

Barnes said, “Mrs. Hartness, I’m afraid we only have three teachers at this time and we have over fifty students.  Growth in the district has put us in need of expansion, but we don’t have enough qualified teachers to staff the expansion.  I don’t suppose you would be interested in joining our school here?” he asked.

“I don’t think so, at this time anyway.  Tom and I just recently married and I wouldn’t be interested in anything that takes me away from the ranch on a regular basis,” she said. A quick glance at Tom indicated she had said just the right thing.  She flashed a smile at him.  “It’s nice to be wanted, though.  Thank you for the offer.”

“Well, if you change your mind…”

“Mr. Barnes, I have prepared a list of the families, the names of their ranches, the children and their ages belonging to each family.  When would you think we could get started.  We have a lot of catching up.”

“I only have to check the ranches against the county tax rolls, and you would be good to go.  Feel free to meet with the teacher any time.  I can have this done by the end of the day.”

When they left the principal’s office, and stepped onto the board sidewalk, Mary took Tom’s arm as they walked to the café close by.  Mary felt the tension in his arm.  “He’s uncomfortable with this public display of affection,” she thought.  “He’s just going to have to get used to it.”  She squeezed his arm and smiled up at him.”

Being a lifelong resident of the Grapevine area, Tom knew practically everyone in the small town.  He nodded to the passersby and touched the brim of his Stetson to the ladies.  “I would like for you to introduce me to your friends,  It’s the easiest way for me to meet new people.”

It was a little early for the serving of lunch, but Tom introduced Mary to the few people seated.  She was warmly welcomed by all.  “Grapevine is a friendly town, isn’t it?” she asked Tom.

“Yes it is, but then we have known each other most of our lives,” he answered.  “Most of these people are ranchers, living on the land their fathers lived on before them.”

While they waited for their lunch, Mary said, “I thought the meeting with Mr. Barnes went well.  The initial cost of books will be born by the state, so the only outlay the parents will have will be for supplies and the teacher.”

“I agree.  It did go well. It surprised me to find out the state pays for the books,  I was proud of the way you went about that.

“I should have said something the other day, but I was also proud of your handling of the meeting Sunday.  You had them rooting for you against Jace.”

“After Joshua died, I had to look out for myself,” she asserted.  “Sometimes I put men off when I come on so strong.  They’re not used to coming up against a woman that thinks for herself.  We had quite a few widows in Hagerstown, and we met regularly, with no subject off limits.  Most of us had to support ourselves and there weren’t many ways to do that.”

“I guess I put myself in the category you described.  It’s the way Paw was, and I guess I inherited it.  I’m a slow learner, but I usually get it sooner or later.”

“There’s nothing slow about you.  You never would have taken the mail order path if you were slow.  We’ll get it figured out.”