CHAPTER 2

In the meantime, the family kept hearing talk of the tensions that were developing between the North and South. They even heard the word “war” mentioned. On his trips to the general store, James tried to get up-to-date news. But news was slow to reach their community, especially since there was no newspaper available. They had to rely on travelers passing through or on Mr. Martin, owner of the general store. He brought back information he could pick up on his weekly trip for supplies. They hoped it wouldn’t have any impact on their lives there on the farm.

Besides, James had other things on his mind of importance right then, at least to him. Recently he had met a lovely young woman by the name of Sarah Louise Russell, who was spending the weekend with friends close by. He had seen her sometime in the past, but never had the opportunity to talk with her. And now that he had, he simply couldn’t get her out of his mind. He thought she was beautiful, with her strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. The girl of his dreams, she was friendly and smiled at him a lot, leading him to believe she might be as interested in him as he was in her.

Since Sarah lived about five miles away, shopped at a different general store, and attended a different church, he began to wonder when and how he would run into her again. After a couple of weeks had passed, he finally came to the conclusion that the only thing to do was to ride over to the Russell farm, introduce himself to her father, and ask his permission to come calling on his daughter.

From this moment on, James’ life was never the same. At first, it was not easy for him to approach an older man he hardly knew and let him know he was interested in his daughter. It took courage, but it was something that he felt he had to do.

On the very next Saturday morning after chores, James bathed himself in the creek that ran in back of the barn, dressed in clean clothes, and rode over to the Russell place on his favorite horse.

As he drew closer, it was only the memory of Sarah’s sweet face that kept him from turning and going back home. But, taking a deep breath, he rode right on up to the hitching rail and dismounted.

At his first knock, the door was opened by Mr. Russell himself as though he was waiting for him. Mr. Russell invited him into the parlor and asked him to sit down. When James introduced himself, Mr. Russell said, “Yes, son, I know who ‘ya are. You’re Sam Sanders’ boy. I’ve seen you before and have lately been hearin’ some good things about how you’ve been such a help to your Ma since your Pa’s death, keeping the farm and the school goin’. Everyone’s been right proud of ‘ya.”

James was so surprised at his reception that he finally began to relax. This wasn’t nearly as difficult as he expected it to be. He said, “Well, sir, thank you for the nice words. I’ll get right to the point of my visit. I’ve become interested in your daughter Sarah and would like your permission to come callin’.”

Mr. Russell smiled and said, “Well, I have to tell you, James, that this doesn’t come as a big surprise to me. As a matter of fact, Sarah has mentioned you several times lately, even suggestin’ to her mother and me that we invite you over for dinner or supper so we can get to know you better. Seems she’s taken a fancy to you too, James.”

James couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was going much better than he expected.

Mr. Russell then continued, “Well, now that that’s settled, I suppose you’d like to spend some time with Sarah while you’re here. If you want me to, I’ll go call her. I’m sure she’s not too far away.”

“Thank you very much, Sir. I’d like that,” James replied.

Shortly thereafter, Sarah appeared and she was just as lovely as James remembered. After a short greeting, Sarah suggested going for a walk to see some of their farm.

“I’d love to,” he said.

So for the next hour they strolled around the large yard and past the smokehouse where the smell of smoked ham was in the air, and up to the barnyard where Sarah showed off some of her favorite animals.

It was a pleasant time together, but James soon left, telling her he would look forward to coming back soon. And so for the next few months, James rode over to the Russell farm on either Saturday or Sunday, or sometimes both days. They also started attending social events together.

One warm sunshiny day when James arrived back at the farm, Sarah met him at the door with a large basket of lunch she and her mother had packed. They then drove for a few miles to a lovely spot near a large creek, which they decided would be a nice spot for a picnic. After exploring the grounds for a bit, Sarah spread a cloth on the ground and unpacked the food. By then they were starved, and they enjoyed the cold fried chicken and potato salad.

There were others picnicking in the area; so after eating, they walked on to a more secluded spot where James put his arms around Sarah and held her close. He said, “Sarah, I think you must know by now that I’m crazy about you and want you to be my wife. When I’m away from you I think of you all the time, wonderin’ what you’re doing. I hope you feel the same about me.”

She gave him a big hug and said, “Oh, James, I’ve been dyin’ for you to ask me. Yes, of course, I’ll marry ya’. Just tell me how soon.”

It was a happy day for both of them. James couldn’t believe he was so lucky. He said, “Well, I think the first thing we should do would be to tell our families to see how soon they could be ready for a wedding, but somehow I don’t think they’ll be surprised.”

* - * - * - * - * -
It was obvious to everyone concerned that James and Sarah were in love. They had been spending a lot of time together lately and seemed to enjoy each other’s company so much. So nobody was surprised when it was announced in church the next week that all friends and family were invited to a wedding on the first Saturday in the next month.

There was much excitement at the Sanders home, thinking of all that must be done before the wedding date. It was good having joy in the home after such a long sad period following Samuel’s death.

Normally in this community, wedding invitations were not sent out. Instead an announcement was made from the pulpit that a couple was planning to be married on a certain date, and that everyone was invited. Weather permitting, a table was set up in the church yard on which cakes and fruit drinks were served. Therefore, it came as no surprise to most when it was announced that James Sanders and Sarah Russell were planning to be married on the following Sunday after the service and that everyone was invited. Word had gotten around about their courtship and many were expecting it.

On the morning of the big day, the sun was shining brightly. It was a joyous occasion. They made a handsome couple – James in a new suit ordered for the occasion, and Sarah in a beautiful dress made by her mother. There was a fine spread of delicious pies, cakes, lemonade, and a number of covered dishes prepared by the members. It was whispered about that a number of toasts were made to the happy couple from the back of a wagon, sipping a home-brewed concoction of some sort, although most denied it.

Following the reception, the happy couple traveled by horse and wagon to a town upstate called Rolla, the newly named county seat of Phelps County. Rolla was located on the site of the main line of the new Frisco railroad. James and Sarah had never seen a train before and were looking forward to seeing it.

They enjoyed every moment of the trip, and couldn’t be happier. James couldn’t believe that the girl of his dreams was now his wife and that they would be spending the rest of their lives together.

* - * - * - * - * -

Upon their return home, things gradually returned to normal. Normal that is, except for having Sarah there. However, she fit right in and soon became just a regular member of the family. She pitched in and helped with chores because there was much to be done, as she very well knew, having lived on a farm herself. They grew and prepared all their own food, preserving fruits and vegetables, curing their own meat, and making candles. It was considered a lucky day when one of the men brought home a wild turkey or a deer, which meant meat for the table for a number of days.

The family usually retired not long after dark most every night because the candlelight didn’t provide enough light to see well enough to read or do needlework. Plus everyone was tired from their daily chores. So after a light supper, they were ready for bed. A heartier meal they called “dinner” was prepared in the middle of the day.

Both James and his mother felt it was important for the family to get away from the farm occasionally to socialize with their friends and neighbors, and the children loved it. Nellie and Jessie were both almost grown up now and had admirers and friends in their age group.

But the situation with Harriet wasn’t such a happy one. She was now at the age to be thinking of marriage, but wasn’t being pursued by the eligible young men in the community. This worried her mother a lot because she knew that Harriet realized this and was becoming moody and unhappy. She was even more withdrawn since Sarah had come to live at the farm.

She began to spend more and more time away from the house, preferring to do most of the work tending to the vegetable gardens, caring for the chickens and other animals. She was often seen taking long walks. She rarely entered into the conversations at meal time.

Although Harriet kept telling herself that she really wasn’t romantically interested in Caleb, still she seemed to spend a lot of time seeing him out and engaging him in conversation at the barn. Later when he was putting in long days cultivating the fields for planting, she volunteered to carry lunch and cold fresh water out to him so he wouldn’t have to come all the way back to the farmhouse. Both James and Emmaline thought she was just trying to be helpful in this busy time, so they were pleased that she would offer to do it.

The first day she arrived with the lunch basket, Caleb was surprised and pleased to see her. It was a warm day, so she had stopped under a shady tree by the edge of the far field until Caleb spotted her and walked over to where she was waiting.

“Hi,” she said. “I thought you might be gettin’ hungry and thirsty, so I volunteered to bring somethin’ for ‘ya.”

As she handed it to him, he said, “Thanks, Harriett. I ‘ppreciate it. If you don’t have to hurry back, how about keepin’ me company for a while? It gets lonesome out here.”

Actually, that was what she had in mind, so she agreed to sit down and rest before starting back. Harriet was unaware that Caleb liked her, and she was flattered.

Each day thereafter she would show up at the usual time and would sit and join him while he ate. One day they decided to walk a little further on to a larger wooded section where it was cooler. They found a lovely spot where the grass was green, with the sweet smell of early blooming wild flowers in the air. After finishing his lunch, instead of the usual words of appreciation, Caleb became a bit more bold, saying, “Harriett, this’s become the highlight of my day. When I get up in the morning, I start looking forward to noon hopin’ you’ll show up. I can’t believe you’re doin’ this. I keep askin’ myself why you’d want to bother with me.”

She said, “Cause you’re a nice guy, Caleb. I just want to be your friend.”

She moved closer and instantly they were in each other’s arms. Sitting down in the grass, their first kiss lingered on and on until their pent-up emotions exploded into a deep passion that surprised them both, and the ended up making love in their lovely quiet spot under the tree.

Later, shocked at what had just happened, they were embarrassed and didn’t know what to say to each other. Harriett simply gathered up her things and ran away, saying, “I have to get back.”

She didn’t show up in the field the next day, or the next, nor did he see her around the farm. Caleb didn’t know what to think. The following Sunday he saw her in church, but she just blushed and turned away.

As the days went by, he became more and more confused. Harriett still avoided him and there was nothing he could do about it. He didn’t know very much about girls – in fact he had never kissed one before the moment with Harriett and was surprised by her reaction. He wondered if this was normal behavior. There was no one he knew that he could ask about such things.

In the meantime, he was miserable. He thought of her constantly and longed to be with her again. He wondered why she was so upset. How could such a loving, affectionate moment be so bad? Was she worried that the family would find out about it? Did she feel guilty and blame him for what happened and never wanted to have anything to do with him again?

The thought that this was the case was almost more than he could bear. He had to find a way to somehow tell her how much he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He didn’t dare say anything to James, but he did wonder if the family had noticed that Harriett had suddenly stopped bringing his lunch and if they wondered why.

The days passed slowly as an unhappy Caleb toiled away in the hot sun, and Harriett kept to herself as much as possible.

* - * - * - * - * -

One of the things Emma missed since James’ marriage was the time the two of them used to have together in the mornings at breakfast after the others had left for school. There just weren’t as many opportunities to speak to him alone now, so she hadn’t had the chance to bring up the subject of Harriett.

One morning, she deliberately caught up with him as he was headed for the barn. As she walked along she asked him if he had noticed a change in Harriett – how quiet she was, how withdrawn.

James agreed that she had been acting strange lately, saying, “But then you know she’s always been the quiet one in the family, so I’ve not thought too much about it. I don’t think she likes me anymore since I started kiddin’ her about Caleb. I don’t think you should spend time worrin’ about it, Ma. Anyway what can ya’ do?”

But Emmaline couldn’t help worrying. Since James was no help, she decided she must take the time to try having a talk with Harriett first chance she got someplace away from the house.

As it turned out, after lunch that afternoon, Emmaline saw Harriett start toward the barn. So she called and asked if she could speak with her for a minute. Harriett didn’t look too happy about it, but she followed her mother to a grassy spot behind the barn where they sat down.

Much to Emmaline’s surprise, when she asked Harriett if there was something wrong because she seemed unhappy these days, Harriett immediately burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying.

Emmaline was more puzzled at that reaction, thinking that the problem must be worse than she imagined. She put her arms around the young woman, holding her close for a while. She said, “Harriett, child, I knew somethin’ was botherin’ you. You’ve not been yourself lately. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Finally when she could speak, the words just poured out of Harriett about how unhappy she was, about how much she missed her father, that he was the only one who had cared for her, that she was not pretty like Nell, and that none of the young men were interested in her. It even came out that she resented having Sarah there with them.

Emma was in shock. She knew Harriett was a bit unhappy, but she had no idea that the situation had gotten this bad. She was angry at herself for not speaking to her sooner. What could she have been thinking, she thought. It’s just that so much had been going on, so much to think about with Samuel’s death and the wedding. But that was no excuse.

She said, “Harriett, I can’t believe you just said all that! We all love you very much. You’re a vital part of this family, even though we’ve been neglectin’ ya’ lately with all that’s been going on. I’ll never forgive myself for not realizin’ before that you were havin’ such thoughts.”

She continued, “I want you to promise me right now that you’ll stop thinkin’ this way. You’re not unattractive. You’re smart and have what it takes to be a good wife when the right man comes along. Don’t worry about that.”

“But it’s too late, Ma. There’s somethin’ else. I think I’m goin’ to have a baby.”

“Oh dear God above us! What did you just say? I can’t believe what I heard. How could you possibly be with child? You must be mistaken. Why do you think that? You have to tell me. Have you been with a man?”

Emmaline felt like was going to faint. “Tell me, Harriett, you must. Speak to me, please.” She sat waiting for Harriett to say something.

After a bit, Harriett was able to speak. With her head down, unable to look her mother in the face, the words came pouring forth. “When I was carryin’ lunch up to Caleb in the field, we’d sit and talk while he ate. Then one day he told me how much he loved me and how he could never care for anyone else. I could tell he really meant it, so feelin’ sorry for him and likin’ the attention he was payin’ to me, I sat down closer to him and it just happened.”

By this time, Emma too was in tears, holding Harriett closely. When she was able to speak, she said, “Well, I’m very disappointed in the two of you. You both knew better. But we’ll talk about that later. Right now there’s only one thing to do. You and Caleb must be married immediately. It’s the only possible solution to this. You have no choice. There can be a quiet wedding with just the family there. I don’t believe anyone will think anything about that ‘cause you’re both shy and wouldn’t be a fuss made.

“And nobody but you, Caleb, and me need know about the baby yet. Later on if people suspect something, then so be it. It’d still be far better than havin’ a baby out of wedlock. Surely you realize that. Your life would be ruined. You’d be whispered about behind your back – shunned.”

“But I told you, mother. I don’t know if I love him,” said Harriet.

“Stop saying that! Of course you love him. We all do. And if not, I know you’ll learn to. He’s a fine young man – almost like family already. I think you care for him more than you think. If you didn’t, then why did you lie with him?”

After a pause in the conversation, Emma said, “Harriett, Caleb knows about this, doesn’t he?”

“No,” she said.

“But Harriett, why haven’t you told him? He has a right to know and it’s your duty to tell him. I just know he’ll be happy about it and will want to marry you now seein’ how much he cares for you.

“Now listen to me. You must go at once and tell Caleb, and tell him of our conversation. The weddin’ must take place as soon as possible. Will you go now and tell him, or shall I?”

“What about Caleb’s mother? What do I tell her?”

“You leave that to Caleb. You know that his mother is practically bedfast. When I looked in on her the other day, she hardly knew who I was! The poor woman’s mind is such that she’ll probably not understand much of what’s goin’ on. Even if she could understand, she’d welcome havin’ another woman in the house. She’s incapable of takin’ care of things.

“Anyway, don’t’ worry about that now. That can all be worked out. You need to get on with the other matters we’ve talked about. And Harriet, you’ll be so happy to have a little baby boy or girl to love and care for. Think about that. It’s the best thing that can happen to a woman.

“Now I’m goin’ back to the house right now and will wait for you to come to me just as soon as you’ve talked to Caleb and let me know how it went. I’m serious, Harriett, this matter can’t be put off.”

After that she turned and started walking away. She looked back a few minutes later and saw that Harriett was walking off toward the fields where she assumed Caleb was working, followed by Caleb’s dog, Bow.

As Emmaline walked along, she said a silent prayer to God to give her the necessary strength and guidance to work this all out. “Harriett is actually a good girl. Being angry and yellin’ at her won’t help the situation right now. She needs our love and support. She just made a mistake, and I feel partly to blame,” she said to herself. Tears again came to her eyes as she thought about Samuel and how she wished he was there to help her get through this.

Drying her eyes, she decided to go do some weeding in the garden and flower beds. She didn’t want to go into the house and let them see that she was disturbed. This would also give her time to think about it quietly.

As she vigorously attacked the weeds in the lettuce bed, her mind was filled with this new development. In thinking about Caleb, she found she couldn’t be too harshly critical of him. The poor guy had had such a rough time the past few years. He had to work so hard since he was just a little boy – his sister taking off and leaving him and his mother to cope with his father’s illness without complaining, and now the same situation with his mother. She had to admit that Caleb and Harriett desperately needed someone to love. Even so, thinking this way didn’t help solve her problem.

An hour or more later, her back growing weary from bending over, she decided she should go back to the house and see if Harriett had gotten back.

She was nowhere to be found.

Another hour went by and Emma started to get worried. She decided to start walking toward the fields that were being cultivated. Before long, however, much to her surprise, she was Harriett, Caleb, and Bow slowly walking in her direction. She waited until they reached where she was standing.

Nobody spoke until they found a nice grassy spot to sit on. Caleb appeared to be embarrassed, but said, “Uh, Miss Emmaline, I’m so sorry that Harriett and I’ve created this problem for you and caused you to get upset. I’ll do just what you want me to. I’m ready to marry Harriett anytime. I care for her very much an’ I’ll try my best to be a good husband. You’re all almost like family to me already and I’d be honored to be a permanent member. Just tell me what I need to do first.”

Emma said, “Yes, I’m very upset Caleb. What you did was wrong and you both know it. But I’m not goin’ to waste time yellin’ at you about it. You must get married as soon as possible before we have a big scandal on our hands.

“You didn’t disappoint me in what you just said, Caleb, and I’m not surprised. You’re a good person and I knew you’d want to do what’s right. What you need to do first is to see Preacher Ross tomorrow and tell him that you have proposed to Harriett, and now that she’s accepted you’d like to set the date right away for a private ceremony with just the family present. You can say that you are both somewhat shy and don’t want a fuss made. I think he’ll understand that. Say you have talked it over with us and found that next Saturday would be convenient time for all concerned.

“Does that sound all right with you, Harriett?”

Harriett slowly nodded her head yes.

“Well, then that settles it,” said Emma. “And I think it would be a good idea, Caleb, if you came for supper later this evening and the two of you can break the news to the family.

“And since tomorrow is Saturday, I think it’d also be a good idea if the two of you went together to see Preacher Ross. I can go along if you want, but I’d like it to be done tomorrow if at all possible. I think you both can understand that.”

She then turned and started for home, feeling rather weak in the knees. She was relieved that it had gone so well but was still a little worried about Harriett’s actions through it all. “I’m sure people are going to suspect something,” she thought, “but that’s just too bad. There is no other day it can be done.”

And so plans got underway. A new dress was quickly sewn for Harriett, and Emma discreetly arranged with Caleb for Nell and himself to go over and spruce things up a bit in his four-room cabin, which it definitely needed. Caleb’s mother hardly knew they were there and caused no problem.

The next day they went to the general store, insisting that Harriet come along, and they bought all the staples and things they thought Harriett would need as the new housewife. She was gradually beginning to enter into the spirit of the occasion, seeming to enjoy the excursion. Possibly, this was because she was finally getting the attention she had felt was missing from her family.

On Saturday morning, the Sanders family loaded into the wagon and took off for the wedding ceremony. It was a lovely, sunshiny day. Caleb’s mother was unable to attend. The ceremony was short, and they were all back home soon, making arrangements to eat the delicious food that had been prepared early that morning or the day before. Under the circumstances, it all went well.

Shortly after the meal, Caleb and Harriett drove away in their wagon to spend the afternoon together, the family knew not where, and to start their life together. At least they would be living nearby, and Caleb was expected to continue as their hired man.

Before they left, James shook Caleb’s hand and told him that from now on, his official title was Assistant Farm Manager, to cheers from the group.

Although she was at the point of exhaustion, Emmaline helped Sarah and Nell with the dishes and putting the house in order before they made her go to her room for some needed rest.