Maggie's Journey (McKenna's Daughters) Page 24

  Her journey was complete. She was home.

  Coming in May 2012

  Mary’s Blessing

  Chapter 1

  Outside Oregon City

  April 1885

  Pa?” Mary Lenora Murray shouted back over her shoulder as she picked up the heavy picnic basket. “You ready to go?” Why does he always drag his feet when we’re going to church?

  Her father came into the kitchen from outside, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. He smelled of heat, hay, and sunshine, with the strong tang of muck from the barn mingled in. By the looks of his clothes, attending church was the farthest thing from his mind. His ratty trousers held smudges of several dark colors. She didn’t even want to guess what they were. And the long sleeves of his undershirt, the only thing covering his torso, were shoved above his elbows. Grayed and dingy, the shirt would never be white again, no matter how hard she tried to get it clean.

  Mary bit her tongue to keep from scolding him as she did her younger brothers and sister when they made so much racket entering the house. No doubt he would give her some excuse about having too much work to gadabout with them, even to church. Not a big surprise. She’d heard it all before too many times.

  He set a bucket of fresh water beside the dry sink and gripped his fingers around the front straps of his suspenders. He always did that when he was going to tell her something she didn’t want to hear.

  “I’m not going today.” His stubborn tone held finality, as if he didn’t want her to talk back to him. But she was tempted to tell him what she thought about it.

  This time he didn’t really make any excuses. Just this bald-faced comment.

  She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm her anger. She’d give him a sweet answer even if the words tasted bitter in her mouth. “The new pastor is coming today. We’re having dinner on the grounds after the service. Remember, I told you when we got home last Sunday.” She flashed what she hoped was a warm smile at him and prayed he couldn’t tell it was fake.

  “What happened to the last one? He didn’t stay very long, did he?” Pa started washing his hands with the bar of homemade soap she kept in a dish on the shelf. “Don’t understand why that church can’t keep a pastor for very long. Someone musta run him off.”

  Mary couldn’t keep from huffing out a breath this time. “I told you about that too.” She clamped her lips closed before she asked the question that often bounced around her mind. Why don’t you ever listen to me? She was close enough to an adult to be treated like one, and she’d carried the load of a woman in this household for seven years.

  She was beginning to sound like a shrew. She’d laughed at Kate in Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew, but she didn’t want to be like the woman, so she made an effort to soften her tone before she spoke again. “His wife died, and his father-in-law begged him to bring the grandchildren closer to where they live, so he headed back to Ohio. He’d have a lot of help with the younger ones, living in the same community as their grandparents.”

  Mary had never known her own grandparents, none of them. Not her mother’s parents. Not her father’s parents. Not the parents of whoever gave birth to her. She didn’t wonder about any of them very often, but today, her heart longed for someone who could really get to know her and love her for her individuality.

  With bright red, curly hair and fair skin that freckled more every time she stepped into the sunlight, she didn’t resemble anyone in this family that adopted her. Since they were Black Irish, they all had dark hair and striking blue eyes, not like her murky green ones. And none of them had ever wanted to know what she thought about anything . . . except her mother. How long was it since her mother and older sisters died of diphtheria? She had to think back and count up.

  Hundreds of people in and around Oregon City—including Dr. Forbes Barclay, their only physician at that time—died in an epidemic of the dreaded disease in 1873. However, her mother and sisters contracted the disease five years later when they went to help Aunt Miriam and Uncle Leland settle in their house on a farm about five miles from theirs. On the trip to Oregon, one of them had contracted the dread disease and didn’t know it until after they arrived. The people on that farm were the only ones that year who were sick with the horrible scourge.

  No one knew they were all dead until Pa went looking for Ma, Cheryl, and Annette a couple of days later. He saw the quarantine sign someone nailed to a fencepost and didn’t go closer until he had help. When he came home, he told Mary she would have to take over the keeping of the house. Seven long years ago.

  “Well, I’ve gotta lot to do today.” Her father reached for the towel she’d made out of feed sacks. “You and the others go ahead. I might come over that way at dinner time.”

  No, you won’t. Mary had heard that often enough to know he was trying to placate her so she would leave him alone. So she would.

  “Frances, George, Bobby, come on. We don’t want to be late.” She shifted the handle of the loaded basket to her other arm. “Frances, you grab the jug of spring water. We might get thirsty.”

  Her father’s icy blue eyes pierced her. “Might get pretty warm.”

  “We’ll be picnicking in the field between the church and Willamette Falls. It’s cooler there, especially under the trees with the breeze blowing across the water.” She started toward the front door.

  “Keep your eyes on the boys.” His harsh command followed her. “Don’t let either of them in the river. They could drown.”

  She nodded but didn’t answer or look back at him. All he cared about were those boys and getting them raised old enough to really help with the farming. He already worked them harder than any of the neighbors did their sons who were the same ages.

  When did my life become such a drudgery? Had it ever been anything else? At least not since Ma died, which seemed like an eternity ago.

  •••

  Daniel Winthrop whistled while he dressed for church. He looked forward with anticipation to the moment when he would lay eyes on Mary Murray. Even her name sounded musical.

  He’d been waiting and planning what to say when he approached her. Today he would start his subtle courting. With the situation at the Murray farm, he knew he would have his work cut out for him, to convince her she could start a life of her own with him. After he achieved that, he’d ask her father for her hand.

  Visions of coming home to her each night and building a family together moved through his head like the slides of photographs in the Holmes Stereopticon they enjoyed at home. He loved her already, but more than that, he wanted to get her out of that house where she was loaded down with so much work and responsibility.

  Daniel had often gone with his mother when she bought fresh produce from the Murrays. So he knew what her life had been since her mother died. Their families came to Oregon on the same wagon train, so he’d known her almost all his life. He was only a couple of years older than her.

  Mary needed to be appreciated and cared for, and he was just the man to do it.

  “Daniel, we’re leaving soon.” His father’s voice prodded him from his dreams.

  With a final peek into the cheval glass, he straightened his necktie before he headed out the door of his room. “I’m on my way.”

  He bounded down the stairs and took their picnic basket from his mother. “Something really smells good.” He gave a loud sniff. “Do you need me to test and make sure it’s all right?”

  He welcomed her playful slap on his hand that crept toward the cover on the basket, and her laughter reminded him of the chimes he had heard in the larger church in Portland.

  “Not a single bite until dinner.” Like a queen, she swept out the door Father held open for her.

  Their familiar ritual warmed his heart. He looked forward to creating family rituals with Mary. Once more he whistled as he headed toward the brougham. Nothing could cloud his day.

  When they pulled up to the Methodist Church, his father guided the team t
oward the back where a large area paved with fine gravel gave plenty of space for those who arrived in horse-drawn vehicles. While Father helped Mother down from the open carriage, Daniel took the reins and tied them to one of the hitching rails that outlined the space. He chose the rail under a spreading black cottonwood tree, so the horses would be in the shade while the family worshiped.

  He scanned the lot, looking for the Murray wagon. Not there. Disappointed, he stared at the ground. Please, God, let Mary come today.

  Clopping hoofs and a jingling harness accompanied a wagon taking too fast of a turn into the parking area. Daniel cut his eyes toward the advancing disaster. Two of the wheels did indeed lift from the ground. Before he could get a shout out, he heard Mary’s sweet voice.

  “Lean to the right, boys!”

  George and Bobby, Mary’s brothers, scrambled across the seat, followed by Frances. The wagon wheels settled into the tiny rocks, and Mary pulled on the reins.

  “Easy. Settle down.” Even though she spoke to the horses, he heard every word.

  His heart that had almost leaped from his chest also settled down when he realized she was no longer in danger. Thank You, Lord.

  The wagon came to a standstill, and Mary put her dainty hand to her chest and released a deep breath. The dark green cotton fabric, sprigged with white flowers, looked good on her, setting off her red hair, pulled up into a bunch on the top of her head. Without a hat or bonnet covering it, the sun danced across the curls. He loved seeing the wisps around her face. That’s how he pictured her when he dreamed about their future.

  Mary sat a moment without moving. She was probably scared out of her wits. Where was her father? He should have been driving the wagon, not her. How long had it been since the man had attended services? He couldn’t remember the last time. It was not a good thing for a man to neglect his spiritual nature. He’d just have to pray harder for Mr. Murray.

  Daniel hurried toward them. “Hi, Mary.”

  She looked up, straight into his eyes, fear still flickering in the back of her gaze. “Daniel. Good morning.” Her words came out riding on short breaths.

  He took hold of the bridle of the horse nearest him. “I can hitch your team under the trees for you.”

  After releasing another deep breath, Mary nodded. “Thank you. I’d like that.” She turned toward her siblings. “Frances, you get the picnic basket, and George, you carry the jug of water. Go find us a pew, perhaps near the back of the sanctuary, and put the things under the bench. I’ll be right in.”

  The younger children climbed out of the wagon and followed their sister’s instructions. Mary watched them until they’d gone around the side of the building toward the front. Then she stood up.

  Before she could try to climb over the side, Daniel hurried to help. He held out his hand to her. She stared at it, then looked at his face.

  “I’ll help you down.” He gave her his most beguiling smile.

  For the first time since she arrived, she smiled back, and pink bled up her neck into her cheeks. Her blush went straight to his heart. Oh, yes, he loved this woman. The twinkle in her green eyes emphasized the golden flecks. He’d actually never noticed them before. He wished he could continue to stare deep into her eyes forever.

  Mary slipped her slim fingers into his hand. Even through the white cotton gloves, he felt the connection as warmth sparked up his arm like fireworks on the Fourth of July. She glanced down so she could see the step. When she hesitated, he let go of her hand and both of his spanned her tiny waist. With a deft swing, he had her on the ground in seconds. He wished he had the right to pull her into an embrace. Wouldn’t that just set the tongues a-wagging? He couldn’t do that to her. Mary needed to be cherished for the treasure she was. And as far as Daniel could see, her father really didn’t treat her that way.

  He watched her walk toward the front of the building, enjoying the way her skirt swayed with each step, barely brushing the tops of her black patent shoes. That is one beautiful woman. He turned back to her team. Walking beside the horses, he led them toward the hitching rail where his family’s brougham stood. Her team would enjoy the shade just as much as his would. As he crossed the lot, several other conveyances entered, and he waved and exchanged greetings with each family. His chest expanded with all the happiness he felt this wonderful day.

  The church was the first one established in Oregon City. At that time it was the Methodist Mission, but it grew as the town did. Along the way, members of this body had a great influence on what happened in the burgeoning city. And that was still true today. His Winthrop ancestors, who settled nearby, had been instrumental in both the growth of the church and of the town. He felt a sense of pride at being a part of something that important, and he wanted to increase the town’s assets, because he planned to raise his own family here. Maybe establish a dynasty of his own, watching his sons and daughters, then his grandchildren, prosper in the wonderful town.

  His woolgathering slowed the progress of tying the horses to their spot. He needed to hurry so he wouldn’t miss the beginning of the service. As he opened the front door, Mrs. Slidel struck the first chord on the new Mason and Hamlin reed organ. The church had ordered the instrument from the manufacturing plant in Buffalo, New York. When it arrived only a couple of weeks before, the music added a special feeling to the worship and helped most people stay on the right tune. He hummed along with the introduction to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” his favorite hymn.

  Glancing around the room, Daniel finally spied Mary and her siblings sitting on the second pew from the back on the right side of the aisle. He squared his shoulders and confidently approached the wooden bench. He asked if he could sit with them, and she scooted over to make room. Just what he wanted. He would be sitting right beside her.

  Throughout the service Daniel had a hard time keeping his mind on the proceedings. Mary sat close enough for him to touch her if he leaned a little to his right. He was so tempted to bump against her arm, but he held back. He imagined clasping her hand in his and holding it for longer than just a few seconds while helping her down or through a doorway. Really wrapping his large fingers around hers and intertwining their fingers. Just thinking about it caught his breath.

  He whooshed it out, and she turned toward him, her eyes widening with a question. After flashing a smile at her, he glanced up at Reverend Horton. The man’s delivery was smooth, and his words made a lot of sense. He’d be a good pastor for them, but Daniel couldn’t keep a single word of his message in his mind. Not while he could feel Mary’s presence with every cell in his body.

  Instead in his mind, he searched up and down the streets of Oregon City, seeking a place to turn into a home for him and his beloved. If the right house wasn’t for sale, he could build her one. She could help him choose the design. That’s what he’d do. Build her the home she’d always dreamed of. His heart squeezed with the knowledge of what he planned to do. He could hardly keep the idea to himself. He hoped it wouldn’t take too long for him to convince her that they should marry.

  He’d even hire servants to help her manage their home. Whatever her heart desired, he’d do everything he could to present her with everything she wanted. He only hoped it wouldn’t take too long. At twenty years old, he was ready to move on to that other phase of his life . . . with Mary by his side.

  “Now let us bow our heads in prayer.” Reverend Horton raised his hands to bless the whole congregation.

  Daniel lowered his head. How had the man finished his sermon without Daniel noticing? Next Sunday he’d have to listen more closely. He really did want to get to know the new pastor and his family.

  “Amen.” After the pastor pronounced the word, several other men echoed.

  Daniel watched his father rise from the second pew near the front on the left side of the aisle and take his place beside the new preacher. He placed his arm across the man’s shoulders. “Dear friends, on your behalf, I welcome our new pastor. Now let’s all meet his lovely family
.” He waved toward a woman sitting on the front pew. “Mrs. Horton?”

  The woman stood and turned toward the congregation. She was pretty, but not as young or as pretty as Mary.

  “And,” Father’s voice boomed, “these are their children.”

  Four stair-step youngsters stood beside their mother. The tallest a boy, the next a girl, then another boy, and the shortest a cute little tyke of a girl. As if they had rehearsed it, they bowed toward the people in unison.

  Several women all across the sanctuary oooed or aahed before a loud round of applause broke out. The three oldest children gave shy smiles, and the youngest tugged at her mother’s skirts. When Mrs. Horton picked her up, the girl waved to the people, clearly enjoying all the attention.

  “I hope you all brought your blankets and picnic baskets.” Father beamed at the crowd.

  When Daniel glanced around, he became aware there were several visitors. He felt sure they came out of curiosity about the new pastor. Maybe they would return to the services next week. He certainly hoped so.

  “We’re going to spread our food together. I believe there are plenty of sawhorse tables set up near the building. And you can pick a spot under the trees to settle for your meal. Just don’t forget to take the time to greet our new ministerial family while you’re here.” Father led the Horton family down the aisle and out the front door.

  Daniel turned back toward Mary. “Perhaps you and your brothers and sister could spread your blanket beside my family’s.”

  A tiny smile raised the tips of Mary’s sweet mouth. “If you’re sure your mother wouldn’t mind, I’d like that.”

  “Oh, yes. I’m sure.” He stepped into the nearly empty aisle and moved back to let Mary and her family precede him, and he quickly followed behind.

  His heartbeat accelerated just thinking about spending special time with the object of his affections. Without thinking, he started whistling a happy tune.