The Whittaker Family Reunion Read online

  “Remember the dress we saw in Chicago, Mother? It was so poorly made that the fabric was wrapped and arranged every which way to disguise the poor dressmaking. This is most lovely; you are lucky that Mother had it made for you. Her dresses are worth a lot of money and sell to the most well-to-do of St. Louis society. I do so hope you appreciate it. I am sure you are the first plantation worker from New Orleans to wear a Martha Whittaker original.” Anna just could not resist adding her own rude, snobbish comments and Martha winced.

  “Anna, that was not necessary. Vivienne is nothing but appreciative. I am happy to do this. Now, go and see if the guests have arrived.” Anna rolled her eyes and flitted from the room. Her mother was gushing over this farm hand and hardly noticed her own new gown from New York. Oh well, Hans would love it; he loved everything about her. She put on her most fetching smile and slowly descended the circular staircase.

  Martha looked at Vivienne to apologize, but the young woman just smiled and swirled around the room admiring herself in the mirror. Martha could see that she was thrilled, not appearing slighted in the least. Abraham is the lucky one!

  Abraham, Ezekiel, Isaac and Jeremy sat in the gazebo smoking their cigars talking about their day. Jeremy was dressed in a formal dark tailcoat, trousers, dark waistcoat and white shirt with winged collar and bowtie. The younger men wore the more casual dinner jackets with shawl collars with satin facings and two buttons. Jeremy showed them the beautiful ruby necklace he purchased for Martha's birthday. They were visibly impressed. “She will love that Papa.” Abraham passed the jewelry box to Isaac.

  “She definitely will.” Isaac agreed.

  “Your mother deserves everything I can do to put a smile on her beautiful face.” Jeremy put the box back in his waistcoat. “I best hide this before she sees it. Aren't the roses lovely this year?”

  The mention of the roses reminded Ezekiel of his conversation with Abby. He told them of Abby's visit with the “gardener.” The others were most upset. “Are you trying to tell me a stranger was right here in our garden, the same man that attacked Annabelle and Vivienne?” Jeremy wanted to report it to the sheriff immediately but the boys convinced him there was no proof. “Who could this man be and what is his reason for harassing our family?” Jeremy looked at his sons. Somewhere in the back of Ezekiel's mind, Geraldine's threat loomed. Could she somehow be responsible for this man harassing his family?

  “He seems to be targeting the women first so I am sure he is a coward. The problem is we never know what he will do next. It is most disturbing.” Isaac didn't want to upset Jeremy but he was worried. “We had best return to the house before the guests arrive. Let's put this out of our minds for now and enjoy the evening.” Abraham realized what Isaac was doing and joined in.

  “Here comes Annabelle and the children. I am sure the guests have started to arrive.” Abraham led the way back into the house. He was anxious to see Vivienne in his mother's latest creation. Things were good between them and getting better everyday. Martha had invited Vivienne to stay in the mansion but she declined, saying she was needed on the farm. Abraham knew that she was much more comfortable there, however, he appreciated the effort she was making with his mother.

  “The Wells family is here and they have brought Grandmam Agatha. You gentlemen are needed in the great room.” Annabelle stopped to fix Sissy's dress, much to Sissy's annoyance. Thomas took his father's hand and joined the men.

  Loretta and Austin mingled with the family in the great room. The room was filled with large vases containing many different flowers. Lilies, peonies, and roses were predominant. The scent was enchanting. Minnie and Agatha sat near the grand piano hoping that Martha would play for everyone. “Where is David?” Agatha asked.

  “David is coming down with a cold.” Loretta gave Martha a sideways look, moving her eyes to Anna and Hans. Martha, standing beside Agatha's chair, nodded in understanding. Poor David, he must be heartbroken but Martha felt this was the best thing for Anna. She was absolutely charming since returning from school. Except for that snobbish remark to Vivienne. I don't understand that child. Martha gave her head a little shake; she would not let Anna spoil this evening. Abby stood beside her grandmother but her eyes searched the room for Ezekiel. Finding him returning her stare, she lowered her eyes to the floor shyly.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, I should like to recite a poem. It is a new poet, Walt Whitman and I hope this will bring fond memories of India to you, Papa.” Ezekiel began to recite. His deep voice and slight British accent gave the words life.

  “Passage, O soul, to India!

  Eclaircise the myths Asiatic—the primitive fables.

  Not you alone, proud truths of the world!

  Nor you alone, ye facts of modern science!

  But myths and fables of eld—Asia's, Africa's fables!

  The far-darting beams of the spirit!—the unloos'd dreams!

  The deep diving bibles and legends;

  The daring plots of the poets—the elder religions;

  —O you temples fairer than lilies, pour'd over by the rising sun!

  O you fables, spurning the known, eluding the hold of the known,

  mounting to heaven!

  You lofty and dazzling towers, pinnacled, red as roses, burnish'd with gold!

  Towers of fables immortal, fashion'd from mortal dreams!

  You too I welcome, and fully, the same as the rest;

  You too with joy I sing.”

  He finished with an elegant bow to his audience. Everyone applauded. Jeremy was very touched by the gesture. Abby was mesmerized.

  “Excuse me gentlemen, there is a lady I must see.” Ezekiel excused himself, making his way across the room to Abby.

  “That could be trouble. I hope he doesn't hurt that girl, she absolutely adores him.” Jeremy watched Ezekiel take Abby's arm and move her toward the patio doors.

  “I warned him already, but when it comes to the ladies, Zeke does what Zeke wants. Abby certainly is lovely and she does share his love of poetry.” Isaac added as he and Abraham turned to watch the couple move to the garden. “Anna and Hans seem to be making the best of their betrothal. I don't think I have ever seen Anna so happy.”

  “I know what you mean but Anna is Anna and I am expecting all Hell to break loose at any minute with that girl.” Jeremy rolled his eyes and the boys laughed knowingly. “Good luck to Hans, he has his hands full.” Martha moved toward her husband, reached up and straightened his bowtie. He winked at her taking in the beautiful glow on her face. Martha smiled and continued mingling with her guests.

  On the settee, Hans gazed lovingly into Anna's green eyes, he could not believe that this beautiful young woman was to be his wife. “Soon we will have to go looking for a house. When would you like to go, Anna, my love?”

  “Well, Hans, there is a lovely mansion just up the street. It belongs to the Carter family and I hear they are anxious to sell. It is absolutely fabulous.” Anna batted her eyelashes at her betrothed. Although she knew her parents wanted them to wait until her eighteenth birthday, she wanted everything in place and ready for her marriage. Hans could move in and she could start hiring servants and redecorating right away.

  “A mansion? No, my dearest, I am afraid we will be looking on the other side of town. I am a lowly bookkeeper and we will start with a nice cottage by the river.”

  “A what? A cottage? Oh, Hans, you are so funny. Of course we could never live in a stuffy, small, little cottage. Some of those places don't have indoor plumbing! What a joker you are.” Anna laughed as Hans chose his next words carefully.

  “I am afraid I am not joking Anna, we will not be living in a mansion for many years. You and I will settle in a nice, comfortable cottage, have our children and work hard together for our future. We will have a good life, but it will not be filled with the luxury you are used to.” Now Hans watched as Anna's face changed from adoring fiancée to pouting, spoiled child. Realizing she was about to erupt, he suggested they take a walk in the
garden to discuss this in private.

  “I think you had better realize just who you are marrying, Hans Kruger. I will not live in a cottage and I will not be a lowly drudge with a house full of brats!” Anna's raised voice got everyone's attention. Hans reached over and gently took her elbow. He slowly guided her out of the room, but it was clear she did not want to go. Jeremy was surprised that she did not make more of a fuss.

  “Well, perhaps Anna has met her match after all. Hans handled that very well.” Jeremy and the boys laughed as Martha, Agatha and Loretta gave each other a look that spoke volumes. I knew it was too good to be true. Loretta sent up a silent prayer of thanks that it was not her David that Anna was betrothed to.

  Martha moved into the hall to escort Vivienne into the room. Everyone gasped at the lovely vision in red. Abraham stared at the woman he loved. His mother had transformed her into a polished, jewel.

  “Everyone, may I introduce Miss Vivienne Le Rue of New Orleans, a very good friend of my son, Abraham.” Martha introduced Vivienne as if she were a debutante, meeting her public for the first time. Vivienne smiled. Never in her life had she dreamt of an evening, or a dress like this. Martha was proud of the way Vivienne had taken all of her advice, standing so stately and ladylike. The young woman curtsied slightly and searched the room for Abe. Their eyes met as he walked towards her. She was overwhelmed by the look of love in his eyes. Perhaps there is a chance for us yet, Cherie.

  Annabelle nudged Isaac and smiled. They were happy for Abraham who had always been a loner. Annabelle and Vivienne had become very close since the shooting and Isaac would not forget that this young woman was responsible for saving his wife from the stranger that was stalking them. Isaac was surprised to see the transformation from farm girl to fine lady. Maybe there is hope for Sissy, thought Annabelle. She looked over just in time to see Sissy reaching under her skirt and yanking at her bloomers. Well, time will tell. Annabelle laughed softly and snuggled into her husband's arm.

  Through the window behind them, someone was watching the family. Vivienne was making quite the impression on him as well. Only a few yards away, Abby and Ezekiel walked arm in arm through the rose garden unaware of the uninvited guest.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Haunted

  Abraham woke from a deep disturbing sleep. Perspiration poured from his brow, he was shaking. Groggy and upset, he rose from the bed and headed for the kitchen. As he neared, he noticed a light from under the kitchen door. Approaching slowly and quietly, his nerves on edge knowing the household was asleep. He heard a sound from the other side of the door; hesitantly he turned the knob. The door opened as a figure disappeared into the pantry. His heart began to beat quickly; he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. Suddenly the pantry door flew back almost hitting him in the head. Zeke stood there with his hands filled with the cake platter. “Oh sorry to startle you, old boy. Just came in for a snack after the club. Want some?”

  Abraham inhaled the gasp that was about to escape his lips and clapped his brother on the shoulder. “You scared me for a minute, sneaking around like a thief in the night. I guess we are all on edge lately. Cake? Sure I would love some.”

  “What are you doing up at this hour?” Zeke place a generous slice of chocolate cake in front of his brother and took the chair opposite him at the table. “The club was such fun, you should have come with me. Millie and I danced the night away, she is such an amusing young woman.” Looking at his brother, he realized he looked disheveled. “What happened to you? You look like you've seen a ghost?”

  “You could say that. I just had a dream about Father.” Abe picked at his cake.

  “What did you dream?” Zeke listened attentively to his brother who had many premonitions over the years.

  “I dreamt of Father. In the dream, he said. ‘You will never be rid of me. I will get my revenge on all of you.’ It was really quite realistic. I just don't know why I dreamt of him. He has been dead for years.” Abe took a small bite of cake. “This is very good chocolate cake.”

  “I hope it wasn't one of your premonitions because I don't ever want to see or hear about that evil man ever again.” Zeke stuffed a large piece of cake into his mouth. “It is strange though, he has been haunting me lately as well. A very strange thing happened before I left England.” Zeke proceeded to tell his brother about the incident with Geraldine and Abe was shocked.

  “Zeke, you are one of the most gentle men I know. You would not have hit her. I am sure it was just the memory of Father that made you do it.”

  “I know all of that but it was very scary. You know he was cruel, greedy and bordering on insane. Our grandmother Whittaker was in the asylum and I dread to think it might be passed on to one of us. As a doctor, I am sure you know these things do happen. And what about your dream?”

  “Well, at least we know it isn't Father stalking our women here in St. Louis. He was a monster and I am glad he is buried in Whittakerville, Wyoming and far away from all of us. He is dead.”

  “No, you're right, dead men can't walk or stalk.” Zeke was still thinking of that morning in England. “Geraldine sure was upset. But, I had to discourage of her.”

  “Telling her you were betrothed to some woman in St. Louis did that, I should think. Who is this mysterious fiancée of yours?” Abe laughed, breaking the tension in the room and wanting to change the subject.

  “You know as well as I do, there is no such woman. I just had to think fast and it worked. Although when I get back to England, I may have some trouble with Geraldine.” The conversation turned to lighter things and the two brothers slept well that night.

  Vivienne had returned to the farm with Isaac's family. She lay in bed with Sissy cuddled close and stared at the brilliant full moon. I miss you, Papa. My life has changed into a dream. I wish you could have seen me in that beautiful dress. I wish you could have met my charming Abraham. A single tear rolled down her cheek. But what will happen when he wants to return to Mississippi? The law is after me and I am sure the man I shot was not dead, but he will want revenge. Papa, tell me what to do. Although Vivienne as Billy, had bragged about killing the man that had killed her father and tried to rape her, in fact her shot went to the right side of his chest and she was sure he was still alive. Ever since she was attacked on the road, she could not put the first attacker out of her mind. Because she could not remember anything about the attack by Red Fox, she focused all of her terror on the man in Mississippi. She saw him in her dreams, riding, searching for her. Vivienne's intuition had served her well over the years and she knew in her soul that this man was still a threat. Dressed as a woman, she had fooled the sheriff but this evil man knew her as a woman and would recognize her immediately. She needed help, but whom could she trust? Abraham's family knew nothing of the shooting and she didn't want them to hate her. Her life was changing for the better and perhaps she would just bury the past and hope it didn't haunt her forever. She slept fitfully that night; the dreams of her attacker would not go away. She woke sobbing.

  Down the hall, Isaac lay awake listening for any sound that may be a threat to his family. Since Annabelle's attack, he had been very vigilant, especially at night. He double bolted the doors, locked the windows and got up every few hours to check on the children. Is that someone weeping? He rose from his bed, pulling on his trousers silently. He looked over at his wife, sleeping like an angel, her red hair spread on the pillow like billowing wings; he smiled. Isaac moved slowly down the hall to Sissy's room. He knocked gently and waited.

  Vivienne heard the footsteps in the hall and held her breath. Terror filled her very soul. Then she heard Isaac's voice. She let the breath of air escape and climbed out of bed. She reached for her housecoat and made her way to the door. “Isaac, what is it?”

  “I thought I heard someone crying. Is Sissy Okay? Are you all right?” She moved into the hall and motioned for him to follow her down the stairs. The two sat in the darkened kitchen. “What is wrong, Vivienne? Are you in pain? Did so
meone do or say something to hurt you? You can trust me.” Isaac reached over and cupped her hand in his, giving brotherly support.

  Vivienne's eyes did not meet his. She looked around the cozy kitchen, could she tell him? A tear fell on the table; she looked up and found him looking at her with such compassion, she burst into tears. He moved closer and put his arms around her shoulders. She sobbed in his arms. After a few minutes she slowly revealed her story to Isaac. She told him of the original abduction, the fact that she shot two men and how she had dressed as a boy to escape. She described in extreme detail, Abraham finding her and her father, how they had buried him and then traveled together. It was as if talking about it made it easier somehow. Isaac listened with immense patience and understanding. When she came to the part where she had followed and then shot the man in New Orleans, she paused briefly and then decided to tell him the whole truth. “So you see, I may have killed a man. Please don't hate me Isaac.”

  “I could never hate you. You saved Annabelle's life and you are an important part of this family. You won't know why but I do understand, Vivienne. More than you will ever know. I understand.” He held her for a few minutes and then assured her that her secret was safe with him. They talked about the possibility of the man being alive and he assured her that he would do everything in his power to protect her. Protect her from the man from the past and the man in the present who was threatening them all. They both retired, with Vivienne feeling that a huge burden had been lifted.

  Isaac, however, went to bed haunted by another shooting, another killing, long, long ago.

  Martha and Jeremy slept soundly as Anna paced the floor in her room. Why was she feeling so ill? She had barely eaten anything at dinner but her stomach was rolling. Perhaps it was just remembering her argument with Hans. She knew he loved her but he could be so exasperating. Why on earth did he have to act so common? She positively had to think of a plan, a plan to get him to look at the mansion up the street. It was exactly the house for them. She would threaten to break their engagement if he didn't go with her. Yes, that might work. Of course she would forgive him before she went too far. Hans was her ticket to freedom, no more boarding school. As long as everyone thought they were the happy couple she was free to do whatever she pleased. No school, no rules, no chaperones. She was a respectable engaged woman now. She knew that she did not love Hans, but he was a pleasant enough chap and she did find him very attractive. There were times when she wished he would kiss her, but he was very proper. She wasn't sure if she wanted to wait two years before she experienced being a woman in the full sense of the word. Why did she have to be so young?