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  “Zeke has gone out to Abe's place with Martha. She needed a break. Annabelle is sitting with Jeremy. He loves seeing the grandkids and Martha thought it would be good for him.” Her love of Ezekiel shone on her face when she spoke of him. “Little Sissy is playing nurse. She had Jeremy all bandaged up with rags and was feeding him imaginary chicken soup when I left.” The three of them laughed.

  In another part of St. Louis, the Whittakers’ mansion sat on a quiet street in upscale Vandeventer Place. The brick two-story house, with six bedrooms, a lovely sitting room, great room, full conservatory, study, kitchen and good-sized dining room sat on a large four-acre lot. It was the home Martha and Jeremy bought after their wedding almost twenty years ago. Jeremy Whittaker lay in his bed; pillows piled high behind his head. His breathing was shallow and his skin was pale. A fire burned brightly in the large fireplace. Five-year-old Sissy wrapped his hand in rags. “Now, don't use that hand for six weeks. Do you hear me, Granddad?” He laughed and nodded his head. Sissy continued fixing his covers and muttering to herself. Her red head bobbing up and down. Just being with her and young Thomas had lifted his mood considerably.

  “Chestnut is getting really good at jumping, Granddad. Aunt Viv has been teaching both of us to jump over logs and fences and we are almost ready for the spring fair. Aunt Viv says if we practice all winter we should be ready. I wish I could jump like her and Blackjack.” Jeremy smiled at his grandson. Thomas, at ten, was turning into a fine, young man. The incident in the church had matured him a great deal. It was a traumatic time for all of them but somehow Thomas felt guilty and blamed himself. He was silent for days afterward. Isaac and Annabelle were very worried about him. Abraham's new wife, Vivienne was spending a great deal of time with Thomas and it seemed to be working.

  “Take your time and listen to Vivienne, she knows what she is talking about, especially when it comes to horses.” Jeremy paused to cough. “I am glad that Chestnut came home to you, Thomas.” The mention of the horse's return brought back memories of that dreaded day. The man that stabbed him rode off with his daughter Anna, on Thomas’ horse, Chestnut. Jeremy was very worried about his daughter.

  “It was a miracle. We all thought Chestnut was gone for good and then four days later, he just walks into the barn. I am very thankful that God showed him the way home.” Thomas saw the far away look in his grandfather's eyes. “God will bring Auntie Anna home to you, Granddad. Have faith. Mama says that God listens to our prayers and I prayed very hard for Chestnut to come home and he did. I know Auntie Anna will come home safe and sound.” Jeremy looked at Thomas; he could not speak for the lump in his throat. He reached out and patted Thomas’ hand. Annabelle entered the room carrying a tray. The smell of fresh chicken soup filled the room.

  “Time for Granddad's lunch.” She tried to set the tray on the table beside the bed but Sissy had piled it high with nursing apparatus. “Sissy move all of your things so I can put the tray down.”

  “I already fed Granddad some chicken soup. Sick people are supposed to eat chicken soup.” She nodded her little head in a knowing manner and Jeremy and Annabelle laughed.

  “Yes, I know but imaginary chicken soup is not very filling. Now, move it!” Sissy slowly moved her things and Annabelle placed the tray on her father-in law's lap. She wiped her hands on her apron. “I want you to eat all of this. You need to build up your strength.” Jeremy looked at Annabelle, her red hair piled high on her head giving height to her five- foot frame. His eyes moved to the tray, bulging with food.

  “I am not a farmer like Isaac, my appetite is much smaller than his. You have enough food for all of us here. Sissy, Thomas, come and help Granddad eat all of this.” The family sat with Jeremy while he ate most of his lunch. Thomas and Sissy helped themselves to fresh cookies. He soon grew tired.

  “We will go downstairs and let you sleep. The doctor is coming later to check on you.” Annabelle ushered the children from the room. Jeremy closed his eyes. A sharp pain shot through his side, he repositioned himself. A coughing spasm overtook him, perspiration dripped from his forehead. After a few minutes, he settled comfortably, under the covers.

  Dear God, bring Anna back home to us safe and sound. I know she is impetuous but we miss her so. I need to know she is safe, please send us a message. With his prayer on his lips, Jeremy fell asleep.

  Martha and Ezekiel had spent the afternoon with Abraham and Vivienne. Their newly acquired house was large. The kitchen was bright and airy with freshly painted cupboards and walls. Abraham had turned part of the house into his medical office. After his last patient left, he joined the others for tea in the kitchen. “It looks like the farm folks around here have discovered Doc Abe's place. That was quite the crowd you had in there.” Ezekiel teased his brother.

  “Don't knock it, three patients in one day is enough to pay the bills. Besides I spend two days a week at the hospital, so we are doing very well, thank you.” Abraham smiled and winked at his wife. He and Vivienne had only been married for a short time but they fit like hand and glove. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. “So how is Papa doing? I stopped in yesterday on my way home from the hospital and he seemed to be showing some improvement.” Martha and Ezekiel nodded. Hair perfectly coifed and wearing her latest design, in contrast, Martha's face was showing the strain. Dark circles under her eyes told them that she was not sleeping well. “Mother, how are you feeling? You look like you need a good night's sleep.”

  “I'm fine. I just wish Jeremy would get better soon. I know that not knowing where Anna is, is putting a huge strain on him, well, on both of us. I wish she would write or come home. We need to know if she is alright.” The others looked at each other knowingly. No one was sure whether Anna went willingly to remove them from danger or whether she really wanted to go with the stranger that turned out to be her cousin, Jeb Whittaker. They were still reeling from the shock of it all. Vivienne moved over and placed her arm around Martha's shoulder. “Vivienne, you are such a blessing to us all. Annabelle told me that Thomas is absolutely beaming with joy every time you take him out to practice his jumping. He is a real horseman, that one.” Vivienne smiled shyly. The young woman from Louisiana was still getting used to this large close-knit family. She often felt overwhelmed by them all and was happy to ride out on Blackjack with Thomas or go to Isaac's and help with the chores. She felt happiest working close to the land and this new life suited her perfectly. Abe was busy at the hospital or with his patients but they always had time for each other. She loved him with all of her heart.

  “I am sure you will hear something soon, Mother Martha. You did put up a large reward for information and I am sure someone must have seen the two of them by now.” She looked at Abe and Zeke for reassurance. They nodded; the two could pass for twins with their blond hair and attractive features.

  “All we know for sure is they are heading for Wyoming. Our newfound stepbrother, Jeb Whittaker wants that money and I am sure he won't just forget about it after nearly killing his own flesh and blood over it.” Ezekiel could not believe that their biological father, Jebediah Whittaker had another son that none of them knew about, a son with an Indian squaw. Their own stepbrother, who stalked them and almost killed Jeremy. Life had been very interesting since Ezekiel had arrived home from England. Thinking of England reminded him of Abby, he wanted to change the subject. “Oh, by the way, Abby and I are planning to come and spend a few days with you Vivienne, is that alright with you? She misses seeing you and wants to spend some time with you. Abe and I can deal with the hordes of patients that will be lining up outside.” He laughed, punching his brother in the shoulder lovingly. Vivienne smiled, she looked forward to Abby's visits.

  “Zeke is right, you will hear something soon Mother. You really do need to try and rest. Papa is on the mend, it is just going to take time for his lung to heal but it is healing. His doctor told me that he is very pleased with how he is getting stronger everyday.”

  “Besides, Nurse Sissy is ther
e, taking care of him. You must hire her to work with you in the clinic, Abe.” The brothers did their best to distract Martha and the afternoon was spent in pleasant conversation. Martha seemed much more relaxed on the trip home.

  Loretta and Austin were waiting for them when they arrived at the mansion in north St. Louis. “Loretta, Austin, how lovely to see you. How is Jeremy?” She hugged her friends and then excused herself and went straight to her husband's room. He seemed to have more color in his face than earlier that day. “How are you feeling, my Darling?”

  “I actually feel a little stronger today, Martha. Nurse Sissy must have fixed me up.” He raised his bandaged hand and they both laughed. How she had missed his laughter. She reached over and kissed his hand. “Tomorrow I am going to have Charles set up a place for me in the conservatory. I have been in this room long enough. Time to join the living.” She kissed his cheek and smiled her widest smile. He was on the mend. A quiet tap on the door made them both look in that direction.

  “Speaking of the living, I was wondering when you were going to join us. I am getting tired of doing all the work.” Austin strolled over to the bed, his tall, thin frame moving confidently. He shook his friend's hand, laughing at the sight of the bandages on the other hand. “You look better today.”

  “I was just saying that I am going to move to the conservatory tomorrow. How are you, Austin?” Martha moved out of the room to give the two friends some time alone. “I must apologize for leaving you in the lurch like this. How are things on the waterfront?” Jeremy was worried about his business as well as his daughter, although he trusted Austin explicitly. He smoothed a wayward lock of hair, now more gray than brown, out of his eyes.

  “Everything is fine at the office. I arranged for the cotton to be shipped to England. The furs and pelts left yesterday on their way to Europe and the silk shipment arrived today from the orient. Everything is running smoothly, not that you are not missed, of course. You concentrate on getting better. You will be back in the office in no time. Any word on Anna?”

  “Nothing. Austin, I lie here thinking of what could be happening to her with that lunatic. I wonder if Jebediah will ever leave us in peace? The man has been dead for twenty years but still he haunts me.” Austin nodded. “I keep thinking about those years long ago when Martha's father sent you and I to find her in the wild Wyoming territory. Now it is as if history is repeating itself, but it is not my brother Jebediah that married Martha and disappeared, but his illegitimate son and Anna. If he is half the bastard that Jebediah was, Anna could be in great danger. I just feel so helpless.” Again he pushed the wayward lock of hair out of his eyes. “Ezekiel and Isaac offered to follow them to Wyoming, but what good would that do? She went of her own free will. I am so confused and frustrated.” Jeremy was shaken by another coughing spell. Austin looked at his friend with great pity. He too had been wondering just how similar to the senior Jebediah Whittaker, the newfound son was. After all, he stalked the family for months, tried to kidnap Annabelle and Vivienne, leaving them both injured and then showed up at the church demanding the death of Jeremy and the three boys. He was showing all of the signs of being deranged. Anna didn't seem in the least bothered by that fact when she offered to go with him; although it was, or seemed to be, an unselfish act on her part.

  “Jeremy, you must concentrate on regaining your strength. I am sure you will hear from Anna soon. Remember when David ran off to join the navy? We were frantic and then one day a letter arrived and it put all of our minds at ease.”

  Downstairs, Martha stopped to order refreshments from Charles, the butler and then fixed her hair in the mirror in the entrance hall. Yes, I do look tired. Anna, how can you do this to us? She went to join Loretta in the great room. Loretta pulled her into her arms, comforting her like no one else could.

  “Oh Loretta, if only we would hear from Anna. I know that is what he is waiting for.” Loretta nodded, motioning Martha to one of the wingback chairs by the fire. The two women chatted and Martha drew great comfort from Loretta's company. Loretta was careful not to express her opinion of Anna to her friend.

  Ezekiel, who had excused himself to the study upon returning, joined the women for brandy. “Mother, that pine in the fireplace smells lovely. It gives the room such a pleasant feel.” He inhaled the pungent smell deeply and appreciatively. “Did Abby tell you that we are going out to Abraham and Vivienne's for a few days, Aunt Loretta?” Ezekiel was one of Loretta's favorite people and she could not be more pleased that he and Abby were courting.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact she was packing a few things when we left. She told me to tell you she would be ready at 10 tomorrow morning.” Martha smiled at the contented look on her son's face. She too was glad of the blooming relationship between their two children.

  “Annabelle and the children went back to the farm late this afternoon. Charles tried to convince them to stay but Annabelle was anxious to get home to Isaac. She is such a great help to me. I have been blessed with two wonderful daughter's in law, and possibly a third?” She looked at Ezekiel. He would not meet her gaze and did not reply. Loretta and Martha exchanged a look.

  “I have some reading to do, Ladies, if you will excuse me. Tell Abby I will fetch her tomorrow at 10. Good evening, Aunt Loretta, Mother.” He turned and left the room. The two women stared after him.

  “What was that all about? Is there trouble between Abby and Ezekiel?”

  “Not that I know of, and Abby certainly is not showing any signs of losing interest. Perhaps Ezekiel is not as serious as we think. Oh God, Martha, I hope he doesn't break Abby's heart. She has loved him since she was eight years old.” Loretta looked worried. Martha patted her hand but did not respond. What could she say? Ezekiel had always been quite the “lady's man” and everyone just assumed he had decided to settle down with Abby. Martha knew he was thinking about England and would have to return there soon. Would he travel alone or ask Abby to go with him as his wife?

  Chapter Three

  Anna's letter

  The train stopped at a small town in Nebraska. Passengers that were continuing on were informed that there would be a two- day layover due to a problem with the tracks.

  After a tirade directed at the conductor, Jeb snatched their luggage and stepped onto the train platform. “Two days in this God forsaken hell hole. I want to get to Wyoming.” He fumed, grabbing Anna's hand and pulling her along. She pulled her hand away.

  “Just relax, you really have to try and control that temper. You are supposed to be a gentleman.” Gently she took his arm, smiling coquettishly at him. He exhaled loudly, staring at her, his lips pursed tightly. She nudged him forward much more calmly.

  Anna and Jeb walked towards the hotel, observing the western town as they walked. The dwellings were made of rough- cut lumber, some were adobe and salvaged railroad ties were used everywhere. The town consisted of three saloons, two bordellos, a general store and a very unsavory hotel.

  The weather was growing colder and Anna pulled her fur cape around her shoulders to ward off the chill. They passed a noisy saloon. “I'm going to go in there for a drink, you go to the hotel and get us a room.” Jeb moved off toward the noise.

  “Jeb, come back here. I am not walking through this town alone.” Several other passengers walked close behind them. Jeb turned to an older woman and her companion.

  “Would you mind accompanying my wife to the hotel?” He grabbed Anna's arm and pushed her in the direction of the older woman. The woman nodded and continued walking. Anna sneered at Jeb, rushing to keep up with the others.

  “Don't get drunk.” Anna shouted after him but she was sure he was out of earshot. She passed the general store, the bordello, and a busy blacksmith shop, trying to absorb the atmosphere and the differences to life in St. Louis. Other than her one trip to New York, Anna Whittaker had led a rather sheltered life in the big city. This was all new and different. She was thrilled. Several men crowded outside the bordello. They shouted and whistled at the pass
ing women. Dust settled on her gown as wagons passed by, although she brushed it away with irritation, the exhilaration of the adventure still surged through her veins. Better get used to dust, city girl. She chided herself knowing that Wyoming would not be anything like St. Louis. She was finding new strengths with every passing mile and although she was young, her need to be free and her desire for a challenge were strong.

  A man walked in front of the passengers, expelling a large spittle of tobacco. “Riffraff, I don't know how the railroad can expect decent people to stay in a town like this.” The older woman from the train was not impressed. “My husband told me that most of these railroad towns were little more than a gathering place for fur traders, outlaws and gold miners. It appears he was right.” Anna barely heard the woman, she was absorbing the sights and sounds of the west. Men on the street watched hungrily, as the elegantly dressed women moved toward the hotel.

  Later that afternoon, Jeb returned and found her sleeping on the bed. The room was sparsely decorated. A bed, dresser and one chair were the only furniture in the tiny room. The wallpaper was missing in several places and there appeared to be bullet holes above the bed. Jeb wondered how Anna could sleep in such surroundings. You must adapt more easily than I expected. He stared at her for a long time. Removing his clothes, he crawled under the covers finding her dressed only in her chemise and pantaloons. She slowly opened her eyes and turned to look at him. “Who invited you into my bed? You smell like a saloon.” She pushed him away. But Jeb was aroused and he would not be deterred. He rolled on top of her and pulled at her pantaloons. She could smell the liquor on his breath. “Get off me.” She pushed at him again but to no avail. “I said, get off.” She shoved him hard and this time he lost the fight and landed with a thud on the floor. He glared at her.

  “What did you do that for, you loved it last time.” Too much whiskey had loosened his tongue. He spoke without thinking.