Threads of Love (7 page)

Delphinia could not believe the way the day was flying by. Granny seemed to have enough energy for two people. Leaning over a tub of hot water, scrubbing a pair of work pants, Delphinia commented that she did not understand why anyone felt that the older woman needed help.

“Well, child,” Granny answered, “right now I’m doing just fine, and I have been this past week or so. But shortly after Jon left for Illinois, I had a real setback. ‘Course this has been happening more and more lately. Jonathan made arrangements for Katy McVay to come stay if I had trouble. I sent Josh down to the Aplingtons’ place, and Ned Aplington went to town and fetched Katy for me. She’s a nice girl. Not a whole lot of sense and doesn’t know how to do as much as some around the house, but she’s good with the young children. ‘Course Tessie helped a lot, too. Once I got to feeling better, I sent Katy back home. Her folks run the general store in town, and they need her there to help out, so I didn’t want to keep her longer than necessary.”

Tessie was hanging the clothes on a rope tied between two small trees, intently listening to the conversation of the older woman as they performed their chores.

“Katy’s got her cap set for Uncle Jon. That’s why she wanted to come over to help out,” Tessie injected into the conversation, with a smirk on her face. “I think he’s sweet on her, too, ‘cause Katy told me they were going to the basket dinner after church next week. He’s probably going to ask her to marry him,” she said, watching Delphinia for a reaction.

Delphinia wasn’t sure why, but she felt a dull ache in the pit of her stomach.

“Tessie, I don’t know where you get such notions,” Granny scolded. “I sometimes think you must lie awake at night, dreamin’ up some of these stories. If Jonathan was of a mind to marry Katy, I think someone besides you and Katy would know about it.”

“Did I hear my name?” Jonathan asked as he came striding up from the barn, a bucket of milk in each large hand.

“Oh, Tessie’s just going on about Katy having her cap set for you and telling us you two have plans to get married. How come you’re carrying that milk up here? I thought Josh would have brought it up hours ago,” Granny replied.

“Think he must have his mind on something besides his chores today. I told him he could go do some fishing at the pond when he finished milking since he worked so hard while I was gone. Seems he forgot that bringing the buckets up to the house is part of milking. Besides, I don’t mind doing it, but I’m sure you women can find something better to talk about than my love life.” He chuckled.

Not wanting to miss an opportunity to put Delphinia in her place, Tessie said in an almost syrupy voice, “But, Uncle Jon, Katy said you had asked her to the church picnic. Everyone knows you’re sweet on each other.”

“Well, Tessie, I don’t think you’ve got the story quite right, which is what usually comes of idle gossip. In any event, Katy asked me if I’d escort her to the church dinner, and I told her I didn’t know if I would be back in time. I feel sure she’s made other arrangements by now, and I’m planning on all of us attending as a family. Why don’t you get out to the chicken coop and see about collecting eggs instead of spreading gossip?” he ordered as he continued toward the house.

T
he following days were filled with endless chores and wonderful conversations with Granny. Her love of the Lord caused her to nearly glow all the time. She could quote Scriptures for almost any situation, and then she would smile and say, “Praise God, I may not be as strong as when I was young, but I’ve still got my memory.” That statement never ceased to make Delphinia grin.

Delphinia felt as if she had known Granny all her life, and a closeness emerged that she had not felt since her mama died. Kneeling at her bed each night, Delphinia thanked God for the older woman and all she was teaching her about life and survival in the West, but most of all, how to love God and find joy in any circumstances.

Sunday morning found Delphinia musing about mornings long ago when she would rise and have only herself to clothe and care for. How things had changed! Granny advised her to dress the twins last, since they always managed to get themselves dirty if given an opportunity. Jonathan had already loaded the baskets of food, and everyone was waiting in the wagon. With great care, she placed a tiny ribbon around Nettie’s head, lifted her off the bed, and walked out to join them.

Jonathan jumped down to help her, a wide grin on his face. “I think Nettie’s more prone to eating hair ribbons than wearing them.” He laughed, pulling the ribbon out of the baby’s chubby fist and handing it to Delphinia. Smiling, she gave a sigh and placed the ribbon into her pocket.

The twins slept through most of the church service with Jonathan holding Nathan and Nettie snuggled in Delphinia’s arms. Tessie made sure she was seated between the two of them. Josh and Joey were on either side of Granny, who managed to keep their fidgeting to a minimum by simply patting a hand on occasion.

After services, Granny tugged Delphinia along, telling her she wanted to introduce the pastor before they unloaded the wagon. Granny presented her to Pastor Martin and continued with a recitation about all of her fine qualities until Delphinia was embarrassed to even look at him. She merely extended her hand and mumbled, “Pleased to meet you. I think I’d better change Nettie’s diaper.”

Turning to make her getaway, she nearly collided with Jonathan, who was visiting with a beautiful young woman.

“Delphinia, I’d like you to meet Katy McVay,” he said as they walked along beside her to the wagon.

Just as they rounded the corner of the church, Tessie appeared. “Oh, Katy, please join us for lunch. It won’t be any fun without you,” she pleaded.

“Well, if you
all
want me to, I couldn’t refuse,” Katy responded, smiling demurely as she looped her arm through Jonathan’s.

Jonathan wasn’t quite sure how to handle the turn of events and looked from Katy to Delphinia. His eyes finally settled on Tessie, who was beaming with her accomplishment but quickly looked away when she noted her uncle’s glare.

Watching the unfolding events from her position just outside the church, Granny decided to invite the young pastor to join them and share their meal. Realizing Tessie was enjoying the uncomfortable situation she had created, Granny assigned her the task of caring for the twins and Joey after dinner. Josh was off playing games with the other young boys, while the adults visited with several other families. Delphinia was introduced to everyone as the newest member of the Wilshire household, and the afternoon passed all too quickly when Jonathan announced it was time to load up and head for home.

Delphinia took note that Katy was still following after Jonathan like a lost puppy. Smiling inwardly, she wondered if Katy would climb into the wagon with the rest of the family—not that she cared, of course.
Jonathan can spend his time with whomever he chooses
, she thought to herself.

Granny organized the children in the back of the wagon, firmly plopped Nettie and Nate in Tessie’s lap, and waited until Delphinia was seated. She then ordered Jonathan to help her to the front, telling him she wished to visit with Delphinia on the return trip. Delphinia slid to the middle of the seat, and once Jonathan had hoisted himself into place, the three of them were sandwiched together in much closer proximity than Katy McVay would have preferred. With mounting displeasure the young woman stood watching the group but tried to keep her composure by saying, “Be sure and put that shawl around your shoulders, Granny. It’s getting chilly.”

“Not to worry, Katy.” The older woman smiled, a twinkle in her eye. “We’ll keep each other warm. You better run along before your folks miss you.” The dismissal was apparent as Granny turned to Delphinia and began to chat.

“It sure was a fine day. I don’t think I’ve gotten to visit with so many folks since Zeb and Ellie got married last year. I’m glad you got to meet everyone so soon after your arrival, Delphinia. You probably won’t remember all their names, but the faces will be familiar, and it makes you feel more at home when you see a friendly face,” Granny commented. “Pastor Martin seemed mighty impressed with you, I might add.”

Jonathan let out a grunt to her last remark, and although Delphinia did not comment, Jonathan saw a slight blush rise in her cheeks and a smile form on her lips.

“It seemed to me you were pretty impressed with Pastor Martin yourself, Phiney,” Jonathan bantered. “Every time I saw you, you were at his side.”

Delphinia felt herself bristle at his remark. Why, he made it sound like she had been throwing herself at the pastor. She, with two tiny babies to diaper and feed, while he was off squiring Miss Katy McVay, fixing her a plate of food, carrying her parasol like it belonged to him, and making a total fool of himself. She all but bit her tongue off trying to remain in control.

“You might as well say what’s on your mind ‘fore you bust a button, Phiney. I can see you’ve got a whole lot of things you’re just itching to say,” he goaded.

Glancing over her shoulder, she observed the children were asleep. Looking at him with those same fiery eyes he had seen at the general store before he brought her West, he felt a strong urge to gather her into his arms and hold her close. Instead, he listened as she went into a tirade about how Katy McVay had been attached to him like another appendage and how foolish he had looked carrying her parasol.

“Well, I thank you for your insights, Miss Hughes,” he responded as he lifted her down from the wagon and firmly placed her on the ground, “but I doubt I looked any more foolish than you did prancing behind Pastor Martin. I’m surprised you didn’t ask to carry his Bible.”

“How could I?” she retorted. “I was too busy carrying your nephew most of the time.” With that said, she turned and carried Nathan into the cabin without so much as a good night.
I’m not going to let myself care for any man
, she thought to herself.
I’ve forgiven Pa for sending me away, but I’ve not forgotten. I don’t need that kind of pain ever again
.

“My, my.” Granny smiled as she gathered the other children and walked toward the cabin. “You two certainly have hit it off well. I’m so pleased.”

Jonathan stood staring after her, wondering if she had lost her senses.

Life began to fit into a routine for the family, and although Delphinia still relied on Granny for many things, Granny had fewer and fewer days when she was up and about for any period of time. Jonathan made a bed for her to lie on in the living area so she could be in the midst of things. Granny still led them in devotions each morning and continued to be a stabilizing factor for Tessie, whose resentment of Delphinia seemed immeasurable. Everyone else was accepting Delphinia’s presence and enjoying her company, particularly Pastor Martin.

It was a warm day, and Delphinia had risen early, hoping to get the bread baking done before the heat of the day made the cabin unbearable. Her back was to the door as she stood kneading the coarse dough, methodically punching and turning the mixture, her thoughts occasionally drifting to Pastor Martin’s good looks and kind manner. This was the last batch of dough, and she was glad it would soon be done. She could feel droplets of perspiration forming across her forehead when she heard Granny say from the narrow cot, “Delphinia, don’t be alarmed and don’t scream. Just slowly turn around and smile like this is the happiest moment of your life.”

Not knowing what to expect, the younger woman whirled around to be greeted by three Indians who were solemnly staring at her as her mouth fell open, and she began moving backward.

“Smile, Delphinia, smile,” Granny commanded.

“I’m trying, Granny, I’m honestly trying, but I can’t seem to get my lips to turn upward right now. What do they want? Is Jonathan anywhere nearby?”

“Oh, they’re friendly enough, and they belong to the Kansa tribe. Just don’t act like you’re afraid. It offends them since they’ve come here from time to time and have never hurt anyone. They seem to know the days when I bake bread, and that’s what they want. I thought they had moved to the reservation; it’s been so long since they’ve been here. They used to come every week or two and expect a loaf of bread and maybe some cheese or a chicken. Then they just quit coming. They never knock, just walk in and stand there until they’re noticed. Gives you quite a start the first time, though.”

“You want bread?” Granny asked, pointing at the freshly baked loaves resting on the wooden table.

Nodding in the affirmative, they each reached out and grabbed a loaf of bread.

“Now just a minute,” Delphinia chastened. “You can’t each have a loaf. You’ll have to settle for one loaf. I have children here to feed.”

“Well, you lost your fear mighty fast, child,” Granny commented as she looked over to see both twins toddling into the kitchen.

“You papoose?” one of the Indians asked, pointing first at Delphinia and then the twins, seeming amazed at the sight of them.

“They haven’t been here since the twins were born,” Granny commented. “I don’t know if they realize you’re not Sarah, but just nod yes.”