A Promised Land Read online

  “I must admit I thought about hitting him with my reticule. But my mother’s mirror was inside, and I didn’t want to take a chance breaking it.” Meriwether giggled.

  Deputy Tucker eyed her purse. “Looks like you’ve got more than a mirror in your purse.”

  “One thing I’ve learned the last four years living on my own is to be prepared for snakes.” She offered a half smile.

  “Nothing wrong with protecting yourself.” The deputy’s brows lowered. “Is it loaded?”

  “To be clear, I’d only use it if my life was in danger.” Meriwether’s face flushed. “But yes, it’s loaded and I know how to operate it.”

  “Have you ever shot any… snakes?” The deputy cocked his head.

  Her lips twitched. “Yes, two of the belly-crawling kind.”

  The deputy chuckled and leaned against his desk. Not classically handsome, his aquiline nose added character and his light brown hair, streaked light by the sun, made his deep set eyes appear dark and mischievous. I imagine every single girl in town has set her cap on Deputy Tucker.

  “Mr. Peters can be patronizing at times, but I’ve never known him to be dishonest or to take advantage of anyone. But in your case, I’d let your lawyer fight it out. My suggestion is to send a wire to your attorney and let him manage things.” His dark eyebrows knitted together.

  Meriwether sighed, then nodded. “Could you tell me where the telegraph office is?”

  “I’ll do better than that. Why don’t I walk you over?” The deputy reached for his keys.

  “Afterwards, we can see about your luggage and get you checked into the hotel at least for tonight.” The deputy rubbed his jaw. “Because the truth is—even if you decide to go out to the ranch on your own, by the time you get there this afternoon, you’ll have little to no daylight left.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your help so much.” Meriwether twisted her reticule.

  A faint scent of sage greeted her as the deputy offered his arm. “I’ve got two sisters about your age. I sure wouldn’t want them to face something like this alone. I’ve got to say you are handling things well.”

  Meriwether blinked rapidly. “I suppose my teaching experience has helped me learn to maintain a calm appearance.”

  “You’ve got some grit about you for sure.” The deputy chuckled. “I guess a little spunk is useful when teaching a roomful of kids.”

  Once outside on the boardwalk, Meriwether shivered. Tumbleweeds bounced and rolled along the road. She ducked her head and clutched the deputy’s arm. He was at least a foot taller, which made her eye level with the shiny star pinned on his vest.

  “Looks like it’s fixing to storm,” he raised his voice over the wind. “Better make a run for it.”

  ~o0o~

  After sending the necessary wire, the deputy escorted Meriwether to the hotel and arranged to have her luggage delivered. Now she sat in front of the mirror in her room and rearranged her windblown hair. Her eyes were slightly red. Thank goodness I didn’t break down and cry in front of anyone. She poured water onto a cloth and pressed it against her splotchy face and neck.

  Rubbing her mother’s locket between her fingers, Meriwether sighed. Even on her deathbed, her mother was the most positive person she’d ever known and reminded her often, “God’s ways are not our ways but are infinitely higher and greater in every way. He sees the whole story not just the moment we are in. We simply must trust in His mercy. He will provide.”

  She opened her Bible and turned to one of her favorite verses, Joshua 1:9. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

  Meriwether sank to her knees. Lord, I was so excited about the prospect of living in my own home again. I never thought to ask if this was what you wanted me to do. Please forgive me for acting without seeking your will first. Show me what steps you’d like me to take going forward. Give me the courage to face whatever your decision is with grace. Because you and I both know that’s not my strong suit.

  CHAPTER 4

  ~o0o~

  “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

  Luke 12:6-7

  Meriwether took in her appearance in the full-length mirror of the hotel room. She smoothed the simple navy walking skirt and adjusted the stand-up collar of her navy-checked, pleated blouse. Her locket caught the reflection from the sun, and small balls of light floated across the floral wallpaper.

  A growl erupted from her stomach, a reminder she had not eaten since the previous morning. A message from her attorney placed under her door last night stated he would arrive on the morning train. Meriwether reached for her reticule and counted her coins. “There is no need to hide in your room, for goodness sakes,” she said to her reflection.

  The aroma of strong coffee and baked bread drew her into the dining room. A young woman with dark hair pulled into a tight bun offered her a menu, then retrieved her pencil from behind her ear. One dark eyebrow rose at the loud protest from Meriwether’s belly. “I’ll have the daily special,” Meriwether said.

  The waitress’s hazel eyes changed to a golden brown as she poured coffee in Meriwether’s cup. “I will get it right out.”

  As she waited, Meriwether admired the dining area. Taupe-colored wallpaper with a bold pattern of exotic birds and flowers highlighted the walls in aquamarine and various shades of green. Assorted tables, covered in white tablecloths, filled the room.

  The waitress reappeared with pancakes and bacon. “You just missed the breakfast crowd. Things will start to pick up soon for lunch in about an hour or two.”

  Meriwether nodded and tried to take dainty bites as the waitress chatted happily. A middle-aged couple entered the restaurant, offering Meriwether a reprieve from the chatter. The waitress poured more coffee, placed her bill on the table, then left to greet her new customers.

  Something about the pair seemed familiar. Though the man’s clothes were simple black trousers, a dark-colored work shirt and leather vest, his salt-and-pepper hair gave him a distinguished look. The woman was dressed much like herself with a walking skirt and colored blouse, pinned with a cameo and crocheted shawl. She caught Meriwether’s eye and smiled. The apples of the woman’s cheeks rose, and her blue eyes sparkled.

  Meriwether placed her hand over her mouth and gasped, “Cookie.” Suddenly the scent of roses and a warm embrace engulfed her. The woman held her at arm's length. “My goodness, you are so much like your mother. I would have known you anywhere.”

  “How did you know I was here?” Meriwether studied the woman who was employed as her uncle’s cook when she was small.

  “Deputy Tucker told us you were staying at the hotel. We asked for you at the front desk. They said you were here. I was hoping you would remember us.” The older woman reached for the man’s hand. “This is my husband, Thomas. But you always called him—”

  “Mr. Cookie,” Meriwether grinned.

  “You associated us with the baked goods I made for you on your visits and gave us the nickname when you were about three. But in fact, I am Ida, and this is Thomas Baker.”

  “Y’all are the Bakers?” Her jaw dropped.

  “It never occurred to me you didn’t know our given names.” Mrs. Baker stepped closer. Her plump cheeks rose with her smile.

  Meriwether felt her heart quicken. “You don’t know how happy this makes me. Knowing you will be living so close.” She bit her lip. “I hardly slept last night thinking somehow the inheritance was too good to be true. Please come join me at my table.”

  “We felt the same way when your uncle bequeathed us our land and cabin.” Mr. Baker pulled out the chair for his wife. “I can’t imagine wanting to sell it, no matter how much money someone offered.”

  “Then you understand why I want to live at
the farmhouse.” She raised an eyebrow. “You don’t share the same views as Mr. Harrison’s attorney?”

  “Some of what he said is true. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your safety.” Mr. Baker leaned forward. “But if you want to stay, me and the missus will be honored to help any way we can. I feel certain that’s what your uncle and your mama would have wanted.”

  “Mr. Harrison seemed to think I was holding out for more money.” Meriwether shook her head. “But he is completely misguided. I’ve been excited to have a place to call home again.”

  “Jake was expecting to purchase the land, so he is understandably disappointed. I believe if you had met under different circumstances, you’d like him.” Mrs. Baker smiled. “He’s nice-looking too, don’t you think?”

  Meriwether blushed. “At first glance, I thought him handsome. But after yesterday’s meeting, all I can think about is the way he glared at me.”

  Mr. Baker winked. “Ida is a bit prejudiced toward Jake.”

  “Thomas Baker, that’s not fair. You think the world of him too,” Mrs. Baker countered.

  “I do. He’s a fine man, hardworking and honest.” Mr. Baker squeezed his wife’s hand.

  The waitress filled their coffee cups. Mrs. Baker added two spoonfuls of sugar. “Your uncle loved you and your mother so much, but he was fond of Jake as well. Between you and me, I believe part of the reason he set things up the way he did was so the two of you might come to care for each other.”

  Meriwether shook her head. “Judging from the scowl on his face yesterday, if matchmaking was my uncle’s intention, we can consider the idea an unattainable fantasy.”

  “You’ve got plenty of time to get settled and decide what your next steps in life will be. Ida and I are so pleased you want to settle here. Besides, this town has more than one eligible bachelor.” Mr. Baker leaned back in his chair. “You met my nephew, Deputy Tucker, yesterday.”

  “I did.” Meriwether smiled coyly. “He was very helpful.”

  “Jedidiah is my sister’s son. He’s a fine man too.” Mr. Baker chuckled, and Meriwether joined in. He pulled on his ear. “What does your pa think of all this?”

  “I’ve written to him, but he hasn’t responded yet.” She took a sip of coffee. “He stays busy with his work as a doctor and his new family. I only hear from him occasionally.”

  Mrs. Baker’s mouth drooped. “What makes you say you were looking for a place to call home?”

  “The last four years I’ve taught school in Bluebonnet. Although I enjoyed teaching the children, my boarding was rotated between families every month. Most everyone was kind or at least hospitable, but I always felt like an uninvited guest.” Meriwether refolded her napkin.

  “What about a beau? You are an attractive young woman. Was there no one special in your life?” Mrs. Baker added cream to her coffee.

  She shook her head. “According to the rules of the school board, male teachers could court one evening a week and twice if they attended church regularly. But they have different rules for females, and we are not allowed to be seen in public after dark unless it’s for a school or church function. I was also required to spend my days off working in the community, to teach Sunday School and sing in the choir. Even if the school board allowed me to have a beau, which they didn’t, I don’t know when I would have found the time.”

  “Goodness, I never realized there were so many rules involved for a teacher.” Mrs. Baker took a sip of her coffee.

  Meriwether giggled. “They had rules for everything, including how and when petticoats and other unmentionables could hang on the clothesline.”

  CHAPTER 5

  ~o0o~

  “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

  Deuteronomy 31:8

  Meriwether’s lawyer, Mr. Davis, arrived at the bank with replacement documents indicating her agreement to the conditions of her uncle's will. He dropped the records on Mr. Peters’ desk. “I don’t know where the originals went awry. But I trust you understand the property is legally Miss Walker’s to do with as she wishes. Based on these terms, Mr. Harrison may continue to lease the land under the same terms until my client’s twenty-fifth birthday.”

  Mr. Harrison’s red-faced attorney mopped his brow and apologized profusely.

  “Your uncle went to extensive measures to outline the next steps with Mr. Peters. I assumed the transition would be smooth. Going forward with your permission, I will ask Mr. Harrison and his attorney to deal directly with me,” Mr. Davis said.

  Together they agreed upon a monthly budget for living expenses and opened an account for Meriwether at the bank and the local mercantile. Afterward, Mr. Davis arranged a meeting to visit the property with Jake Harrison and his attorney. “Once we’ve had time to assess the condition of the estate, we can set aside additional funds for repair, maintenance and furnishing of the home.”

  She frowned. “I wasn’t aware there were additional funds available.”

  Mr. Davis placed his glasses on the end of his nose, then turned several pages. “Much of the rental income goes into a separate account for maintenance and upkeep. Even if the house is not in as good of condition as Mr. Baker says, you have a generous budget to work with. You are in fact a wealthy young woman.”

  “This all seems unbelievable.” Meriwether placed her hand on her cheeks, then grinned. “I am excited to see everything again.”

  ~o0o~

  The wagon wheels rattled as Meriwether traveled with Mr. and Mrs. Baker along the five-mile narrow road between town and her newly-acquired ranch. The diverse terrain of hills and low-lying creek bottoms blazed with wildflowers. Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, sunflowers and daisies combined to create a glorious landscape. “I’d forgotten how beautiful the fields were,” Meriwether marveled.

  The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves created a comforting rhythm. Mrs. Baker pointed toward a group of massive oak trees and white flowering yucca plants clinging to large boulders. “That’s where Jake’s property ends and yours begins.”

  “He has quite an extensive property. Why is he so interested in obtaining mine?” Meriwether shielded her eyes from the sun’s glare and gazed at the pasture. “I’ve seen few livestock so far.”

  Mr. Baker waved his arm. “They’re out there alright. But the truth is they like to stay close to the water on your property.” Mr. Baker chuckled. “Jake says the bubbling spring appeals to them. I’ve got to admit it calls to me too, like a sweet song.”

  The creaks of the windmill reminded her of summers past. She leaned forward at the entrance to the ranch. A weathered wooden sign hung between two posts. The words “Meriwether Meadows” were carved in capital letters. The second line read “Beulah Land, Isaiah 62:4.”

  Meriwether swallowed and quoted, “‘No longer will they call you Deserted or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah and your land Beulah.’ I remember my uncle explaining that God does the same for us and takes abandoned, ruined and rejected lives and turns them into something He delights in. Even amid trials, He shelters us in His hand.”

  “It reminds me of my favorite hymn.” Mr. Baker’s rich bass broke out in song, “‘O’er all those wide extended plains shines one eternal day, there God the Son forever reigns and scatters night away.’”

  As they drew closer to the house, Meriwether joined in, “‘I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land, oh who will come and go with me? I am bound for the promised land.’”

  Mrs. Baker shook her head. “It’s a good thing I knew you both were singing; otherwise, I would have thought you were torturing each other.”

  Meriwether laughed and jumped from the wagon unassisted. “It’s exactly like I remembered.” She gathered her skirts and hurried onto the porch. There she placed her hand on a massive timber still in perfect condition. Originally a two-story dogtrot style, the open hall in the middl
e of the house was enclosed to create an entry and enlarge the parlor. A chimney stood on each end.

  “Not a single nail was used to hold this structure together.” Mr. Baker extended his arm. “Everything was put together with dovetailing and wooden pegs.”

  Meriwether opened the door and crossed into the large anteroom. Light flooded in from the double windows. She admired the twelve-foot ceiling and thick whitewashed logs which covered every surface from the attic and ceiling joists to the walls. A large upholstered bench and two Windsor settees formed a U-shape in front of a double-sided stone fireplace.

  She traced her finger on a child-sized table and chairs centered between the seating area. ”I used to sit here and play for hours pretending to teach school.” A fat yellow cat meandered into the room and brushed against her skirt.

  “We’ve got a couple of barn cats that do a good job keeping rodents away on the outside. Mama cat takes care of things in the house. The fact is, she thinks she owns the place,” Mrs. Baker said.

  Meriwether knelt beside the cat and stroked the top of her head. “She stays inside? Who lets her in and out?”

  “I do.” Jake Harrison’s work boots clicked across the split log floors.

  Meriwether’s breath hitched, and she rose to her feet. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. He stepped closer. “I’d take her with me when I move, but as soon as I let her out, she’ll just end up back here.”

  His gray eyes made her stammer. “You live here?”

  “The agreement I had with your uncle included the house. The new lease I signed today is only for the land.” He glanced at her lips, then adjusted his hat. “Don’t worry. I’ll be out of your way as soon as possible.”

  The sounds of children’s voices and footsteps shifted her attention to the landing on the stairs. Two little girls with dark hair of about five or six glared down at her. ”Is that the lady who’s taking our house?”