A Home at Trail's End
Read A Home at Trail's End Online
Authors: Melody A. Carlson
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
Cover by Koechel Peterson & Associates, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cover photos © Koechel Peterson & Associates / iStockphoto / Thinkstock
Backcover author photo Ruettgers Photography
A HOME AT TRAIL'S END
Copyright © 2013 by Melody A. Carlson
Published by Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Carlson, Melody.
A home at trail's end / Melody Carlson.
pages cmâ(Homeward on the Oregon Trail Series; Book 3)
ISBN 978-0-7369-4875-3 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-0-7369-4876-0 (eBook)
1. WidowsâFiction. 2. Women pioneersâFiction. 3. Oregon TerritoryâHistoryâFiction. I. Title.
PS3553.A73257H56 2013
813'.54âdc23
2012044765
All rights reserved.
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Contents
Primary Returning Characters from
A Dream for Tomorrow
Primary Returning Characters from
Elizabeth Anne Martin
JT (12) and Ruth Anne (8)
Eli Kincaid,
former wagon train scout
Asa and Clara Dawson,
Elizabeth's parents
Matthew and Jess Dawson,
Elizabeth's brother and sister-in-law
Brady,
Elizabeth's farmhand and a freed slave
Malinda Martin,
Elizabeth's widowed sister-in-law
Todd (15), Emily (13), Bart (12), and Susannah (9)
William Bramford,
a widowed lawyer from Boston
Jeremiah (18), Belinda (17), and Amelia (16)
Hugh and Lavinia Prescott,
friends of William Bramford, also from Boston
Julius (19), Evelyn (16), and Augustus (13)
Bert and Florence Flanders
Mahala (18), Ezra (16), Hannah (13), Walter (11), and Tillie (8)
Jane Taylor,
fellow emigrant whose husband was killed on the wagon train
October 1857
E
lizabeth felt a spring in her step as she guided Eli around the borders of her property. At the corner, she paused to point out the land adjoining hers. “That section combined with my acreage equals a whole parcel. But because I'm single, I could only file for a half parcel.”
“I see.” He surveyed the meadow that ran clear down to the river and then up into the wooded hills behind it.
“John and Malinda had been saving a whole parcel for us⦔ She stopped herself. “I mean, for James and me.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
“And of course, both John and James are gone now.” She didn't want to dwell too much on this sad fact. It seemed more important to go forward than to look back. “So I claimed this half when we arrived.” She waved her hand toward her land. “Because it was closer to Malinda as well as my family's parcels. But the other half is still available.”
He smiled at her. “So you don't mind if I file a claim on it.”
She laughed. “Being that you've filed a claim on my heart, it seems you are entitled to the land as well.”
“This is fine land, Elizabeth. I can see why you and your family felt it was worth the effort to come out this way.”
“Father thinks the meadows along the river are perfect for grazing.”
“Yes.” Eli's brow creased. “It's hard to believe the government is selling this land for so cheap. But I know they want it settled.” He glanced over to the river. “Are there any Indians around here? I know that's the Coquille River, and I heard the Coquille tribe is friendly. This looks like the kind of place Indians would be quite comfortable in.”
“To be honest, I haven't seen a single Indian since we left Empire City,” she told him. “But Malinda wrote to me, saying there had been trouble in these parts. Perhaps the Indians have moved on.” For some reason this wasn't a topic that many of the settlers spoke ofâ¦whether it was because it made them uncomfortable or because the Indians were not a problem was unclear.
“I know the ocean isn't too far away. It's possible they've gone over there to fish for salmon or collect clams.”
“I'm looking forward to seeing the ocean,” she told him.
He grinned. “Yes, we'll have to do that together.” He looked intently into her eyes. “Now that you've agreed to become my bride, is there anyone I should see to get permission? Asa perhaps?”
She laughed. “No, I do not need my father's permission to marry, but I would like my parents' blessing. However, there is someone you should ask. Rather, two someones. And school let out a bit ago, so I'm sure they'll be here soon.”
“I can't wait to see them.”
Now she told him about JT helping to drive the livestock along the Columbia River. “It was almost as if he left a boy and grew into a man while he was gone. He's still talking about the adventures they had.”
“Did he take his Bowie knife?”
“He certainly did. And I let him take your canteen as well.”
Eli chuckled. “I'm glad you did.”
“And Ruth is turning into quite an artist. You'll have to ask her to show you the drawings she did while we traveled down the Columbia River. She says she's saving them for her children.” She laughed. “Can you imagine? Ruth planning for her own children?”
“I think we would make fine grandparents.”
Elizabeth was touched but didn't respond as she pointed to where her horse Molly, with JT and Ruth on her back, was coming toward them. “There they are.” She clutched her hands together anxiously. What if the children were unhappy about her engagement to Eli? Perhaps this was a conversation she should have privately with them. And yet she knew they needed to hear this news nowâshe had promised them that they would be the first to know.
“Oh, dear,” she said quietly to Eli as she smiled and waved to Ruth and JT. “I'm feeling extremely nervous right now.”
“So am I,” Eli admitted.
“
Eli!
” JT yelled from the horse, nudging Molly to go faster.
Eli went to meet them, helping Ruth from the horse as JT hopped down. Both children hugged Eli. “When did you get here?” JT asked with enthusiasm.
“Just now,” Eli told him.
“How long will you stay?” Ruth asked.
“That depends,” he told her.
“On what?” JT peered curiously at him.
“Wellâ¦your mother and I want to ask you both about something.” He tossed her an uneasy glance.
“That's right,” she added. “Eli has asked me a very important question.” She looked back at him, hoping he'd take it from here.
“I came here to ask your mother to become my wife,” he said bravely.
JT looked stunned, but Ruth just grinned. “I knew it!” she exclaimed.
“But your mother said she can't marry without her children's approval. What do you think about me marrying your motherâ¦and hopefully becoming your father?” He cleared his throat. “Someday⦔
“I like it!” Ruth declared. “I wanted Mama to marry you a long time ago, back on the wagon train. Didn't I, Mama?”
Elizabeth just chuckled and nodded. But her eyes were fixed on JT. He was being awfully quiet just now. And his expression was very somber and hard to read. What was he thinking?
“I appreciate you giving your consent, Ruth. But we need the approval of both of you.” Eli looked at JT now. “What do you think about this, JT? I realize you've been the man of the house.” Eli glanced over to the stone foundation. “Well, there's not much house yet, but you've been playing the role of the man in this family. And doing an excellent job of it too.” He grinned. “Your ma told me about how you helped drive the livestock through the Columbia Gorge. Takes a man to do that.”