Pony Express Courtship (3 page)

What did he mean
take on
? Surely, Mr. Kaziah hadn't assumed that he and Mrs. Young were courting. He shook his head and then turned to face Rebecca. Jacob already stood by her side and was now holding Joy in his arms. The little girl rested her head in the neck of her big brother.

When he was within talking range, Seth asked, “What happened, Mrs. Young?”

She stopped as if his question took her by surprise. “I just realized that I never got a look at that paper you said you carried from Mr. Bromley.” She placed both hands on her hips and waited for him to speak.

Seth frowned and tilted his head to the side. “That's important now?” he asked. What had happened at the store to cause her to demand to see it now? Was that a speck of fear he saw in her eyes?

She nodded, brought up her arms and crossed them over her chest. Her eyes bore into Seth's.

Jacob set down Joy. “Everything is all right, Ma. I saw it. Mr. Armstrong is who he says he is.” He tilted up the little girl's face and smiled down at her. “Joy, go ask Thomas to help you into the wagon.”

The little girl nodded. “All right, Jacob.” She turned and ran to her other brothers.

So that was it. Rebecca had been afraid she'd left her children's care in the hands of a dangerous stranger. Even though they were grown men, Rebecca still saw them as her babies. He softened his voice and offered her a smile. “I will be happy to show them to you, too, Mrs. Young, when we get back to the farm.” Seth waited for her nod then turned back toward the wagon. Over his shoulder he asked, “Do we need to return to the store to pick up your purchases?” He was aware that she hadn't brought anything with her except Joy and her handbag.

“Yes, please.” Her voice sounded tired, almost sad.

Seth turned to look at her. Her shoulders slumped and her eyes had changed from angry to simply drained. Was the excitement of the day turning out to be too much for the woman? One would think she'd be used to busy days with seven boys and a little girl to take care of. He noted that both Benjamin and Joy were seated on the wagon bench. In a loud voice, he said, “We're done here. Let's go.”

Without hesitation the young men climbed in on top of the wood.

Jacob walked with his mother, but as soon as he'd helped her up onto the wagon, he shook his head at his brothers. “Off, guys. The horses have enough to pull without adding our weight to their load.”

Just as quickly, the young men all climbed back down.

Seth nodded. Jacob was right. “Beni, do you know how to drive a wagon?” he asked.

The youngest Young boy grinned from ear to ear and nodded. He quickly picked up the reins. “Sure do, Seth. Want me to drive us home?”

Rebecca stood to disembark from the wagon also.

“Mrs. Young, why don't you stay seated?” He indicated with a tilt of his head that Benjamin needed a supervisor sitting beside him. The boy held the reins tightly, waiting for his reply.

She nodded her understanding and returned to her seat.

Seth answered the little boy. “I'd appreciate it if you would drive the wagon, Benjamin. Your brothers and I will follow behind making sure that the wood stays in place.”

Seth looked down at his new brown boots. He had a sneaking suspicion that he would soon be wishing he had brought his horse to town before they got back to the farm. In his rush to prove his leadership, he'd decided to drive the wagon to town, never once considering that he'd more than likely end up walking back.
Lesson learned, Armstrong
, he thought as he followed the wagon toward the general store.

Other than the Pony Express horses and the two old mares, Brownie and Snow, Seth realized that the boys didn't have mounts of their own. Once they got back to the farm, he'd remedy that and give the boys each a Pony Express horse to take care of and bond with.

Jacob strolled along beside him. In a low voice he said, “We should have thought ahead and brought more horses.”

Seth jerked his head around and looked at the young man. The twinkle in Jacob's eyes attested to the fact that he, too, saw the folly of their earlier disagreement. “Yep, won't let that happen again.”

“Nope, I don't reckon we will,” Jacob agreed.

A cold breeze stirred the hair on his neck. “I was thinking all you boys need a mount of your own to train with. What do you think?” Seth waited to see if the boy realized that he was being offered respect by his inclusion in the decision.

Jacob nodded. “We all know how to ride, you don't have to worry about that, but I'm a little concerned about the younger boys riding unfamiliar horses. All except Noah, who seems to be very talented with a horse as well as his gun.”

Seth nodded and listened as the other boys joked and chatted behind them. “Well, that's one of the first things we'll do, then, as well as we rebuild the barn. I don't like that the animals are out in the open.”

“Neither do I.”

The wagon stopped in front of the general store. Rebecca turned on the seat. “Jacob, would you go in and get our supplies, please?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Jacob stepped up on the boardwalk and entered the store. Rebecca turned back to her younger children.

Two women stood across the street and talked behind their fans, while a couple of well-dressed businessmen stood with their hands in their front pockets and Seth noticed that the sheriff leaned on the post in front of the jail. All eyes seemed to be trained on them.

Seth looked to the other boys. He wondered what the town must think of them all standing behind the wagon like a bunch of stray dogs. In two long strides he stood with the boys. “When we get back to the farm I'd like for you boys to go to the corral and pick out a mount. This is the last time we are leaving town on foot.”

Excitement coursed through the boys at his words. The discussion of colors and gender filled the air. He grinned. So far his relationship with the Young family had been tense, but maybe now it would get smoother.

Seth turned back to the wagon in time to see Jacob exit the store. The young man's clenched jaw and burning eyes spoke volumes as to his anger. So whatever had set off Mrs. Young had just happened to Jacob.

His gaze moved to the store, where a big man now stood in the doorway. The man wore a shopkeeper's apron but something about him screamed he wasn't your typical salesman. No, this man meant trouble for the Young family and now with his eyes boring into Seth, Seth knew he meant trouble for him, too.

“Here you go, Ma.” Jacob set the box on top of the lumber and then looked to Benjamin. “Lead the way home, Beni.” He offered the boy a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.

When Jacob fell into step beside Seth, Seth asked, “Want to talk about it?”

“Nope.”

That was answer enough for Seth. “Fair 'nough, but if you change your mind...” He let the rest hang between them.

Jacob nodded his understanding. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that his brothers were excited about something and asked, “What has them all in a dither?”

Seth grinned. “Just told them they can choose a horse when we get back.”

Again Jacob nodded and then fell silent. His brow furrowed between his eyes. Seth realized that in a day, the Young family's lives had been changed.

He could relate to change; his life had also been altered in the past few months. On her deathbed, his grandmother had made him promise to marry. He'd ordered a mail-order bride and then his grandmother had died. His mail-order bride, Charlotte, had disappeared. He'd quit his job at the St. Joseph railroad and begun his mission to locate her. He'd been robbed by outlaws and it had been necessary to find a job. Thus the reason he now found himself an employee of the Pony Express as the station keeper on the Young farm. He would work and save his money so he could continue the search for Charlotte because he had to fulfill his promise to his grandmother.

The air seemed to match Jacob's mood and turned frosty. Seth sighed inwardly. He had a job to do and knew he couldn't do it alone, so silently he turned to his Maker.
Lord, this family's emotions are all over the place. Please, help me to bring some kind of peace to them while I'm here.

Chapter Three

A
nger radiated from her oldest son. She'd felt it all the way from town. As she climbed down from the wagon, Rebecca called to him, “Jacob, will you help me carry the supplies into the house?” Rebecca had a feeling she knew what was wrong with Jacob.

“Sure, Ma.” Jacob took the box from the wagon and followed her up the porch steps.

“Boys, let's unload this wood,” Seth ordered. His strong voice had her other sons hurrying to do his bidding.

Rebecca held the door open for Joy and Jacob. Once inside she said, “Joy, go change into your work clothes.” Then she headed for the kitchen, where the real work awaited her.

She allowed Jacob to place the box on the kitchen counter and then asked, “What happened in the general store that upset you so?”

Jacob met her gaze. “Do you have any idea what they are saying about you and Seth?” He lowered his eyes as if realizing for the first time how personal this situation was for his mother.

“I have a good idea of what Mr. Edwards says.” She began to unload the box.

Anguish filled the young boy's voice. “It isn't right.”

Rebecca sighed. “No, son, it isn't, but I can't stop people from talking.” She met his gaze. “We need the money the Pony Express pays to provide a future for you boys and the experience it offers could be useful later in life. You're going to make history, I just know it. Papa John thought so, too.”

“Well, we may not be able to stop them from talking but I made the decision to move back into the house on the way home. You and the little kids need a grown man to watch over things.” He put both hands on the back of the chair and leaned into it.

She turned her back on him to hide her grin. Her oldest son planned to protect her reputation. Rebecca nodded. “I like that idea. Why don't you take the room across from mine?”

His sigh warmed her heart. Day after day, Jacob proved to be a good man and, God willing, would make a good husband someday, too. “I'll go help unload the wood and then bring my things inside.”

Rebecca turned from the spices she'd just taken from the box. “Jacob, wait.”

He stopped and looked at her, his eyes sad. Things had changed a lot for the young man in just a matter of hours. Rebecca walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his narrow waist.

Jacob hugged her back. “It will be all right, Ma. Seth seems like a good man. I'm sure he'll set folks straight soon enough.”

Rebecca grinned. Once more the boy thought only of her. She pulled away. “I'm sure he will, son.” She released him. “You better go on out and help with the lumber.”

Jacob patted her shoulder, then turned to do as she said. Rebecca wanted to pull him back, offer him comfort, but Jacob wasn't twelve years old anymore. He'd work through whatever bothered him in his own time. She just prayed he'd share his troubles with her should they get too great for him to carry alone.

* * *

Seth looked around the barnyard. The lumber had been delivered from the general store. Each of the boys had chosen a mount to care for and Jacob had shared his concerns about his ma and younger siblings being in the house alone at night.

The horses moved quietly in the corral as the sun sank in the western sky. Weariness hung about Seth's shoulders like a dark thundercloud.

Rebecca stepped out on the front porch. He waved to her and watched as she walked across the yard to join him. A light blue shawl hung over her shoulders, and her hair, which he'd only seen up in a bun, now hung down her back in a braid that reminded him of a golden lasso.

When she got within speaking distance he said, “I'm about to swear the boys in as Pony Express men. Would you like to join us?”

“Yes, John and I had planned on doing that as a family, so I should be there, even if he can't be.” Rebecca pulled the edges of her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Sorrow filled her pretty blue eyes. “Is it a ceremony-type swearing in or a simple handshake and ‘welcome to the Pony Express'?”

“It's a solemn formality, so, yes, I guess it's a ceremony.”

“Would you like to use the house? I could put on the tablecloth we use for special occasions. It's late but shouldn't take but a few minutes.”

“No, that won't be necessary. In front of the fireplace will be fine. That way, Benjamin will see how we do things and learn what's ahead for him and perhaps even look forward to it.”

Seth had thought about having her come to the bunkhouse, but at her suggestion he decided it might be better to have the boys go to her. Plus, she'd have to bundle up Joy and Beni, so it would be easier on her if he brought the boys to the house. “I'll get the boys and we'll be right in,” he offered.

“Thank you.” She turned and walked back to the house.

Ten minutes later, they assembled in the living room, Joy propped against Rebecca's legs, her corn-silk doll in her lap. There was an air of expectancy among them, an excitement about the unknown.

Seth cleared his throat. “This is an important day as you boys take your first step into manhood. When a boy can handle responsibility, can be depended on to carry out a job, then he is thought to be a man. I trust that each of you will with honesty and pride uphold your position in the United States Postal Service.” He reached to pick up his Bible from the table. “If you young men will step forward we will commence with the swearing in.” They walked forward, shyness preventing them from showing how eager and proud they were to be involved in something bigger than themselves.

When they stood in front of him, he paused a moment, his gaze moving from one to the other. “Lift your right hand and repeat after me. ‘I—'” he waited until each boy had voiced his name, then continued “‘—do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.'”

The boys repeated the words with force and pride. Seth glanced at Rebecca and noticed Benjamin standing beside her, holding the same pose as the other boys. He walked over to him. “Benjamin, did you say the oath, also?”

Benjamin nodded his small head, his eyes down.

Rebecca dropped a hand onto the little boy's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Her eyes begged Seth to let the boy pretend to be a Pony Express rider.

Seth kneeled down in front of him. “Do you understand what you've agreed to?” he asked.

Benjamin bravely met his gaze. “Yes, sir.”

Seth nodded. “Well, in that case, go get in line with the other men. You've pledged to be a Pony Express man.” He stood and met Rebecca's gaze as the little boy darted around him and went to stand beside Jacob. Gratitude and moisture filled her eyes.

For a moment, Seth understood her burden. She had a houseful of children to care for and she did it on her own. His respect for her inched up a degree. Seth nodded at her then returned his attention to the young men now fully in his charge.

Seth picked up the stack of Bibles that he'd carried with him to the farm, now a full-fledged Pony Express station. He handed one to each of them. “You are now employees of the Pony Express. Jacob, I have decided that you will be the station's stock tender. Your job is to take care of all the horses and make sure that a horse is ready to ride at all times. Andrew, Clayton, Thomas, Philip and Noah, you will all be riders. Your job is to make sure that the mail goes through.” Each young man nodded in turn.

Benjamin studied the tip of his brown boots. Seth knew the boy felt left out. He ran his small hand over the engraving on the front of his new Bible.

Seth fought the grin that threatened to break across his face. He steeled himself and then said, “Benjamin, you are too young to be a Pony Express rider, so I am making you the stock tender's assistant. It will be your job to help Jacob take care of the horses and barn. Whatever Jacob or I ask you to do, you will do it.”

A smile split Benjamin's lips. “I'll be the best stock tender's 'sistant that anyone has ever met.”

Seth wasn't sure there were other stock tender assistants in the Pony Express, but he nodded just the same. “I'm sure you will.” He motioned for everyone to sit down, then pulled up a stool for himself and faced them. “I'm not sure what Mr. Bromley told you about your jobs, but let me assure you they are dangerous. You will face bad weather, robbers, outlaws and Indians. None of these should be taken lightly. You'll have to think on your feet, learn to outrun, outsmart, and you need to trust your gut. The main point is, stay alive but get the mail through. Do you have any questions?” Seth immediately looked to Benjamin, but the boy remained silent along with his brothers. “Since there are no questions, let me explain to you exactly what my job entails. I am called a station keeper for a home station—that's what the farm is called. I make sure that you men are ready to ride. That the station runs smoothly and that the horses are tended well. I also make sure that during your stay at the home station you aren't idle. You will follow my orders. If I say build a fence, you build a fence. If I say ride on out, you ride on out. Is that understood?”

“What about Ma?” Benjamin asked.

Seth looked at the boy. “What about your mother?”

“Does she have to take orders, too?” His eyes challenged Seth, something Seth hadn't expected. He smiled at the boy.

“No, your mother isn't a Pony Express employee.”

“Oh.”

Clayton asked, “What if Ma says to chop wood and you say to ride out, then what?”

“You ride out,” Seth answered, aware they walked a tight line here. “But if you aren't working for me and your Ma says chop wood, you best chop wood.”

Rebecca spoke for the first time since they'd all arrived in her living room. “Mr. Armstrong, I can understand the boys' confusion.” She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “They simply want to know who has the most authority, you or me?”

Seth knew that. How many other station managers had to answer questions like these? He doubted any of them did. “It's really very simple. They work for me. Each boy will have time off and that is when they can do whatever you need or want them to.”

Her eyes flashed but she simply nodded. He noted her growing quietness as he outlined the job. First the barn had to be rebuilt and second they'd need to work on their riding skills.

Did she disagree with him on what her sons would be doing? Or did she just not like the way he'd come in and replaced her deceased husband? Confrontation wasn't his strong suit when it came to women, but Seth had known from the start that he and Rebecca Young must have a heart-to-heart discussion about what might and would happen to her farm and children.

* * *

Rebecca finished making Jacob's bed then headed to the living room to wait for Seth and Jacob to return to the house. Joy and Benjamin were both tucked in for the night and the house seemed very quiet. Normally she relished this time, but tonight the stillness seemed to grate on her frayed nerves.

Earlier, as the boys had filed out to return to the bunkhouse, Seth had stood beside her and quietly asked if he could speak to her in private. She'd agreed. Not because he'd asked for the meeting, but because there were things she needed to say to him.

She'd have to be both blunt and gentle in her words to the man. Rebecca knew without him having to say so that he wasn't going to agree with her thoughts, but she had to speak them.

Would he fire the boys? Tell Mr. Bromley that the Young farm wouldn't make a good home station after all? What would she do if he did that? What would become of her boys?

If they worked for the Pony Express, each one of them could potentially earn enough to buy a parcel of land, or go to a college back east. They would have a foot up to a better life. John had left her well-off, financially, but the boys would need to earn their own way.

But at what cost? Their lives?